Citizen CLP 621 User Manual

USER'S

MANUAL

Thermal Transfer Barcode & Label Printer

CLP-621

CONTENTS
Before Operation
INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------------------------	3
COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR EUROPEAN USERS -----------------------------	4
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS -----------------------	4
EMI COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR CANADIAN USERS------------------------	5
ETAT DE CONFORMITE EMI A L’USAGE DES UTILISATEURS CANADIENS -----	5
Important Safety Instructions -------------------------------------------------------	6
Notice ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------	7
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ------------------------------------------------------------	8
Chapter 1 Setup
Confirmation of Carton Contents -------------------------------------------------	10
Part Names and Functions----------------------------------------------------------	11
Connection to Power ---------------------------------------------------------------	17
Driver Installation -------------------------------------------------------------------	17
Connection to a Computer --------------------------------------------------------	18
Chapter 2 Printer Operation
Power ON/OFF ----------------------------------------------------------------------	19
Normal Operating Mode ----------------------------------------------------------	20
Setting the Media ------------------------------------------------------------------	22
Setting the Ribbon -----------------------------------------------------------------	26
Mode Settings ----------------------------------------------------------------------	29
Setting the print method ----------------------------------------------------------	38
Chapter 3 Printer Adjustments
Sensor Adjustments ---------------------------------------------------------------	39
Media Thickness Adjustment -----------------------------------------------------	42
Media Width Adjustment ----------------------------------------------------------	43
Adjusting the Ribbon --------------------------------------------------------------	44
Cleaning ----------------------------------------------------------------------------	46
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting ----------------------	47
Appendixes
Specifications ----------------------------------------------------------------------	49
Interfaces ---------------------------------------------------------------------------	52
Replacing the Interface Board ----------------------------------------------------	58

2

INTRODUCTION

Thank you very much for purchasing Citizen's thermal transfer barcode & label printer Model CLP-621 that offers high performance printing at 4 inches per second on 4.1 inch media at very low cost.

Main Features

<High-speed, high-quality printing>

This printer can be used for high-speed high-quality printing thanks to its direct thermal method and thermal transfer method that use a line thermal printhead together with its 32 bit RISC CPU and its 'history control IC'.

<Easy operation>

•It is easy to change the printer’s settings on the operation panel, thanks to its unique and simple VuePrint menu system.

•Its high-lift printhead and mechanism means that media and ribbon can be loaded with ease and it is constructed for easy thermal printhead cleaning, etc.

•Media width adjustment, media thickness adjustment, and media sensor adjustment can all be made easily by the user using the colour-coded operator controls.

<Interface>

In addition to a serial port, an IEEE1284 (ECP mode) and USB1.1 are standard equipment, for quick data transfer and printing.

<Optional interface>

The CLP-621 has an optional internally housed Ethernet and a wireless LAN print server.

<Optional auto-cutter / peeler unit>

The auto-cutter and peeler units are designed so that they can be installed easily.

<Adjustable sensors>

The adjustable media sensors - which allow the sensors to be positioned in different locations across the media - are standard features making the printer ideal for use with special media.

<Installation>

The interface, power switch etc. are installed towards the back and the top cover opens and closes vertically so that the sides of the printer are not restricted.

3

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR EUROPEAN USERS

CE marking shows conformity to the following criteria and provisions: Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC)/EN60950-1

EMC Directive (89/336/EEC)/EN55022, EN55024, EN61000-3-2 & EN61000-3-3

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR AMERICAN USERS

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.

4

EMI COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR CANADIAN USERS

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. This equipment is designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

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

CAUTION: Use shielded cables to connect this device to computers.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

ETAT DE CONFORMITE EMI A L’USAGE

DES UTILISATEURS CANADIENS

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Cet équipment produit et utilise l’énergie à radiofréquences et s’iln’est pas installé et utilisé correctment, c’esst à dire en accord strict avec les instructions du fabricant, il risque de provoquer des intérferences avec la réception de la radio et de latélévision.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruite radio électriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

Cet équipment est conçu pour fournir une protection satisfaisante contre de telles interférences dans une installation résidentielle. Cependant, il n’y a pas de garantie contre les interférences avec les réceptions radio ou télévision, provoquées par la mise en et hors circuit de l’équipment; aussi, il est demandé a l’utilisateur d’essayer de corriger l’interférence par l’une ou plus des mesures suivantes:

•Réorienter l’antenne de réception.

•Installer l’ordinateur autre part, par égard pour le récepteur.

•Brancher l’ordinateur dans une prise de courant différente de façon à ce que l’ordinateur et le récepteur soient branchés sur des circuits différents.

5

Important Safety Instructions

•Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.

•Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

•Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

•Do not use this product near water.

•Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

•Slots and openings on the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation.

To ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, do not block or cover these openings. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

•This product should be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

•This product is equipped with a three-pronged plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.

•Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.

•If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes for 120V outlet and 7.5 amperes for 220V-240V outlet.

•Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

•Except as explained elsewhere in this manual, don't attempt to service this product yourself. Opening and removing those covers that are marked "Do Not Remove" may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing on those compartments to service personnel.

•The mains plug on this equipment must be used to disconnect mains power. Please ensure that the socket outlet is installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.

•Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

A. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed. B. If liquid has been spilled into the product.

C. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

D. If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal operation.

E. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.

F. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.

6

Notice

•Before use, be sure to read this manual. And keep it handy for reference when needed.

•The contents of this manual may change without prior notice.

•Reproduction, transfer, or transmission of the contents of this manual without prior consent is strictly prohibited.

•We are not liable for any damage resulting from the use of the information contained herein, regardless of errors, omissions, or misprints.

•We are not liable for any problems resulting from the use of optional products and consumable supplies other than the designated products contained herein.

•Do not handle, disassemble or repair the parts other than those specified in this manual.

•We are not liable for any damage caused by user's erroneous use of the printer and inadequate environment.

•Data residing in the printer is temporary. Therefore, all data will be lost if power is lost. We are not liable for any damage or loss of profits caused by data loss due to failures, repairs, inspections, etc.

•Please contact us if there are any mistakes or ambiguities within this manual.

•If there are missing or incorrectly collated pages in this manual, contact us to obtain a new manual.

7

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

which must be strictly observed !

•To prevent personal injury or property damage, the following shall be strictly observed.

•The degree of possible injury and damage due to incorrect use or improperly following instructions is described below.

	Warning	Indicates a situation which, if not observed and handled
		properly, could result in death or serious injury.
	Caution	Indicates a situation which, if not observed and handled
		properly, could result in injury.

: This is a mark to call attention to the reader.

Warning

Never perform the following. If not avoided, these may cause damage or trouble to the printer or cause the printer to overheat and release smoke and cause burns or an electrical shock. If the printer is damaged or is malfunctioning, be sure to turn the printer off immediately and remove the power cord from the outlet, then consult our service personnel.

•Do not place the printer in a poorly ventilated area, or shut off the air vent of the printer.

•Do not place the printer where chemical reactions occur, such as in laboratories or where air is mixed with salt or gas.

•Do not use a power voltage or frequency other than those specified.

•Do not plug/unplug the power cord or attach/detach the interface cable by simply grabbing the power cord or interface cable. Do not pull or carry the printer when the tension of the power cord or interface cable is increased.

•Do not drop or put foreign matter such as clips and pins into the printer. This may cause problems.

•Do not plug the power cord into an outlet with many loads.

•Do not spill drinks such as tea, coffee and juice on the printer or spray insecticide on the printer. If drink or water is spilled, first be sure to turn the power off and remove the power cord from the outlet, then consult our service personnel.

•Do not disassemble or modify the printer.

Discard or safely store the plastic packing bag. This bag should be kept away from children.

If the bag is pulled over a child’s head, it may cause suffocation.

8

General Precautions

Caution

•Prior to operation, read the safety instructions carefully and observe them.

•Do not drop or put foreign matter such as clips and pins into the printer. This may cause problems.

•Be careful when moving or carrying the printer. Dropping the printer may cause injury or property damage.

•Make sure if you open the top cover, it is opened all the way. If only partially open, the cover could slam shut, possibly causing injury.

•When the cover is open, be careful of the corners of the cover. They could cause injury.

•Do not open the printer during printing.

•When cleaning the surface of the printer case, do not use the cloth that is soaked in thinner, trichloroethylene, benzine, ketone or similar chemicals.

•Do not use the printer where there is a lot of oil, iron particles, or dust.

•Do not spill liquids or spray insecticide on the printer.

•Do not jolt or impact to the printer by stepping on, dropping or hitting the printer.

•Operate the control panel properly. A careless, rough handling may cause problems or malfunction. Do not use such sharp-edged tool as a ballpoint pen for operation.

•Be careful of the edges of the plates so injury or property damage is possible.

•If a problem occurs during printing, stop the printer immediately and unplug the power cord from the outlet.

•When printer trouble occurs, do not try to dissemble it. Instead, consult our service personnel.

Precautions When Installing the Printer

Caution

•Prior to operation, read the safety instructions carefully and observe them.

•Do not use or store the printer near fire, excessive moisture, in direct sunlight, near an air conditioner or heater or other source of unusually high or low temperature or humidity or excessive dust.

•Do not place the printer where chemical reactions occur, such as in a laboratory.

•Do not place the printer where air is mixed with salt or gas.

•The printer must sit on a firm, level surface where there is ample ventilation. Never allow the printer's air vent to be blocked by a wall or other object.

•Do not put anything on the top of printer.

•Do not place the printer near a radio or television, and do not use the same wall outlet for the printer and radio or television. Radio or television reception could be adversely affected.

•Do not put anything on the power cord or step on it.

•Do not drag or carry the printer with the power cord or interface cable.

•Avoid plugging the power cord into an outlet with many loads.

•Do not bundle the power cord when inserting the plug.

•Always grip the plug housing, not the cord, to plug/unplug the power cord.

•Make certain the power is turned off before connecting/disconnecting the interface cable.

•Avoid lengthening the signal cable or connecting it to any noise-producing device. If it is unavoidable, use the shielded cable or twisted pair for each signal.

•Place the printer near the outlet where the power cord can be unplugged easily to shut off power.

•Use the AC outlet that accepts a three-pronged plug. Otherwise, static electricity may be generated and there will be danger of electric shock.

9

1 Setup

Confirmation of Carton Contents

Removing the Packing Material

The printer is shipped with adhesive tape in place to hold the top cover closed. Simply remove the two pieces of tape on either side of the top cover. Then simply open the cover by lifting up and tipping it backwards.

There is another strip of adhesive tape that must be removed which holds the mechanism closed for shipping. Remove the tape and attached paper by carefully peeling from the plastic case.

Retain the tape should you need to transport the printer again. A further piece of packing paper is inside the mechanism and you can remove this when the head is opened as explained below.

Check that the following accessories are included with the printer in the carton.

Ribbon holder	Test ribbon	Head cleaner
Paper core	Media holder	Media holder
	guide	bar
	Test label media	Power cord
		Q
		G UICK-S
		UIDE TART
	CD-ROM
	(User's Manual)	Quick-start Guide

Printer

Note: The empty carton and packing materials should be stored for future shipping of the printer.

10

Setup

Caution

•Be careful when moving or carrying the printer and when taking the printer out of the carton. The printer may cause injury or property damage if dropped. Be sure to grip the printer housing firmly when taking it out of the carton. Do not grip the printer by the foam packing material which may break, causing the printer to drop.

•When opening the cover, open it all the way. If only part way open, the cover could slam shut, possibly causing injury.

•Be careful of the edge of the cover when the cover is opened. It may cause injury or property damage.

•Be careful of the edges of the metal plates so injury or property damage is possible.

Part Names and Functions

Front View

4

1

2

5

3

1 Top cover

Is opened vertically to set media or ribbon.

2Heat discharge vent

It allows warm air to vent from the printer. Be sure not to block it with media etc.

Operation Panel (p.15)

3 Operation panel

This is used to make changes and adjustments to the printer and its configuration.

4Ribbon window

The amount of ribbon remaining can be checked through this window.

5Media window

The amount of media remaining can be checked through this window.

11

1 Setup

Part Names and Functions

Inside the printer

1

2

3

4

5

Setting the Ribbon (p.26)	1 Ribbon winding selection switch
	This switch allows selection of inside-wound ribbons (also known as "ink
	in") and outside wound ribbons ("ink out"). Remember, the inked surface
	should be facing AWAY from the printhead surface!
	• To use an inside wound ribbon,				• To use an outside wound ribbon,
	push the switch up.				push the switch down.

Citizen Hint: To test which surface of the ribbon has ink on it, gently stick a small piece of adhesive label to the surface of the ribbon.

When you remove the label, you should see ink on the adhesive label - if the label was touching the inked surface.

2 Ribbon drive unit

3Head close knob

Push the head close knob to lock the mechanism closed. If you push on another part of the mechanism, the printer may not lock closed correctly.

4Ribbon holder

It is used to attach the ribbon and paper core.

5Front cover

It is removed to install optional units such as the peeler or cutter.

12

Setup

Part Names and Functions

Ribbon Tension Adjustment (p.44)

Ribbon Balance Adjustment (p.45)

Media Width Adjustment (p.43)

Ribbon Tension Adjustment (p.44)

Ribbon Balance Adjustment (p.45)

Media Thickness Adjustment (p.42)

1	4
2	5
3	6
	7

1Front (winding side) ribbon tension adjustment knob

This is adjusted according to the width of the ribbon that is used. It is also used when the ribbon is wrinkled or slips.

2Front (winding side) ribbon left-right balance adjustment knob

It is used to perform an adjustment when the ribbon is wrinkled. Normally set it to the center position.

3Media width adjustment dial

It is adjusted to match the width of the media.

4Back (feeding side) ribbon tension adjustment knob

This is adjusted according to the width of the ribbon that is used. Use it basically in the same way as the front adjustment knob.

5Back (feeding side) ribbon left-right balance adjustment knob

It is used to perform an adjustment when the ribbon is wrinkled. Normally set it to the center position.

6Media thickness adjustment dial

It is adjusted to match the thickness of the media.

7Large blue-head open lever

The head unit can be raised to install media by pushing this lever. It locks the head unit during printing.

13

1 Setup

Part Names and Functions

Setting sensor positions (p.24)

Sensor Adjustments (p.39)

Installing the Media (p.25)

1
2
3	-1	6
4	-1
5		7
3	-2	8

4

-2

1Thermal printhead

This is the printhead. Avoid touching this with your fingertips and leaving grease or dirt on the printhead surface.

2Sensor arm

The media can be installed by raising this arm.

The media can be held in place by lowering this arm.

3Upper sensor (3-1) and bottom sensor (3-2)

When used as a transparent sensor (for labels and tags with notches), it is used by matching the sensor markings of the upper sensor and the bottom sensor. When used as a reflective sensor, it is used by matching the sensor marking on the bottom sensor with the position of the black mark on the liner or media backing.

4Media guides

(Left fixed media guide (4-1) and right movable media guide (4-2))

The end of the media is matched to the left fixed media guide, then the right side movable media guide is moved horizontally to match it to the media size. And the movable media guide is used as a guide to match the upper sensor and bottom sensor when using the transparent sensors.

5Platen

Interlocked with the thermal printhead, it feeds media backwards or forwards.

6Optional unit connector cover

It is opened when the cables of the cutter unit and the peeler unit are connected. Do not remove during normal use.

7Media holder guide

This guide is moved horizontally to match the media size. The guide can be sliding it from the holder bar.

8Media holder bar

The media is supported by the media holder bar when installed in the printer.

14

Setup

LED Functions (p.21)

Normal Operating Mode (p.20)

Part Names and Functions

Operation Panel

1

2

3

4

5	7

6

8

1POWER LED

This is lit when the printer power is on. (green)

2PRINT LED

This is lit when the printer is able to print. (green)

3CONDITION LED

This is on when selecting settings. (orange)

4ERROR LED

This is lit or flashes when the printer is in an alarm or error status. (red)

5PAUSE key

This temporarily stops printing.

6FEED key

This key feeds the media to the top of the next label or form.

7STOP key

This stops printing or cancels the alarm.

8MODE/REPEAT key

This key exits current status in the menu setting mode or reprints the final label, depending on printer status.

15

1 Setup

Part Names and Functions

Serial Interface (p.52)

Parallel Interface (p.54)

USB Interface (p.57)

Power ON/OFF (p.19)

Connection to Power (p.17)

Rear View

1

2

3 4

5

1Serial interface (RS232C)

This receives serial transmission of data from a host computer.

2Parallel interface (Centronics parallel or IEEE1284)

This receives parallel transmission of data from a host computer.

3USB interface

This receives USB transmission of data from a host computer.

4Power switch

The is the power switch for the printer.

5Power cord inlet

The connector of the enclosed power cord is connected here.

16

Setup

Connection to Power

1.Check that the power switch to the printer is turned OFF.

2.Connect the connector of the power cord to the power cord inlet on the printer.

3.Insert the plug of the power cord in the AC outlet.

Power Switch

AC Outlet

Power Cord Inlet

Caution

Use an AC outlet that accepts a three-pronged plug. Otherwise, static electricity may be generated and there will be danger of electric shock.

Driver Installation

The computer may automatically detect the presence of the new printer when it is first started, depending on the computer type, interface and operating system. Follow any on-screen instruction and also instructions supplied with any additional CD-ROM or floppy disk included with your printer.

Your supplier will assist you with the correct drivers and software which are compatible with your particular computer system.

17

1 Setup

Serial Interface (p.52)

Parallel Interface (p.54)

USB Interface (p.57)

Replacing the Interface

Board (p.58)

Connection to a Computer

This product has three interfaces that can be used to receive printing data: a serial port (RS232C), parallel port (IEEE1284, Non-L. P. S.), and a USB port (USB1.1). An optional internal Ethernet or Wireless LAN port can be added by your dealer.

With the exception of a wireless LAN connection, an interface cable is necessary to connect the printer to a computer.

To connect the cable, proceed as follows:

1.Turn OFF both power switches of the printer and the computer.

2.Connect one end of the interface cable to the interface connector on the back of the printer and secure it with locks or locking screws, where available.

3.Connect the other end of the interface cable to the interface connector on the computer and secure it with locks or locking screws, where available.

Parallel Interface Cable

USB Interface Cable

Serial Interface Cable

Note: If the optional Ethernet or wireless LAN port is used, the standard parallel port is removed from the printer, so the parallel interface cannot be used.

18