Cobra VnM2 SignMaker User Manual

Download

User Manual

Updated: 07/2010

VnM®2 SignMaker

Version 2.01

Thank you for purchasing the VnM2 SignMaker. Let your imagination run wild with the VnM2 by

creating a variety of signs and labels perfect for identication, efciency and safety.

Throughout the manual you will see Tip Sections, Troubleshoots, and important information that

will make your sign and label creation experience quick and easy.

VnM2 SignMaker comes with a 3-Year Printer Warranty, 1-Year Printhead Warranty, 6-Month Cutter Warranty, and 1-Year Keypad Warranty.

For support, call the VnM Service & Technical department at 800.262.7298 or your local

distributor.

VnM2 SignMaker accessories sold separately include: Travel Case, Portable Battery Pack and

VnM Label Direct Sign Software.

Dimensions: 12.36” (L) x 8.39” (W) x 7.40” (H) Operating Conditions: 5°-40° C (41°-104° F) Storage Conditions: -40°-60° C (-40°-140° F) Resolution: 203 DPI AC Input: 100 - 240V Power Supply DC Output: 24V 3.75A (external adaptor) Print Speed: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 inches per second Connections: VnM Keypad, USB, LPT

Introduction

Warranty

Support

Out of the Box

Accessories

Specications

The VnM2 SignMaker out of the box includes:

1. VnM2 SignMaker

2. VnM2 Keypad

3. VnM2 Power Supply

4. VnM2 Power Cord

5. USB Cable

6. Take-Up Core for Ink

7. VnM Media Spindle w/ 2 Guides

8. 2 VnM Ink Take-Up Spindles

Open VnM2 SignMaker and load VnM Ink Roll

Load VnM Media and feed through VnM2 Cutter

Connect VnM2 Keypad to VnM2 SignMaker

Connect power cable to VnM2 SignMaker

Connect power cord to electrical outlet

Turn ON VnM2 SignMaker, choose template and print

VnM2 Quickstart

Table of Contents

Introduction

VnM2 SignMaker Specications

Warranty

Support

Out of the Box

Accessories

VnM2 Quickstart

Loading VnM Ink Rolls

Loading VnM Media

Connecting VnM2 Keypad

Powering Up the VnM2 SignMaker

VnM2 SignMaker Templates

1 to 5 Line Horizontal

1 Line Vertical

2 Line Horizontal

Header Template

Pipe Markers

Arc Flash

Barcodes

Wire Wrap

VnM® Apps

Test Print Settings

Select Font

Fonts/Symbols

Common Questions

Loading VnM Ink Rolls

TURN OFF VnM2 Sign-

Maker, open

the VnM2

Load front ink spindle with an empty takeup core

Pull ink from rear to the front going under the print head and up to attach to the empty takeup core

Make sure ink spindles are as

shown,

note larger circular end on the right side.

End Result: close the ink roll acess cover

Load rear ink spindle with the unused portion of the ink roll

Tape or adhere rear ink to front take up ink spindle

Wind the front ink spindle to take up

the slack,

make sure there are no wrinkles in the ink

/IMPORTANT

TURN OFF PRINTER WHEN

CHANGING INK ROLLS

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONAL

DIAGRAM INSIDE PRINTER

Loading VnM Media

Load VnM Media onto the media

spindle,

make sure the media is centered with the two guides

Place media spool inside the VnM2

SignMaker,

the spindle will sit in between the notches inside the printer

Pull media as shown

Pull VnM Media through VnM Cutter so you can see a piece hanging out of the printer as shown

Continue the print job by pressing the button on the top of VnM2 or start a new print by turning on the VnM2

Pull media to go under the white platten roller

Adjust

media guide

to t the

VnM Media being used and keep the media centered

Push lever to close VnM top cover

/IMPORTANT

HANDLE MEDIA ON THE SIDES

TO PREVENT BAD PRINTS

1. Connect the RS232 cable (male) from the VnM Keypad to the back of the VnM2 SignMaker RS232 port (female).

2. Tighten the RS232 screws to prevent the cable from being pulled off.

1. After connecting the VnM2 Keypad to the VnM2 SignMaker, connect the two-piece

power supply.

2. Once the power supply is put together,

connect the power to the VnM2 SignMaker as shown in the picture.

3. Plug the 3-prong plug into the electrical outlet.

4. Turn on the VnM2 SignMaker, select

your template and print!

Connecting VnM2 Keypad

Powering Up the VnM2 SignMaker

/IMPORTANT

RECOMMEND POWERING VNM2

WITH A SURGE PROTECTOR

DANGER!

PRINT UP TO

5 LINES OF TEXT

WITHOUT THE

USE OF A COMPUTER

OR SOFTWARE!

d) 5 lines

c) 1 line template no reverse text (press N)

b) 1 line template reverse text (press Y)

a) 1 line template no reverse, symbols1 font

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - 1 to 5 Line Horizontal

1 to 5 Line Horizontal PRESS ENTER

ENTER MEDIA WIDTH: PRESS 1,2,3 OR 4

ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 1

ENTER TEXT: /CAUTION

XINCH HOW MANY LINES?

PRESS 1,2,3,4 OR 5

1. Select the 1 to 5 Line Horizontal template by pressing the ENTER key on the

VnM2 Keypad.

2. Enter the media width by pressing the

number 1, 2, 3 or 4. Do not press enter after pressing the media size.

3. Select how many lines by pressing the

numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Do not press

enter after pressing the amount of lines.

4. Enter the text/symbols for your sign and once you nished the line or sign, press

the ENTER key.

5. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER.

NOTE: If you select the 1-Line template

for any media size, you will have an

extra prompt that asks if you would like

reverse text, press Y for yes and N for no, reverse text is sample b).

The 1 to 5 Line Horizontal template is

the most versatile template for the VnM2 SignMaker. Create anything from 1 to 5 lines

of text and control the font size by selecting the appropriate media size.

The sample sign below, a), was created by rst selecting the SYMBOLS1 font, second selecting the 1 to 5 Line Horizontal template,

then select the media width and choosing 1

for how many lines, then typing, “/CAUTION” where the “/” on the keypad screen

represents / symbol.

REVERSE TEXT? (Y)ES OR (N)O

VnM2 TIPS

TO GET BACK TO THE MAIN

MENU PRESS AND HOLD

DOWN THE ALT KEY AND

EXIT BUTTON

E X

5 9 1

% z

E X

a) no reverse text

c) symbols1 font

d) no reverse text

b) reverse text

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - 1 Line Vertical

The 1 Line Vertical template allows you to easily create a vertical text on VnM Media.

Below are sample created with the 1 Line

Vertical template.

ENTER MEDIA WIDTH: PRESS 1,2,3 OR 4

ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 1

REVERSE TEXT? (Y)ES OR (N)O

ENTER TEXT: EXIT

1-Line Vertical PRESS ENTER

1. Select the 1 Line Vertical template by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM2

Keypad.

2. Enter the media width by pressing the

number 1, 2, 3 or 4. Do not press enter after pressing the media size.

3. Enter the text/symbols for your vertical

sign and once you nished the sign,

press the ENTER key.

4. Press the N key for no reverse text (a) or press the Y key to reverse the print (b).

5. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER.

VnM2 TIPS

IF YOU ARE USING A 4 INCH MEDIA, TRY USING A 2 INCH TEMPLATE TO GET

A SMALLER FONT

BOILER WATER

TO BOILER #5

LABORATORY

ROOM 602

a) 2-Line Horizontal b) 2-Line Horizontal

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - 2 Line Horizontal

The 2 Line Horizontal template gives you the ability to create a label with a large font size and the second line font size being smaller.

Below are sample signs created with the 2 Line Horizontal template.

ENTER MEDIA WIDTH: PRESS 1,2,3 OR 4

ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 1

Enter 1st Line: BOILER WATER

Enter 2nd Line: TO BOILER #5

2-Line Horizontal PRESS ENTER

1. Select the 2 Line Horizontal template by

pressing the ENTER key on the VnM2

Keypad.

2. Enter the media width by pressing the

number 1, 2, 3 or 4. Do not press enter after pressing the media size.

3. Enter the text/symbols for your rst line of text, press the ENTER key when the rst line is complete.

4. Enter the text/symbols for your second line of text, press the ENTER key when

the second line is complete.

5. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER.

VnM2 TIPS

MAKE SURE YOU ARE

USING THE RIGHT PRINT

SETTING WITH THE

PROPER INK AND MEDIA

/CAUTION

DO NOT STAND

WITHIN

25 FEET

OF MACHINERY

a) symbols1 font, 5-Line Header

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - Header

The Header template is perfect for creating Caution, Warning, Notice and Safety labels.

Left is a sample Header sign (a).

SYMBOLS1 font is selected rst then choose the Header template and press ENTER. For the Header line, “/CAUTION” is shown on the keypad, press ENTER. Then enter the information for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th line.

The “/” seen on the keypad (after SYMBOLS1 font is chosen) translates to the yield symbol.

Keep in mind that if you do not need 4 lines of text to blank out the rst line or any line

you choose.

5-LINE LABEL: TOP LINE /CAUTION

5-LINE LABEL: 1ST LINE DO NOT STAND

5-LINE LABEL: 2ND LINE WITHIN

5-LINE LABEL: 3RD LINE 25 FEET

5-LINE LABEL: 4TH LINE OF MACHINERY

ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 1

Select Media Size: PRESS 2, 3, or 4

Header Template PRESS ENTER

1. Select the Header template by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM2 Keypad.

6. Enter the text/symbols for your third line of text, press the ENTER key when the

third line is complete.

2. Enter the media width by pressing the

number 2, 3 or 4. Do not press enter after pressing the media size.

7. Enter the text/symbols for your fourth line

of text, press the ENTER key when the

fourth line is complete.

8. Enter the quantity to print and press

ENTER.

3. Enter the text/symbols for header, press the ENTER key when the rst line is

complete.

4. Enter the text/symbols for your rst line of text, press the ENTER key when the rst line is complete.

5. Enter the text/symbols for your second

line of text, press the ENTER key when

the second line is complete.

CHOOSE LABEL WIDTH: 4 X 32 INCHES (1-LINE)

CHOOSE LABEL WIDTH: 4 X 24 INCHES (1-LINE)

CHOOSE LABEL WIDTH: 3 X 24 INCHES (1-LINE)

CHOOSE LABEL WIDTH: 2 X 14 INCHES (1-LINE)

CHOOSE LABEL WIDTH: 2 X 12 INCHES (1-LINE)

CHOOSE LABEL WIDTH: 1 X 7 INCHES (1-LINE)

2INCH Repeat Label PRESS ENTER

1INCH Repeat Label PRESS ENTER

ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT:

ENTER TEXT:

NITROGEN

Pipe Markers Template

PRESS ENTER

a) 2 X 12 INCHES

FIRE SPRINKLER WATER

b) 1 x 7 INCHES

DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER

c) 3 x 24 INCHES

DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER

d) 2INCH Repeat Label

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - Pipe Marker

The Pipe Markers Template meets ANSI/ ASMI letter height standards and tape

lengths. Create any custom pipe marker with the appropriate template.

Below is a 2 x 12 pipe marker identifying the contents of the pipe as NITROGEN (a).

1. Select the Pipe Markers Template by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM2

Keypad.

2. Select the corresponding Pipe Marker Template with the diameter pipe your are going to identify. Press the up and down arrow key to go through the Pipe Marker Template selections.

3. Enter the text/symbols for the marker,

press the ENTER key when complete.

4. Enter the quantity to print and press

ENTER.

VnM2 TIPS

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE

WHAT MARKING TEMPLATE

TO USE REFER THE VNM

PIPE MARKING GUIDE

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - Arc Flash Template

The Arc Flash Templates meets the NEC electrical code for “Arc ash hazard warnings

are required to reduce the occurrences of serious injury or death due to arcing faults

to those who work on or near energized electrical equipment.”

VnM2 TIPS

TO GET BACK TO THE MAIN

MENU PRESS AND HOLD

DOWN THE ALT KEY AND

EXIT BUTTON

ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 1

Arc Flash Template PRESS ENTER

Select Media Size: PRESS 2 or 4

1. Select the Arc Flash Template by

pressing the ENTER key on the VnM2

Keypad.

2. Selecti media size of 2" or 4" only. Press the number 2 or 4.

3. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER.

SELECT LABEL TYPE: 4INCH 4 X 1 ID LABEL

PRODUCT/ASSET ID: PRODUCT ID LABEL

BARCODE NUMBER: 487569512341

ENTER DESCRIPTION: BIN/SHELF LABEL

TER DESCRIPTION/COMPANY: 1789S412668

SELECT LABEL TYPE: 4INCH 4 X 2 BIN/SHELF LABEL

ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 1

BIN / SHELF LABEL

487569512341

PRODUCT ID LABEL

1789S412668

Barcode Label PRESS ENTER

a) 4 X 1 ID LABEL B) 4 X 2 ID BIN/SHELF LABEL

a) 4 X 1 ID LABEL b) 4 X 2 BIN LABEL

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - Barcode Templates

The Barcode Template includes a basic

inventory/asset and a bin/shelf barcode

template utilizing the CODE39 symbology.

Below are samples of the 4 x 1 and 4 x 2

barcode templates.

1. Select the Barcode Label template by

pressing the ENTER key on the VnM2

Keypad.

2. Select the Barcode template by pressing

the up and down arrow key.

VnM2 TIPS

USE 2", 3" AND 4" VNM MEDIA FOR THE BARCODE TEMPLATES DEPENDING ON THE LENGTH

OF YOUR BARCODES

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - Wire Wrap

The Wire Wrap Template is an easy way of identifying wires and cables with an

identication number or identifying what type

of wiring you are working with.

Below are samples of both Wire Wrap

Templates.

1. Select the Wire Wrap Template by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM2

Keypad.

2. Select the Wire Wrap template by pressing the up and down arrow key. Make sure you are using VnM Wire Wrap media.

3. Enter the text/symbols for the wire wrap,

press the ENTER.

4. Enter the quantity to print and press

ENTER.

Wire Wrap Template

PRESS ENTER

2INCH X 1INCH PRESS ENTER

ENTER TEXT:

POSITIVE

ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT:

2INCH X 1.5INCH PRESS ENTER

a) 2INCH x 1INCH

b) 2INCH x 1.5INCH

POSTIIVE

P-142345

VnM2 TIPS

TO GET BACK TO THE MAIN

MENU PRESS AND HOLD

DOWN THE ALT KEY AND

EXIT BUTTON

12 x 12 =

144

THE SQUARE OF 12

8:12

07/22/2010

24 INCHES

2 FEET

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - VnM2 Apps

Print a 1ft., 2ft. and 3ft. ruler on the y with the VnM2 SignMaker Ruler App. The Ruler App works with 1", 2", 3" and 4" VnM® Medias.

Print a Date/Time Stamp with a barcode to mark objects with an inspection date or date

serviced. The Date/Time Stamp App works with 1", 2", 3" and 4" VnM® Medias.

Choose the Basic Calculator App to perform basic mathematical functions such as +, -, x,

and /. Only works with two known variables.

The Basic Calculator App works with 1", 2", 3" and 4" VnM® Medias.

The Metric Conversion App will convert

inches to meters or vice versa. Convert

inches, centimeters, meters, miles, kilometers and yards. The Metric Conversion App works with 3" and 4" VnM® Medias.

1. Ruler App

3. Date/Time Stamp App

2. Basic Calculator App

4. Metric Conversion App

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - Test Print Settings & Select Font

Utilize the VnM Print Settings template to

change the VnM2 print settings for certain VnM Inks and Media.

To utilize different fonts or symbols, choose

the Select Font template simply by pressing the up arrow key at the main menu.

TEST PRINT 1:

WHITE VnM INK

TEST PRINT 3:

FAST - WHITE VnM INK

TEST PRINT 4:

FAST - BLACK VnM INK

TEST PRINT 5:

VnM1 INK 1

TEST PRINT 6:

VnM

LOOK AT VNM MANUAL

TURN CUTTER OFF

LOOK AT VNM MANUAL BLANK CUT

TEST PRINT 2:

BLACK VnM INK

Optimal print setting for VnM White ink

Optimal fast print setting for VnM White ink

Optimal fast print setting for VnM Black ink

Print with high heat setting

Manually input speed and heat settings

Turn cutter off, all other setting turn on cutter

Cuts VnM Media in inches to desired size

Optimal print setting for VnM Black ink

VNM PRINT SETTINGS PRESS ENTER

1. Press ENTER to access the fonts

2. Choose your font by pressing ENTER

SELECT FONT? PRESS ENTER

CHOOSE FONT?

BOLD

CHOOSE FONT?

SYMBOLS1

CHOOSE FONT? SYMBOLS2

CHOOSE FONT? NORMAL

VnM2 TIPS

TO GET BACK TO THE MAIN

MENU PRESS AND HOLD

DOWN THE ALT KEY AND

EXIT BUTTON

VnM2 TIPS

TURN THE CUTTER OFF TO MIX AND MATCH VNM2 TEMPLATES.

ONCE YOU HAVE THE DESIRED

LOOK ACTIVATE INK SETTING TO

TURN CUTTER BACK ON

VnM2 TIPS

USE THE BLANK CUT TEMPLATE

TO CUT MEDIA TO A DESIRED

LENGTH WITH NO PRINT.

PERFECT FOR AISLE AND FLOOR

MARKERS

VnM2 TIPS

WHEN USING A DIFFERENT

COLOR VNM INK OR MEDIA USE

THE VNM SETTING f) TO SET THE

HEAT AND SPEED MANUALLY

VnM2 SignMaker Templates - Fonts/Symbols

When the Select Font template is selected,

you can make a selection of 5 different fonts that contains symbols and different styles.

NOTE: After selecting your font, keep in mind

to use this font legend.

The Keypad legend is

what you see for the required symbol below.

NOTE: What you see on the keypad will not show up as a symbol. ie: Symbols1 font is

chosen, press SHIFT

+ 1 key to get /.

The Keypad lcd: !

After selecting your font, use the legend

below to ensure you are getting the proper symbol for your sign.

Keypad a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o

Normal a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o

Bold a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o

Symbols1 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Symbols2 a b c d e f g h i

k l m n o

Symbols3 a b c d e f g h i j k l

m n o

Utility

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o

Keypad A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O

Normal A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O

Bold A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O

Symbols1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Symbols2 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Symbols3 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O

Utility

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O

Keypad 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ % ^ & *

Normal 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ % ^ & *

Bold 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ % ^ & *

Symbols1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ % ^ &

Symbols2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ % ^ & * Symbols3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ % ^ & *

Utility

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ % ^ & *

Keypad ( )

€

= / ? ; : ‘ “ .

Normal ( )

€

= / ? ; : ‘ “ .

Bold ( )

€

= / ? ; : ‘ “ .

Symbols1 ( )

€

= / ? ; : ‘ “ .

Symbols2 ( )

€

? ; : ‘ “ .

Symbols3 ( ) - + € = / ? ; : ‘ “ .

Utility

( ) - + € = / ? ; : ‘ “ .

Keypad P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Normal P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Bold P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Symbols1 P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Symbols2 P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Symbols3 P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Utility

P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Keypad p q r s t u v w x y z

Normal p q r s t u v w x y z

Bold p q r s t u v w x y z

Symbols1 p q r s t u v w x y z Symbols2 p q r s t u v w x y z Symbols3 p q r

t u v w x y z

Utility

p q r s t u v w x y z

VnM2 SignMaker Common Questions

Q: How do I get out of a VnM template?

Q: I made a spelling mistake on a multi-line

template, how do I get back to the line I

made a spelling error?

Q: I made a spelling mistake on a multi-line

template, how do I get back to the line I

made a spelling error?

Q: The VnM® Ink Roll is coming out with the

VnM® Media and is being cut, what do I

do?

Q: The print quality is splotchy and I notice

lines in the nal label, what should I do?

A: Press and hold down the ALT key and

press EXIT at the same time.

A: Press and hold down the ALT key and

press EXIT at the same time and choose the template again. You will have to retype your sign.

A: Press and hold down the ALT key and

press EXIT at the same time and choose the template again. You will have to retype your sign.

A: Tape the cut ink to the take-up core with

a piece of scotch tape and wind up the slack. Turn the printer OFF and wait two

seconds, then turn back ON. Print a label.

A: Make sure you are using the right print

setting with VnM® Ink Roll you are using.

Also make sure the printhead is clean with

the provided cleaning pen and that you have minimal skin contact with the media.

Cobra VnM2 SignMaker User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual