Carl Valentin VARIO III Operating Manual

VARIO III

Operating Manual

Information on the scope of delivery, appearance, performance, dimensions and weight reflect our knowledge at the time of printing.

We reserve the rights to make modifications.

All rights, including those regarding the translation, are reserved.

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form (print, photocopy or any other method) or edited, copied or distributed electronically without written permission from Carl Valentin GmbH.

Due to the constant further development of our devices discrepancies between manual and device can occur. Please check www.carl-valentin.de for the latest update.

Trademarks

Centronics

is a registered trademark of Data Computer Corporation.

Microsoft

is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Windows 2000

, 2003®, XP®, Vista®, 7®, 8®, Windows ServerTM 2008,

Windows Server

2008 R2, Windows ServerTM 2012 are registered

trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

TrueType

is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

Zebra

and ZPL II® are registered trademarks of ZIH Corporation.

Carl Valentin label printers comply with the following safety guidelines:

EG Low-Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC)

EG Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2004/108/EC)

Carl Valentin GmbH

Postfach 3744 78026 Villingen-Schwenningen Neckarstraße 78 – 86 u. 94 78056 Villingen-Schwenningen

Phone Fax

+49 (0)7720 9712-0 +49 (0)7720 9712-9901

E-Mail Internet

info@carl-valentin.de www.carl-valentin.de

Vario III Series Table of Contents

11.13 Operating Manual 3

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................. 3



1 Introduction ............................................................................ 5

1.1 General Instructions ................................................................ 5

1.2 Intended Use ........................................................................... 5

1.3 Important Notes ....................................................................... 6

1.4 Connector Pin Assignment (Printer Rear) ............................... 7

2 Safety Instructions ................................................................ 9

2.1 Operating Conditions ............................................................. 10

3 Technical Data ..................................................................... 15

3.1 Control Inputs and Outputs ................................................... 18

3.2 Plug & Play ............................................................................ 23

4 Installation ............................................................................ 25

4.1 Setting up the Label Printer ................................................... 25

4.2 Connecting the Label Printer ................................................. 26

4.3 Switching the Label Printer On and Off ................................. 26

4.4 Initiation of the Label Printer .................................................. 27

5 Loading Media ..................................................................... 29

5.1 Loading Label Roll ................................................................. 29

5.2 Loading Transfer Ribbon ....................................................... 33

6 Function Menu ..................................................................... 35

6.1 Operation Panel ..................................................................... 35

6.2 Menu Structure ...................................................................... 36

6.3 Print Settings ......................................................................... 40

6.4 Label Layout .......................................................................... 41

6.5 Device Settings ...................................................................... 43

6.6 Network ................................................................................. 46

6.7 Remote Console .................................................................... 46

6.8 Interface ................................................................................. 47

6.9 Emulation ............................................................................... 48

6.10 Date & Time ........................................................................... 49

6.11 Service Functions .................................................................. 50

6.12 Main Menu ............................................................................. 53

7 Options ................................................................................. 55

7.1 Cutter ..................................................................................... 55

7.2 Dispenser I/O ......................................................................... 57

7.3 WLAN .................................................................................... 60

7.4 RFID ...................................................................................... 61

7.5 Scanner ................................................................................. 64

8 Compact Flash Card / USB Memory Stick ........................ 67

8.1 General Information ............................................................... 67

8.2 Display Structure ................................................................... 67

8.3 Navigation .............................................................................. 68

8.4 Define User Directory ............................................................ 69

8.5 Load Layout ........................................................................... 70

8.6 File Explorer .......................................................................... 71

8.7 Firmware Update ................................................................... 76

8.8 Filter ....................................................................................... 76

Table of Contents Vario III Series

4 Operating Manual 11.13

 Maintenance and Cleaning ................................................. 77

9.1 General Cleaning ................................................................... 78

9.2 Cleaning the Pressure Roller ................................................ 78

9.3 Cleaning the Printhead .......................................................... 79

9.4 Cleaning the Label Photocell ................................................. 80

9.5 Replacing the Printhead (General) ........................................ 81

9.6 Replacing the Printhead ........................................................ 82

9.7 Adjusting the Printhead ......................................................... 83

10 Error correction ................................................................... 85

11 Additional information ........................................................ 95

11.1 Column Printing ..................................................................... 95

11.2 Hotstart .................................................................................. 96

11.3 Password ............................................................................... 98

11.4 Backfeed/Delay ................................................................... 100

11.5 Photocells ............................................................................ 102

12 Touch-Screen Display ....................................................... 103

12.1 Touch-screen display structure ........................................... 103

12.2 Different Menus ................................................................... 104

12.3 Favourites List ..................................................................... 105

12.4 Parameter Input ................................................................... 107

12.5 Navigation Zones ................................................................. 109

12.6 Maintenance Zone ............................................................... 110

12.7 Memory Menu ...................................................................... 114

12.8 Information Zone ................................................................. 116

12.9 Change to Foil Keyboard ..................................................... 116

13 Environmentally-Friendly Disposal ................................. 117

14 Index ................................................................................... 119

Vario III Series Introduction

11.13 Operating Manual 5

1 Introduction

1.1 General Instructions

Basic information and warning references with the corresponding signal words for the danger level are as follows specified in this manual:

DANGER identifies an extraordinarily great and immediate danger which could lead to serious injury or even death.

WARNING identifies a possible danger would could lead to serious bodily injury or even death if sufficient precautions are not taken.

CAUTION indicates a potentially dangerous situation which could lead to moderate or light bodily injury or damage to property.

NOTICE gives you tips. They make a working sequence easier or draw attention to important working processes.

Gives you tips on protecting the environment.



Handling instruction



Optional accessories, special fittings

Datum

Information in the display

1.2 Intended Use

The label printer is a state-of-the-art device which complies with the recognized safety-related rules and regulations. Despite this, a danger to life and limb of the user or third parties could arise and the label printer or other property could be damaged while operating the device.

The label printer may only be used while in proper working order and for the intended purpose. Users must be safe, aware of potential dangers and must comply with the operating instructions. Faults, in particular those which affect safety, must be remedied immediately.

Introduction Vario III Series

6 Operating Manual 11.13

The label printer is solely intended to print suitable media which have been approved by the manufacturer. Any other or additional use is not intended. The manufacturer/supplier is not liable for damage resulting from misuse. Any misuse is at your own risk.

Intended used includes heeding the operating manual, including the maintenance recommendations/regulations specified by the manufacturer.

NOTICE!

The complete documentation is included in the scope of delivery on CD ROM and can also currently be found in the internet.

1.3 Important Notes

The label printer can be used in thermal as well as in thermal transfer applications.

The label printer is equipped with 6 vector, 6 bitmap and 6 proportional fonts. It can be printed inverse, in italic format or 90 degrees turned fonts.

The handling of our durable label printers is easy and comfortable. The parameter settings are made with the keys of the foil keyboard. At each time the graphic display shows the current status.

By the use of a 32 Bit processor and a large main memory of 16MB also for large labels (6000 mm) a fast print is possible.

An enormously high print quality is obtained by most modern printhead technology.

By a new-developed electronics a maximum print speed of up to 200 mm/s can be achieved.

Time-saving firmware update is possible by interface. As default, the print module is equipped with a parallel, serial, USB and Ethernet interface. Additionally, the print module is equipped with an USB Host that permits the connection of an external USB keyboard and/or an USB memory stick. The print module automatically recognizes by which interface it is controlled.

The label printer is delivered with a printer driver and the free label software Labelstar LITE. Existing labels can be saved to a CF card or an USB stick, opened and/or modified with a PC keyboard and finally stand-alone printed.

Vario III Series Introduction

11.13 Operating Manual 7

1.4 Connector Pin Assignment (Printer Rear)

1 2

Figure 1

A Plug-in for CF card B USB interface C Serial interface RS-232 D Ethernet 10/100 interface E USB host for USB keyboard and USB memory stick F Parallel interface for Centronics G Switch On/Off H Power supply I External output/input (option) J Winder connection

1 - LED orange

1 - Lighting = Connection active 1 - Flashing = Data transfer 1 - Off = No connection

2 - LED green

2 - Lighting: Speed 100 MBit 2 - Off: Speed 10 MBit

Vario III Series Safety Instructions

11.13 Operating Manual 9

2 Safety Instructions

The print module is designed for power supply systems of 110-230V. Connect the print module only to electrical outlets with a ground contact.

Couple the print module to devices using extra low voltage only.

Before making or undoing connections, switch off all devices involved (computer, printer, accessories etc.).

Operate the print module in a dry environment only and do not get it wet (sprayed water, mist etc.).

Do not operate the print module in explosive atmosphere and not in proximity of high voltage power lines.

Operate the print module only in an environment protected against abrasive dust, swarf and other similar impurity.

If the direct print module is operated with the cover open, ensure that clothing, hair, jewellery and similar personal items do not contact the exposed rotating parts.

The print unit can get hot during printing. Do not touch the printhead during operation. Cool down the print unit before changing material, removal or adjustment.

Carry out only the actions described in these operating instructions. Any work beyond this may only be performed by the manufacturer or upon agreement with the manufacturer.

Unauthorized interference with electronic modules or their software can cause malfunctions.

Other unauthorized work or modifications to the print module can endanger operational safety.

Always have service work done in a qualified workshop, where the personnel have the technical knowledge and tools required to do the necessary work.

There are warning stickers on the print modules that draw your attention to dangers. Therefore the warning stickers are not to be removed as then you and others cannot be aware of dangers and may be injured.

DANGER!

Danger to life and limb from power supply!

 Do not open the casing.

Safety Instructions Vario III Series

10 Operating Manual 11.13

2.1 Operating Conditions

Before initial operation and during operation these operating

conditions have to be observed to guarantee save and interferencefree service of our printers.

Therefore please carefully read these operating conditions.

Shipment and storage of our printers are only allowed in original packing.

Installation and initial operation of printer is only allowed if operating conditions were fulfilled.

Initial operation, programming, operation, cleaning and service of our printers are only recommended after careful study of our manuals.

Operation of printer is only allowed by especially trained persons.

NOTICE!

Perform trainings regularly. Content of the training are chapter 2.1 (Operating Conditions), chapter 5 (Loading Media) and chapter 9 (Maintenance and Cleaning).

These indications are also valid for someone else's equipment supplied by us.

Only use original spare and exchange parts.

Please contact the manufacturer with respect to spare/wear parts.

CPU of printer is equipped with a lithium battery (type CR 2032) for which the battery regulation is to apply. This regulation plans that unloaded batteries have to be given to used battery collecting containers of trade and public carries. In case that batteries were not completely discharged you have to make arrangements for shortcircuits. At a shutdown of printer the battery has to be disposed in either case separately from printer.

DANGER!

Danger of life by explosion!

 Use non-conducting tools.

The installation place of printer should be even, free of vibration and currents of air are to be avoided.

The printers have to be installed to ensure optimal operation and servicing.

Instructions for lithium battery

Conditions for installation place

Vario III Series Safety Instructions

11.13 Operating Manual 11

The installation of the power supply to connect our printers has to be effected according to the international rules and regulations, especially the recommendations of one of the three following commissions:

 International Electronic Commission (IEC)

 European Committee for Electro technical Standardisation

(CENELEC)

 Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE)

Our printers are constructed according to VDE and have to be connected to a grounded conductor. The power supply has to be equipped with a grounded conductor to eliminate internal interfering voltage.

Power line voltage and power line frequency: See type plate

Allowable tolerance of power line voltage: +6% … −10% of nominal value

Allowable tolerance of power line frequency: +2% … −2% of nominal value

Allowable distortion factor of power line voltage: <=5%

In case your net is infected (e.g. by using thyristor controlled machines) anti-interference measures have to be taken. You can use one of the following possibilities:

 Provide separate power supply to our printers.

 In case of problems please connect capacity-decoupled isolation

transformer or similar interference suppressor in front of our printers.

Emitted interference according to EN 61000-6-3: 2007 industrial sector

 Interference voltage to wires according to EN 55022: 09-2003

 Interference field power according to EN 55022: 09-2003

 System perturbation according to EN 61000-3-2: 09-2006

 Flicker according to EN 61000-3-3: 1955 + A1:2001 + A2:2005

Installation of power supply

Technical data of power supply

Anti-Interference measures:

Stray radiation and immunity from disturbance

Safety Instructions Vario III Series

12 Operating Manual 11.13

Immunity to interference according to EN 61000-6-2: 2005 industrial sector

 Stray radiation against discharge of static electricity according to

EN 61000-4-2: 12-2001

 Electromagnetic fields according to EN 61000-4-3: 11-2003,

ENV 50204: 03-1995

 Fast transient burst according to EN 61000-4-4: 07-2005

 Surge according to EN 61000-4-5: 12-2001

 High-frequency tension according to EN 61000-4-6: 12-2001

 Voltage interruption and voltage drop according to EN 61000-4-

11: 02-2005

NOTICE!

This is a machine of type A. This machine can cause interferences in residential areas; in this case it can be required from operator to accomplish appropriate measures and be responsible for it.

All connecting lines have to be guided in shielded lines. Shielding has to be connected on both sides to the corner shell.

It is not allowed to guide lines parallel to power lines. If a parallel guiding cannot be avoided a distance of at least 0.5 m has to be observed.

Temperature of lines between: −15 … +80 °C.

It is only allowed to connect devices which fulfil the request 'Safety Extra Low Voltage' (SELV). These are generally devices which are checked corresponding to EN 60950.

The data cables must be completely protected and provide with metal or metallised connector housings. Shielded cables and connectors are necessary, in order to avoid radiant emittance and receipt of electrical disturbances.

Shielded line:

4 x 2 x 0,14 mm² ( 4 x 2 x AWG 26)

6 x 2 x 0,14 mm² ( 6 x 2 x AWG 26) 12 x 2 x 0,14 mm² (12 x 2 x AWG 26)

Sending and receiving lines have to be twisted in pairs.

Maximum line length:

with interface V 24 (RS-232C) - 3 m (with shielding)

with Centronics - 3 m (with shielding) with USB - 5 m with Ethernet - 100 m

Stray radiation and immunity from disturbance

Connecting lines to external machines

Installation of data lines

Allowable lines

Vario III Series Safety Instructions

11.13 Operating Manual 13

To avoid inadmissible heating, free air convection has to be ensured.

Protection according IP: 20

Ambient temperature °C (operation): Min. +5 Max. +35

Ambient temperature °C (storage): Min. −20 Max. +60

Relative air humidity % (operation): Max. 80

Relative air humidity % (storage): Max. 80

(bedewing of printers not allowed)

We do not take any responsibility for damage caused by:

 Ignoring our operating conditions and operating manual.

 Incorrect electric installation of environment.

 Building alterations of our printers.

 Incorrect programming and operation.

 Not performed data protection.

 Using of not original spare parts and accessories.

 Natural wear and tear.

When (re)installing or programming our printers please control the new settings by test running and test printing. Herewith you avoid faulty results, reports and evaluation.

Only specially trained staff is allowed to operate the printers.

Control the correct handling of our products and repeat training.

We do not guarantee that all features described in this manual exist in all models. Caused by our efforts to continue further development and improvement, technical data might change without notice.

By further developments or regulations of the country illustrations and examples shown in the manual can be different from the delivered model.

Please pay attention to the information about admissible print media and the notes to the printer maintenance, in order to avoid damages or premature wear.

We endeavoured to write this manual in an understandable form to give and you as much as possible information. If you have any queries or if you discover errors, please inform us to give us the possibility to correct and improve our manual.

Air convection

Limit values

Guarantee

Vario III Series Technical Data

11.13 Operating Manual 15

3 Technical Data

Vario III

103/8 T

Vario III 104/8

Vario III 107/12

Vario III 107/24

Vario III 108/12 T

Print resolution 203 dpi 203 dpi 300 dpi 600 dpi 300 dpi Max. print speed 250 mm/s 250 mm/s 250 mm/s 100 mm/s 250 mm/s Print width 104 mm 104 mm 105.7 mm 105.7 mm 108.4 mm Passage width 110 mm 110 mm 110 mm 110 mm 110 mm Printhead Flat Type1 Flat Type2 Flat Type2 Flat Type2 Flat Type1

Labels

Labels, continuous rolls or fan-fold

paper, cardboard, textile, synthetics

Max. material weight 220 g/m² (larger on demand) Min. label width 15 mm Min. label height Standard 6 mm Cutter/dispenser mode 15 mm Max. label height (higher on demand)

6000 mm 6000 mm 3000 mm 1000 mm 3000 mm

Max. roll diameter Internal unwinder 200 mm Internal rewinder 100 mm Core diameter 40 mm / 75 mm (option) Winding outside or inside Label sensor Standard Transmission Option Reflexion from bottom or top

Transfer ribbon

Ink outside or inside Max. roll diameter Ø 80 mm Core diameter 25.4 mm / 1″ Max. length 300 m Max. width 110 mm

Dimensions (mm)

Width x height x depth 230 x 310 x 450 Weight 16 kg

Electronics

Processor High Speed 32 Bit RAM 16 MB / 64 MB (on demand) Slot for Compact Flash card Type I Battery cache for Real-Time clock (storage of data with shut-down) Warning signal acoustic signal when error

Inerfaces

Serial RS-232C (up to 115200 Baud) Parallel Centronics (SPP) USB 2.0 High Speed Slave Ethernet 10/100 Base T, LPD, RawIP-Printing, DHCP, HTTP, FTP 3 x USB Host connection for external USB keyboard and memory stick WLAN (option) card 802.11b/g WEP/WPA PSK (TKIP)

Operation data

Power supply 110 … 230 V / 50 … 60 Hz Max. power consumption max. 150 VA Operating temperature 5 … 35 °C Humidity max. 80% (non condensing)

for thermal direct

for thermal transfer

Technical Data Vario III Series

16 Operating Manual 11.13

Operation panel Vario III

103/8 T

Vario III 104/8

Vario III 107/12

Vario III 107/24

Vario III 108/12 T

Keys test print, function menu, quantity, CF Card,

feed, enter, 4 x cursor, numeric keypad

LCD display graphic display 132 x 64 Pixel

white backlight

Settings

date, time, shift times

11 language settings (others on demand) label and device parameters, interfaces, password protection, variables

Monitoring

Stop printing if end of ribbon / end of labels Status report extensive status print with information about settings e.g. print

length counter, runtime counter, photocell interface and network parameters printout of all internal fonts and all supported bar codes

Fonts

Font types 6 Bitmap fonts

6 Vector fonts/TrueType fonts 6 proportional fonts other fonts on demand

Character sets Windows 1250 up to1257, DOS 437, 850, 852, 857, UTF-8

all West and East European Latin, Cyrillic, Greek and Arabic characters are supported other character sets on demand

Bitmap fonts size in width and height 0,8 … 5,6

zoom 2 … 9 orientation 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°

Vector fonts/TrueType fonts 6 BITSTREAM® fonts

size in width and height 1 … 99 mm variable zoom orientation 360° in steps of 90°

Font attributes depending on character font

bold, Italic, Inverse, Vertical

Font width variable

Bar codes

1D bar codes CODABAR, Code 128, Code 2/5 interleaved, Code 39, Code 39

extended, Code 93, EAN 13, EAN 8, EAN ADD ON, GS1-128, Identcode, ITF 14, Leitcode, Pharmacode, PZN 7 Code, PZN 8 Code, UPC-A, UPC-E

2D bar codes CODABLOCK F, DataMatrix, GS1 DataMatrix, MAXICODE,

PDF 417, QR Code

Composite bar codes GS1 DataBar Expanded, GS1 DataBar Limited, GS1 DataBar

Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Stacked, GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Truncated

all bar codes are variable in height, module width and ratio.

orientation 0°, 90 °, 180° and 270°. Optionally with check digit and human readable line.

Software

Configuration ConfigTool Process control Netstar PLUS Label software Labelstar LITE

Labelstar PLUS

Windows driver Windows XP 32/64 Bit, Windows Server 2003 (R2) 32/64 Bit

Windows Vista 32/64 Bit, Windows Server 2008 32/64 Bit Windows 7 32/64 Bit, Windows Server 2008 R2 64 Bit

Vario III Series Technical Data

11.13 Operating Manual 17

 Real time clock with printout date and time

Automatic daylight saving time Storage of data with shut-down

 Variables: link field, counter, date/time, currency and shift

variable, CF data

 Integrated unwinder

(max. outer diameter 200 mm

 Thermal and thermal transfer version

 USB host for connection of an external USB keyboard and an

USB memory stick

 Ethernet interface

 CVPL protocol and ZPL II

protocol

 Label photocell (transmission)

 Slot for CF card

 Windows printer driver on CD ROM

 Labelstar LITE on CD ROM

 7" touch-screen display

 Tear-off edge

 Cutting unit

 Dispensing unit with photocell

 Dispensing unit without photocell

 Label photocell (reflexion from bottom or top)

 External rewinder for labels PR 45V

 External unwinder for labels PA 50A

 WLAN interface

 Dispenser I/O

 RFID

 Scanner

Standard equipment

Optional equipment

Technical Data Vario III Series

18 Operating Manual 11.13

3.1 Control Inputs and Outputs

By means of a maximum of 16 control inputs and outputs which, in the following, are also referred to as ports, different functions of the printer system can be triggered and operating states can be displayed.

The ports are provided by means of a D-Sub bushing (26pin HD) at the rear panel of the printer system and are galvanically isolated from protective earth (PE) by means of an optocoupler semi-conductor route.

Each port can be configured as input and as output. This function however, is predefined in the printer software and cannot be changed by the user. The following parameters can be changed and set by using the menu: debounce times and high or low active.

Figure 2

Printer, internal circuitry

Vario III Series Technical Data

11.13 Operating Manual 19

Figure 3

Identification Pin Description / Function

Port 1 10 Print start (Input)

Port 2 1 Cut (Input)

Port 3 11 Counter Reset (Input)

Port 4 2 External synchronisation of label position (Input)

Port 5 12 No function

Port 6 3 No function

Port 7 13 No function

Port 8 4 No function

Port 9 15 Error (Output)

Port 10 6 Print order activ (Output)

Port 11

Label available at dispensing photocell (Output) in print mode dispensing photocell

Port 12

Single print (Output)

Port 13

Ready (Output)

Port 14

RFID error (Output)

Port 15

Scanner: bar code not readable (Output) - option scanner only

Port 16

Prior warning for transfer ribbon end (Output)

COM/VDC for Inputs

19 Common reference potential of all control inputs. 'COM/VDC for Inputs'

is usually connected with the (-) terminal of the control voltage and the control inputs are switched to active (+).

By means of the option '2nd LED', 'COM/VDC for Inputs' can optionally be connected with the (+) terminal of the control voltage. Then, the control inputs are switched to active (-).

VDC for Outputs

20 Common supply connection of all control outputs. 'VDC for Outputs'

must be connected with the (+) terminal of the control voltage.

Never leave 'VDC for Outputs' open even if no output is used.

COM for Outputs

5,14

21,22

Common reference potential of all control outputs. 'COM for Outputs' must be connected with the (-) terminal of the control voltage.

Never leave 'COM for Outputs' open even if no output is used.

GND-PE 23,24 'GND-PE' is the reference potential of the '+5 VDC EXT' and '+24 VDC

EXT' voltages provided by the printer system.

'GND-PE' is printer internally connected with protective earth (PE).

Configuration of D-Sub socket

Technical Data Vario III Series

20 Operating Manual 11.13

Identification Pin Description / Function

+ 5 VDC EXT

25 5 Volt DC output for external use. Max. 1 A.

This voltage is provided from the printing system and can be used e.g. as control voltage. Never apply any external voltage to this output.

+ 24 VDC EXT

26 24 Volt DC output for external use. Max. 1 A.

This voltage is provided from the printing system and can be used e.g. as control voltage. Never apply any external voltage to this output.

Plug Connector

Type D-Sub connector High Density

26-pin. / connector Manufacturer W+P-Products Reference number 110-26-2-1-20 Output Voltages (connected with GND-PE)

+ 24 V / 1 A Fuse: Polyswitch / 30 V / 1 A + 5 V / 1 A Fuse: Polyswitch / 30 V / 1 A

Port 1 - 15

Input

Tension 5 VDC … 24 VDC Impedance 47Ω + (100nF || 10 kΩ)

Output

Tension 5 VDC … 24 VDC Impedance 47Ω + (100nF || 10 kΩ || 47Ω) Current max. High +15 mA

Low -15 mA

Port 16

Input

Tension 5 VDC … 24 VDC Impedance 100nF || 10 kΩ

Output

Tension 5 VDC … 24 VDC Impedance 100nF || 10 kΩ Current max. High +500 mA (Darlington BCP56-16)

Low - 500 mA (Darlington BCP56-16)

Optocoupler

Output TCMT4106, CTR 100% - 300%, Vishay or

TLP281-4(GB), CTR 100% - 600%, Toshiba Input TCMT4106, CTR 100% - 300%, Vishay or

TLP281-4(GB), CTR 100% - 600%, Toshiba Input

Option 2nd LED

TCMT4600, CTR 80% - 300%, Vishay or

TLP280-4, CTR 33% - 300%, Toshiba

Technical data

Vario III Series Technical Data

11.13 Operating Manual 21

Device connection to a machine with S7-300 SPS.

Figure 4

Device connection to a operating panel.

Figure 5

Example 1

Example 2

Technical Data Vario III Series

22 Operating Manual 11.13

Device connection version if 'Option: 2. LED'.

Figure 6

When connecting a reed contact with a control input, the contact must have a switching capacity of min. 1 A in order to prevent the contact from sticking due to the inrush current. As an alternative, a suitable resistor can be connected in series.

If one of the printer’s internal voltages '+5 VDC EXT' or '+24 VDC EXT' is used, an external fuse e.g. 0.5 AF, should be additionally installed to protect the printer electronics.

In the event of an inductive load, an antiparallel connected diode, for instance, must be used to discharge the induction energy.

In order to minimise the influence of leakage currents at control outputs, a resistor must, depending on what is connected, be installed in parallel with the load.

In order to avoid any damages to the printing system, the max. output currents must not be exceeded or outputs shorted.

Example 3

Precautions

Vario III Series Technical Data

11.13 Operating Manual 23

3.2 Plug & Play

Plug & Play capable devices can be recognized automatically at parallel ports, USB-IEEE 1394- or infra-red connections but the last both are not important for our devices.

The following table shows the Plug & Play capability of the different operating systems.

Port Windows 95 98 Me NT4 2000 XP Vista 7

LPT

Support Recognition by

Boot procedure, Device manager

Installation

USB

Support

s.b. Recognition by

Hot Plug & Play

s.b. Hot Plug & Play

The table above shows that USB provides the recognition during the connection in current operating mode, the so-called Hot-Plug & Play. Depending on the operating system, for the parallel interface the different possibilities are given:

 Windows 95 / 98 / Me

Devices can be recognized during the starting procedure of Windows or by the Search for new hardware by means of the hardware wizard.

 Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7

Devices can be recognized during the starting procedure of Windows or by the Search for new hardware by means of the hardware wizard or if the option 'Automatic recognition and installation of Plug&Play printer' and/or 'Search automatically for new hardware components and install' is activated.

NOTICE!

If a driver is installed outside of the Plug & Play recognition, Windows reports at each restart that a new device was found. In this case, the driver is to be installed anew by the Wizard. If the driver is certified for Windows, the reinstallation is executed automatically.

NOTICE!

Windows NT 4.0 does not support USB devices. However, some distributors offer drivers that support USB (without Plug & Play). Such a driver which suits to our devices is offered from BSQUARE. For more information, visit www.bsquare.com or contact

BSQUARE Headquarters (USA) 888-820-4500 sales@bsquare.com

BSQUARE (Europe) +49 (811) 600 59-0 europe@bsquare.com

Vario III Series Installation

11.13 Operating Manual 25

4 Installation



Lift the label printer out of the box.

 Check the label printer for transport damages.  Check delivery for completeness.

 Label printer.

 Power cable.

 Empty core, mounted on transfer ribbon rewinder.

 Tear-off edge (printers with option tear-off edge only).

 Dispenser edge (printers with option dispenser only).

 Cutter unit (printers with option cutter only).

 Documentation.

 Printer driver on CD ROM.

 Labelstar LITE on CD ROM

NOTICE!

Retain original packaging for subsequent transport.

4.1 Setting up the Label Printer

CAUTION!

The label printer and the print media can be damaged by moisture and water.

 Set up the label printer only in a dry place protected

from sprayed water.

 Set up label printer on a level, vibration-free and air draught-free

surface.

 Open cover of label printer.  Remove foam transportation safeguards near the printhead.

Unpack the label printer

Scope of delivery

Installation Vario III Series

26 Operating Manual 11.13

4.2 Connecting the Label Printer

The label printer is equipped with a versatile power supply unit. The device may be operated with a mains voltage of 110-230 V / 50-60 Hz without any adjustments or modifications.

CAUTION!

The label printer can be damaged by undefined switch-on currents.

 Set de power switch to '0' before plugging in the label

printer.

 Insert power cable into power connection socket.  Insert plug of power cable into a grounded electrical outlet.

NOTICE!

Insufficient or missing grounding can cause faults during operation. Ensure that all computers and connection cables connected to the label printer are grounded.

 Connect label printer to computer or network with a suitable

cable.

4.3 Switching the Label Printer On and Off

Once all connections have been made:

 Switch label printer on with the power switch.

After switching on the label printer the main menu appears showing the printer type, current date and time.

Connecting to the power supply

Connecting to a computer or to a computer network

Vario III Series Installation

11.13 Operating Manual 27

4.4 Initiation of the Label Printer

After switching on the label printer the main menu appears which shows the printer type, current date and time.

Insert label material and transfer ribbon (see chapter 5. Loading Media, page 29).

Go to menu Label layout, select menu item Measure label and start

measuring (see chapter 6.4 Label Layout, page 41).

Press key

to finish measuring.

NOTICE!

To enable correct measuring, at least two completed labels have to be passed through (not for continuous labels).

During measuring the label and gap length small differences can

occur. Therefore the values can be set manually in menu Label layout/Label and Gap.

Vario III Series Loading Media

11.13 Operating Manual 29

5 Loading Media

5.1 Loading Label Roll

E F

Figure 7

NOTICE!

In rewind mode the labels are wound up internally after printing for later use.

1. Open the printer cover.

2. Open the printhead (I) by turning the pressure lever (J) anticlockwise.

3. Remove the outside label mounting plate (A).

4. Load the label roll with inner winding onto the unwinding roll (B).

5. Attach again the label mounting plate (A).

6. Lead the label material below the label guiding (D). Take care that the material runs through the photocell (G).

7. Place the labels around the front sheet (H) and lead them below the mechanics to the rear.

8. Clamp the label material, with the handle (E) designated for it, at the rewinding roll (F).

9. To move the printhead (I) down, turn the pressure lever (J) in clockwise direction until it locks.

10. Adjust the limit stops (C) of the label guiding roll to the width of material.

11. Close the printer cover.

Loading label roll in rewind mode

Loading Media Vario III Series

30 Operating Manual 11.13

Figure 8

1. Open the printer cover.

2. Open the printhead (F) by turning the pressure lever (H) anticlockwise.

3. Remove the outside label mounting plate (A).

4. Load the label roll with inner winding onto the unwinding roll (B).

5. Attach again the label mounting plate (A).

6. Lead the label material below the label guiding (D). Take care that the label runs through the photocell (E).

7. To move the printhead (F) down, turn the pressure lever (H) in clockwise direction until it locks.

8. In front of the printhead the tear off edge (G) is visible.

9. Enter the offset value in menu Printer Initialisation/Tear off (see

chapter 6.3, page 40).

10. Adjust the limit stops (C) of the label guiding to the width of material.

11. Close the printer cover.

Loading label roll in tear-off mode

Vario III Series Loading Media

11.13 Operating Manual 31

Figure 9

1. Open the printer cover.

2. Open the printhead (G) by turning the pressure lever (I) anticlockwise.

3. Remove the outside label mounting plate (A).

4. Load the label roll with inner winding onto the unwinding roll (B).

5. Attach again the label mounting plate (A).

6. Lead the label material below the label guiding (D) and the printhead (G). Take care that the label runs through the photocell (E).

7. Lead the label material between the inserting angle (F) and the cutter ledge (H).

8. To move the printhead (G) down, turn the pressure lever (I) in clockwise direction until it locks.

9. Adjust the limit stops (C) of the label guiding to the width of material.

10. Close the printer cover.

Loading label roll in cutter mode

Loading Media Vario III Series

32 Operating Manual 11.13

E F

H G

Figure 10

1. Remove the cover plate (H) by turning it to the front.

2. Open the printer cover.

3. Open the printhead (N) by turning the pressure lever (O) anticlockwise.

4. Remove the outside label mounting plate (A).

5. Load the label roll with inner winding (minimum label height = 15 mm) onto the unwinding roll (B).

6. Attach again the label mounting plate (A).

7. Lead the label material below the label guiding (D) and printhead (N). Take care that the labels run through the photocell (I).

8. Lift the dispensing whip (J) to the front/bottom by pulling the shaft at the side (L) to the inside.

9. To move the printhead (N) down, turn the pressure lever (O) in clockwise direction until it locks.

10. Adjust the limit stops (C) of the label guiding to the width of material.

11. Strip some labels from the backing paper and lead the paper over the dispenser ledge (M) and behind the plastic roll (K).

12. Press again the dispensing whip (J) to the top and lock it.

13. Place the backing paper around the shaft (G) and fix it with the clamp (E) at the rewinding unit (F).

14. Enter the offset value in menu Dispenser I/O/Offset (see chapter

7.2, page 57).

15. Close the printer cover.

Loading label roll in dispenser mode

Vario III Series Loading Media

11.13 Operating Manual 33

5.2 Loading Transfer Ribbon

NOTICE!

For the thermal transfer printing method it is necessary to load a ribbon, otherwise when using the printer in direct thermal print it is not necessary to load a ribbon. The ribbons used in the printer have to be at least the same width as the print media. In case the ribbon is narrower than the print media, the printhead is partly unprotected and this could lead to early wear and tear.

Figure 11

NOTICE!

Before a new transfer ribbon roll is loaded, the printhead must be cleaned using printhead and roller cleaner (97.20.002). The handling instructions for the use of Isopropanol (IPA) must be observed. In the case of skin or eye contact, immediately wash off the fluid thoroughly with running water. If the irritation persists, consult a doctor. Ensure good ventilation.

1. Open the printer cover.

2. Open printhead (E) by turning the pressure lever (D) anticlockwise.

3. Load the transfer ribbon roll (A) with outer winding onto the unwinding roll (C).

4. Place an empty ribbon roll on the rewinding roll (B).

5. Lead the transfer ribbon below the printhead.

Loading Media Vario III Series

34 Operating Manual 11.13

6. Fix the ribbon with an adhesive tape in rotating direction at the empty roll of the rewinding roll (B).

7. To move the printhead (E) down, turn the pressure lever (D) in clockwise direction until it locks.

8. Close the printer cover.

NOTICE!

As for the electrostatic unloading the thin coating of the thermal printhead or other electronic parts can be damaged, the transfer ribbon should be antistatic. The use of wrong materials can lead to printer malfunctions and the guarantee can expire.

Vario III Series Function Menu

11.13 Operating Manual 35

6 Function Menu

6.1 Operation Panel

The top line of the graphic display shows the printer type.

The graphic display shows information about the current status of the printer and the

print order, reports errors and shows the printer settings in the menus.

Back to the main menu. Start a test print. Delete a stopped print order.

Change to the function menu. In function menu: one menu item back.

Change to the quantity (number of pieces) menu. Press keys

and to select the number of labels that should be printed.

Change to the menu of the CF card.

In main menu: feed of one label. In function menu: skip to the next menu item.

Confirm settings and modifications. Stop and continue current print orders.

Delete a stopped print order with key

. No further label of the print order is printed.

Return to the previous input field. Press keys

and to change the values.

Skip to the next input field. Press keys

and to change the values.

Increase figure at the cursor position.

Decrease figure at the cursor position.

Function Menu Vario III Series

36 Operating Manual 11.13

6.2 Menu Structure

Speed

Contrast

Ribbon control

Y offset

X offset

Tear-off offset

Print Settings

Label length

Gap length

Column printing

Measure label

Label type

Material selection

Photocell

Scan position

Label error length

Synchronisation

Flip label

Rotate label

Alignment

Label Layout

Field handling

Codepage

External parameters

Buzzer

Display

Language

Keyboard

Customized entry

Hotstart

Autoload

Manual reprint

Backfeed

Delay

Password

Device Settings

Label confirmation

Standard label

Synchronisation at switch on

Vario III Series Function Menu

11.13 Operating Manual 37

Operating modes

Cutter control

Cutter (option)

Automatic return

Operating modes

Photocell level

I/O port 1-8

I/O port 9-16

I/O protocol

Save signal

Dispenser I/O (option)

I/O profile

Dispenser offset

Debounce

Start signal delay

IP address

Netmask

Standard Gateway

Speed/Duplex

DHCP

Printer name

Network

MAC address

Status

IP address

Netmask

Gateway

DHCP

WLAN (option)

Programming On/Off

Module type

Tag information

Interface

Error attempts

Sending power

Antenna offset

RFID tags/error

RFID (option)

Function Menu Vario III Series

38 Operating Manual 11.13

Mode

Non readables

Label feeding

Scanner type

Scanner setup

Scanner (option)

Scan offset

Scan length

Scan mode

Scan delay

Scan timeout

Interface

Port

Interval

Remote Console

COM1

Baud

Parity

Data bits

Stop bit

Interface

Start sign

Stop sign

Data memory

Port test

Protocol

Printhead resolution

Drive mapping

Emulation

Set date/time

Summertime

Start of summertime - format

Start of summertime - date

Start of summertime - time

End of summertime - format

End of summertime - date

End of summertime - time

Time shifting

Date/Time

Vario III Series Function Menu

11.13 Operating Manual 39

Label parameters

Photocell settings

Photocell/sensors

Paper counter

Heater resistance

Printhead temperature

Motor ramp

Print examples

Input/Output

Online/Offline

Transfer ribbon prior warning

Zero point adjustment

Print length +/-

Service Functions

Cutter photocell

Load layout

Change directory

Load file

Save layout

Save configuration

Delete file

Formatting

CF Card / USB Stick

Copying

Firmware update

Function Menu Vario III Series

40 Operating Manual 11.13

6.3 Print Settings

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

to select the menu Print settings.

Indication of print speed in mm/s (see chapter Technical Data, page

15). The print speed can be determined for each print order anew.

The setting of print speed affects also the test prints.

Indication of value to set the print intensity when using different materials, print speeds or printing contents. Value range: 10% … 200 %. Step size: 10%.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Examination if the transfer ribbon roll is to end or if the ribbon was torn at the unwinding roll. Off: The ribbon control is deselected, i.e. the printer continues without an error message. On: The ribbon control is selected, i.e. the current print order is interrupted and an Error Message appears at the printer display. Strong sensibility: The printer reacts immediately to the end of the transfer ribbon. Weak sensibility: The printer reacts at approx. 1/3 more slowly to the end of the transfer ribbon.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Indication of initial point displacement in mm. Displacement of the complete print in paper direction. With positive values the print in paper direction starts later. Value range: −30.0 … +90.0.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Displacement of the complete print transverse to the paper direction. The displacement is possible only up to the edges of the printing zone and is determined by the width of the focal line in printhead. Value range: −90.0 … +90.0.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Indication of value to which the last label of a print order is moved forward and is moved back to the beginning of label at a new print start. Labels can be torn off after terminating the print order without a label loss by tearing up. Default value: 12 mm. Value range: 0 … 50.0 mm.

Speed

Contrast

Ribbon control

Y displacement

X displacement

Tear-off

Vario III Series Function Menu

11.13 Operating Manual 41

6.4 Label Layout

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the Label layout menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

Indication of label length in mm (see chapter Technical Data, page 15).

Indication of distance between two labels in mm (not for continuous labels). Minimum value: 1 mm.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Indication of width of one label as well as how many labels are placed side by side (see chapter 11.1 Column Printing, page 95).

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Press key

to start measuring. The printer stops automatically after termination of measuring. The determined values are displayed and saved.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Generally adhesive labels are set. Press key

to select continuous

labels. If the menu item Label length/Gap length contains a gap value,

this value is added to the label length..

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Selection of the used label and transfer ribbon material.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Selection of the used photocell. The selection of one of the following photocell types is possible: transmission photocell normal and inverse, reflexion photocell normal and inverse (see chapter 11.5 Photocells, page 102).

Entry of percental label length by that the label end is searched. Marks onto the label can be skipped.

Label length

Gap length

Column printing

Measure label

Label type

Material selection

Photocell

Scan position (AP)

Function Menu Vario III Series

42 Operating Manual 11.13

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

In case an error occurs, indication after how many mm a message appears in the display. Value range:1 mm … 999 mm.

On: If a label is missed on the liner an error message is displayed. Off: Missing labels are ignored, i.e. it is printed into the gap.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

The axis of reflection is in the middle of the layout. If the label width was not transferred to the printer, automatically the default label width i.e. the width of the printhead is used. It is recommended to use labels with the same width as the printhead. Otherwise this can cause problems in positioning.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

According to standard the label is printed ahead with a rotation of 0°. If the function is activated, the label is rotated by 180° and printed in reading direction.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

The adjustment of label is effected only after Flip/Rotate label, i.e. the adjustment is independent of the functions Flip label and Rotate label.

Left: The label is aligned at the left-most position of printhead. Centre: The label is aligned at central point of printhead. Right: The label is aligned at right-most position of printhead.

Label error length

Synchronisation

Flip label

Rotate label

Alignment

Vario III Series Function Menu

11.13 Operating Manual 43

6.5 Device Settings

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the Device settings menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

Off: The complete print memory is deleted. Keep graphic: A graphic res. a TrueType font is transferred to the

printer once and stored in the printer internal memory. For the following print order only the modified data is transferred to the printer. The advantage is the saving of transmitting time for the graphic data. The graphic data created by the printer itself (internal fonts, bar codes, ...) is generated only if they were changed. The generating time is saved. Delete graphic: The graphics res. TrueType fonts stored in the printer-internal memory is deleted but the other fields are kept.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Indication of the font used in the printer. The following possibilities are available:

Codepage 1252 West European (former ANSI) Codepage 437 English Codepage 850 Western European Codepage 852 Slavic Codepage 857 Turkish Codepage 1250 Central and East European Codepage 1251 Cyrillic Codepage 1253 Greek Codepage 1254 Turkish Codepage 1257 Baltic WGL4 Please find the tables referring to the above mentionned character

sets on www.carl-valentin.de/Downloads.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

On: Sending parameters such as print speed and contrast via our label creation software to the printer. Parameters which are set directly at the printer before are no longer considered.

Off: Only settings made directly at the printer are considered.

Field handling

Codepage

External parameters

Function Menu Vario III Series

44 Operating Manual 11.13

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

On: An acoustic signal is audible when pressing a key. Off: No signal is audible.

Setting of display contrast. Value range: 35 … 85.

Press key to arrive the next menu item.

Selection of language in which you want to display the text in the printer display. At the moment the following languages are available: German, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, Danish, Finnish, Polish, Russian.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Selection of region for the desired keyboard layout. The following possibilities are available: Germany, England, France, Greece, Spain, Sweden, US, Russia.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

On: The question referring the customized variable appears once before the print start at the display. Auto: The question referring the customized variable appears again after print end. Additionally a query appears demanding the number of copies that should be print. Auto no quant: The question referring the customized variable appears again after print end. However, the same number of copies is printed. This number was defined once at the start of the print order. Off: No question appears at the display. In this case the stored default value is printed.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

On: Continue an interrupted print order after switching on the printer anew. Off: After switching off the printer the complete data is lost (see chapter 11.2 Hotstart, page 96).

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

On: A label which was loaded once from CF card can be loaded again automatically after a restart of printer. Procedure: The used label is saved onto CF card. The label is loaded from CF card and printed. After switching the printer Off and again On, the label is loaded from CF card automatically and can be printed

again. Press key

to start the print with input of number of labels.

Buzzer

Display

Printer language

Keyboard layout

Customized entry

Hotstart

Autoload

Vario III Series Function Menu

11.13 Operating Manual 45

NOTICE!

The last loaded label from CF card is always again loaded after a restart of printer.

Off: After a restart of printer the last used label must be again loaded manually from CF card.

NOTICE!

A common use of the functions Autoload and Hotstart is not possible. For a correct Autoload procedure the Hotstart must be deactivated in the printer.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Yes: I In case an error occurred and printer is in stopped mode then

you can reprint the last printed labels by means of keys

and .

No: Only blank labels were advanced.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

The backfeed was optimised in the operating modes dispenser (optional), cutter (optional) and tear off. Now, when driving into the offset, the following label is 'pre-printed' if possible and therefore the backfeed of label is no necessary and time can be saved.

The adjustable deceleration time is only for mode 'backfeed automatic' of importance (see chapter 11.4 Backfeed/Delay, page 100).

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

By a password several functions can be blocked, so the user cannot work with them. There are several applications in which the use of password protection makes sense (see chapter 11.3 Password, page

98).

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

On: A new print order is only printed after confirmation at the device. An already active continuing print order is printed as long as the confirmation is effected at the device. Off: No query appears at the display of control unit.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

On: If a print order is started without previous definition of label, the standard label is printed.

Off: If a print order is started without previous definition of label, an error message appears in the display.

Manual reprint

Backfeed

Delay

Password

Label confirmation

Standard label

Function Menu Vario III Series

46 Operating Manual 11.13

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Off: In order to start the measurement procedure you have to change

to the menu Measure label.

Measure: After switching on the printer, the loaded label is automatically measured. Feed: After switching on the printer the label is synchronised to the beginning of label. For this one or multiple labels are advanced.

6.6 Network

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the Network menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

For more information, please see the separate manual.

6.7 Remote Console

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the Remote console menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

For more information please contact our sales department.

Synchronisation at print start

Vario III Series Function Menu

11.13 Operating Manual 47

6.8 Interface

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the Interface menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

COM1:

0 - serial interface Off. 1 - serial interface On. 2 - serial Interface On, no error message occurs in case of a transmission error.

Baud:

Indication of bits which are transferred per second (speed of data transfer). Value range: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 and

115200.

P = Parity:

N - No parity E - Even O - Odd Please observe that the settings correspond to those of the printer.

D = Data bits:

Setting of data bits. Value range: 7 or 8 Bits.

S = Stop bits:

Indication of stop bits between bytes. Value range: 1 or 2 stop bits.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

SOH: Start of data transfer block

Hex format 01 ETB: End of data transfer block Hex formal 17 Two different start / en signs can be set. The settings are normally SOH = 01 HEX and ETB = 17 HEX. Several host computers cannot process these signs and therefore SOH = 5E HEX and ETB = 5F cannot be set.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Standard: After starting a print order the printer buffer receives data as long as it is filled. Advanced: During a current print order data is received and processed. Off: After starting a print order no more data is received.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Check whether the data are transferred via the interface.

Press the

and keys to select standard (on). Press the key and the data sent via any port (COM1, LPT, USB, TCP/IP) is printed.

COM1 / Baud / P / D / S

Start sign / End sign

Data memory

Port test

Function Menu Vario III Series

48 Operating Manual 11.13

6.9 Emulation

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the Emulation menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

CVPL: Carl Valentin Programming Language ZPL: Z ebra

Programming Language Change between CVPL protocol and ZPL II

protocol.

Press key

to confirm the selection.

The printer performs a restart and ZPL II

commands are transformed into CVPL commands internally by the printer and then executed by the printer.

In menu Protocol, press key

to arrive the next menu item.

At activated ZPL II

emulation the printhead resolution of the emulated

printer must be set, e.g. 11.8 Dot/mm (= 300 dpi).

NOTICE!

If the printhead resolution of the Zebra

printer differs from that of the Valentin printer, then the size of objects (e.g. texts, graphics) complies not exactly.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

The access to Zebra

drives B: CF card R: RAM Disk (standard drive, if not indicated)

is rerouted to the corresponding Valentin drives A: CF R: RAM Disk

This can be necessary if the available space on the RAM disk (at present. 512 KByte) is not sufficient or if bitmap fonts are downloaded to the printer and be stored permanently.

NOTICE!

As the printer build-in fonts in Zebra

printers are not available in Valentin printers, this can cause small differences in the text image.

Protocol

Printhead resolution

Drive mapping

Vario III Series Function Menu

11.13 Operating Manual 49

6.10 Date & Time

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the Date/Time menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

The upper line of display shows the current date, the second line the

current time. Press keys

to arrive the next input field. Press

keys

and to increase and/or decrease the figures at the cursor

position.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

On: Printer automatically adjust clock for daylight saving changes. Off: Summertime is not automatically recognized and adjusted.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Select the format in which you want to define beginning summertime. The above example indicates the default setting (European format).

DD = day WW = week WD = weekday MM = month YY = year next day = only next day is taken

into consideration

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

By means of this function you can enter the date at which summertime has to start. This entry refers to the previously selected format. Example: summertime is automatically adjusted at last Sunday in March (03).

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

By means of this function you can define the time when you want to start summertime.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Select the format in which you want to define end of summertime. The example above indicates the default setting (European format).

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

By means of this function you can define the date when you want to stop summertime. The entry refers to the previously selected format. Example: summertime is automatically adjusted at last Sunday in October (10).

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

By means of this function you can define the time when you want to stop summertime.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

By means of this function you can enter time shifting in hours and minutes (for automatically adjustment from summer and wintertime). This entry refers to the currently set printer time.

Setting of date and time

Summertime

Start of summertime – Format

Start of summertime – Date

Start of summertime – Time

End of summertime – Format

End of summertime – Date

End of summertime – Time

Time shifting

Function Menu Vario III Series

50 Operating Manual 11.13

6.11 Service Functions

NOTICE!

So that the distributor res. the printer manufacturer in case of service can offer fast support, the printer is equipped with the

menu Service functions.

Necessary information such as selected parameters can be taken directly from the printer. More details such as version of

firmware or font are shown from the Main menu.

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the Service functions menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

Indication of label parameters in Volt.

A: Indication of minimum value. B: Indication of difference between minimum and maximum value. C: Indication of trigger level. The value is ascertained while measuring

and can be changed.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

This function enables definition of photocell levels. In case of problems while positioning or measuring of label, levels for label photocell can be set manually. Make sure that a large hub as possible (above the label >3 V, above the gap <1 V) is set.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

DLS: Indication of transmission photocell level in Volt. RLS: Indication of reflexion photocell level in Volt. SLS: Indication of peel off photocell level in Volt. TR: Indication of transfer ribbon photocell status

(either 0 or 1). H: Indication of printhead position. 0 = printhead down 1 = printhead up

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

D: Indication of printhead attainment in meters. G: Indication of printer attainment in meters.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

To achieve a high print quality, the indicated Ohm value must be set after an exchange of printhead.

Label parameters

Photocell configuration

Photocell parameters

Paper counter

Heater resistance

Vario III Series Function Menu

11.13 Operating Manual 51

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Indication of printhead temperature. The printhead temperature corresponds normally to the room temperature. In case the maximum printhead temperature is exceeded, the current print order is interrupted and an error message appears at the printer display.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

This function is often used for high printing speed as the tearing of transfer ribbon can be prevented. The higher the '++' value is set, the slower the feeding motor is accelerated. The smaller the '−−' value is set, the faster the feeding motor is decelerated.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Settings: Printout of all printer settings such as speed, label and transfer ribbon material.

Bar codes: Printout of all available bar code types. Fonts: Printout of all available font types.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Indication of input signal level 0 = Low 1 = High

Port

Function

1 = Print start 2 = Cut 3 = Counter Reset 4 = External synchronisation of label position 5 = No function 6 = No function 7 = No function 8 = No function

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Indication of input signal level 0 = Low 1 = High

Port

Function

9 = Error 10 = Print order active 11 = Label at dispenser photocell - at dispenser photocell 12 = Print end 13 = Ready 14 = RFID error - option RFID only 15 = Scanner: bar code not readable - option scanner only 16 = Transfer ribbon prior warning

Printhead temperature

Motor Ramp

Print examples

Input

Output

Function Menu Vario III Series

52 Operating Manual 11.13

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

1 – Printer is equipped with a cutter 2 – Printer is not equipped with a cutter

1 – The cutter is in the initial position and ready for the cutting

1 – procedure.

0 – The cutter is not in the initial position. Before you are going to

0 – release a cutting procedure you first have to place the cutter in 0 – its initial position.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

This function is activated e.g. if the transfer ribbon is to be changed. It is avoided that a print order is processed although the module is not

ready. If the function is activated then press the key

to change between Online and Offline mode. The respective state is indicated in the display. Standard: Off

Online: Data can be received by interface. The keys of the foil keyboard are only active, if you changed in the Offline mode with key

. Offline: The keys of the foil keyboard are still active but received data are not processed. If the module is again in Online mode then new print orders can be again received.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Before the end of transfer ribbon, a signal is send by the control output.

Setting of transfer ribbon advance warning diameter.

In case you enter a value in mm then a signal appears via control output when reaching this diameter (measured at transfer ribbon roll).

Setting of the reduced print speed. This can be set in the limits of the normal print speed. Additionally there are the following settings:

−: No reduced print speed 0: Printer stops at reaching the warning diameter and indicates 'ribbon error'.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Indication of value in 1/100 mm. After replacing the printhead - the print cannot be continued at the same position on the label, the difference can be corrected.

NOTICE!

The value for zero point adjustment is set ex works. After replacing the printhead, only service personnel are allowed to set this value anew.

Cutter photocell

Cutter Home

Online / Offline

Transfer ribbon advance warning

Warning diameter

Reduced speed (v)

Zero point adjustment

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11.13 Operating Manual 53

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

Indication of print layout correction in percent. By mechanical influences (e.g. label roll size) the print layout can be printed increased and reduced to its original size. Value range: +10.0% … −10.0%

6.12 Main Menu

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu. The main menu shows information such as printer type, current date and time, version number of firmware and the used FPGA.

The selected display is shown for a short time, then the indication returns to the first information.

Press key

to arrive the next information display.

Print length +/−

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11.13 Operating Manual 55

7 Options

7.1 Cutter

CAUTION!

Risk of injury, particularly during maintenance, the cutter blades are sharp!

 Switch off the before attaching the cutter!  The cutter may only be used when it is mounted on

the printer!

 Do not try to cut any materials which exceed the

maximum width or thickness specifications.

 Do NOT touch the area of the moving blades!

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the Cutter menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

NOTICE!

The menu item cutter is only displayed if the printer recognizes the option via cutter photocell when switching on the printer.

In the upper line of display, the cutter mode can be selected.

In the line below, the cutter offset (approx. 20 mm) can be set.

Press key

to change to the next operating mode.

Off:

The print order is processed without cutting.

Without backfeed:

A cut is effected after each label. We recommend using this operating mode if no data which is to print is in the upper part of the label.

With backfeed:

A cut is effected after each label.

Interval with final cut:

A cut is effected after a fixed number of labels which you have to enter at the print start and additionally at the end of the print order.

Interval without final cut:

A cut is effected after a fixed number of labels which you have to enter at the print start. At the end of the printer order no cut is effected except when the set interval comes to the end of the print order.

Operating modes

Options Vario III Series

56 Operating Manual 11.13

Final cut:

A cut is only effected at the end of the print order.

Select the desired cutter operating mode, then press key

select additional functions.

Automatic: After each printed label a cut is released. Extern: A cut is released by an external I/O. External can only be

selected if the label printer is equipped with option external I/O Nach jedem gedruckten Etikett wird ein Schnitt ausgelöst.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

On: The label is pulled back immediately after the cut. Off: The label is pulled back only before the next print.

In case you are in the main menu or a print order has been stopped

you can release a single cut by pressing key

The type of the single cut depends on the set cutter mode, offset and the value set for the double cut.

Cutter control

Automatic return

Single cut

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11.13 Operating Manual 57

7.2 Dispenser I/O

NOTICE!

In order to operate the printer in dispensing mode a print order has to be started and the printer has to be in 'waiting' mode.

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the Dispenser I/O menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

In the upper line of display, the operating mode can be selected.

In the line below, the dispenser I/O offset (approx. 20 mm) can be set.

Press key

to change to the next operating mode.

Off:

It is printed without the labels are dispensed.

I/O static:

The input signal evaluated, i.e. it is printed as long as the signal exists. The number of labels which was entered at the print start is printed. The set dispenser offset is not taken into consideration.

I/O static continuous:

For description of this operating mode, see I/O static. Continuous means that it is printed as long as new data is transferred via interface The set dispenser offset is not taken into consideration.

I/O dynamic:

The external signal is evaluated dynamically, i.e. is the printer in 'waiting' mode a single label is printed at each signal changing. After the print the set dispenser offset is executed, i.e. a backfeed is effected.

I/O dynamic continuous:

For description of this operating mode, see I/O dynamic. Continuous means that it is printed as long as new data is transferred via interface.

Photocell:

The printer is controlled via photocell. The printer prints automatically a label if the user takes away the label at the dispensing ledge. The print order is finished when the target number of labels is reached.

Photocell continuous:

For description of this operating mode, see Photcell. Continuous means that it is printed as long as new data is transferred via interface.

Dispenser offset

Operating modes

Options Vario III Series

58 Operating Manual 11.13

After selection of desired Dispenser I/O operating mode, press key

to select additional parameters.

First value = Indication of the current sensor level. This indication

is for checking purposes and cannot be modified.

Second value = Indication if a label (value = 1) or if no label (value =

0) was found. This indication is for checking purposes if the set switch level leads to a correct label recognition.

Third value = Indication of switch level (Default: 1.2).

Fourth value = Transmission power of label sensor [1..255]

Depending on label material (color) the sensor level can be adapted in order to permit a safe label recognition (Default: 80).

NOTICE!

The modification of this value is only taken into consideration

for the operating modes Photocell and Photocell continuous.

Press key

to arrive the next parameter.

Definition of port functions: 2 sign show the current setting for each port.

Port 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

(because of space reasons, the port number cannot be indicated)

The first sign specifies the following:

= Port operates as Input

= Port operates as Output

= Port has no function (not defined)

These settings cannot be modified.

The second sign specifies the following:

= Active signal level is 'high' (1)

−

= Active signal level is 'low' (0)

= Port is deactivated

= Function is executed at each change of the signal level

= Status can be enquired/influenced

by interface

= The printer-internal function is deactivated.

The modification of the signal level is only taken into consideration for the operating modes I/O static, I/O dynamic, I/O static continuous and I/O dynamic continuous.

in connection with Netstar PLUS

Additional parameters for Dispenser I/O

Dispenser photocell

I/O Port 1-8 and I/O Port 9-16

Vario III Series Options

11.13 Operating Manual 59

Press key

to arrive the next parameter.

Indication of debounce time of the dispenser input. The setting range of the debounce time is between 0 and 100 ms. In case the start signal is not clear then you can debounce the input by means of this menu item.

Press key

to arrive the next parameter.

Indication in time per second of the delay for the start signal. Value range: 0.00 … 9.99.

Press key

to arrive the next parameter.

Indication of interface at which the modifications of input signals (I/O) are sent.

Press key

to arrive the next parameter.

On: The start signal for the next label can already be released during printing the current label. The signal is registered from the printer. The printer starts printing the next label immediately after finishing the current one. Therefore time can be saved and performance be increased. Off: The start signal for the next label can only be released if the current label is printed to the end and the printer is again in 'waiting' state (output 'ready' set). If the start signal was released already before, so this is ignored.

Press key

to arrive the next parameter.

Selection of the available configurations Std_Label (factory setting) or StdFileSetLabel.

1 Print start and cut (Input)

2 No function

3 Counter reset (Input)

4 No function

5 Error reset (Input)

6 No function

7 No function

8 No function

9 Error (Output)

10 Print order active (Output)

11 Dispenser photocell:

Label exists at dispenser photocell (Output)

12 Printing (Output)

13 Ready (Output)

14 Option RFID only:

RFID error (Output)

15 Option scanner only:

Bar code not readable (Output)

16 Transfer ribbon prior warning (Output)

Debounce

Start signal delay

I/O protocol

Save signal

I/O Profile

List of registered functions for Std_Label

Options Vario III Series

60 Operating Manual 11.13

1 Print start and cut (Input)

2 Error reset (Input)

3 Number of the file to load Bit 0 (Input)

4 Number of the file to load Bit 1 (Input)

5 Number of the file to load 2 (Input)

6 Number of the file to load 3 (Input)

7 Number of the file to load 4 (Input)

8 Number of the file to load 5 (Input)

9 Error (Output)

10 Print order active (Output)

11 Dispenser photocell:

Label exists at dispenser photocell (Output)

12 Printing (Output)

13 Ready (Output)

14 Option RFID only:

RFID error (Output)

15 Option scanner only:

Bar code not readable (Output)

16 Transfer ribbon prior warning (Output)

7.3 WLAN

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the WLAN menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

The menu item WLAN can only be selected if a WLAN card was recognized at switching on the printer.

For more information, please see the separate manual.

List of registered functions for StdFileSetLabel

Vario III Series Options

11.13 Operating Manual 61

7.4 RFID

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the RFID menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

Press key

and to set the operating mode of RFID hardware.

In order to program a RFID tag the setting must be On.

Press key

in On mode to activate the hardware. The setting

remains also when switching the print module Off.

After a successful activation the availability of RFID module is indicated. The menu is not available if no RFID hardware was recognised.

Press key

to access the RFID menu.

Indication of RFID module type, frequency range (HF, UHF) and used frequency.

Press key

to arrive the next menu item.

The menu item Tag information contains several sub-functions.

Press key

to indicate the tag number.

Indication of tag identification number (TID) or 'no RFID tag' if no tag was recognised.

For UHF Class 1 Gen2 tags the EPC is indicated.

Press key

to return to the menu item Tag information.

Press key

to arrive at the next sub-function and then press key

to select the function.

Indication of tag storage allocation.

This information can be used to assure that the tag was programmed correctly.

Press key

to return to the menu item Tag information.

Press key

to arrive at the next sub-function and then press key

to select the function.

Indication of tag type.

Options Vario III Series

62 Operating Manual 11.13

Press keys

and to use the scroll function in order to shift the

complete information into the display.

Press key

to return to the menu item Tag information.

Press key

to arrive at the next sub-function and then press key

to select the function.

Start measuring function.

In order to evaluate the quality factor of RFID radio link the measuring function is started. With set tag offset the label is positioned accordingly.

Press key

to return to the menu item Tag information.

Press key

to arrive at the next sub-function and then press key

to select the function.

Adjust antenna. First value: Indication of successful reading attempts for current tag.

Second value: Number of reading attempts.

Third value: Number of failed reading attempts.

Press keys

and to position the label in mm steps. The set

antenna offset is corrected correspondingly.

Press key

to return to the menu item Tag information.

Press key

to arrive at the next sub-function and then press key

to select the function.

The automatic tag recognition is started.

The print module tries to recognise the inserted tag.

The status of tag recognition is indicated in percent.

After the tag recognition is finished the customized information is to be confirmed with key

to return to the previous menu.

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

Indication of interface settings.

NOTICE!

The settings should not be changed because the ideal setting is effected automatically.

Vario III Series Options

11.13 Operating Manual 63

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

Settings for error handling.

Press key

and to change between the different error reactions.

Print stop: The print module stops after each RFID error (tag could not be programmed).

Marking:

In case of an error the label is marked with sample.

Ignore:

Errors caused by unsuccessful tag programming are 'ignored'. The label is printed. However, the error is logged in the RFID statistics.

Press key and to change between the settings error or number of attempts.

Press key

and to specify the number of attempts, how often the RFID unit tries to write on the tag before an error is released or before the print order is cancelled.

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

Setting the sending power of the RFID write/read unit.

Press key

and to change the value.

NOTICE!

The adjustment of this value requires more special knowledge of the used hardware. The indicated value does not have to be changed normally because it affects the function of the write/read module. Changing can lead to the fact that RFID tags cannot be programmed any longer.

Press key

to save the current settings permanently.

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

Indication of the antenna position inside the used label.

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

Statistics indication of the previously programmed tags as well as the number of faulty tags.

Press key

to reset the counter.

For more information, please see the separate manual.

Options Vario III Series

64 Operating Manual 11.13

7.5 Scanner

Switch on the label printer and the display shows the main menu.

Press key

to access the function menu.

Press key

as long as you arrive the RFID menu.

Press key

to select the menu.

0 Off

1 Mode 1 (data comparison)

i.e. bar code date which was read by the scanner is compared with the printed data.

2 Mode 2 (check readability)

i.e. it is only checked if the scanner can read the printed bar codes.

3 Mode 3 (check readability, graphic), i.e. it is only checked if the

scanner can read the printed bar codes. This mode is to use if the bar code is available as graphic (e.g. printing with printer driver). In this case the printer cannot recognize that a bar code is placed onto the label.

Indication of number of successive non readables, i.e. when the printer indicates an error message. Value range: 0 - 9 1 = the printer stops at the first label which cannot be red from the

1 = scanner and shows an error message.

0 = the printer do not stop at non-readable. A message appears at

0 = the display only.

In many cases it is impossible to position the scanner directly at the printhead, and therefore with this setting a feeding can be set Value range: 1 - 5 The illustration below clarifies the meaning of this parameter.

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

Selection of the connected scanner type. For more information about the different scanner models, please contact our sales department.

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

Positioning of scanner. First of all, the scanner must be connected, the appropriate scanner must be selected in the scanner type menu, the interface must be activated in the interface parameter menu and the interface parameters must be set correctly.

Mode

NoRd = Non readables

VEtik = Label feeding

Scanner type

Scanner setup

Vario III Series Options

11.13 Operating Manual 65

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

Indication of value at which the label is moved so the scanner can read data onto the label.

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

If this parameter is set to 0 (AUTO), the switch on and off position of scanner is calculated by means of position and height of bar code onto the label. If the parameter Scan Length is not 0, so this defines the length of scan sector. The start of scan sector is then set by the parameter Scan Offset. The following drawing shows the meaning of parameter.

Figure 12

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

With this parameter can be adjusted, at which time the scanning of the bar code is to be effected - during printing or after printing.

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

In scan mode 'after print' the scanner is switched On after the label was printed. With this value the time can be specified between printing the label and switching On the scanner.

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

In scan mode 'after print' can be specified with this value the time which is available for scanning the label.

Press key

to arrive at the next menu item.

To use a scanner, the COM2 interface is set to 1.

For more information, please see the separate manual.

Scan offset

Scan length

Scan mode

Scan delay

Scan timeout

Interface

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11.13 Operating Manual 67

8 Compact Flash Card / USB Memory Stick

8.1 General Information

On the back side of the label printer is the slot for the CF card and the USB port for inserting the USB memory stick.

The mass storage menu (memory menu) permits the access to CF cards or USB memory sticks attached to the printer. Among loading and saving labels simple operations of contents are possible such as delete files/directories, copy files/directories or formatting.

NOTICE!

In case of a malfunction of the original memory medium it is recommend to copy the most important data by means of a commercial Card Reader.

8.2 Display Structure

Load layout

A:\STANDARD

File_name1.prn File_name2.prn File_name3.prn File_name4.prn

1 = Current function

2 = 2-lined header

3 = Scroll range

4 = File names / directory names

5 = Marking of the selected file (cursor)

6 = Current path (drive:\directory)

The two-line header (2) contains the current function name (1) and the current path (6).

The four-line scroll range indicates a list of files/directories. The first entry (marked with an arrow) is the active one. To this file/directory and/or these files/directories refer all actions.

NOTICE!

Three drives are available. A:\ indicates the CF card. U:\ indicates the USB memory stick.

U:\ (only one stick can be inserted)

R:\ indicates the RAM (ZPL Emulation).

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68 Operating Manual 11.13

8.3 Navigation

The memory menu is operated with the keys of the foil keyboard of the control unit or with different function keys of an attached USB keyboard.

Return to the previous menu.

Function Load layout: Change to the File

Explorer. File Explorer: Change to the 'context menu'.

Select a file/directory if a multiple selection is possible.

Main menu: Access to the memory menu. File Explorer: Create a new file.

Start the current function for the active file/directory.

Change to the superordinate directory.

Change to the currently marked directory.

In the current directory scroll upwards.

In the current directory scroll downwards.

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11.13 Operating Manual 69

8.4 Define User Directory

NOTICE!

An user directory is to be defined:

 before using and/or navigating through the memory menu.  if formatting of CF card is effected at PC and thus the

STANDARD directory was not created automatically.

The user directory is the root directory in which the user saves usually the most frequently used files/layouts. The utilisation of the user directory permits the quick and direct access to the files saved in the defined user directory. The definition of an user directory saves thus a long search of the file to be printed.

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70 Operating Manual 11.13

Press key

to access to the memory menu.

Press key

to call the File Explorer.

Press keys , , , to select the directory.

Press key

to display all available functions.

Select the function Set as user dir and press key

to confirm the

selection.

Press key

as long as the printer returned to the main menu.

At the next start of the memory menu the selected directory is displayed as user directory.

8.5 Load Layout

Loads a layout within a defined user directory. The function allows quick access to the desired layout as only layout files are displayed and directories hidden.

Press key

to access to the memory menu.

Press keys

, , , to select the layout to be printed.

Press key

to confirm the selection.

The printer display shows automatically the window to insert the number of copies which are to print.

Select the number of copies which are to be printed.

Press key

to start the print order.

NOTICE!

The directory CANNOT be changed here. A change of directory

MUST be made in the File Explorer with the function Change directory.

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11.13 Operating Manual 71

8.6 File Explorer

The File Explorer is the file manager of the printing system. The File Explorer provides the main functions for the user interface of memory menu.

In the user directory, press key

to access to the File Explorer.

Following functions are available:

 Change drive and/or directory

 Load file

 Save layout and/or configuration

 Delete file(s)

 Format CF card

 Copy file(s)

Selection of drive and/or directory in which the files are saved.

Press key to access to the memory menu.

Press key

to call the File Explorer.

Press keys

, , , to select the directory.

Press key

to confirm the selection.

The selected directory is now displayed.

Change drive/directory

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72 Operating Manual 11.13

Loads a file. This can be a configuration saved before, a layout, etc.

Press key

to access to the memory menu.

Press key

to call the File Explorer.

Press keys

and to select the file.

Press key

to load the selected file.

If the selected file is a layout, then the number of copies to print can be entered immediately.

Saves the currently loaded layout under the selected name.

Press key

to access to the memory menu.

Press key

to call the File Explorer.

Press key

to change to the menu Save file. Selct the function Savel layout and confirm the selection with key

If an USB keyboard is attached a new file name for noname can be

assigned.

Load file

Save layout

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11.13 Operating Manual 73

Saves the complete, current printer configuration under the selected name.

Press key

to access to the memory menu.

Press key

to call the File Explorer.

Press key

to change to the menu Save file. Selct the function Save configuration and confirm the selection with

key

If an USB keyboard is attached a new file name for config.cfg can be

assigned.

Deletes one or more files and/or directories irrevocably. With the deletion of a directory both the contained files and the subdirectories are deleted.

Press key to access to the memory menu.

Press key

to call the File Explorer.

Press keys

and to select the file.

Press key

to mark the files which are to be deleted. The marked entries are listed with *. Repeat this procedure until all desired files and/or directories are marked for deletion.

Press key

to call the context menu.

Select the function Delete and confirm the selection with key

NOTICE!

The deleting procedure is irreversible!

Save configuration

Delete file(s)

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74 Operating Manual 11.13

Formats irrevocably the memory card.

NOTICE!

USB sticks cannot be formatted at the printer!

Press key to access to the memory menu.

Press key

to call the File Explorer.

Select the drive which is to format with the navigation keys.

Press key

to call the context menu.

Select the function Format and confirm the selection with key

Formatting

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11.13 Operating Manual 75

Creates a duplicate of the original file and/or the original directory to make changes independently of the original.

Press key to access to the memory menu.

Press key

to call the File Explorer.

Press keys

and to select the file.

Press key

to mark the files which are to be copied. The marked entries are listed with *. Repeat this procedure until all desired files and/or directories are marked for copying.

Press key

to call the context menu.

Select the function Copy and confirm the selection with key

Select the target storage with the navigation keys and press key to confirm the selection.

Copying

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76 Operating Manual 11.13

8.7 Firmware Update

Starting from firmware version 1.58 it is possible to make a firmware update also via the memory menu. Both the USB stick as well as the CF card can be used for this.

On the CF card / USB memory stick a directory is created in which the necessary update files are stored (firmware.prn, data.prn). By means

of the function Load file the file firmware.prn is selected/loaded. In the

first step the printer executes the firmware update. After the necessary

restart automatically the file data.prn is loaded. In this way the

remaining components were updated. is After a renewed restart the update procedure is finished.

8.8 Filter

For certain functions a filter mask or a file name of a file which is to be saved can be entered. This input is indicated in the path line. It is possible with the filter mask to look for certain files. For example, with the input of 'L' only the files are listed whose character string starts with 'L' (regardless of upper and lower cases).

Procedure

Without filter

With filter

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11.13 Operating Manual 77

9 Maintenance and Cleaning

DANGER!

Risk of death by electric shock!

 Disconnect the label printer from power supply

before performing any maintenance work.

NOTICE!

When cleaning the label printer, personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves are recommended.

Maintenance task Frequency

General cleaning (see chapter

9.1, page 78).

As necessary.

Cleaning pressure roller (see chapter 9.2, page 78).

Each time the label roll is changed or when the printout and label transport are adversely affected.

Cleaning printhead (see chapter

9.3, page 79).

Each time the transfer ribbon is changed or when the printout is adversely affected.

Cleaning label photocell (see chapter 9.4, page 80).

When exchanging the label roll.

Replacing printhead (see chapter 9.5, page 81).

When errors in the printout occur.

NOTICE!

The handling instructions for the use of Isopropanol (IPA) must be observed. In the case of skin or eye contact, immediately wash off the fluid thoroughly with running water. If the irritation persists, consult a doctor. Ensure good ventilation.

WARNING!

Risk of fire by easily inflammable label soluble!

 When using label soluble, dust must be completely

removed from the label printer and cleaned.

Maintenance schedule

Maintenance and Cleaning Vario III Series

78 Operating Manual 11.13

9.1 General Cleaning

CAUTION!

Abrasive cleaning agents can damage the label printer!

 Do not use abrasives or solvents to clean the outer

surface of the label printer.

 Remove dust and paper fuzz in the printing area with a soft

brush or vacuum cleaner.

 Clean outer surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner.

9.2 Cleaning the Pressure Roller

A soiled pressure roller can lead to reduced print quality and can affect transport of material.

CBA

Figure 13

1. Open printer cover.

2. Turn lever (C) counter clockwise to lift up the printhead (B).

3. Remove labels and transfer ribbon form the label printer.

4. Remove deposits with roller cleaner and a soft cloth.

5. Turn the roller (A) manually step by step to clean the complete

roller (only possible when printer is switched off, as otherwise the step motor is full of power and the roller is kept in its position).

Vario III Series Maintenance and Cleaning

11.13 Operating Manual 79

9.3 Cleaning the Printhead

Printing can cause accumulation of dirt at printhead e.g. by colour particles of transfer ribbon, and therefore it is necessary to clean the printhead in regular periods depending on operating hours, environmental effects such as dust etc.

CAUTION!

Printhead can be damaged!

 Do not use sharp or hard objects to clean the

printhead.

 Do not touch protective glass layer of the printhead.

Figure 14

1. Open printer cover.

2. Turn lever (A, in Figure 13) counter clockwise to lift up the

printhead.

3. Remove labels and transfer ribbon from the label printer.

4. Clean printhead surface with special cleaning pen or a cotton

swab dipped in pure alcohol.

5. Allow printhead to dry for 2-3 minutes before commissioning the

printer.

Maintenance and Cleaning Vario III Series

80 Operating Manual 11.13

9.4 Cleaning the Label Photocell

CAUTION!

Label photocell can be damaged!

 Do not use sharp or hard objects or solvents to clean

the label photocell.

The label photocell can become dirtied with paper dust and this can adversely affect label detection.

Figure 15

1. Open printer cover.

2. Turn lever counter clockwise to lift up the printhead.

3. Remove labels and transfer ribbon from the label printer.

4. Blow out the photocell (A) with pressure gas spray.

Observe strictly the instructions on the spray can!

5. Clean the label photocell (A) additionally with a cleaning card (B)

before soaked in pure alcohol. Move the cleaning card from one side to the other (see illustration).

6. Reload labels and transfer ribbon (see chapter 5 Loading Media,

on page 29).

Vario III Series Maintenance and Cleaning

11.13 Operating Manual 81

9.5 Replacing the Printhead (General)

NOTICE!

The printhead (4) is preinstalled on a head plate (1) and aligned at the factory.

Figure 16

A Head plate B Plug connection signal C Plug connection tension D Printhead E Focal line

CAUTION!

The printhead can be damaged by static electricity discharges and impacts!

 Set up printer on a grounded, conductive surface.  Ground your body, e.g. by wearing a grounded

wristband.

 Do not touch contacts on the plug connections (B, C).  Do not touch printing line (E) with hard objects or your

hands.

Maintenance and Cleaning Vario III Series

82 Operating Manual 11.13

9.6 Replacing the Printhead

CDEED

Figure 17

1. Remove labels and transfer ribbon from the label printer.

2. When printhead is closed, loosen the screws (D).

3. Turn lever (B) counter clockwise to lift up the printhead.

4. If the printhead (C) is not disengaged on the pressure roller,

continue loosen the screws (D).

5. Remove the printhead carefully to the front until you can reach the

plug connections.

6. Remove plug connections and then remove printhead (C).

1. Attach plug connections.

2. Position printhead in printhead mounting bracket in such a way

that the pin is secured in the corresponding hole in the head plate.

3. Lightly keep printhead mounting bracket on the printer roller with

one finger and check for correct positioning of the printhead.

4. Tighten again screws (D).

5. Reload labels and transfer ribbon (see chapter 5 Loading Media,

on page 29).

6. Check resistance value on the type plate of printhead and if

necessary change the value in the Service functions/heater resistance.

Removing the printhead

Installing the printhead

Vario III Series Maintenance and Cleaning

11.13 Operating Manual 83

9.7 Adjusting the Printhead

An important characteristic for a high quality print is the parallelism of the focal line of the thermal printhead to the pressure roll. Because of the fact that the position of focal line of the printhead depends on fluctuations caused by production, it is necessary to adjust the parallelism.

1. Loosen the screws (D, Figure 17) with a hexagon key by approx.

¼ rotations.

2. Adjust the parallelism with the adjusting screws (E, Figure 17).

Clockwise = printhead moves forwards Counter clockwise = printhead moves backwards

3. Adjust the parallelism as long as the printing result comes up to

your full expectation.

4. Tighten again screws (D, Figure 17).

5. Start a print order with approx. 10 labels and control the correct

passage of transfer ribbon.

Increasing the head contact pressure leads to an improvement of the print image density on the corresponding side and to a shifting of the ribbon feed path in the corresponding direction.

CAUTION!

Damage of printhead by unequal use!

 Change factory settings only in exceptional cases.

The selection of the smallest value can optimise the life cycle of printhead.

1. Turn pressure screws (A, Figure 17) to change the pressure of

printhead.

2. Turning the pressure screws (A, Figure 17) in clockwise direction

results in a pressure increase.

3. Turning the pressure screws (A, Figure 17) counter clockwise

results in a pressure decrease.

Parallelism

Pressure

Vario III Series Error correction

11.13 Operating Manual 85

10 Error correction

Error message Cause Remedy

1 Line too high

Line rises up completely or partly over the upper edge of label.

Move line down (increase Y value).

Check rotation and font.

2 Line too low

Line rises up completely or partly over the bottom edge of label.

Move line up (reduce X value).

Check rotation and font.

3 Character set

One res. several characters of the text is res. are not available in the selected font.

Change text.

Change font.

4 Unknown code type

Selected code is not available. Check code type.

5 Unvalid position

Selected position is not available.

Check position.

6 CV font

Selected font is not available. Check font.

7 Vector font

Selected font is not available. Check font.

8 Measuring label

While measuring no label was found.

Set label length is too large.

Check label length and if labels are inserted correctly.

Restart measuring anew.

9 No label found

No label available.

Soiled label photocell.

Labels not inserted correctly.

Insert new label roll.

Check if labels are inserted correctly.

Clean the label photocell.

10 No ribbon

During the print order the ribbon roll becomes empty (front printhead).

Defect at the transfer ribbon photocell (front photocell).

Change transfer ribbon.

Check transfer ribbon photocell (service functions).

11 COM FRAMING

Stop bit error. Check stop bits.

Check baud rate.

Check cable (printer and PC).

12 COM PARITY

Parity error. Check parity.

Check baud rate.

Check cable (printer and PC).

13 COM OVERRUN

Loss of data at serial interface (RS-232).

Check baud rate.

Check cable (printer and PC).

Error correction Vario III Series

86 Operating Manual 11.13

Error message Cause Remedy

14 Field numer

Received line number is invalid at RS-232 and Centronics.

Check sent data.

Check connection PC - printer.

15 Length mask

Invalid length of received mask statement.

Check sent data.

Check connection PC - printer.

16 Unknown mask

Transferred mask statement is invalid.

Check sent data.

Check connection PC - printer.

17 Missing ETB

No end of data found. Check sent data.

Check connection PC - printer.

18 Invalid character

One res. several characters of the text is res. are not available in the selected font.

Change text.

Change font.

19 Invalid statement

Unknown transferred data record.

Check sent data.

Check connection PC - printer.

20 Invalid check digit

For check digit control the entered res. received check digit is wrong.

Calculate check digit anew.

Check code data.

21 Invalid SC number

Selected SC factor is invalid for EAN res. UPC.

Check SC factor.

22 Invalid number of

digits

Entered digits for EAN res. UPC are invalid

< 12; > 13.

Check number of digits.

23 Check digit

calculation

Selected check digit calculation is not available in the bar code.

Check calculation of check digit.

Check bar code type.

24 Invalid extension

Selected zoom factor is not available.

Check zoom factor.

25 Offset sign

Entered sign is not available. Check offset value.

26 Offset value

Entered offset value is invalid. Check offset value.

27 Printhead

temperature

Printhead temperature is too high.

Defective printhead sensing device.

Reduce contrast.

Change printhead.

28 Cutter error

With cut an error occurred.

Paper jam.

Check label run.

Check cutter run.

29 Invalid parameter

Entered data do not correspond to the characters allowed from the application identifier.

Check code data.

Vario III Series Error correction

11.13 Operating Manual 87

Error message Cause Remedy

30 Application

Identifier

Selected application identifier is not available in GS1-128.

Check code data.

31 HIBC definition

F Missing HIBC system sign.

Missing primary code.

Check definition of HIBC code.

32 System clock

Real Time Clock function is selected but the battery is empty.

Defective RTC.

Change battery.

Change RTC component.

33 No CF interface

Interrupted connection CPU CF card.

Defective CF card interface.

Check connection CPU - CF card interface.

Check CF card interface.

34 No print memory

No print CF found. Check CF assembly on CPU.

35 Cover open

At start of a print order the printhead is open.

Close the printhead and start print order anew.

36 BCD invalid format

BCD error

Invalid format for the calculation of Euro variable.

Check entered format.

37 BCD overflow

BCD error

Invalid format for the calculation of Euro variable.

Check entered format.

38 BCD division

BCD error

Invalid format for the calculation of Euro variable.

Check entered format.

39 FLASH ERROR

Flash component error. Run a software update.

Change CPU.

40 Length command

Invalid length of the received command statement.

Check data sent.

Check connection PC - printer.

41 No drive

CF card not found / not correctly inserted.

Insert CF card correctly.

42 Drive error

Impossible to read CF card (faulty).

Check CF card, if necessary change it.

43 Not formatted

CF Card not formatted. Format CF card.

44 Delete current

Carl Valentin VARIO III Operating Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual