Cognitive Solutions C-Series Printers User Manual

C-Series Printers

User’s Manual

105-069-03 Revision A 3/22/07

*105-169-03*

®

and Windows™ are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other product and corporate names used in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies, and are used only for explanation and to their owner’s benefit, without intent to infringe.

All information in this document is subject to change without notice, and does not represent a commitment on the part of Cognitive. No part of this document may be reproduced for any reason or in any form, including electro nic storage and retrie val, without th e expressed written permission of Cognitive. All program listings in this document are copyrighted and are the property of Cognitive and are provided without warranty.

To contact Cognitive, Write, email, or call: Cognitive Solutions, Inc.

4403 Table Mountain Drive Suite A Golden, CO 80403

E-Mail:

info@cognitive.com

Telephone: +1.800.525.2785 Fax: +1.303.279.951

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: WELCOME 1

CHAPTER 2: GETTING STARTED 3

Outside the Printer 3 Inside the Printer 5 Paper Media Guide Bar 6 Connection Ports and Power Connector 7 Take Up Spindle and Take Up Clutch (Gears) 7 Supply Spindle and Supply Clutch 8 Printhead Assembly (TPH, Shield, Bracket, and LED Array) 8 Platen and Index Sensor 9 Understanding the Control Panel Buttons and the LCD (Cxi Only) 10 Understanding the LCD Menu Structure 12 Setting Up the Cxi and Ci Printers 14 Printer Requirements 14 Unpacking the Printer 15 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors 16 Connecting Data Cables to the Printer: 17 USB-A HOST Connectivity 18 Connecting Power to the Printer 19 Printer Power Test 22 Thermal Transfer Ribbon Loading (TT Printers Only) 24 Loading Media 34 Loading Large Roll OD Media 43

User Adjustable Sensor 49

Gap Mode 49 Black Mark Mode 50

Performing the Self Test 51

CHAPTER 3: SOFTWARE INSTALLATION 54

CHAPTER 4: USING THE ADMINISTRATOR TOOL 55

Connect to the Printer 55 Change a Printer Setting 57 IO Settings 58 Printer Settings 59 Label Positioning 60 Calibrating the Printer 60

Method 2: Calibrate by Performing a Self Test; See Chapter 2 of this User’s Guide 61

Method 3: Calibrate Using Cognitive Programming Language (CPL) 61

Fonts/Objects 62 Profile Management 63 Firmware Upgrade 64 PCL Windowing 65 CPL Editor 66

CHAPTER 5: USB-A HOST 67

Using USB Hubs, Keyboards and Scanners 67 Using a USB Flash Drive 68 Loading Settings Using a USB Flash Drive 68 To load settings using the USB A Host, follow these steps: 68 Loading Objects Using a USB Flash Drive 68 To load objects using the USB A Host, follow these steps: 68 Loading Firmware Using a USB Flash Drive 69

To load firmware using the USB A Host, follow these steps: 69

CHAPTER 6: NETWORK PRINTING 70

Assigning a Static Address 70 Using Automatic Address Assignment 71 Verifying Network Settings 72 Configuring a Printer Driver for Network Use 73 Sharing the Printer on a Network 75 Network Support Materials 76

CHAPTER 7: PRINTING STANDARD LABELS AND TAGS 77

Using Label Software 77 Using CPL Programming 77 Using Third-Party and Proprietary Applications 79

Printing from Microsoft Word 79 To Configure the Software for a Cognitive Printer 79 Setting Label Size 81

Creating a Label and Barcode 84

Design the label in a Word document. Use the following steps to design a barcode. 84

Printing a Label 84

Make sure that the printer is connected to the computer and powered on. Ensure that the media is loaded correctly. Use the following steps to print the label: 84

Printing from Proprietary Applications 84

CHAPTER 8: TROUBLESHOOTING 85

Isolating Problems 85

Run a Printer Self Test 85 Print a Proven Label Format 85 Print a New Label Format 86 Check the Label Format Header Line 86 “Comment Out” Portions of the Non-Working Label Format 86 Common Issues 87 General Troubleshooting Tips 90

CHAPTER 9: PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS 91

C Series Technical Specification Information: 91

Standard Features 91 Optional Features 92 Printing Specifications 92

Media Specifications 93 Media Indexing 93 Ribbon Specifications 94 Label Roll Changes per Ribbon 94 Font Specifications 94 Bar Code Symbologies and Specifications 95 Cognitive Programming Language (CPL) 95 Communications Specifications 96 Electrical Specifications 96 International Environment Compliance 96 International Regulatory Compliance 96 Environmental Specifications 96 Physical Specifications 97 Software 97 Preventive Maintenance 97 Cleaning 97 Warranty 98

CHAPTER 10: CONSUMABLES 99

Compatible Media 99 Consumables 99

DT Labels and Tags 100 TT Labels and Tags 102 DT Butterfly Labels 103 TT Butterfly Labels 104 DT Rattail Labels 104 TT Rattail Labels 104 DT Non-Adhesive Tags 104 TT Non-Adhesive Tags 105 Ribbons 106 Accessories 107

CHAPTER 11: CLEANING AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE 108

Cleaning Instructions 108 Printhead Assembly Removal and Replacement 110

Printhead Assembly Removal 110 Printhead Assembly Replacement 112

Platen Assembly Removal and Replacement 115

Platen Assembly Removal 115 Platen Assembly Replacement 119

CHAPTER 12: SUPPORT 124

Contacting Customer Support 124

Telephone Technical Support 124 Finding Help on the Web 124

Cognitive Media Support 124 C Series Sales Support 125

Chapter

1

Chapter 1: Welcome

Congratulations on the purchase of a Cognitive Compact Industrial C Series thermal label printer. With its 2-year warranty, mid-range performance, and customer service, the printer will provide you continuous label printing with very little downtime and at the highest quality. Cognitive Solutions is committed to providing a high-performance and reliable user experience. This User’s Manual provides information on how to install the printer and includes all necessary user support information.

The following list of C Series documentation is located on the Companion CD, which ships with every printer. It is also available at:

http://compactindustrial.com/cseries/documentation/documentation.html

World Wide Web — Visit http://www.compactindustrial.com or

http://www.compactindustrial.com/cseries/support/support.html to download the

latest C Series firmware, the current printer drivers, or to download or view C Series documentation support.

Quick Start Guide — The Quick Start Guide provides illustrated Cxi and Ci highlevel printer setup information including media loading, ribbon loading for thermal transfer models, and software/drivers installation instructions. A printed copy of this document is provided with every C Series printer. Chapter 2 of this User’s Guide provides further instructions on setting up your Cxi and Ci printers.

Programmer’s Guide — The Programmer’s Guide provides information about how to program all Cognitive printers. For up-to-date firmware release notes and to download the most recent firmware required for the Cxi and Ci printers visit:

http://www.compactindustrial.com/cseries/support/support.html

105-169-03

Ethernet Printer Information — The Ethernet Printer Information provides information for configuring and troubleshooting the internal Ethernet print server. The Ethernet Printer Information is a section of the Programmer’s Guide.

Printer Drivers (Microsoft Windows® only) —Printer drivers required for the C Series printers are provided on the Companion CD which ships with the printer. The latest drivers can also be found on Cognitive’s web site www.compactindustrial.com . Full instructions on how to load these drivers are located in Chapter 3 of this User’s Guide.

Consumables Guide — To ensure full printhead warranty on all C Series printers, Cognitive requires the use of Cognitive approved media. This guide lists Cognitive approved media including labels, tags, and ribbons, with part numbers and descriptions for all Cxi and Ci printer models. Cognitive offers custom media for all printing needs. Included are full details on Cognitive’s custom media options. For more information on Cognitive’s approved media please call +1.800.525.2785. This guide also lists Cxi and Ci consumable parts and printheads by part number and description.

Printer Product Guide — Find Cxi and Ci printer model information, printer options available for upgrade and/or standard order, printer accessories, and Cxi and Ci approved media for all Cxi and Ci printer models.

Marketing and Sales Support – The Compact Industrial web site,

www.compactindustrial.com, has additional information and sales support such as

product brochures, presentations, and product images. The files are available in many formats for easy-to-use downloads. For additional help, contact the marketing department at +1 (800) 451-9864 or send an e-mail message to

marketing@cognitive.com.

CSI Support — For technical CSI support please contact the C Series Technical Support Team by calling the toll free number (888) 632.8292 or directly at +1 (720) 221.9549. Or, send an e-mail message to CSeriesSupport@cognitive.com.

For all other CSI support needs, please call +1 (800) 522-2785.

105-169-03

Chapter

2

Chapter 2: Getting Started

First, take a tour around the printer to understand its parts and functions.

Outside the Printer

Figure 2-1. C Series Top and Front View

Device Use A – LCD control panel (Cxi only)

B – POWER LED

C – READY LED

D – User interface menu buttons (Cxi only) E – FEED/Enter button Advances print media/Enters user menu commands F– Front bezel Covers the front of the printer G – Lower case Covers the sides of the printer

Back-lit, two-line, 16-character display with full menus to change setup options Shows power status GREEN – Power switch is turned on Shows printer status GREEN – Printer ready to accept data RED – Printer error, empty media roll, or paused operation during batch mode processing

Controls user interface

105-169-03

H – Case base Covers the base of the printer I – High-lift printhead latches

Pushes upward to release the printhead

J – ON/OFF switch Controls printer power K – Cast metal user interface cover

Contains user interface buttons

L – Dust cover Protects print media M – Hinged media window

Contains a large clear window to view media

105-169-03

Inside the Printer

Figure 2-2. C Series Side View

Device Use A – Large roll spindle slot Holds large roll media B – Standard roll spindle slot Holds standard roll media C – Cast metal user interface cover

Contains user interface buttons

D – Printhead Printing mechanism E – Printhead bracket Holds the printhead F – Ribbon drive gears Feeds ribbon through the printer

105-169-03

Paper Media Guide Bar

Figure 2-3. C Series Inner Side View of Media Bar

Figure 2-4. C Series Top View of Media Guide from Behind Printer

Device Use A – Media guide (silver bar) Guides the labels through the printer

105-169-03

Connection Ports and Power Connector

Figure 2-5. C Series Connections and Power (Back View)

Connector Use A – ON/OFF switch Controls printer power B – Power connector Connects to power supply C – Ethernet connector (RJ-45)

Ethernet communications port for network connectivity

D – USB-B device port USB communications port E – USB-A host port USB communications port F – Serial/Parallel port Serial/parallel data communications port

Take Up Spindle and Take Up Clutch (Gears)

Figure 2-6. Take Up Spindle, Clutch, and Side view of Clutch Gears

Components Description A Take Up Spindle B Take Up Clutch

105-169-03

Supply Spindle and Supply Clutch

Figure 2-7. Supply Spindle and Clutch

Components Description A Supply Spindle B Supply Clutch

Printhead Assembly (TPH, Shield, Bracket, and LED Array)

Figure 2-8. Printhead Assembly

105-169-03

Platen and Index Sensor

Figure 2-9. Platen Assembly and Index Sensor

Components Description A Index Sensor B Platen

105-169-03

Understanding the Control Panel Buttons and the LCD (Cxi Only)

When the printer is powered on, the LCD displays COGNITIVE CXI. After approximately 2 seconds, the LCD displays COGNITIVE. This is an indication that the menu is at its highest level.

From this menu level, the LEFT button displays the current status of the printer; either a READY condition, or the most recent error encountered.

To begin navigation through the menu, press the RIGHT button to enter the MAIN MENU. Pressing the UP/DOWN buttons and the ENTER button allows movement throughout the menu tree. Pressing the ENTER button selects a menu item, allowing navigation deeper into that menu. At any time, the LEFT button may be pressed to return to the previous menu level, or to escape without making a selection. Repeatedly pressing the LEFT button returns the user to the highest menu level.

Summary of the keypad button functions:

Figure 2-10. Cxi Printer User Interface Menu Buttons

105-169-03

LEFT button (B): Press the LEFT button to display the current printer status. From within the menu, pressing the LEFT button returns to the previous menu level.

UP (A) and DOWN (C) buttons: Allows menu navigation up and down through the menu tree, and allows the user to increase or decrease numeric values in some menu items.

RIGHT button (D): Allows the user to enter the menu system, and controls horizontal movement of the menu cursor for certain menu items.

ENTER button (E): In the menu mode, selects a menu item for further navigation. ENTER also selects a value in a menu item. The LCD displays the confirmation message VALUE HAS BEEN SET.

At the highest menu level, when COGNITIVE is displayed on the LCD, or when the printer is ready to print, this button acts as a FORM FEED.

When the ENTER button is pressed, a single label is fed if the printer is in an indexing mode. When the button is pressed continuously for longer than two seconds, the printer feeds labels until the button is released. When indexing is disabled, the printer feeds media continuously when the ENTER button is pressed.

105-169-03

Understanding the LCD Menu Structure

MAIN MENU

USER MENU

SETUP MENU

DATA

STOP

Transfer

DPI

Top Of

LCD Contrast

Backlight Control Beeper Volume

Set Date and Time

Contrast 0 … 8

ON or OFF

Volume 0 … 3 Date (MM/DD/YY)

Time (HH:MM:SS)

COMM Menu

Serial BAUD

Ethernet DHCP ON or OFF

Mode

Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer

Speed High, Normal, Low

Select

200dpi Selectable 200 or 100 dpi

300dpi Selectable 300 or 150 dpi Index Bar, Gap, Notch

Width 16 … 425

Form

0 … 2000

Adjust

Darkness

-200 … 813

1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200

PARITY Even, Odd, None

Bits

Set Static IP Set Subnet Set Gateway

7 or 8

1 or 2

XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX

Quick UP / DWN key press increments by 1; Press and hold increments by 10 Quick UP / DWN key press increments by 1; Press and hold increments by 10 Quick UP / DWN key press increments by 1; Press and hold increments by 10

105-169-03

Report

Feedback ON or OFF

Level

0 = None, 1 = Serial, 2 = Label

Timeout 0 … 65535

Quick UP / DWN key press increments by 1; Press and hold increments by 10

-Printhead

Shift Left

... + Printhead

Present Label

ON or OFF

Quick UP / DWN key press increments by 1; Press and hold increments by 10

Quick UP / DWN key

Advance 0 ... 2000

press increments by 1; Press and hold increments by 10 Quick UP / DWN key

Retract 0 ... 2000

press increments by 1; Press and hold increments by 10 Quick UP / DWN key

Time 0 ... 100

press increments by 1; Press and hold increments by 10

CALIBRATION MENU

Calibration Menu Start?

Based on Bar, Gap or Notch index

setting TEST MENU Label or Objects OPTIONS

MENU SETTINGS

MENU

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

External 5 volts ON or OFF

Save Settings Yes? Or No? Read Settings Yes? Or No? Factory Defaults Yes? Or No?

Phone : 1-800-525-2785 Web : WWW.COMPACTINDUSTRIAL.COM

RETURN Return to Main Menu

105-169-03

Setting Up the Cxi and Ci Printers

Setting up a C Series printer is an easy process. This chapter describes printer requirements, printer controls, loading thermal transfer ribbon, and loading print media. The printer self test is also described. Be sure to follow all steps in sequential order as listed in this User’s Guide to avoid electric shock or damage to the C Series printer.

Printer Requirements

The C Series printer has the following operational requirements.

• Communications

o Serial – Standard RS-232 (requires a custom cable, refer to Chapter 10) o Parallel – Uni-directional parallel interface (requires a custom cable,

refer to Chapter 10)

o USB A Host Interface – USB cable, MSD, HID o USB B 2.0 Device Interface – USB cable o Ethernet 10/100 (Optional) – Standard 10Base-T interface cable

• Auto-detectable 90-264VAC, 24VDC 150W power supply

• Environment

• Operating environment:

• 41ºF to 104ºF (5ºC to 40ºC)

• 20% to 85 % non-condensing R. H. (relative humidity)

• Storage/transportation environment:

• -4.0ºF to 122ºF (-20ºC to 50ºC)

• 5% to 95% non-condensing R. H. (relative humidity)

105-169-03

Unpacking the Printer

Figure 2-11. Packaging Diagram

105-169-03

Controls, Indicators, and Connectors

Controls and indicators for the C Series printer are located on the front panel and right side of the printer. Cxi printers also have an LCD display on the user interface.

Figure 2-12. C Series Printer Controls and Indicators

Device Primary Function Use A - POWER light B - READY indicator

Shows power status ON – printer on and ready to print

OFF – no power applied

Shows printer status GREEN – printer ready to accept data

RED – printer error, empty media roll, or paused operation during batch mode processing

OFF – no power applied C - FEED button

Advances print media Press to advance media

Press and hold while turning unit on to initiate self

test and print current configuration D - ON/OFF

Controls printer power Press to turn printer on and off

switch

105-169-03

Connecting Data Cables to the Printer:

Connect one of the following data cables to the matching located on the back of the C Series printer:

• Ethernet cable

• USB cable (compatible with both USB-A and USB-B)

• Cognitive custom parallel cable

• Cognitive custom serial cable or serial adapter cable

Figure 2-13. (Back View) Connections and Power

Connector Use A – ON/OFF switch Controls printer power B – Power connector Connects to power supply C – Ethernet connector (RJ-45)

Ethernet communications port for network connectivity

D – USB-B device port USB communications port E – USB-A host port USB communications port F – Serial/Parallel port Serial/parallel data communications port

NOTE: FOR PARALLEL AND SERIAL CONNECTIONS, A CUSTOM CABLE IS REQUIRED. A STANDARD PARALLEL OR SERIAL CABLE WILL NOT WORK WITH THIS PRINTER. TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO ORDER A COGNITIVE CUSTOM SERIAL AND/OR PARALLEL CABLE COMPATIBLE WITH ALL C SERIES PRINTERS, PLEASE REFER TO CHAPTER 10 OF THIS USER’S GUIDE, THE PRODUCT GUIDE LOCATED ON THE WEB SITE,OR THE PRODUCT GUIDE ON THE COMPANION CD.

A STANDARD USB CABLE IS SHIPPED WITH ALL C SERIES PRINTERS. IT IS LOCATED IN THE ACCESSORIES BOX.

105-169-03

USB-A HOST Connectivity

The C Series printer supports hubs, USB keyboards, USB keyboard wedge scanners, and USB flash drives.

The keyboard and scanner devices can be used to input data directly to the printer. They are most commonly used in conjunction with CPL scripting language, for example, menus and stored formats, to produce labels.

The USB flash drive can be used to upgrade printer firmware and load settings and objects. This topic is discussed further in Chapter 5 “USB-A Host”.

105-169-03

Connecting Power to the Printer

The next step is to provide power to the C Series printer. Use only the AC adapter supplied with the printer. Using a power adapter not certified for use is both unsafe and voids the warranty on the printer.

IMPORTANT NOTE: FOLLOW THESE STEPS IN ORDER TO SAFELY CONNECT POWER TO THE PRINTER.

Connect the provided power supply cord into the power supply unit.

Figure 2-14. Connecting the Power Cord into the Power Supply

105-169-03

Connect the power supply cord into the power connector located in the back corner of the C Series printer. The flat end of the power supply cord, listed as B below in Figure 2-15, has an arrow to indicate which end is on top. There is also an indented key, shown as A below in Figure 2-15, to illustrate which end should be inserted upright into the C Series power connector.

Figure 2-15. Connecting the Power Supply to the Printer

105-169-03

Connect the power cord into the power source by carefully plugging the power cord into the wall outlet or other power source.

NOTE: ONCE THE POWER SUPPLY IS PLUGGED INTO THE WALL, THE GREEN LED ILLUMINATES ON THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT.

Figure 2-16. The Green Power Light on the Power Supply

105-169-03

Printer Power Test

The power supply indicates power with a green light. The next step verifies the printer is receiving power.

Press the power switch (D in Figure 2-17 below) to the ON position.

NOTE: THE POWER LIGHT ON THE TOP USER INTERFACE COVER TURNS GREEN TO INDICATE THE UNIT IS RECEIVING POWER.

THE READY LIGHT FIRST TURNS RED, THEN AUBURN, THEN GREEN WHEN THE PRINTER IS READY TO PRINT.

Figure 2-17: Powering ON the C Series Printer

Device Primary Function Use A - POWER light B - READY indicator

Shows power status ON – printer on and ready to print

OFF – no power applied

Shows printer status GREEN – printer ready to accept data

RED – printer error, empty media roll, or paused

operation during batch mode processing

OFF – no power applied C - FEED button

Advances print media Press to advance media

Press and hold while turning unit on to initiate self

test and print current configuration D - ON/OFF

Controls printer power Press to turn printer on and off

switch

105-169-03

NOTE: (CXI PRINTERS ONLY) THE LCD BRIEFLY DISPLAYS PRESS RIGHT ARROW FOR MENU. THEN THE LCD DISPLAYS COGNITIVE CXI FOR ABOUT ONE SECOND. WHEN THE

PRINTER IS READY TO PRINT, THE LCD DISPLAYS COGNITIVE. (SEE

Figure 2-18 BELOW).

Figure 2-18: CXI Printer LCD Display when Printer is Powered ON

Press the Power Switch to OFF and confirm the Power and Ready Light turn off before proceeding to the next steps. Refer to Figure 2-12 in step 1 of the Power Test section of this manual, to locate the power button on the printer.

NOTE: POWER OFF THE PRINTER BEFORE PROCEEDING.

105-169-03

Cognitive Solutions C-Series Printers User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual