Century Eagle 4 Owner's Manual

Century Systems Thermal Printer

Century Eagle 4

Owner's Manual

Original Aug., 2003

Document No. CSE1-33034

Century Systems, Inc.

CE Compliance (for EU only)

This product complies with the requirements of EMC and Low Voltage Directives including their amendments.

VORSICHT:

• Schallemission: unter 70dB (A) nach DIN 45635 (oder ISO 7779)

• Die für das Gerät Vorgesehene Steckdose muß in der Nähe des Gerätes und leicht zugänglich sein.

Centronics® is a registered trademark of Genicom Corporation. Microsoft Windows

is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Century Systems has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency.

-- Outline of the International ENERGY STAR® Office Equipment Program --

The International ENERGY STAR

Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the penetration of energy efficient computers and other office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, monitors, printers, facsimiles, copiers, scanners, and multifunction devices. Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.

ENERGY STAR

is a trademark fo The Environmental Protection agency

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

(for USA only)

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

“This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.” “Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.”

(for CANADA only)

Safety Summary ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

Safety Summary

Personal safety in handling or maintaining the equipment is extremely important. Warnings and Cautions necessary for safe handling are included in this manual. All warnings and cautions contained in this manual should be read and understood before handling or maintaining the equipment.

Do not attempt to effect repairs or modifications to this equipment. If a fault occurs that cannot be rectified using the procedures described in this manual, turn off the power, unplug the machine, then contact your authorized Century Systems representative for assistance.

Meaning of Each Symbol

This symbol indicates warning items (including cautions). Specific warning contents are drawn inside the

symbol.

(The symbol on the left indicates a general caution.)

This symbol indicates prohibited actions (prohibited items). Specific prohibited contents are drawn inside or near the

symbol.

(The symbol on the left indicates “no disassembling”.)

This symbol indicates actions which must be performed.

Specific instructions are drawn inside or near the ● symbol.

(The symbol on the left indicates “disconnect the power cord plug from the outlet”.)

Any other than the specified AC voltage is prohibited.

Prohibited

Disconnect the plug.

ARNING

Do not use voltages other than the voltage (AC) specified on the rating plate, as this may cause fire or electric shock.

If the machines share the same outlet with any other electrical appliances that consume large amounts of power, the voltage will fluctuate widely each time these appliances op000000erate. Be sure to provide an exclusive outlet for the machine as this may cause fire or electric shock.

Do not insert or drop metal, flammable or other foreign objects into the machines through the ventilation slits, as this may cause fire or electric shock.

This indicates that there is the risk of death or serious injury if the machines are improperly handled contrary to this indication.

If the machines are dropped or their cabinets damaged, first turn off the power switches and disconnect the power cord plugs from the outlet, and then contact your authorized Century Systems representative for assistance. Continued use of the machine in that condition may cause fire or electric shock.

Prohibited

Disconnect the plug.

Do not plug in or unplug the power cord plug with wet hands as this may cause electric shock.

Do not place metal objects or water-filled containers such as flower vases, flower pots or mugs, etc. on top of the machines. If metal objects or spilled liquid enter the machines, this may cause fire or electric shock.

Do not scratch, damage or modify the power cords. Also, do not place heavy objects on, pull on, or excessively bend the cords, as this may cause fire or electrical shock.

Continued use of the machines in an abnormal condition such as when the machines are producing smoke or strange smells may cause fire or electric shock. In these cases, immediately turn off the power switches and disconnect the power cord plugs from the outlet. Then, contact your authorized Century Systems representative for assistance.

(

Safety Summary ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

Disconnect the plug.

Connect a grounding wire.

If foreign objects (metal fragments, water, liquids) enter the machines, first turn off the power switches and disconnect the power cord plugs from the outlet, and then contact your authorized Century Systems representative for assistance. Continued use of the machine in that condition may cause fire or electric shock.

Ensure that the equipment is properly grounded. Extension cables should also be grounded. Fire or electric shock could occur on improperly grounded equipment.

Disconnect the plug.

No disassembling.

When unplugging the power cords, be sure to hold and pull on the plug portion. Pulling on the cord portion may cut or expose the internal wires and cause fire or electric shock.

Do not remove covers, repair or modify the machine by yourself. You may be injured by high voltage, very hot parts or sharp edges inside the machine.

This indicates that there is the risk of personal Injury or damage to

CAUTION

Precautions

The following precautions will help to ensure that this machine will continue to function correctly.

● Try to avoid locations that have the following adverse conditions:

* Temperatures out of the specification * Direct sunlight * High humidity * Shared power source * Excessive vibration * Dust/Gas

● The cover should be cleaned by wiping with a dry cloth or a cloth slightly dampened with a mild detergent solution. NEVER

USE THINNER OR ANY OTHER VOLATILE SOLVENT on the plastic covers.

● USE ONLY Century Systems SPECIFIED paper and ribbons.

● DO NOT STORE the paper or ribbons where they might be exposed to direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity, dust,

or gas.

● Ensure the printer is operated on a level surface.

● Any data stored in the memory of the printer could be lost during a printer fault.

● Try to avoid using this equipment on the same power supply as high voltage equipment or equipment likely to cause mains

interference.

● Unplug the machine whenever you are working inside it or cleaning it.

● Keep your work environment static free.

● Do not place heavy objects on top of the machines, as these items may become unbalanced and fall, causing injury.

● Do not block the ventilation slits of the machines, as this will cause heat to build up inside the machines and may cause fire.

● Do not lean against the machine. It may fall on you and could cause injury.

● Care must be taken not to injure yourself with the printer paper cutter.

● Unplug the machine when it is not used for a long period of time.

● Place the machine on a stable and level surface.

objects if the machines are improperly handled contrary to this indication.

Request Regarding Maintenance

● Utilize our maintenance services.

● After purchasing the machine, contact your authorized Century Systems representative for assistance once a year to have the

inside of the machine cleaned. Otherwise, dust will build up inside the machines and may cause a fire or a malfunction. Cleaning is particularly effective before humid rainy seasons.

● Our preventive maintenance service performs the periodic checks and other work required to maintain the quality and

performance of the machines, preventing accidents beforehand.

For details, please consult your authorized Century Systems representative for assistance.

● Using insecticides and other chemicals:

Do not expose the machines to insecticides or other volatile solvents. This will cause the cabinet or other parts to deteriorate or cause the paint to peel.

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ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................................E1-1

1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................E1-1

1.2 Features.........................................................................................................................................E1-1

1.3 Unpacking ......................................................................................................................................E1-1

1.4 Accessories ...................................................................................................................................E1-2

1.5 Appearance....................................................................................................................................E1-3

1.5.1 Dimensions.................................................................................................................E1-3

1.5.2 Front View ..................................................................................................................E1-3

1.5.3 Rear View...................................................................................................................E1-3

1.5.4 Operation Panel..........................................................................................................E1-4

1.5.5 Interior ........................................................................................................................E1-4

2. PRINTER SETUP ....................................................................................................................................E2-1

2.1 Precautions....................................................................................................................................E2-1

2.2 Procedure before Operation ..........................................................................................................E2-2

2.3 Fitting the Fan Filter.......................................................................................................................E2-2

2.4 Connecting the Cables to Your Printer ..........................................................................................E2-3

2.5 Connecting the Power Cord...........................................................................................................E2-4

2.6 Turning the Printer ON/OFF ..........................................................................................................E2-5

2.6.1 Turning ON the Printer ...............................................................................................E2-5

2.6.2 Turning OFF the Printer..............................................................................................E2-5

2.7 Loading the Media .........................................................................................................................E2-6

2.8 Loading the Ribbon..................................................................................................................... E2-11

2.9 Inserting the Optional PCMCIA Cards........................................................................................ E2-12

2.10 Test Print..................................................................................................................................... E2-13

3. ON LINE MODE.......................................................................................................................................E3-1

3.1 Operation Panel.............................................................................................................................E3-1

3.2 Operation .......................................................................................................................................E3-2

3.3 Reset..............................................................................................................................................E3-2

3.4 Dump Mode ...................................................................................................................................E3-3

4. MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................................................................E4-1

4.1 Cleaning.........................................................................................................................................E4-1

4.1.1 Print Head/Platen/Sensors .........................................................................................E4-1

4.1.2 Covers and Panels .....................................................................................................E4-2

4.1.3 Optional Cutter Module...............................................................................................E4-2

4.2 Care/Handling of the Media and Ribbon .......................................................................................E4-3

5. TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................................E5-1

5.1 Error Messages .............................................................................................................................E5-1

5.2 Possible Problems .........................................................................................................................E5-2

5.3 Removing Jammed Media.............................................................................................................E5-3

5.4 Threshold Setting...........................................................................................................................E5-4

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ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

APPENDIX 1 SPECIFICATIONS EA1-1

APPENDIX 1 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. EA2-1

A1.1 Printer ......................................................................................................................................... EA1-1

A1.2 Options........................................................................................................................................ EA1-2

A1.3 Media .......................................................................................................................................... EA1-2

A1.3.1 Media Type...................................................................................................................... EA1-2

A1.3.2 Detection Area of the Transmissive Sensor.................................................................... EA1-3

A1.3.3 Detection Area of the Reflective Sensor .........................................................................EA1-4

A1.3.4 Effective Print Area..........................................................................................................EA1-4

A1.4 Ribbon......................................................................................................................................... EA1-5

APPENDIX 2 MESSAGES AND LEDS .......................................................................................................EA2-1

APPENDIX 3 INTERFACE........................................................................................................................... EA3-1

APPENDIX 4 PRINT SAMPLES .................................................................................................................. EA4-1

A4.1 Bitmap Fonts............................................................................................................................... EA4-1

A4.2 Outline Fonts .............................................................................................................................. EA4-2

A4.3 Linear Barcodes.......................................................................................................................... EA4-3

A4.4 2D Barcodes ............................................................................................................................... EA4-4

GLOSSARIES

INDEX

WARNING

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

CAUTION!

1. This manual may not be copied in whole or in part without prior written permission of Century

Systems.

2. The contents of this manual may be changed without notification.

3. Please refer to your local Authorized Service representative with regard to any queries you may have in this manual.

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1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Features

1.3 Unpacking

1. Check for damage or scratches on the printer. However, please note that Century Systems shall have no liability for any damage of any kind sustained during transportation of the product.

2. Keep the cartons and pads for future transportation of the printer.

NOTES:

Thank you for choosing the Century Eagle 4 series thermal printer.

Owner’s Manual covers operation of the printer from general set-up through how to confirm the printer operation using a test print, and should be read carefully to help gain maximum performance and life from your printer. For most queries please refer to this manual and keep it safe for future reference. Please contact your Century Systems representative for further information concerning this manual.

This printer has the following features:

• The print head block can be opened providing smooth loading of

media and ribbon.

• Various kinds of media can be used, as the media sensors can be

moved from the centre to the left edge of the media.

• When the optional interface board is installed, Web functions such as

remote maintenance and other advanced network features are available.

• Superior hardware, including the specially developed 8 dots/mm (203

dots/inch) thermal print head which will allow very clear print at a printing speed of 76.2 mm/sec. (3 inches/sec.), 152.4 mm/sec. (6 inches/sec.), or 254.0 mm/sec. (10 inches/sec.).

• Besides the optional Cutter Module, there is also an optional Strip

Module, Ribbon Saving Module, PCMCIA Interface Board, Expansion I/O Interface Board, LAN Interface Board, and the USB Interface Board.

Unpack the printer as per the Unpacking Instructions supplied with the printer.

1.1 Introduction

This

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1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

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)

1.4 Accessories

When unpacking the printer, please make sure all the following accessories are supplied with the printer.

 US Power Cord (1 pc.) (P/No. CEP00024)

QQ model only

 CD-ROM (1 pc.)

QQ (P/No. CEP00022)

 EU Power Cord (1 pc.)

(P/No. CEP00025) QP model onl

 Fan Filter (1 pc.)

P/No. CEP00019

QP (P/No. CEP00023)

Note: In the event that there is

no CD included, current drivers and demo software can be found online in the download section at www.centurysystems.biz

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1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

1.5 Appearance

1.5.1 Dimensions

1.5.2 Front View

1.5 Appearance

The names of the parts or units introduced in this section are used in the following chapters.

291 (11.5)

291 460

460 (18.1)

308

(12.1)

308

Dimensions in mm (inches)

LCD Message Display

Top Cover

Operation Panel

1.5.3 Rear View

Supply Window

Media Outlet

Serial Interface Connector (RS-232C)

Parallel Interface Connector (Centronics)

PCMCIA Card Slot (Option), USB Connector (Option), or LAN Connector (Option)

USB Connector (Option) or LAN Connector (Option)

Expansion I/O Interface Connector (Option)

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AC Power Inlet

Power Switch {: OFF |: ON

1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

1.5.4 Operation Panel

POWER LED

(Green)

[FEED] key

[RESTART] key

Please see Section 3.1 for further information about the Operation Panel.

LCD Message Display

ON LINE LED (Green)

ERROR LED (Red)

[PAUSE] key

1.5 Appearance

1.5.5 Interior

Print Head Block

Print Head

Platen

Ribbon Stopper

Head Lever

Locking Ring

Supply Holder

Supply Shaft

Ribbon Shaft

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2. PRINTER SETUP ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

2. PRINTER SETUP

2.1 Precautions

• Operate the printer on a stable, level, operating surface in a location

• Keep your work environment static free. Static discharge can cause

• Make sure that the printer is connected to a clean source of AC

• Assure that the printer is connected to the AC mains with a three-

• Do not operate the printer with the cover open. Be careful not to

2.1 Precautions

This section outlines the procedures to set up your printer prior to its operation. The section includes precautions, connecting cables, assembling accessories, loading media and ribbon, inserting the optional memory card, and performing a test print.

To insure the best operating environment, and to assure the safety of the operator and the equipment, please observe the following precautions:

free from excessive humidity, high temperature, dust, vibration or direct sunlight.

damage to delicate internal components.

Power and that no other high voltage devices that may cause line noise interference are connected to the same mains.

prong power cable that has the proper ground (earth) connection.

allow fingers or articles of clothing to get caught into any of the moving parts of the printer, especially the optional cutter mechanism.

• Make sure to turn off the printer power and to remove the power

cord from the printer whenever working on the inside of the printer, such as when changing the ribbon or loading the media, or when cleaning the printer.

• For best results, and longer printer life, use only Century Systems

recommended media and ribbons.

• Store the media and ribbons in accordance with their specifications.

• This printer mechanism contains high voltage components;

therefore, you should never remove any of the covers of the machine, as you may receive an electrical shock. Additionally, the printer contains many delicate components that may be damaged if accessed by unauthorized personnel.

• Clean the outside of the printer with a clean dry cloth or a clean

cloth slightly dampened with a mild detergent solution.

• Use caution when cleaning the thermal print head as it may become

very hot while printing. Wait until it has had time to cool before cleaning. Use only the Century Systems recommended print head cleaner to clean the print head.

• Do not turn off the printer power or remove the power plug while the

printer is printing or while the ON LINE lamp is blinking.

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2. PRINTER SETUP ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

2.2 Procedure before Operation

To communicate with the host computer, one of the following cables is required. (1) RS-232C cable: 25 pins (2) Centronics cable: 36 pins (3) USB: B plug (Option) (4) LAN: 10 Base-T or 100

Base-TX (Option)

NOTE:

2.3 Fitting the Fan Filter

2.2 Procedure before Operation

This section describes the outline of the printer setup.

1. Unpack the accessories and printer from the box.

2. Refer to Safety Precautions in this manual and set up the printer at a

proper location.

3. Fit the Fan Filter to the printer. (Refer to Section 2.3.)

4. The host computer must have a serial, Centronics parallel, USB or LAN

port. (Refer to Section 2.4.)

5. Be sure to insert the power cord plug into an AC outlet. (Refer to Section 2.5.)

6. Load the media. (Refer to Section 2.7.)

7. Adjust the position of the Feed Gap Sensor or Black Mark Sensor

depending on the media being used. (Refer to Section 2.7.)

8. Load the ribbon. (Refer to Section 2.8.)

9. Turn the power ON. (Refer to Section 2.6.)

10. Perform a test print. (Refer to Section 2.10.)

11. Install the Printer Drivers. (Refer to the Printer Driver Manual.)

When installing the printer, it is important to ensure that the Fan Filter is attached before using the printer.

The Fan Filter consists of 2 parts:

(1) Filter Pad (2) Filter Retainer

To fit the Fan Filter, put the Filter Pad inside the Filter Retainer and simply press into place as shown in the diagram below, ensuring connecting pins are aligned with the connecting holes.

Snap On

Filter Retainer

Filter Pad

Snap On

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2. PRINTER SETUP ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

2.4 Connecting the

Cables to Your Printer

1. The picture on the right shows the layout of the interface connectors when the options are fully installed. It may be different depending on your system configuration.

2. The USB interface and LAN interface cannot be used at the same time.

NOTES:

2.4 Connecting the Cables to Your Printer

The following paragraphs outline how to connect the cables from the printer to your host computer, and will also show how to make cable connections to other devices. Depending on the application software you use to print labels, there are four possibilities for connecting the printer to your host computer. These are:

• A serial cable connection between the printer’s RS-232 serial connector and one of your host computer’s COM ports. (Refer to APPENDIX 3.)

• A parallel cable connection between the printer’s standard parallel connector and your host computer’s parallel port (LPT).

• An Ethernet connection using the optional LAN board.

• A USB cable connection between the printer’s optional USB

connector and your host computer’s USB port. (Conforming to USB 1.1)

The diagram below shows all the possible cable connections to the current version of the printer.

g, h, or i

c Parallel Interface Connector (Centronics) d Serial Interface Connector (RS-232C) e Expansion I/O Interface Connector (Option) f Power Inlet g USB Interface Connector (Option) h PCMCIA Card Slot (Option) i LAN Interface Connector (Option)

gori

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2. PRINTER SETUP ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

2.5 Connecting the Power Cord

1. Make sure that the printer

2. Use only the Power Cord

3. Connect the Power Cord

CAUTION!

Power Switch is turned to the OFF position ({) before connecting the Power Cord to prevent possible electric shock or damage to the printer.

supplied with the printer. Use of any other cord may cause electric shock or fire.

to a supply outlet with a properly grounded (earthed) connection.

2.5 Connecting the Power Cord

1. Make sure that the printer Power Switch is in the OFF (

{) position.

Power Switch

2. Connect the Power Cord to the printer as shown in the figure below.

Power Cord

3. Plug the other end of the Power Cord into a grounded outlet as shown

in the figure below.

Power Cord

[QQ Type] [QP Type]

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2. PRINTER SETUP ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

2.6 Turning the Printer ON/OFF

2.6.1 Turning ON the Printer

Use the power switch to turn the printer On/Off. Plugging or unplugging the Power Cord to turn the printer On/Off may cause fire, an electric shock, or damage to the printer.

If a message other than ON LINE appears on the display or the ERROR LED lamp is illuminated, go to Section 5.1, Error Messages.

2.6.2 Turning OFF the Printer

1. Do not turn off the printer

2. Do not turn off the printer

CAUTION!

power while the media is being printed as this may cause a paper jam or damage to the printer.

power while the ON LINE lamp is blinking as this may cause damage to your computer.

NOTE:

2.5 Connecting the Power Cord

When the printer is connected to your host computer it is good practice to turn the printer ON before turning on your host computer and turn OFF your host computer before turning off the printer.

1. To turn ON the printer power, press the Power Switch as shown in the diagram below. Note that ( | )

2. Check that the ON LINE message appears in the LCD Message Display and that the ON LINE and POWER LED lights are illuminated.

1. Before turning off the printer Power Switch verify that the ON LINE message appears in the LCD Message Display and that the ON LINE LED light is on and is not flashing.

2. To turn OFF the printer power press the Power Switch as shown in the diagram below. Note that ({)

is the power ON side of the switch.

Power Switch

is the power OFF side of the switch.

Power Switch

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2. PRINTER SETUP ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

2.7 Loading the Media

1. Do not touch any moving

2. The Print Head becomes

3. To avoid injury, be careful

Be careful not to touch the Print Head Element when raising the Print Head Block. Failure to do this may cause missing dots by static electricity or other print quality problems.

1. When the Head Lever is

2. To allow printing the Head

There are two head pressure

Position Position However, proper position

3. Do not turn the Locking Ring

WARNING!

parts. To reduce the risk of fingers, jewelery, clothing, etc., being drawn into the moving parts, be sure to load the media once the printer has stopped moving completely.

hot immediately after printing. Allow it to cool before loading the media.

not to trap your fingers while opening or closing the cover.

CAUTION!

NOTES:

turned to Print Head is raised.

Lever must be set to position. (This ensures that the Print Head is closed.)

levels in the Set the Head Lever depending on the media type:

may differ depending on media. For details, refer to Century Systems authorised service representative.

counter-clockwise too far or it may come off the Supply Holder.

Free position, the

Lock

Lock position.

: Labels

: Tags

2.7 Loading the Media

The following procedure shows the steps to properly load the media into the printer so that it feeds straight and true through the printer.

The printer prints both labels and tags.

1. Turn off the power and open the Top Cover.

2. Turn the Head Lever to Free position, then release the Ribbon Shaft

Holder Plate.

3. Open the Print Head Block.

Print Head Block

Top Cover

Head Lever

Ribbon Shaft Holder Plate

4. Turn the Locking Ring counterclockwise and remove the Supply Holder from the Supply Shaft.

Locking Ring

Supply Shaft

Supply Holder

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2. PRINTER SETUP ENGLISH VERSION CSE1-33034

pply

2.7 Loading the Media (Cont.)

Do not over-tighten the Locking Ring of the Supply Holder.

NOTE:

2.7 Loading the Media

5. Put the media on the Supply Shaft.

6. Pass the media around the Damper, then pull the media towards the

front of the printer.

7. Align the projection of the Supply Holder with the groove of the

Supply Shaft, and push the Supply Holder against the media until the media is held firmly in place. This will centre the media automatically. Then turn the Locking Ring clockwise to secure the Supply Holder.

Groove

Damper

Holde

Projection

Media

In case of a label rolled with the print side facing inside.

Supply Shaft

In case of a label rolled with the print side facing outside.

Locking Ring

Media

Damper

8. Place the media between the Media Guides, adjust the Media Guides

to the media width, and tighten the Locking Screw.

9. Check that the media path through the printer is straight. The media

should be centered under the Print Head.

Media Guide

Print Head

Supply Holder

Locking Screw

Media

Media Guide

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+ 39 hidden pages

Century Eagle 4 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual