Brady BradyJet J5000 Operator's Manual

V1.53

© 2016 All rights reserved

Copyright and Trademarks

Disclaimer

This manual is proprietary to Brady Worldwide, Inc. (hereafter "Brady"), and may be
revised from time to time without notice. Brady disclaims any understanding to provide
you with such revisions, if any.

This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be
copied or reproduced by any means without the prior written consent of Brady.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, Brady
assumes no liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions or
by statements resulting from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Brady further
assumes no liability arising out of the application or use of any product or system
described, herein; nor any liability for incidental or consequential damages arising from
the use of this document. Brady disclaims all warranties of merchantability of fitness for
a particular purpose.

Brady reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any product or
system described herein to improve reliability, function, or design.

Trademarks

Microsoft, Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

All brand or product names referenced in this manual are trademarks (™) or registered
trademarks (®) of their respective companies or organizations.

© 2016 Brady Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Revision A

Brady Corporation
6555 W. Good Hope Road
Milwaukee, WI 53223 USA

www.bradycorp.com

Sales/Customer Support: [phone]

J5000 Operator’s Guide, Rev. 1.53

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ii

Brady Warranty

Our products are sold with the understanding that the buyer will test them in actual use and
determine for him or herself their adaptability to his/her intended uses. Brady warrants to the
buyer that its products are free from defects in material and workmanship, but limits its
obligation under this warranty to replacement of the product shown to Brady’s satisfaction to
have been defective at the time Brady sold it. This warranty does not extend to any persons
obtaining the product from the buyer.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND OF ANY OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITY ON BRADY’S PART.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BRADY BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, EXPENSE OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE, OR
INABILITY TO USE, BRADY’S PRODUCTS.

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Agency Compliance and Approvals

FCC Compliance Statement:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation.

For Users in the United States

FCC Notice-US Only

Warning: This product is intended to be supplied by a UL listed Direct Plug-In Power
Supply marked "Class 2"or a UL listed ITE Power Supply marked "LPS" with output rated
12VDC, 4.5A or higher. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. In a domestic
environment this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be
required to take adequate measures. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Use of shielded cables is required to comply with the Class A limits of Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in
this manual could void your authority to operate and/ or obtain warranty service for this
equipment.

Canada

ICES-003 Class A Notice, Classe A

Industry Canada ICES-003: CAN ICES-3 (A)/NMB-3(A)

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

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Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils
radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
(1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit
accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible
d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Europe

Warning – This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause
radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive

RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU

In accordance with the European WEEE Directive, this device must be
recycled in the European Union country in which it was purchased.

This product is CE marked and complies with the European Union's Directive
2011/65/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 8 June 2011
on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and
electronic equipment.

Turkey

Turkish Ministry of Env iro nment and Forestry

(Directive on the Re striction of the use of cer tain hazardous sub st a n ces in electrical an d
electronic equipment).

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti: EEE Yönetmeliğine Uygundur

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Wireless Technical Specifications

Radio protocol

ISO15693 compliant RFID reader/writer

RF Operating Frequency

13.56 MHz

RF Output Power

< +23dBm (200mW)

Antenna Type

PCB loop antenna, 2.5uH @ 13.56 MHz

Radio protocol

WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n

RF Operating Frequency

2.401 – 2.473 GHz

RF Output Power

< +20dBm EIRP (100mW)

Antenna Type \ Antenna Gain

PCB PIFA antenna \ 2.2 dBi gain

WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n connectivity

13.56MHz RFID

Wireless Regulatory Information

Regulatory markings, subject to country certification, have been applied signifying
wireless (radio) approvals.

Operation of the device without regulatory approval is illegal.

United States

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A

digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at
own expense.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and, (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

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Canada

Industry Canada ICES-003: CAN ICES-3 (A)/NMB-3(A)

This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause interference; and
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause

undesired operation of the device.

European Union

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio
interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EC

WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n

Frequency band(s) in which the radio equipment operates; 2.401GHz to 2.473GHz

Maximum radio-frequency power transmitted in the frequency band(s) in which the
radio equipment operates; < +20dBm EIRP (100mW)

13.56MHz RFID

(a) Frequency band(s) in which the radio equipment operates; 13.56MHz

(b) Maximum radio-frequency power transmitted in the frequency band(s) in which the
radio equipment operates; < +23dBm (200mW)

RF exposure guidelines\Important note:

United States (FCC) \ Canada (ISED)

Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC and IC radiation
exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be
installed and operated with minimum distance 7.9in or (20cm) between the radiator
and your body.

Note Importante: Déclaration d'exposition aux radiations: Cet équipement est conforme
aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour un environnement non
contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 20cm de
distance entre la source
de rayonnement et votre corps.

Co-located statements: To comply with FCC and IC co-location requirements, the
antenna used for this transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction
with any other transmitter/antenna except those already with radio module filing.

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International

The WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n radio module complies with internationally recognized
standards covering human exposure to electromagnetic fields, i.e.

EN 62311 “Assessment of electronic and electrical equipment related to human
exposure restrictions for electromagnetic fields (0 Hz - 300 GHz)”.

Physical and Environmental Characteristics

The J5000 printer has the following physical and environmental characteristics:

Physical Metric Units U.S. Units

Dimensions 495mmW x 259mmH x 521mmD 19.5"W x 10.2"H x 20.5"D

Weight 20.4 kg 45 lbs.

Environmental Operation Storage

Temperature

Relative Humidity 20 to 80 % RH non-condensing 5 to 90% RH non-condensing

Recommended operating conditions:
15° to 32° C (59° to 90° F)

-40° to 60° C (-40° to 140° F)

Technical Support and Registration

Contact Information

For repair or technical assistance, locate your regional Brady Technical Support office by
going to:

• United States: www.bradyid.com

• Europe: www.bradyeurope.com

• Canada: www.bradycanada.ca

• Australia: www.bradyaust.com.au

Registration Information

To register your printer, go to:

• www.bradycorp.com/register

Repair and Return

If for any reason you need to return the J5000 printer for repair, please contact Brady
Technical Support for repair and replacement information.

J5000 Operator’s Guide, Rev. 1.53

Table of Contents

Section 1: Getting Started ............................................................................................................................. 2

A: Choosing a Good Location .................................................................................................................... 2

B: Unpacking and Inspection..................................................................................................................... 2

C: Identification of Parts ........................................................................................................................... 3

D: Install Driver and Brady Status J5000 App ............................................................................................ 5

Section 2: Label Stock ................................................................................................................................... 6

A: Label and Roll Specifications ................................................................................................................ 6

B: Installing Label Stock............................................................................................................................. 6

C: Set the Output/Cut Mode ..................................................................................................................... 8

Section 3: Brady Status J5000 ..................................................................................................................... 11

A: Monitoring Ink Levels ......................................................................................................................... 12

B: Printhead Life Gauge .......................................................................................................................... 13

C: Replacing Ink Cartridges/Low Ink Warning ......................................................................................... 13

D: Alignment Print ................................................................................................................................... 15

Section 4: Printing from a PC ...................................................................................................................... 18

A: Using Brady Workstation .................................................................................................................... 18

B: Adjusting Print Alignment ................................................................................................................... 18

Section 5: Troubleshooting and Maintenance ............................................................................................ 20

A: Solving Print Alignment Problems ...................................................................................................... 20

Image is vertically offset ..................................................................................................................... 20

B: Solving Print Quality Problems ........................................................................................................... 21

C: Color Matching and Design Tips ......................................................................................................... 23

D: Save the Log Files................................................................................................................................ 24

E: Cleaning the printer and Replacing Ink Pads ...................................................................................... 25

F: Cleaning the Printhead ........................................................................................................................ 25

G: Printer Buttons and Lights .................................................................................................................. 27

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2

Section 1: Getting Started

Thank you...

…for choosing the J5000 Color Label Printer. The J5000 Printer will print razor-sharp
text and barcodes, vibrant colors, and even stunning photo-realistic photographs
directly onto rolls of labels.

This Operator's Guide is your complete step-by-step guide to quickly and easily set
up and print with your new J5000 Printer.

A: Choosing a Good Location

• Place the printer on a flat surface in a location with adequate air circulation to

prevent internal heat buildup

• Do not place the printer near heat sources such as radiators or air ducts, or in a

place subject to direct sun light, excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock

• Allow for adequate clearance in front of the printer to accommodate the printed

label stock as it is leaving the printer to avoid the possibility of binding or jamming
of the label stock. Except in the case of individual cut labels, the printer should sit
close to edge of a table so that the printed labels hang from the front of the printer
and fall to the floor or an empty container. This will prevent labels from bunching
up in the front of the printer which can cause print quality issues.

• Allow for adequate overhead and left side clearance for opening the top cover to

allow easy access to the label stock and ink cartridge

• Be careful when you close the top cover. (Pinch points exist)

B: Unpacking and Inspection

While unpacking your printer, inspect the carton to ensure that no damage has occurred
during shipping. Make sure that all supplied accessories are included with your unit.
The following items are included in the supply box:

• Power Adapter

• Power Cord

• USB Cable

• Software Installer CD

• Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black Ink

Setup Cartridges

• Quick Start Guide

• Instructions on how to download

Brady Workstation

The following items are inside the printer:

• Replaceable printhead (Already

installed in the printer)

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Save the carton and packing materials. They will be required should the printer need to
be transported.

C: Identification of Parts

Control Panel

Top Cover

Viewport

Cover Handle

Sensor Adjustment
Slide Bar

Pinch Rollers

Control Panel /

Ink Display

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Tear Bar

Ink Cartridges

Cutter Track

Encoder Strip

Maintenance
Station

Maintenance
Brush

Printhead

Replaceable
Ink Pads

4

Interior Label Loading Area

Antenna

Fix Throat

Guide

Movable Throat

Guide

Back

Roll Stop

Roller Arm

Housing

Roll Guide

External Paper
Source (Fanfold)
Slot

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Auxiliary
Port

Power
Port

Ethernet
Port

Power
Switch

USB
Port

5

D: Install Driver and Brady Status J5000 App

• Insert the supplied CD in the CD-ROM drive on your PC, and it will auto launch the

Setup.exe. To launch Setup.exe manually, navigate to the CD and double click on the
Setup.exe.

The setup will guide you through the installation of both the printer driver and Brady
Status J5000 app and instruct you when to connect your printer to your PC via a USB
cable.

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Section 2: Label Stock

A: Label and Roll Specifications

Only Brady approved label stock will be recognized in the printer. Refer to Brady's
website for a list of label parts available.

B: Installing Label Stock

The following steps will guide you through loading label stock in your printer:

NOTE: Make sure power is connected and printer is ALWAYS on.

1. Open the Top Cover.

Lift Here

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2. Lower the Roll Guide and pull it outward to make room for your label stock.

3. Remove any shipping tape from your label stock roll to ensure that it can unroll

freely; making certain that no adhesive portion is exposed. It is important to note
that any exposed adhesive surface can attach itself to the inner workings of the
print mechanism and cause a media jam.

4. Place your roll of label stock, so that labels unwind with the labels facing upward, on

the Roll Arm and push it inward until it touches the Roll Stop.

Roll Stop

Roll Guide

Roll Arm

5. Flip up the Roll Guide and slide it inward until it touches the label stock. The Roll

Guide will automatically pull back slightly to the correct position. There should be
approximately a 0.04" (1 mm) gap between the roll guide and the roll.

6. Pull the Movable Throat Guide outward to make room for the label stock.

7. Place the leading edge of the label stock under the "Label Stock"

symbols on the Throat Guides. The label stock should be placed far

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enough into the throat of the printer (about 3in or 75mm) to correctly position the
Movable Throat Guide but not yet into the printer itself.

Movable Throat Guide Fixed Throat Guide

8. Slide the Movable Throat Guide inward until it almost touches the label stock.

Important Note: The label stock should be close enough to the Fixed and Movable

Throat Guides to provide proper guidance but not close enough to pinch the label

stock. If the label stock is pinched by the guides, poor print quality or feeding

problems could result.

9. Feed the label stock further into the printer until it senses the label and

automatically feeds it through the printer. If the printer fails to feed the label stock,
press the Load/Feed button on the front panel while continuing to guide the label
stock into the printer. If the printer does not automatically grab and feed the stock
or continues to feed the stock without stopping check the Stock Sensor position or
mode.

C: Set the Output/Cut Mode

Use the Output/Cut Mode to adjust how the printer presents labels after they are
printed or if/when they are cut after printing. To adjust the Output/Cut Mode, open
the Brady Status J5000 program. The Brady Status J5000 automatically installs with
your printer driver and can be accessed through the printer driver or as a program that
is accessible in the same manner as all other programs.

1. Connect the printer via USB and turn on the power. The Output/Cut Mode Setting

is stored on the printer main board so you will not be able to access it unless the
printer is turned on and properly communicating with the computer.

2. Go to Start - Programs – Brady Corp – Brady Status J5000.

3. Click on the Alignment Tab (3rd tab from top).

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4. Click on the Output/Cut Mode button.

There are different options available which change if the cutter is enabled or disabled. If
the cutter is disabled, the label present options will be available. If the cutter is enabled
the present options are no longer available but cut options become available.

Cutter Options:

Cut after no activity - This setting will cut at the end of a print job if the printer does not

receive another print job within one second of the last print job in the queue. You can
use this feature to cut at the end of multi-copy job, multi-page job or multiple individual
jobs in the queue.

Cut after specified number of labels - This option will cut after the number of labels
specified in the "Cut/Present After___ Labels" setting above. Change the value and then
click "Set" to send it to the printer. The quantity will change on the setting to reflect the
change.

Cut every label - This setting will cut after every label.

Cut after button press - This setting will cut after you press the Load/Feed button on the

printer. This can be used after one label or an entire job. This feature is useful if you
will not be present at the end of the print to catch the cut label.

Present Options:

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Do not present - In this mode the label stock does not move after the last label is
printed. This means that part of the last label printed is still in the printer. This should
be used only if you have a label rewinder attached.

Present after no activity - This setting will present at the end of a print job if the printer
does not receive another print job within one second of the last print job in the queue.
You can use this feature to present at the end of multi-copy job, multi-page job or
multiple individual jobs in queue.

Present after specified number of labels - This option will present after the number of
labels specified in the "Cut/Present After___ Labels" setting above. Change the value
and then click "Set" to send it to the printer. The quantity will change on the setting to
reflect the change.

Present after every label - This setting will cause the printer to feed the last label
printed forward so that it and the previously printed labels can be torn off using the tear
bar. If no other jobs are sent to the printer within one second after the last label has
printed, the last printed label will present for tear off.

Present after button press - This setting will present after you press the Load/Feed
button on the printer. This can be used after one label or an entire job.

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Section 3: Brady Status J5000

Brady Status J5000 is used to interact with the printer for gathering ink levels,
maintenance, alignment, and several other functions.

Brady Status J5000 automatically installs with your printer driver and can be accessed
through the printer driver preferences or as a program on your Windows start menu.

1. Connect the printer via USB or Ethernet and turn on the power. The Brady Status

J5000 accesses most of the information it uses from the printer itself so the printer
must be turned on and communicating for the program to open.

2. Go to Start - Programs – Brady Corp – Brady Status J5000. Once open, the Brady

Status J5000 consists of three tabs that are arranged on the left side of the window.
Each tab opens a screen that has various similar functions. The tabs will only be
displayed if the printer is idle (not printing).

• Ink Tab (First Tab) - Displays ink levels, printhead life, pauses or cancels a job,

displays print counter.

• Cartridge Utilities Tab (Second Tab) - Aligns Printhead, cleans printhead and

changes the Ink Cartridges.

• Alignment Tab (Third Tab) - Adjusts vertical and horizontal print alignment,

changes the Stock Sensor Mode, and toggles the Output Mode.

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A: Monitoring Ink Levels

Ink levels can be monitored at any time by using the Brady Status J5000. Immediately
after printing starts the Brady Status J5000 will display the ink levels in the lower right
corner of your screen.

The print status will also be displayed on the top bar.

In the Ready mode, the ink percentages and printhead life will be displayed, along with
three tabs. The tabs will only be displayed if the printer is Ready (not printing).

Note: If you are using multiple printers, you can switch between them using the drop

down arrow at the top of the Brady Status J5000. The title of each will correspond to the
printer name as shown in Devices and Printers.

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B: Printhead Life Gauge

Printhead life remaining is displayed in the Brady Status J5000; hover your mouse over
the icon to the display the remaining printhead life.

C: Replacing Ink Cartridges/Low Ink Warning

Note: For best results, use only Brady Branded inks

You can replace the ink cartridges at any time or wait for the Low Ink Warning to
prompt you to replace the cartridges. The low ink warning will display continuously at
20% or less. When the cartridge is empty you will be prompted to change the cartridge.
At the empty point there is no way to ignore the warning. You must change the
cartridge.

To change an ink cartridge, follow this procedure:

1. Open the cover. The printhead will move to the center of the print area for easy

access.

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2. Remove the cartridge by pressing inward on the corresponding cartridge.

3. The cartridge will pop out slightly. Pull out the cartridge.

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4. Install the new cartridge by pushing the cartridge in as far as you can and then

letting go.

5. Close the cover. The printer will prime the new ink cartridge(s) and then continue

to print if it was in the middle of a print job.

D: Alignment Print

An alignment print is necessary after every 5,000 prints an after a printhead change. In
those cases, you will be prompted by the software to run and alignment print.

You may also manually run an alignment print to improve print quality. Follow these
instructions:

1. Open Brady Status J5000. Click on the Cartridge Tab (Second Tab). Click the Align

Printhead button.

2. Tear off any printed labels. Click Next.

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3. The printer will now automatically back the remaining labels out of the printer. You

can leave the label stock roll in the printer.

4. Move the Throat Guide to the widest position and feed the alignment paper into the

printer. Ten alignment sheets were included with the printer. These are slightly
smaller than a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet used for most office printers. The size is
actually A4, which is 8.27" × 11.69" or 210mm × 297mm. If you do not have the
alignment paper, you can cut a 0.25" strip off of a standard size sheet to make a
usable sheet.

Important Note: Use included Alignment Paper or an 8.27" × 11" (210mm x

297mm) sheet.

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5. Once the alignment is complete, you will need to pull the finished alignment sheet

from the printer.

Pull

Note: Keep the remaining blank alignment paper sheets for future alignment prints.

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Section 4: Printing from a PC

A: Using Brady Workstation

Brady Workstation is Brady's premier labeling software, providing a variety of label and
sign making apps that are simple to use yet flexible to meet your individual needs. Brady
Workstation is a free download from www.workstation.bradyid.com

After downloading Brady Workstation software, install it on your PC, the Home screen
should look as below.

.

B: Adjusting Print Alignment

Standard ink jet printers feed a sheet and start printing based on the start of the sheet.
They also prohibit printing to the edge of the sheet. This is to avoid any need for
alignment. The J5000 senses the beginning of the label with an optical sensor and is
capable of printing to top, bottom, left and right edges. Because of this it may be
necessary to align the printer to work with specific types of label stock.

The J5000 is factory calibrated to print exactly to the edge of Brady label stock.
However, due to variations in the left margin and other variables, it may be necessary to
fine tune these settings at the beginning of each roll.

Important Note: Before adjusting alignment settings first print one label at the quality

level you intend for the entire job. This will ensure the label stock is moving at the same
speed and the stock sensor will sense the gap in the same way.

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Adjust print alignment using the Brady Status J5000. Go to the Alignment Tab (third
tab).

Four items can be adjusted here:

• Top of Form (TOF) - This value moves the print start position up or down on the

label. Add to the current value to move the printed label down or toward the
printer. Subtract from the current value to move the printed label up or away from
the printer. After adjusting the value click the “Set” button to send the value to the
printer.

• Tear off Position - This value adjusts the position of the last label printed after it has

been presented for tear off. This only applies if the output mode is set to "Present
the label." Add to the current value to move the tear point closer to the printer.
Subtract from the current value to move the tear point away from the printer. After
adjusting the value click the "Set" button to send the value to the printer.

• Cutter Offset - This setting will adjust the position of the cut (if enabled). By default

it should cut in the center of gap between the labels. Add to the current value to
move the cut toward the printer. Subtract from the current value to move the cut
away from the printer. After adjusting the value click the “Set” button to send the
value to the printer.

 Left Margin Offset - This value moves the printed label left or right. Add to the

current value to move the printed label to the right. Subtract from the current value
to move the printed label to the left. After adjusting the value, click the “Set”
button to send the value to the printer. Note: Before adjusting this value make sure
the label stock is properly loaded so that there is no gap between the edge of the
liner and the fixed throat guide. Any gap at this point will greatly affect the Left
Margin Offset value needed to align the label. Also, if you adjust the value with
improperly loaded label stock you will have to adjust it again if you load the label
stock correctly the next time.

You may have to make several adjustments to one or
more of these values. After each adjustment you can
click the Test Print button on the printer dialog box to
print a small test pattern on the label. This will help you
find the proper alignment value.

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Section 5: Troubleshooting and Maintenance

A: Solving Print Alignment Problems

Image is vertically offset

The J5000 decides where to start printing by detecting the start of the die-cut label (or
leading edge for continuous stock). This is done by detecting an inter-label gap that
corresponds to the start of the label.

The following items can cause the label sensor to improperly detect the start of a
label:

1. Top of Form (TOF) - This setting allows you to fine-tune the alignment of

your printing on your label stock. This will be factory calibrated. If fine­tuning is needed, increase this setting to move the image down on the label;
decrease this setting to move the image up on the label. The increment of
movement is 0.1mm. This setting is found on the Alignment Tab of the
Brady Status J5000.

2. Portrait/Landscape: If the Portrait/Landscape setting does not correspond

to the label stock installed this will also cause the printer to print over the
gap and onto the next label. Make sure this is set correctly.

The Image is Printing Horizontally Offset

Three things can affect this issue.

Label Stock Loading - It is very important to correctly load the label stock so that
there is no space between the throat guides and the label liner edge. If there is a
gap between the throat guides and the label stock it may "walk" back and forth
causing inconsistent horizontal image location.

Left Margin Offset - This adjustment is found on the Alignment tab of the Brady
Status J5000. See Section 3D.

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Page Size – Brady Workstation will set the appropriate page size at print time for
the part you have selected.

B: Solving Print Quality Problems

Many factors can affect the quality of the print. The following are listed in order from
most likely to least likely:

1. Quality Setting – For printing on Brady label stock, the best print quality, color

mode, and speed setting will be set automatically when you load the label stock.
For all Brady label stock, the default print quality mode setting is normal mode,
medium color + black. If you want to change your quality setting manually, the
lowest quality setting (fastest printing) may not be sufficient for many photos or
graphics. The highest quality setting may cause ink to bleed on certain graphics.
Increasing the quality increases print time because the printer makes more
horizontal passes across the label.

Note:

To maximize the chemical resistance of your label, allow at least 5 hours before exposure

to chemicals.

2. Clean the Printhead - Run an automatic printhead cleaning print or manually clean

the printhead as described in Section 5F.

3. Change Cartridge - Try a new Ink Cartridge. Make sure that the ink cartridge has ink

remaining. Check the ink levels via the Brady Status J5000.

4. Align Printhead – Normally - Printhead alignment is only necessary after changing a

printhead. However, in certain cases, running the alignment again can improve
print quality. Align the printhead by opening the Brady Status J5000. Click on the
Align Printhead button on the Cartridge Utilities Tab (second tab). Follow the
onscreen prompts to load your paper for alignment.

5. Clean the Maintenance Station - Power off the printer! Clean the maintenance

station located on the right side of the print area. This includes the rubber cartridge
nozzle cap and the plastic squeegee. Under normal use this can become dirty with
ink. Clean with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel.

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WARNING: Hazardous

. Keep

Maintenance
Station

moving parts

fingers and other body
parts away

6. Color Matching - Change your Color Matching setting to Graphics or Photos via the

printer driver preferences.

7. Cartridge Setting - Change the cartridge setting in the driver. Try Color + Black or

Color only. To change the cartridge setting, right click on the printer in the Printers
and Faxes area - choose preferences -click cartridge - set it to Color + Black or Color.
Color only will still print black, but will use the color cartridges to print it. We
recommend "Color" only for the best possible quality on photographic images with
small amounts of black. If your image has large areas of black text, graphics or
barcodes, we recommend Color + Black for the best quality.

8. Source File Image Mode - The image mode of the source file may be set to RGB

instead of CMYK. This can cause the color matching to be off. Change the image
mode of the original file, resave and reprint.

9. Copper Contacts - Clean the copper contacts on the back of the print carriage and

the contacts on the printhead with rubbing alcohol.

10. Image Resolution (Dots per inch, DPI) - Try another Image. Perhaps the resolution

of the current image is not sufficient for a quality print. Many graphics suitable for
viewing onscreen have a DPI of 72. This is the minimum DPI for proper screen
display. However, if you print this image it will look blurry and pixilated. Images
that are 72 DPI are typically graphics saved for web use. We recommend a 300 DPI
image.

11. Cable - Try another USB cable. Make sure that it is less than 6ft (2 Meters) long.

Faulty cables or cables that are too long interrupt communications which can result
in print quality issues.

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12. Saturation - If ink is bleeding, decrease saturation in driver preferences.

13. Change the Printhead - If print nozzles of certain colors are still clogged after

repeated cleanings it may be time to replace the printhead. See Section 5G.

C: Color Matching and Design Tips

These guidelines will help you get the best quality labels out of your J5000.

1. Image Size/Shape - The image size should correspond with the size of the label you

will be printing. Note: If the source image is smaller and must be enlarged to fill the
entire label space, this will affect the DPI. A 2" x 2" 300 dpi label blown up to fit on a
4" x 4" label would have an effective DPI of 75. This would not be a sufficient
resolution.

2. Resolution - Resolution is measured in dots per inch or DPI. 300 dpi is sufficient to

get the best possible quality from most images. A 72 DPI image will look fine on
screen but WILL NOT print well. Graphics and logos found on websites are typically
72 DPI. The image below was printed from a 72 DPI image. Notice the jagged
edges. Remember, print quality settings found in the label printer driver will have
no effect on improving a low dpi source image.

On the other hand, resolutions higher than 300 DPI will not produce better quality
but may require more RAM to print and hard drive space to store. They could even
slow down the print process.

3. Image File Format - Most graphics are created in a graphic application. Since this

graphic application is not usually on the same computer as the label printer doing
the printing, it is necessary to export the graphic into a universal format that can be
read by other programs. Supported graphic file formats are BMP, JPG, GIF, JPEG,
PNG, WMF, EMF, SVG, and XAML. The JPG files also work well for graphics that
include photographs. All nine formats can be imported into the Brady Workstation
application.

4. Color Mode - Set the color mode in the source graphic application to CMYK. In most

cases, this will produce the most accurate color reproduction of the image on
screen. However, if CMYK is not producing the desired color matching try changing
the source image to RGB and then exporting the image again in one of the universal
formats mentioned above.

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72 DPI Image printed with J5000

24

D: Save the Log Files

If you are encountering any problems with your J5000 Brady technical support may ask
you to create a Tech Support Report. You can do this from the Brady Status J5000 by
clicking the "i" icon and clicking Save Log Files. A zip file will be created in the path
shown below.

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E: Cleaning the printer and Replacing Ink Pads

Over time, ink overspray may gather at the base of the printer. The printer uses a
vacuum system to gather most of this ink on a series of saturation pads. Eventually,
these pads may need to be replaced if ink begins to leak or if you notice the ink pad tray
is full of liquid ink.

Open the cover. Push down on the locking button. Remove the ink pad tray by pulling it
out. Replace it with a new one.

Ink Pad Replacement Kit
Catalog Number: J50-PAD

F: Cleaning the Printhead

It may be necessary to clean the printhead nozzles if you notice reduced print quality,
missing colors or if you suspect a cartridge nozzle has become slightly dried out or
clogged. Try the following solutions:

1. Secure Ink Cartridges - Make sure the corresponding cartridge is snapped into

place. Remove and reload the cartridge to make sure an air-tight connection
has been made.

2. Clean the Copper Contacts - Ink over-spray can build up inside the printer over

time causing interrupted electrical signals. Remove the printhead and clean the
copper contacts on the printhead carrier and the printhead.
(Area 1, 2 and 4 below). Do not clean the print nozzles! (Area 3)

Replaceable printhead – Catalog number J50-PH

Locking Button

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26

Area 4

Area 3

Area 1 & 2

3 Clean the Printhead.

DO NOT touch the printhead nozzles with a tissue or paper towel. This can damage the

nozzles. This may be different from other printers. Instead used the methods described
below:

1. Open Brady Status J5000.

2. Click Clean Printhead on the Cartridge Utilities Tab (second tab).

You may need to repeat this process up to 4 times depending on how clogged the
printhead is. Repeat the procedure only if you start to see improvement after each
clean print.

3. During this process the printer will make several loud whirring noises. This is

normal! This is the sound of a pump forcing ink through the nozzles. If you do
not hear this sound, the clean/purge print did not complete successfully. Try
again.

4. Preventing Clogged Nozzles.

Clogged nozzles on the printhead can be caused by not using the printer for
extended periods of time. Follow these guidelines:

• Always keep the J5000 plugged in and turned on. The printer will do

periodic maintenance to make sure the nozzles do not clog.

• Never store a used printhead outside of the printer. The nozzles will dry out

with exposure to air. If you must store a Printhead outside of the printer,
place full or empty cartridges in the printhead and put the entire printhead
and cartridges in a sealed plastic bag.

• Use the printer regularly!

5. Quality Setting - Change your quality setting. The lowest quality (fastest

printing) may not be sufficient for many photos or graphics. The highest quality
setting may cause ink to bleed on certain graphics in combination with certain
label stock. Increasing the quality increases print time because the printer
makes more passes over the media.

6. Backup Printhead/Cartridge - The cartridge may be empty or defective. The

printhead nozzle for one color could be clogged. The fastest way to diagnose a

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quality problem is to have backup printheads and cartridges available for

RESUME/FEED-BUTTON

Printer State

Press Action

SYSTEM IDLE:

Feeds to next label, Cuts the label if cutter enabled. Cuts

SYSTEM PAUSED:

Unpauses system

SYSTEM BUSY PRINTING

Retries to correct error or just clears error state

PAUSE/UNLOAD-BUTTON:

Printer State

Press Action

SYSTEM BUSY PRINTING:

Pauses system

COVER OPEN:

Unloads stock

SYSTEM PAUSED:

Unpauses system/Resumes printing

CANCEL-BUTTON:

Cancels current job in progress

COVER OPEN SENSOR:

WHEN COVER OPENED:

Pauses current job if active, will finish printing current label.
Moves Carrier to Head Change Position

COVER CLOSED:

If closed after it has been opened the Printer will be in a
pause mode. Press Resume/Feed to continue

BOTTON COMBINATIONS
LOAD-BUTTON and

Hold buttons down until Wireless symbol changes; this will

comparison testing. If one color is missing, replace that color cartridge(s). Next
try replacing the printhead.

7. Defective Printhead/Cartridge Replacement Procedure.

If you think your Ink Cartridge/Printhead is defective, please contact Brady
Technical support to arrange for a replacement. Brady Technical support may
ask you to perform troubleshooting before sending a replacement cartridge or
printhead.

Notes on Ink Cartridge/Printhead Replacement

• All replacements for defective cartridges or printheads must be processed

through Tech Support.

• To receive replacement cartridges, you may be required to send in your

defective cartridges/Printhead.

• Tech Support will perform the cleaning procedures and tests mentioned

above on all cartridges/Printheads received.

• Tech Support will not replace cartridges with less than 50% ink remaining.

• Printheads with zero percent life remaining will not be replaced.

• Printheads with greater than zero percent life remaining prints may be

replaced depending on the description and circumstances of the failure at
the discretion of Brady Tech Support.

G: Printer Buttons and Lights

Button/Cover Functions:

current label in LOAD BUTTON CUT MODE.

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UNLOAD-BUTTON

toggle the wireless antennae ON/OFF

LOAD-BUTTON and
CANCEL BUTTON

After 2 seconds hold will reset the Printer
RESUME/FEED-LED on solid others off

Printer Ready/Idle

RESUME/FEED-LED flashing fast (6 times/second)

Printer error is present -see

RESUME/FEED-LED PULSES, other off

Printer is busy or printing

SYSTEM BUSY PRINTING

Retries to correct error or just
clears error state

RESUME/FEED-LED and PAUSE/UNLOAD-LED flashing
slow (50/50 on /off per second)

Printer is paused by external
input from pin mini din

RESUME/FEED-LED and PAUSE/UNLOAD-LED
alternately flash

Cover is open
ALL LEDs flash in chase mode

Printer is powering up

LED Indicator Lights:

Brady Status J5000 for more

information

J5000 Operator’s Guide, Rev. 1.53