rhino 5200 manual
Rhino 5200 Manual: A Comprehensive Guide
This manual details the Dymo Rhino 5200 label printer, covering setup, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. It’s designed for creating durable, self-adhesive labels.
Figure 1 illustrates key components like the TFIHS buttons, LCD, and label exit. This guide assists with text formatting, hotkeys, and advanced customization options.
The Dymo Rhino 5200 is a versatile, personal label printer engineered for a wide array of labeling applications. From identifying cables and wires to marking electrical panels and modules, this printer delivers durable, professional-quality labels. It’s a robust solution for professionals and home users alike, offering a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive set of features.
This printer utilizes thermal transfer technology, eliminating the need for ink or toner. The Rhino 5200 boasts dedicated hotkeys for common label types, streamlining the labeling process. Its LCD screen and intuitive control panel facilitate easy navigation and customization. The printer’s ability to create serialized and incrementing labels adds further functionality, making it ideal for asset tracking and organization.
This manual will guide you through every aspect of the Rhino 5200, from initial setup to advanced customization, ensuring you maximize its potential.
Unboxing and Initial Setup
Carefully unpack the Rhino 5200 label printer and verify all components are present. These include the printer unit, a starter label tape cassette, the power adapter, and this user manual. Inspect the printer for any visible damage that may have occurred during shipping.
To begin, connect the power adapter to the printer and a suitable power outlet. Ensure the power switch is in the ‘off’ position before connecting. Next, open the label compartment and install a compatible Dymo label tape cassette. The printer is now ready for initial configuration.
Follow the on-screen prompts to set the date, time, and label preferences. A test label can be printed to confirm proper functionality. Refer to the ‘Initial Printer Configuration’ section for detailed instructions.
Printer Overview: Key Components (Figure 1 Reference)
Referring to Figure 1, the Rhino 5200 features several key components. The TFIHS buttons facilitate text input and formatting. BKSP serves as the backspace key, while Feed advances the label tape. The Print/Copies button initiates printing and allows for multiple copies.
Essential controls include Escape for exiting functions, Shift for capitalization, and Size/CAPS for adjusting text size. The Backlight enhances visibility, and Serialization enables sequential labeling. The LCD displays entered text and printer settings.
Finally, the label exit guides the printed label, and the cutter blade automatically severs the tape. Understanding these components is crucial for efficient operation.

Getting Started with the Rhino 5200
Initial setup involves connecting the power adapter, loading label tape correctly, and configuring the printer settings for optimal performance and label creation.
Connecting the Power Adapter
To begin, locate the power adapter included with your Rhino 5200 label printer. Ensure the printer is switched off before connecting the adapter to avoid any potential electrical issues. Insert the DC plug of the power adapter firmly into the power port located on the rear panel of the printer.
Next, plug the power adapter into a standard electrical outlet. Verify that the outlet provides the correct voltage as specified on the adapter itself. Once connected, the printer may initiate a self-test, indicated by the LCD screen illuminating. If the printer doesn’t power on, double-check the connections and the outlet functionality.
Always use the provided power adapter to guarantee compatibility and prevent damage to the printer. Using a different adapter may void the warranty and could potentially harm the device.
Loading Label Tape
Begin by lifting the label compartment cover on the Rhino 5200. Select the appropriate label tape cartridge for your labeling needs, ensuring it’s compatible with the printer. Insert the tape cartridge into the compartment, aligning the tape spindle with the corresponding slot.
Gently push the cartridge until it clicks into place, confirming a secure connection. Next, feed a small portion of the label tape through the label exit slot, ensuring it’s properly threaded through the printer’s internal mechanism. Close the label compartment cover securely.
The printer will automatically detect the tape type. If it doesn’t, consult the troubleshooting section. Proper tape loading is crucial for optimal print quality and prevents potential jams.
Initial Printer Configuration
Upon powering on the Rhino 5200, the printer prompts for initial settings. First, select your preferred language from the available options using the navigation keys. Next, choose the label tape width you’ll be using most frequently; this optimizes print quality.
Configure the date and time settings for accurate serialization and labeling. The printer may also ask for units of measurement (inches or millimeters) based on your region. Confirm these settings before proceeding.
Finally, test the printer by printing a sample label. This verifies proper tape loading and configuration. Adjust settings as needed to achieve desired results. Refer to the advanced features section for customization options.

Understanding the Control Panel
The Rhino 5200’s control panel features TFIHS buttons, navigation keys, a Shift/Size key, and a backlight for easy operation and label customization.
Function of the TFIHS Buttons
The TFIHS buttons on the Rhino 5200 are central to label creation and editing. ‘TFIHS’ represents Text, Font, Italics, Height, and Style, offering quick access to formatting options. Pressing ‘Text’ allows direct text input. ‘Font’ cycles through available fonts, while ‘Italics’ toggles italicization.
‘Height’ adjusts the text size, crucial for label readability. ‘Style’ selects bold or underlined text. These buttons streamline label design, eliminating complex menu navigation. Utilizing TFIHS efficiently speeds up the labeling process, especially for frequently used label types. Mastering these functions is key to maximizing the printer’s capabilities and achieving professional-looking labels quickly and easily.
Navigation Keys and Their Usage

The Rhino 5200 features dedicated navigation keys for seamless menu and text editing. The ‘Backspace’ key deletes characters, correcting errors efficiently. ‘Feed’ advances the label tape, useful for skipping unwanted sections or testing print quality. The ‘Escape’ key cancels current operations or returns to the previous menu.
These keys, combined with the directional arrows, allow precise cursor movement within the text field. Effective navigation is vital for editing labels accurately and accessing various printer settings. Understanding their functions minimizes frustration and maximizes productivity. Proper use ensures quick and accurate label creation, streamlining workflow and reducing wasted label tape.
Shift and Size/CAPS Key Functions
The ‘Shift’ key on the Rhino 5200 enables access to alternate characters printed on each key, expanding labeling options. Holding ‘Shift’ while pressing a key reveals secondary symbols or letters. The ‘Size/CAPS’ key toggles between uppercase and lowercase text input, offering formatting control.
Combined, these keys provide versatile text manipulation. Pressing ‘Size/CAPS’ repeatedly cycles through different text sizes, accommodating varied labeling needs. Mastering these functions allows for customized labels with precise formatting. Efficiently utilizing ‘Shift’ and ‘Size/CAPS’ streamlines label creation, ensuring professional-looking results for diverse applications.

Printing with the Rhino 5200
This section guides you through basic text formatting, utilizing hotkeys for common label types, and adjusting print settings for optimal results.
Basic Text Formatting
The Rhino 5200 allows for versatile text formatting directly on the printer. Utilize the Shift and Size/CAPS keys to toggle between uppercase, lowercase, and symbol sets. The TFIHS buttons facilitate input, while the Backspace key corrects errors.
Users can create labels with varied text styles, including bolding and underlining (though specific options may be limited by the printer’s capabilities). Experiment with different font sizes using the Size/CAPS key to achieve desired label readability. Remember to preview your label before printing to ensure accurate formatting.
For specialized labels, explore the symbol library accessible through the printer’s interface. This enables the inclusion of common electrical, communication, and safety symbols directly onto your labels, enhancing clarity and professionalism.
Using Hotkeys for Common Label Types
The Rhino 5200 streamlines label creation with dedicated hotkeys for frequently used applications. These pre-programmed shortcuts significantly reduce setup time for common labeling tasks, such as wire and cable wraps, electrical panels, and flag labels.
Specifically, hotkeys are available for creating labels tailored to network cabling, voice and data, and general identification purposes. By pressing a designated key combination, the printer automatically formats the label with appropriate symbols and text fields.
Refer to the appendix for a complete list of hotkey assignments. Mastering these shortcuts will dramatically improve your labeling efficiency and ensure consistent, professional results across various projects.
Adjusting Print Settings
The Rhino 5200 offers customizable print settings to optimize label quality and appearance. Users can modify parameters like print density, which controls the darkness of the text and symbols, ensuring readability on various label materials. Adjusting the print speed allows for balancing print quality with efficiency.
Furthermore, you can select different font sizes and styles to suit specific labeling needs. The printer also supports mirroring text for applications requiring labels to be applied to surfaces and viewed from the opposite side.
Access these settings through the printer’s control panel, allowing for precise control over the final printed output. Experimenting with these options ensures labels meet professional standards.

Advanced Features and Customization
The Rhino 5200 enables serialization, incrementing labels, and modular label creation. Customize label size, orientation, and utilize the symbol library for diverse applications.
Serialization and Incrementing Labels
The Rhino 5200 excels at creating sequentially numbered labels, a crucial feature for asset tracking, inventory management, and organization. Serialization allows for printing unique identifiers on each label, streamlining identification processes.
Incrementing labels automatically increase the number printed on each subsequent label, saving time and reducing errors. This is particularly useful for labeling multiple items in a series. The printer’s dedicated serialization button initiates this function, offering customizable starting numbers and step values.
Users can define the prefix, starting number, and increment value to tailor labels to specific needs. This feature supports various applications, from numbering cables and wires to organizing storage containers. Properly utilizing serialization and incrementing enhances efficiency and accuracy in labeling tasks.

Modular Label Creation
The Rhino 5200 supports modular label creation, enabling users to combine pre-defined label types for complex identification needs. This feature is invaluable for labeling patch panels, network cables, and equipment racks where multiple data points are required on a single label.

Users can seamlessly integrate text, symbols, and barcodes into custom label formats. The printer stores frequently used label modules, allowing for quick recall and consistent labeling. This reduces setup time and ensures uniformity across projects.
Modular labels enhance clarity and organization, providing comprehensive information at a glance. By combining different elements, users can create labels tailored to specific applications, improving workflow efficiency and minimizing errors;
Customizing Label Size and Orientation
The Rhino 5200 offers extensive control over label size and orientation, adapting to diverse labeling requirements. Users can adjust label length to accommodate varying amounts of text and graphics, ensuring optimal readability and appearance.
Orientation settings allow for both horizontal and vertical printing, providing flexibility for different label applications. This is particularly useful when labeling narrow spaces or when a specific aesthetic is desired. The printer supports various tape widths, further expanding customization options.
Precise adjustments can be made through the control panel, enabling users to fine-tune label dimensions for a perfect fit. This feature ensures professional-looking labels that effectively convey information.

Troubleshooting Common Issues
This section addresses frequent problems like error messages, tape jams, and connectivity issues with the Rhino 5200. Solutions and preventative measures are detailed.
Error Messages and Solutions
The Rhino 5200 displays error messages on the LCD screen to indicate problems. A common message relates to low tape or an open label cover. Ensure the tape is correctly loaded and the cover is securely closed.
If an “Error 1” appears, it often signifies a print head issue; cleaning the print head (see Maintenance section) is recommended. “Error 2” may indicate a mechanical malfunction requiring service.
Connectivity errors, if present, suggest a problem with the power adapter or internal circuitry. Try a different power outlet or contact support.
For persistent errors, consult the detailed command reference in the appendix or visit the Dymo support website for specific troubleshooting steps and potential firmware updates. Always document the error code for efficient support assistance.
Tape Jamming and Removal
Tape jamming within the Rhino 5200 can occur due to improper loading or damaged tape. First, power off the printer before attempting removal. Gently open the label cover and inspect the tape path for obstructions.
Use tweezers or a similar tool to carefully extract any jammed tape fragments, avoiding damage to the print head or internal components. Do not use excessive force.
Ensure the tape is feeding smoothly before closing the cover and restarting the printer. If jamming persists, try a different roll of tape. Regularly cleaning the printer can help prevent future jams.
Refer to the printer overview (Figure 1) for the location of key components during the removal process. Avoid touching the print head directly.
Connectivity Problems
The Rhino 5200 primarily functions as a standalone printer, lacking direct wireless or USB connectivity options. Therefore, “connectivity problems” typically relate to power supply issues or internal communication errors.
Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to both the printer and a functioning power outlet. Verify the adapter’s voltage matches the printer’s requirements. If the printer doesn’t power on, test the outlet with another device.
Internal errors manifesting as unresponsive behavior may require a reset. Power off the printer, remove the batteries, wait briefly, and then reinsert the batteries and power on.
If issues persist, consult the troubleshooting section for error message interpretations. The printer’s functionality is not dependent on external connections.

Maintenance and Care
Regular cleaning of the print head and replacing the cutter blade ensures optimal performance. Proper storage protects the Rhino 5200 from dust and damage.
Cleaning the Print Head
Maintaining a clean print head is crucial for consistently high-quality labels. Over time, adhesive residue and debris can accumulate, leading to faded or incomplete prints. To clean, power off the Rhino 5200 and open the label compartment. Gently wipe the print head with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
Avoid excessive moisture, as it could damage the print head. Allow the alcohol to evaporate completely before reloading label tape and resuming operation. Regular cleaning, ideally after every few tape rolls, will significantly extend the life of your printer and ensure optimal print clarity. Do not use abrasive cleaners or sharp objects, as these can scratch or damage the delicate print head surface.
Replacing the Cutter Blade
A dull cutter blade results in ragged label edges or incomplete cuts. The Rhino 5200 cutter blade is replaceable to maintain clean, professional-looking labels. To replace it, ensure the printer is powered off. Locate the cutter access panel, usually on the printer’s side or back, and open it carefully.
Remove the old blade, noting its orientation for correct installation of the new one. Insert the new blade, ensuring it’s securely seated in the holder. Close the access panel. Test the cutter by printing a label and observing the cut quality. Replacement blades are readily available online or from authorized Dymo retailers. Always handle blades with caution to avoid injury.
Storing the Rhino 5200
Proper storage extends the life of your Rhino 5200 label printer. Before long-term storage, remove the label tape to prevent residue buildup and potential mechanism issues. Clean the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Store the printer in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Avoid storing the printer in dusty areas or locations with high humidity. If possible, use the original packaging for protection during storage. Periodically check the printer if stored for extended periods. Ensure the power cord is neatly coiled and stored separately. Following these guidelines ensures your Rhino 5200 remains in optimal condition for future use.
Appendix: Detailed Command Reference
This section lists available fonts and a symbol library for the Rhino 5200. It also provides technical specifications, aiding in advanced label customization and troubleshooting.
List of Available Fonts
The Rhino 5200 offers a diverse range of fonts to suit various labeling needs. Standard fonts include Arial, Helvetica, and Times New Roman, providing clear and professional results. Beyond these basics, the printer supports specialty fonts like OCR-A Extended, ideal for optical character recognition applications, and Courier, suited for mimicking typewriter text.
Furthermore, users can access bold, italic, and underlined variations for enhanced emphasis. The printer’s firmware includes several outline fonts for a more decorative appearance. Font size is adjustable, allowing for labels that are easily readable from a distance or discreetly integrated into tight spaces. Experimentation with different font combinations is encouraged to achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality for each label.
Symbol Library Overview
The Rhino 5200 boasts an extensive built-in symbol library, significantly expanding labeling capabilities beyond simple text. This library includes common electrical symbols, such as those for wires, connectors, and outlets, making it ideal for electricians and technicians. Additionally, it features symbols relevant to networking, including representations of routers, switches, and cables.
Beyond technical applications, the symbol library offers a variety of general-purpose icons, including arrows, checkmarks, and warning signs. These symbols enhance clarity and visual communication on labels. Users can easily access and insert symbols directly from the printer’s control panel, streamlining the labeling process. The library’s comprehensive nature reduces the need for manual drawing or importing external graphics.
Technical Specifications
The Dymo Rhino 5200 utilizes thermal transfer printing technology, ensuring durable and legible labels. It accommodates various label tape widths, ranging from 0.141 to 0.5 inches (3.6 to 12.7 mm). The printer operates on an AC adapter, requiring 100-240V input. Its LCD display provides a clear interface for navigating settings and previewing labels.
Connectivity is straightforward, relying on a standard power connection. The Rhino 5200 supports multiple label tape lengths and materials, including vinyl and nylon tapes. Dimensions are approximately 11.4 x 5.7 x 8.7 inches (290 x 145 x 221 mm), with a weight of around 2.2 pounds (1 kg). It’s designed for portability and ease of use in diverse environments.