cab-Produkttechnik
Gesellschaft für
Computer- und AutomationsBausteine mbH & Co.KG
Postfach 19 04D-76007 Karlsruhe
Wilhelm-Schickard-Str. 14D-76131 Karlsruhe
T elefon 0721 / 66 26-00
T elefax 0721 / 66 26-249
copyright by cab / 900 8127 / K34 / 1
T echnische Änderungen vorbehalten
In accordance with our policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to alter specifications without notice
Données technique modifiables sans prévais
2cab - Produkttechnik GmbH
Hermes
Thermal Transfer Printer
Thermal Transfer Printer
Technical Information
Technical Information
All rights reserved, including those of the translations.
No part of this manual nor any translation may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use,
without the express written permission of cab - Produkttechnik GmbH Karlsruhe.
Edition 8/00
Printed in Germany
3cab - Produkttechnik GmbH
Table of Contents
A General Guide to the Documentation............................................................................... 6
Pin Assignment of the Peripheral Port for Non-cab-Applicators .................................. B-5
Appendix C - Spare Parts List (Extract)........................................................................... C-1
EC-Conformity Declaration
5cab - Produkttechnik GmbH
A General Guide to the Documentation
T echnical Information
The present manual contains beside the Technical Specification and the most
important instructions for the operator especially information for the integrators
of Hermes printers. This covers the built-in dimensions, the description of the
different interfaces and the pin assignments of the interface cables.
Note the directions for use on recommended material and the properties of the
thermal printhead in order to avoid damage and premature failure of your
Hermes .
Every effort has been made in the creation of this manual to provide as much
information as possible in an understandable manner.
We welcome your comments and suggestions regarding additions or
corrections to improve future editions of this manual. Please, let us know if you
have any questions.
Further Documentation
Complete information on the use of the Hermes printers are included in the
Operator's Manual.
The programming of the Hermes printers is completely compatible to the
programming of cab's Apollo. Therefore it is possible to use the information,
that can be found in the "Programming Instructions - Apollo".
Detailed information about service and maintenance are included in the
"Service Manual" of the Hermes. (e.g. replacement of components, adjustment
instructions, circuit diagrams, spare parts lists, etc.)
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Compliances
Hermes complies with the following safety regulations :
CE :Hermes complies with the following safety requirements:
FCC :Hermes complies with the requirements of the FCC regulations part 15 for
class A computers. Under disadvantageous circumstances, the operation of
these devices may cause interference with radio or TV reception, which has to
be eliminated by the operator.
® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
® is a registered trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
™ is a registered trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
™ is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
® is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer
Computer is a product of Apple Computer, Inc.
® is a registered trademark of Tharo Systems, Inc.
7cab - Produkttechnik GmbH
Characteristics of the Thermal Printhead
CAUTION !
The thermal printhead is the most sensitive part of your printer.
Pay special attention to the following guidelines :
1) The glass cover on the printhead must not be touched with the hand.
Do not use any sharp items, such as knives or screwdrivers, to clean
the printhead.
2) During printing, always take care that there is no dirt or foreign
objects on the labels in order to avoid impurification of the printhead.
This way, the printhead might be damaged.
3) Use proper label material with a smooth surface only.
A rough surface will affect the printhead and may cause damage and
reduce its operating life.
4) Clean the printhead regularly with a special printhead cleaning pen, or
an isopropyl alcohol soaked cotton swab.
5) Print with the lowest possible printhead temperature.
Careful use will allow you to print approximately between 18 to 30 miles
(30 to 50 km) of print media before the printhead needs replacing.
Improper usage can cause damage to the printhead.
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1 Product Description
General Information
The Thermal Transfer Printers of the Hermes family are especially developed
for fully automatic labelling. Therefore the print mechanism is totaly aligned to
dispense labels. The printhead is arranged low within the devices to minimize
the way of the labels from the peel-off position to labelling position on the
product and to increase the labelling rate.
After removing the dispensed label the label strip can be fed back. So the
printing of the next label may start at the front label edge.
Hermes has two separate label transport systems for forward and backward
feed. These systems guarantee a high precision in printing and applying labels
independent from the size of the label supply roll.
The Hermes is an innovative label printer which may be used in either direct
thermal or thermal transfer mode. The programming of the Hermes is
completely compatible to the Apollo printers.
With the high-class printheads (305 dpi near edge printhead at Hermes 4N/5N
or 300 dpi flat printhead at Hermes 4F/5F) it is possible to print bar codes and
graphics quick, brilliant and tidy .
The double lined LCD display keeps the operator constantly informed about the
current status of the printer. The setup menu allows easy configuration
changes whenever desired.
The options PCMCIA-memory-card and keyboard adapter, which are offered in
the Apollo-program, may also be used for Hermes.
Important Information about Printing with Hermes
The print mode of the Hermes is designed for fully automatic labelling.
Therefore after the start of a print job Hermes needs two additional signals for
the processing of every single label :
- a start signal that releases printing and dispensing of the label
- a signal that shows the removing of the label from the peel position.
NOTICE !
If you operate Hermes with a non-cab-applicator make sure that the
applicator or the control system can generate these two signal.
A simple print mode without the "start" and the "removed" signals is not
available.
All cab applicators provide the needed signals.
9cab - Produkttechnik GmbH
Overview of the Hermes T ypes
The present documentation contains the description of four different Hermes
types :
Peripheral ports :- Interface for the connection of non-cab-applicators and
Ribbon saver :The printhead only will be pressed against the print roller if the printer
Backfeed :In order to start the print of a label always from the front edge the
Test features :System test when switching on
Label material :Thermal paper, normal paper, plastic foil,
Internal rewinder :To rewind the backing paper
Parallel : Centronics
for the signals of the warning sensors label/ribbon end
- SPI-Interface for the connection of cab-applicators
has to print information. At the other time the printhead will be lifted
and the transport of the transfer ribbon will be stopped.
label strip may fed back after the completion of the previous label
print.
To avoid an abrasion of the transfer ribbon at the label the printhead
wil be lifted during the backward transport.
Self test with printout of firmware data and system parameters
PE, PP, PVC, Polyamide
Adhesive labels :60-160 g/sqm
Material width :4.7 in (120 mm)
Label width :.4-to 4.5 in (10-116 mm)
Label length :.2 to 21.5 in (5-546 mm)
Core diameter :3 in (76 mm)
Supply roll diameter :Hermes 4N/4F : up to 7.9 in (200 mm)
Hermes 5N/5F : up to 11.8 in (300 mm)
Labels may be wound face-in or face-out on the supply roll
Material recognition :- Gap sensor ("see through")
- Bottom reflective sensor
- Top reflective
adjustable from .08 to 1.85 in (2 to 47 mm)
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Transfer ribbon :Type : Hermes 4N/5N : preferably ribbons designed for the
Hermes 4F/5F : standard ribbons
Length :1476' in (450 m)
Width :max. 4.3 in (110 mm)
Core diameter :1 in (25 mm)
Max. roll diameter :3.6 in (92 mm)
Colour :inside or outside
Control panel :4 Function keys with LED display
Backlit LCD with 2 lines of text, 16 characters per line
LCD can be set to display in 8 different languages
Control features :Print stop and error message at the LCD display at
- Paper out
- Ribbon out
- Printhead/ Transport system open
Information via peripheral interface and warning light at
- passing the adjusted minimum diameter of the supply roll of
labels or transfer ribbon (if the warning sensors are installed)
Dimensions :Hermes 4N/4F : Heigth : 15.4 in (390 mm), Width : 10.9 in (277 mm),
Hermes 5N/5F : Heigth : 21.3 in (542 mm), Width : 10.9 in (277 mm),
Weight :Hermes 4N/4F : 46.3 lb. (21 kg)
Hermes 5N/5F : 55.2 lb. (25 kg)
Operating voltage :Switcheable between 230 V A.C/ 50 Hz or 115 V A.C/ 60 Hz
Maximum1,5 A (at 230 V) / 3 A (at 115 V)
power input :
Circuit protection :T 4 A (at 230 V) / T 6.3 A (at 115 V)
Environment :Operation at 50° to 95°F (10° to 35°C) at a humidity of 30 to 85%
Transport at -13° to 158°F (-25° to +70°C) at a max. humidity of 95%
Storage at 41° to 104°F (5° to 40°C) at a humidity of 5 bis 85%
use with near edge printheads
1968' in (600 m) on inquiry
Depth :16.5 in (420 mm)
Depth : 21.3 in (542 mm)
non-condensing
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Optional Features
Warning Sensor Label End / Transfer Ribbon End
These sensors signalize, when the diameter of the label supply roll respectively
the transfer ribbon roll has decreased below a preset thresould value. The
messages will be shown by switching on the yellow lamp of the warning light
(option). The signals also can be sent to a control system by using the
peripheral interface. So the user has the possibility to optimize the moment for
loading new media by regarding the whole process.
Warning Light
By using the warning light it is possible to recognize the state of the printer with
one view. The different colors of the lamps show the several possibilities,
whether the printer is switched on, there is an printer error or the preset
minimum quantity of labels or transfer ribbon is passed.
PC Memory Card
Hermes includes an option for using memory cards in order to permanently
store graphics, fonts, databases or whole label formats.
The data can be downloaded via interface.
PCMCIA 2.1 conforming sRAM cards or Flash-EPROM cards are accepted.
The maximum capacity is 4 MegaByte.
Using a memory card, the printer can be operated without being connected to
a computer which represents a great advantage regarding the flexibility.
Keyboard Adapter
The keyboard adapter allows you to connect your Hermes to a MF-2
compatible PC keyboard using the serial interface. This will allow you to modify
variable data stored on a memory card.
Label Design Software EASYLABEL for Windows
EASYLABEL is an intelligent and useful label design software which is easy to
use in connection with your Hermes.
EASYLABEL can be run on all Microsoft Windows compatible computers.
For further information about EASYLABEL, contact your local reseller.
14cab - Produkttechnik GmbH
Print Media
Hermes can be operated in direct thermal as well as thermal transfer mode.
For direct thermal mode, only use print material with a thermal-reactive coating.
The print image is transferred by heating the material at the printhead, causing
a reaction on the surface of the paper and, consequently, darkening the
material.
In thermal transfer mode, not only standard paper labels are needed but also
the thermal transfer ribbon with a color surface. The printout is created by
heating the transfer ribbon, causing a transfer of color particles onto the label.
Hermes allows to regulate the heat level and also the print speed. Thus, the
Hermes offers a wide range of opportunities for usage.
Hermes 4N and Hermes 4F are able to print on labels with a maximum supply
roll diameter of 8 in (200 mm) and a core diameter of 3 in (76 mm). Hermes 5N
and Hermes 5F can use labels with a maximum supply roll diameter of 12 in
(300 mm) and a core diameter of 3 in (76 mm).
The ability of label edge recognition, which guarantees the precise position of
the printer output, is accomplished by a moveable photocell. This sensor is
controlled by the processor of the Hermes and ensures recognition for different
sorts of material. There is no need for additional electronic adjustment.
On the following pages, you will find detailed information and specifications
concerning suitable materials.
If in doubt, we will perform test prints with your label material to find the best
suitable transfer ribbon.
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Print Media for Direct Thermal Printing
The print material must correspond to several important specifications, in order
to ensure high quality printing, and to avoid damage to the printhead or early
wear.
Using labels which we have tested and which we recommend to our
customers, will guarantee a gentle treatment of the printhead. If you want to
use material by another supplier, please note the following requirements
regarding the condition of thermal printer paper :
1. To avoid damage to the printhead, the surface coating must cover the
thermal-reactive layer. If the coating is too thin, this may cause a 'pitting'
effect on the printhead, i.e. very small explosions during the chemical
reaction of the thermal coating quickly resulting in damage to the printhead.
2. The surface of the labels should be very smooth to avoid a 'sandpaper'
effect on the printhead.
3. Always choose material which can be printed on with the lowest possible
heat level. The greater the heat level, the shorter the life of the printhead.
Moreover, with highest heat levels the phases of heating up and cooling
down extend. This may have a negative effect on the print quality,
especially if a high print speed is required.
Print Media for Thermal Transfer Printing
In thermal transfer mode, a wide range of different label materials may be
used. (e.g. normal paper, tag stock, a variety of synthetic material such as
polyester foil, etc.)
NOTICE !
The print quality greatly depends on the right combination of label
material and transfer ribbon.
The surface of the labels determines which ribbon material may be used.
Unsuitable ribbons may cause an extremely poor print image.
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Label/ Tag Media Specifications
Label and tag media to be used for the Hermes can be found in the table
below. Note this information before ordering your labels.
G
H
E
D
H
K
I
C
F
A
B
Fig. 1 Label formats
ItemMIN.MAX.
ALabel width.4(10)4.6(116)
BWidth of the silicon liner.4(10)4.7(120)
CLabel length.2(5)21.5(546)
DGap between labels.08(2)21.5(546)
ELabel thickness.0024(.06).01(.25)
FThickness of silicon liner.002(.05).004(.1)
GDistance of the first printing point
from the edge of silicon liner 0
HDistance of the label sensor
from the edge of silicon liner.08(2)1.85(47)
IWidth of punch hole.2(5)KHeight of punch hole.08(2).2(5)
LWidth of reflective mark.2(5)MHeight of reflective mark.08(2).2(5)
L
M
Table 1 Label formats in inches (figures in brackets are in mm)
17cab - Produkttechnik GmbH
Transfer Ribbon
The choice of a suitable transfer ribbon is important for the print quality of your
printer as well as the useful life of the printhead.
NOTICE !
Hermes 4N and Hermes 4F are equipped with a near edge printhead. For
that reason choose transfer ribbons which are especially designed for the
use with near edge printheads.By using other ribbons only a poor print
quality is reacheable. The printouts have no brilliance, the surfaces are
dull.
For Hermes 4F and Hermes 5F standard transfer ribbons are usable.
CAUTION !
Transfer ribbons of inferior quality may cause premature deterioration of
the printhead !
The material must be extremely resistant to high temperatures to avoid melting
the ribbon with the printhead.
The heat which arises during printing must be carried off by the label and by
the transfer ribbon itself. Transfer ribbons of inferior quality are often poor heat
conductors. This may cause overheating of the printhead in spite of electronic
protection.
Poor transfer ribbons also tend to lose parts of the coating which leads to
accumulating dirt on the printhead and the sensors. With some ribbons the
color rubs off and soils the printhead. All of these effects contribute to poor
print quality.
We have carried out numerous tests with many different ribbons and we
recommend you use transfer ribbons made by well-known/ brand
manufacturers only. Depending on the label material, several transfer ribbons
may be suitable.
The quality of print is determined by the right combination of these materials.
The recognition of the transfer ribbon is sensed by the rotation control of the
transfer ribbon unwinder, rather than by photocell sensors. As a result, ribbons
with a thinner coating or those with a colored coating can be used safely. To be
able to print all labels up to the exact end of the transfer ribbon, the length of
the uncoated trailer is limited.
NOTICE !
When buying transfer ribbons, make sure that
- the trailer of the ribbon has a maximum length of 4 in (100 mm).
- the trailer is made of nonconductive material of is coated with a
nonconductive film.
- the trailer easily can come loose from thecardboard core (F<3N).
18cab - Produkttechnik GmbH
2 General Safety Instructions
CAUTION !
- The printers of the Hermes series are built exclusively to print labels.
- Connect the printer only to an outlet with the correct voltage !
The printer is configured for either 230V or 115V power supply, which can
be switched using the input voltage selector at the back of the printer.
Connect only to a power outlet with a grounded contact.
- The printer must only be connected to devices which have extra low
voltage.
- Power must be OFF before plugging in any accessory or connecting the
printer to a computer, etc. Also switch power off on all appliances before
disconnecting.
- Do not expose the printer to any moisture, or use in damp or wet areas.
- The printer will operate with the cover open if necessary. This is not
recommended, as moving or rotating parts become accessible. Keep long
hair, jewelry, loose clothes away from the moving parts.
- During the print process the printhead will become hot. Use extra caution
when touching the printhead.
3 Delivery Contents
Inspect the Hermes packaging and contents immediately after receipt for
possible damage caused by shipping.
The supplied equipment of the Hermes depends on the requested options.
Compare the delivered accessories with your order.
NOTICE !
Please keep the original packaging in case the printer must be returned.
19cab - Produkttechnik GmbH
4 Printer Component Location
1234
15
14
13
12
11
Fig. 4a Side view Hermes 4N
1 - Display
2 - Function keys with indicator LEDs
3 - Power switch
4 - Swing arm with guide roller
5 - Media supply hub
6 - Adapter
7 - Flange
8 - Knurled knob