CognitiveTPG DLX User Manual

User’s Manual

105-296-01 Revision B 5/13/2009

CognitiveTPG™ and Advantage DLX™ are trademarks of ATSI Holdings, Inc. Microsoft® 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 electronic storage and retrieval, without the expressed written permission of CognitiveTPG. All program listings in this document are copyrighted and are the property of CognitiveTPG and are provided without warranty.

To contact CognitiveTPG:

Mailing Address

CognitiveTPG 25 Tri-State International, Suite 200 Lincolnshire, IL 60069

E-Mail: sales@CognitiveTPG.com

Toll Free: +1.800.732.8950

Fax: +1.847.383.7949

Technical Support: +1.800.732.8950 x 4 or +1.607.274.2500 x 4

Supplies Information: +1.800.732.8950 x 2

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 : Introduction...............................................................................5

Welcome..........................................................................................................5

Package Contents .........................................................................................5

Operating Environment..............................................................................5

Storage and Transportation Environment .............................................5

Printer Feature Overview ............................................................................6

Front/ Rear View ...................................................................................6

Inside View .............................................................................................7

Chapter 2 : Printer Installation.................................................................8

Setting up the Advantage DLX Printer...................................................8

Connecting the Interface and Power Cables ...................................8

Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon....................................................9

Loading Media .....................................................................................11

Chapter 3 : Software Installation ...........................................................12

Installing CognitiveTPG Administrator & Loading Print Drivers .12

Windows® Driver Installation ................................................................12

Installing Printer via USB ................................................................12

Installing Printer via Serial/Parallel..............................................13

Chapter 4 : CognitiveTPG Administrator ...........................................16

Connection Settings ...................................................................................16

Connecting Via USB...........................................................................16

Connecting Via Serial.........................................................................16

Connecting Via Ethernet ...................................................................16

Serial Connection Parameters .........................................................17

Ethernet Connection Parameters....................................................17

Printer Settings ..........................................................................................17

Print Speed ...........................................................................................17

No-Media Timeout ..............................................................................17

Debug Report Level ............................................................................18

Auxiliary Power ON............................................................................18

Enable Automatic Reprint ................................................................18

Media Adjust ........................................................................................18

Pitch .......................................................................................................18

Darkness ...............................................................................................18

Primary Language ..............................................................................19

Thermal Mode ......................................................................................19

Label Positioning ........................................................................................19

Print Width...........................................................................................19

Auto Recalibration ..............................................................................19

Auto Top Of Form ...............................................................................19

Indexing.................................................................................................19

Label Presentation..............................................................................20

Top of Form Adjust .............................................................................20

Shift Left ...............................................................................................20

Fonts and Objects.......................................................................................20

Loading Fonts and Objects................................................................20

Deleting Fonts and Objects...............................................................20

Profile Management...................................................................................21

Obtaining Printers Current Profile.................................................21

Saving the Current Printer’s Profile...............................................21

Applying a Saved Profile to the Printer .........................................21

Updating Firmware ...................................................................................22

CPL Editor ...................................................................................................22

Chapter 5 : Advanced DLX Features .....................................................23

USB A Port...................................................................................................23

Loading Firmware Using a USB Flash Drive ..............................23

Changing Printer Settings Using a USB Flash Drive................23

Loading Formats Using a USB Flash Drive .................................24

Chapter 6 : Cleaning and Maintenance................................................25

Cleaning the Printer...........................................................................25

Cleaning the Thermal Printhead and Platen ...............................25

Cleaning Supplies ...............................................................................25

Chapter 7 : Troubleshooting .....................................................................27

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter

Welcome

Congratulations on the purchase of a CognitiveTPG Advantage DLX thermal label printer. With its 2-year warranty and durable design, the Advantage DLX provides professional quality label printing and performance.

CognitiveTPG is committed to providing a reliable product and user experience. This User’s Manual provides information on how to install the printer and includes all necessary user support information.

Package Contents

The Advantage DLX box will contain the following parts:

• (1) Advantage DLX Printer

• (1) Start-Up Guide

• (1) Data Cable (Serial and Parallel models come with Serial or Parallel

cables, USB and Ethernet models come with a USB cable)

• (1) 110-240V Switching Power Supply

• (1) Power Cord

Operating Environment

• 41ºF to 104ºF (5ºC to 40ºC)

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

Storage and Transportation Environment

• -4.0ºF to 122ºF (-20ºC to 50ºC)

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

Printer Feature Overview

Please take a moment and become familiar with the features and nomenclature of the Advantage DLX printer.

Front/ Rear View

Component Function

A – Power and Ready Indicators Indicate current printer status B – Feed Button Advances media C – Dust Cover Protects media from dust and debris D – On/Off Switch Turns printer power On/Off E – Power Connector Input for auto-ranging power supply F – Serial/Parallel Port Serial and Parallel communications port G – USB B USB Device port H – USB A USB Host Port

NOTE: ETHERNET MODEL NOT PICTURED.

Inside View

Component Function

A – Printhead Printing mechanism B – TT Spindle Ribbon take up spindle C – Platen Roller Friction feed printing surface D – Printhead Latches Latches for printhead mechanism E – Media Tray Place label rolls in media tray F – Media Guide Guides label roll

Chapter 2: Printer Installation

Chapter

Setting up the Advantage DLX Printer

Connecting the Interface and Power Cables

IMPORTANT! PRIOR TO CONNECTING THE INTERFACE AND POWER CABLE TO THE

PRINTER, MAKE SURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED OFF.

1. Connect the power cable to the AC adapter.

2. Connect the AC adapter to the power connector on the printer.

3. Plug the power cable into an AC outlet.

4. Connect the interface cable to the rear of the printer. For Serial or Parallel cables, securely fasten the interface connector screws.

5. Test the Power by turning the power ON. The POWER LED on the printer will turn green.

NOTE: IF THE POWER LED DOES NOT TURN GREEN REPEAT STEPS 1-5 OR REFERENCE THE TROUBLESHOOTING CHART (CHAPTER 7).

Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon

NOTE: THIS STEP IS FOR THERMAL TRANSFER MODEL ADVANTAGE DLX PRINTERS. USE ONLY COGNITIVE APPROVED THERMAL RIBBON. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COGNITIVETPG APPROVED SUPPLIES CONTACT US AT 800-732-8950 EXT. 2.

Position ribbon in front of printer and raise the dust cover.

NOTE: RIBBON SHOULD BE POSITIONED WITH THE SUPPLY CORE CLOSEST TO THE PRINTER AND THE TEXT ON THE RIBBON LEADER FACING DOWN.

2. Unlatch the printhead and fully raise the printhead mechanism.

3. Place the left side of the ribbon supply core into the left supply core spindle.

4. Gently pull the right spindle tab and place the right side of the ribbon core on the spindle.

5. Lower the print head. Do not latch the printhead at this time.

6. Align the notches on the left side of the ribbon take up core with the left spindle.

7. Gently pull the right take up spindle and insert the right side of the ribbon take up core.

REMINDER: THE TEXT ON THE RIBBON LEADER FACES OUT.

8. Latch the printhead and turn the Power ON to take up the slack in the ribbon leader.

HELPFUL TIP: THE ADVANTAGE DLX WILL TAKE UP ANY EXCESS RIBBON UPON LATCHING

THE PRINTHEAD.

Loading Media

NOTE: USE ONLY COGNITIVETPG APPROVED MEDIA. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COGNITIVETPG APPROVED SUPPLIES CONTACT US AT 800-732-8950 EXT. 2.

1. Raise the dust cover.

2. Place the media roll in the media tray keeping the media guide to the right hand side.

3. Slide the media guide to the left until it is holding the roll firmly against the left wall of the media tray.

4. Unlatch and raise the printhead mechanism.

5. Guide the media through the opening under the printhead mechanism remembering to keep the media face up.

6. Securely latch the printhead.

7. Print a Self Test. Press and hold the feed button while turning the print ON to print a Self Test.

NOTE: AFTER PRINTING A SELF TEST THE PRINTER IS IN HEXIDECIMAL DUMP MODE. CYCLE THE PRINTER’S POWER TO RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATION.

HELPFUL TIP: ENABLE AUTOMATIC TOP OF FORM AND THE ADVANTAGE DLX WILL

ADVANCE TO THE NEXT INDEX MARK WHEN THE PRINTHEAD LATCHES OR THE PRINTER IS TURNED ON (CHAPTER 4).

Chapter 3: Software Installation

Chapter

Installing CognitiveTPG Administrator and Loading Print Drivers

1. Go to http://www.CognitiveTPG.com/Downloads_18.aspx using your Internet Browser.

2. Follow the applicable instructions under the Utility Section.

NOTE: DOWNLOADING COGNITIVETPG ADMINISTRATOR WILL INSTALL THE UTILITY PRINT DRIVERS. THE COGNITIVETPG ADMINISTRATOR UTILITY IS REQUIRED FOR CONFIGURING, TROUBLESHOOTING AND UPDATING THE ADVANTAGE DLX PRINTER.

Windows® Driver Installation

Installing Printer via USB

MPORTANT! COGNITIVETPG ADMINISTRATOR AND THE PRINTER DRIVERS MUST BE

LOADED PRIOR TO INSTALLING THE PRINTER. PLEASE REFER TO THE SECTION TITLED

INSTALLING COGNITIVETPG ADMINISTRATOR AND PRINT DRIVERS.

1. Connect the printer via the USB cable to the host

system and the Found New Hardware Wizard will appear.

2. Select No, not at this time and click Next.

3. Select Install from a list or specific location

(Advanced), and click Next.

4. Select Include this location in the search,

and then click the Browse button.

5. Select the location: C:\Program

Files\Cognitive Solutions Printing Support\Driver Files and click Next.

6. Click Continue Anyway.

7. Click Finish to complete installation.

Installing Printer via Serial/Parallel

MPORTANT! COGNITIVETPG ADMINISTRATOR AND THE PRINTER DRIVERS MUST BE

LOADED PRIOR TO INSTALLING THE PRINTER. PLEASE REFER TO THE SECTION TITLED INSTALLING COGNITIVETPG ADMINISTRATOR AND PRINT DRIVERS (CHAPTER 3).

1. Connect printer to the host system using the included serial or parallel

cable.

2. Select the Start menu in Windows

®.

3. Select Settings and choose Printers and Faxes.

4. Select Add a printer and the Add Printer

Wizard will appear.

5. Click Next.

6. Select Local printer attached to this

computer and click Next.

7. Select Use the following port: and choose the

appropriate Serial or Parallel port, then click

Next.

8. Select the appropriate printer model from the

available list of printers and click Next.

9. Select Keep existing driver

(recommended) and click Next.

10. Provide a Printer name: and select if the

Advantage DLX will be the default printer then click Next.

11. Select Do not share this printer then click

Next.

12. Select No when asked Do you want to print a test page? then click

Next.

13. Select Finish completing the installation of

the Advantage DLX printer.

IMPORTANT! IF THE BAUD RATE BETWEEN THE HOST SYSTEM AND THE ADVANTAGE DLX

PRINTER ARE NOT EQUAL THE PRINTER WILL NOT PRINT. THE DEFAULT BAUD RATE FOR THE ADVANTAGE DLX IS 9600.

Chapter 4: CognitiveTPG Administrator

Chapter

CognitiveTPG Administrator is a Java based utility designed for installation on various operating system platforms. Administrator allows complete control over the profiles and settings of the Advantage DLX printer.

Connection Settings

Connecting Via USB

1. Select the System Printer Connection radio dial.

2. Select the appropriate printer from the Printer Name drop down menu.

3. Click Connect.

NOTE: WHEN THE PRINTER IS PROPERLY CONNECTED COGNITIVE ADMINISTRATOR WILL DISPLAY CONNECTED IN A GREEN BOX IN THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER.

Connecting Via Serial

1. Select the Use Serial Connection radio dial.

2. Select the Com port to which the printer is connected.

3. Select the printer’s baud rate setting.

Note:

Connecting Via Ethernet

HELPFUL TIP: PRINT A SELF TEST TO DETERMINE THE PRINTER’S CURRENT SETTINGS.

A SELF TEST CAN BE PERFORMED BY HOLDING THE FEED BUTTON WHILE TURNING THE PRINTER POWER ON. CONTINUE TO HOLD THE FEED BUTTON UNTIL THE SELF TEST PRINTS.

THE ADVANTAGE DLX DEFAULT BAUD RATE IS 9600.

1. Select the Use Network Connection radio dial.

2. Input the printer’s IP Address.

3. Input the printer’s RTEL port number.

Serial Connection Parameters

• Baud Rate

• XON/XOFF

• Buffer Size

• Buffer Overflow

Ethernet Connection Parameters

• IP Address

• Net Mask

• Gateway

• DHCP

• LPD

• RTEL

• RTEL Port

• Ethernet Text Buffer

Printer Settings

Print Speed

The Print Speed value sets the printing speed of the printer.

• Low = 2 inches per second

• Normal = 3 inches per second

• High = 5 inches per second

No-Media Timeout

The no media timeout value represents the number of inches of media fed through the printer without detecting an index mark prior to reporting an error.

EXAMPLE: IF NO MEDIA TIMEOUT IS SET TO 12, THE PRINTER WILL CONTINUE TO FEED

12 INCHES OF MEDIA WITHOUT DETECTING AN INDEX MARK BEFORE REPORTING AN ERROR.

Debug Report Level

Specifies the method by which the printer reports error.

Values:

• None = Turns error reporting Off.

• Serial = Printer sends error report to host device via serial port.

• Serial & Label = Printer sends error report via serial port and prints an

error label.

Auxiliary Power ON

Check Auxiliary Power ON to enable the 5V serial port output.

Enable Automatic Reprint

Checking the Enable Automatic Reprint box prompts the printer to reprint a label in the event the printer detects an index mark prior to completing the requested label.

Media Adjust

Adjust the sharpness of the leading edge of printed text or rotated barcodes. Media Adjust range = 0 to 3.

Pitch

The pitch represents the dots per inch (dpi) setting for the printer.

Values:

• 100 or 200 for 200 dpi printers

• 150 or 300 for 300 dpi printers

Darkness

The Darkness value adjusts the print darkness.

Darkness ran ge: -200 to 800

NOTE: THE FACTORY DEFAULT FOR DARKNESS IS 0.

Primary Language

Selects the primary command language the printer uses. The Advantage DLX uses Cognitive Printer Language (CPL) as the default command language. Select between CPL, EcPL, and ZcPL command languages.

NOTE: THE ADVANTAGE DLX CURRENTLY DOES NOT SUPPORT TPCL COMMAND LANGUAGE.

Thermal Mode

Select Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer based on the model of Advantage DLX printer and the type of media being used.

IMPORTANT! THERMAL TRANSFER MODE REQUIRES THE USE OF A THERMAL

TRANSFER PRINTER AND A PRINT RIBBON. DIRECT THERMAL MODE REQUIRES THE USE OF DIRECT THERMAL MEDIA.

Label Positioning

Print Width

The Print Width value adjusts the maximum printing width of the printer.

Range:

• 0.15 to 2.4 inches for 2 inch model printers

• 0.15 to 4.2 inches for 4 inch model printers

Auto Recalibration

Check and Apply Enable Auto Recalibration and the printer will automatically attempt to recalibrate in the event an index mark is not detected.

Auto Top Of Form

Check and Apply Enable Automatic TOF and the printer will feed a label when the printer is turned ON or the printhead is latched.

Indexing

Indexing indicates to the printer the index type of the media being used. The Indexing On check box must be checked when using Bar, Gap, or Notch style indexing. Uncheck the Indexing On box when using continuous media.

Label Presentation

Label presentation advances media out of the printer after printing a label and then retracts the media prior to printing the next label.

• Advance = Distance the media advances after printing a label.

• Retract = Distance the media retracts prior to printing a label.

• Time = Amount of time in seconds the label remains presented prior to

retracting.

NOTE: WHEN TIME IS SET TO 0 THE LABEL WILL REMAIN ADVANCED UNTIL THE NEXT LABEL IS PRINTED.

Top of Form Adjust

The Top of Form (TOF) sets the top of the label with relation to the print head. Increasing the TOF value moves the printed text down the label. Decrease the TOF setting to move the printed test up the label.

Shift Left

Shift left moves the printed image left across the label.

Fonts and Objects

The Fonts and Objects tab lists the Fonts, Formats and Graphics currently stored in the printer.

Loading Fonts and Objects

1. Select the Fonts and Objects tab.

2. Click the Load Objects to Printer button.

3. Select the Font or Object to be stored and click Ok.

Deleting Fonts and Objects

1. Select the Fonts and Objects tab in CognitiveTPG Administrator.

2. Highlight the Font, Object or Graphic to be deleted.

3. Click the Delete Selected Objects button.

Profile Management

Manage the settings of the Advantage DLX using the Profile Management section of CognitiveTPG Administrator. Profile Management displays a list of the printer’s current variable settings.

Obtaining Printers Current Profile

1. Select the Profile Management tab in Cognitive Administrator.

2. Click the Get Printer’s Current Profile button.

Saving the Current Printer’s Profile

1. Select the Profile Management tab in CognitiveTPG Administrator.

2. Click the Get Printer’s Current Profile button.

3. Click the Save Profile to File button.

Applying a Saved Profile to the Printer

1. Select the Profile Management tab in CognitiveTPG Administrator.

2. Click the Open Stored Profile button.

3. Select the desired Stored Profile and click Ok.

4. Click the Apply Profile to Printer button.

Updating Firmware

1. Select the Firmware and CPR Upgrade tab.

2. Click the Select Firmware File button.

3. Select the appropriate Firmware file and click Ok.

4. Click the Update Firmware button.

CAUTION! TURNING THE PRINTER OFF DURING

FIRMWARE INSTALLATION COULD DAMAGE THE PRINTER.

CPL Editor

Use the CPL (Cognitive Printer Language) Editor in CognitiveTPG Administrator to send CPL to the printer. For more information on programming CPL please refer to the CPL Programmers guide located on the website at

http://www.cognitivetpg.com/Downloads_18.aspx.

Chapter 5: Advanced DLX Features

Chapter

USB A Port

Loading Firmware Using a USB Flash Drive

1. Create a folder on the USB flash drive at the root level named Cognitive.

2. Inside the Cognitive folder create a folder named Firmware.

3. Place the desired firmware revision into the Firmware folder.

IMPORTANT! WHEN USING THE USB FLASH DRIVE THE PRINTER WILL ONLY UPGRADE TO A NEWER

FIRMWARE REVISION.

4. Turn the printer ON and verify the POWER and READY lights are green.

5. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB A port on the back of the printer. The READY light will flash red during firmware installation.

6. When READY light remains solid green, turn the printer off and remove the USB Flash Drive.

CAUTION! REMOVING THE USB FLASH DRIVE WHILE FIRMWARE IS LOADING COULD DAMAGE THE PRINTER.

Changing Printer Settings Using a USB Flash Drive

NOTE: CHANGING VARIABLE PRINTER SETTINGS WITH THE USB FLASH DRIVE REQUIRES THE USE OF THE COGNITIVE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PROGRAMMING WITH CPL PLEASE REFERENCE THE CPL PROGRAMMERS GUIDE.

1. Create a folder on the USB flash drive at the root level named Cognitive.

2. Inside the Cognitive folder create a folder named Settings.

3. Place the desired CPL text files into the Settings folder.

4. Turn the printer ON and verify the POWER and READY lights are green.

5. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB A port on the back of the printer. The READY light will flash quickly while the file loads.

6. When the READY light remains solid green remove the USB Flash Drive.

Loading Formats Using a USB Flash Drive

1. Create a folder on the USB flash drive at the root level named Cognitive.

2. Inside the Cognitive folder create a folder named Objects.

3. Place the desired Stored Label Formats or Menuing Program into the Objects folder.

4. Turn the printer on and verify the POWER and READY lights are green.

5. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB A port on the back of the printer. The READY light will flash red during firmware installation.

6. When READY light remains solid green, turn the printer off and remove the USB Flash Drive.

HELPFUL TIP: THE PRINTER WILL LOAD THE OBJECTS FILES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. FOR

MORE INFORMATION ON CREATING STORED LABEL FORMATS OR MENUING PROGRAMS PLEASE REFERENCE THE COGNITIVETPG CPL PROGRAMMERS GUIDE.

Chapter 6: Cleaning and Maintenance

Chapter

For optimal printhead performance CognitiveTPG recommends cleaning the thermal printhead every 5,000 inches. Proper maintenance reduces replacement costs by extending the life of the printhead and improves the performance of the printer.

IMPORTANT! DISCONNECT THE POWER PRIOR TO CLEANING THE ADVANTAGE DLX .

Cleaning the Printer

Clean the exterior of the printer and the media tray using a lint-free cloth, and if necessary, a mild detergent solution.

Cleaning the Thermal Printhead and Platen

1. Open the print mechanism.

2) Gently clean the printhead (A) and platen (B) using a CognitiveTPG approved cleaning pen, card or a soft, lint-free cloth saturated with 99% isopropyl alcohol.

WARNING! INCORRECTLY CLEANING THE PRINTER WILL CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE AND VOID THE PRINTER’S WARRANTY. COGNITIVE RECOMMENDS USING A CERTIFIED CLEANING PEN FOR CLEANING THE THERMAL PRINTHEAD.

Cleaning Supplies

Advantage DLX Cleaning Supplies

Part #

Size (inches)

Items per box

Description

14-00-0000 2.5” x 6” 25 Cleaning card

14-00-0001 4.5” x 6” 25 Cleaning card

14-00-0002 none 12 Cleaning pen

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

Chapter

Use the chart below for troubleshooting your Advantage DLX printer prior to contacting Technical Support. If you are unable to resolve the problem using the chart below, please contact our Technical Support staff at 1-800-732-8950 ext. 4.

Symptom Possible Cause Recommended Solution

Print Head Unlatched Securely latch printhead

Red Ready Light

Red Power Light Incorrect Power Supply

Printing Too Light

Printing Blank Labels Missing Ribbon

Continuously Feeding Labels

Feed Button Not Working

Print Not Positioned Properly

Out of Media/Ribbon Replace media/ribbon

Printer Paused

Printer Darkness Setting

Driver Darkness Setting

Printhead Dirty Clean printhead

Printer out of Calibration

Printer is running a stored program

Top of Form requires adjustment

Press Feed Button to continue printing

Verify use of correct power supply

Increase printer Darkness using CognitiveTPG Administrator

Increase the Darkness value within the printer driver

Use print ribbon when printing to thermal transfer media

Calibrate printer using CognitiveTPG Administrator

With print head unlatched, turn printer off and back on then relatch printhead

Adjust Top of Form using CognitiveTPG Administrator

Media Drifting During Printing

Skipping Labels During Printing

Media Guide improperly adjusted

Label Design Decrease height of label

Printer out of Calibration

Verify Media Guide is positioned properly

Recalibrate printer using CognitiveTPG Administrator

CognitiveTPG DLX User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual