Gerber Jetster Owner's Manual
Gerber Jetster™
Eco-solvent Printer Owner's Guide
Copyright Notice
COPYRIGHT © 2003 Gerber Scientific Products, Inc. All rights reserved.
This document may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without written permission of
the copyright owner.
This document is furnished to support the Gerber Jetster. In consideration of the furnishing of the
information contained in this document, the party to whom it is given assumes its custody and control
and agrees to the following:
1 The information herein contained is given in confidence, and any part thereof shall not be copied or
reproduced without written consent of Gerber Scientific Products, Inc.
2 This document or the contents herein under no circumstances shall be used in the manufacture or
reproduction of the article shown and the delivery of this document shall not constitute any right or
license to do so.
Gerber Jetster and ImageRIP are trademarks of Gerber Scientific Products, Inc.
FCC Compliance
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: 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.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction............................................................................................................. 1
In this manual .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Conventions ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Customer support ...................................................................................................................................2
Additional sources of information..................................................................................................... 2
Safety Labels ............................................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Installing and Setting up the Gerber Jetster .................................................... 6
Installation requirements ....................................................................................................................... 6
Gerber Jetster size and weight............................................................................................................ 6
Power supply........................................................................................................................................ 6
Ambient conditions.............................................................................................................................. 7
Important cautions............................................................................................................................... 7
Unpacking your Gerber Jetster printer................................................................................................. 8
What’s in the box?................................................................................................................................ 8
Getting to know the printer ................................................................................................................... 9
Assembling the printer......................................................................................................................... 11
Connecting parallel interface............................................................................................................... 17
Tips on using high-speed ECP parallel communication............................................................... 18
Connecting the power cable/disconnect device............................................................................... 19
Power supply...................................................................................................................................... 19
Chapter 3: Preparing for a job ............................................................................................... 20
Installing the ink cassettes.................................................................................................................... 20
Precautions when using Eco-solvent ink cassettes........................................................................ 20
Performing a head wash ...................................................................................................................22
Installing the ink cassettes................................................................................................................. 23
Adjusting the print head height.......................................................................................................... 25
Types of printer media ......................................................................................................................... 25
General recommendations for printer media................................................................................. 26
Temperature and humidity ..............................................................................................................26
Loading roll media................................................................................................................................ 27
Using the Roll Take-Up System .......................................................................................................... 31
Removing the roll media from the printer......................................................................................... 32
Using the Pre- and Post-heaters .......................................................................................................... 33
Adjusting the print origin .................................................................................................................... 33
Eliminating Micro-banding.................................................................................................................. 35
Chapter 4: Printer Maintenance............................................................................................ 37
Performing daily maintenance ............................................................................................................37
Replacing the ink cassettes................................................................................................................... 38
Cleaning the head cleaning wiper ......................................................................................................39
Replacing the head cleaning wiper..................................................................................................... 40
Replacing the cutting blade ................................................................................................................. 41
Replacing the spittoon pads................................................................................................................. 42
Chapter 5: Understanding the Printer Control Panel and Heater Controls................. 44
Using the printer control panel ........................................................................................................... 44
Using the Menu Mode.......................................................................................................................... 48
Using the Heater System control panel.............................................................................................. 49
Menu structure overview..................................................................................................................... 50
Index ............................................................................................................................................ 52
Chapter 1:
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Gerber Jetster™, a high-resolution drop-on-demand piezo electric
outdoor inkjet printer. Application possibilities include outdoor poster printing, banners, longterm backlit signage, building and construction announcements, vehicle graphics, durable
indoor graphics, POS displays, and more.
The Gerber Jetster comes in two models:
♦
Gerber Jetster 46 – 46 inch (118 cm) printer that produces prints up to 45.67 inches
(116 cm) wide
♦
Gerber Jetster 62 – 62 inch (157 cm) printer that produces prints up to 61.02 inches
(155 cm) wide
1
The printer offers several print resolutions from the keypad.
♦
360 x 180 dpi
♦
360 x 360 dpi
♦
720 x 360 dpi
♦
1440 x 1440 dpi (diagonally interpolated)
Print speeds vary between:
♦
156 ft²/h at 360 x 180 dpi (bi-directional)
♦
58 ft²/h at 360 x 360 dpi (unidirectional)
♦
78 ft²/h at 720 x 360 dpi (bi-directional)
♦
7 ft²/h at 1440 x 1440 dpi (unidirectional)
Note: Other resolutions and print modes may be available when directed by the host computer's
RIP software. Print speeds will vary based on the resolution and mode of printing.
The printers use newly developed Eco-solvent inks that do not require special ventilation. The
inks are offered in six colors, i.e. cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan and light magenta.
Prints are UV- and water-resistant for up to three years outdoors (*). Lamination is required for
heavy-duty applications.
For the Gerber Jetster, Gerber will be offering certified media such as banner and vinyl,
optimized for use with the Gerber Eco-solvent inks. As standard, Gerber Jetster printers are
equipped with an automatic take-up system for unattended printing and separately controllable
pre- and post-heaters for instant drying and wider media compatibility.
(*) Accelerated weather tests predict up to 3 years outdoor durability. Outdoor durability is location and
application dependent.
CHAPTER 1
2
Introduction
In this manual
The following chapters introduce you to the Gerber Jetster, describe the printing process and
procedures, and show you how to maintain your printer for maximum quality output.
Installing and Setting up the Gerber Jetster
Jetster and provides environmental recommendations.
Preparing the Job
Printer Maintenance
Understanding the Control Panel and Heater Controls
menu structure and describes printer and heater controls.
describes the loading and use of inks and media.
recommends cleaning and replacement of ink and cutting blades.
directs you in unpacking and setting up the Gerber
provides details of the Gerber Jetster
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this addendum:
Tip: A tip contains valuable information that could make the task faster or easier.
Note: A note contains important information that could affect the successful completion of a
task.
CAUTION: A caution statement contains information which, if not observed, could
result in equipment damage.
WARNING: A warning statement contains information which, if not observed,
could result in personal injury.
Customer support
If you have questions regarding using, maintaining, or troubleshooting the Gerber Jetster please
contact your Gerber distributor, GSP Field Service for hardware questions, or Technical
Systems Support for software questions.
phone: 800-828-5406 for hardware, 860-644-6971 for software
Additional sources of information
♦
number is 860-648-8040. FastFacts are also available on the web site under “Support.”
♦
information about Support First, call 860-644-6971).
fax: 860-648-8376
e-mail: gspservice@gspinc.com (hardware) or gsptech@gspinc.com (software)
www.gspinc.com
Gerber FastFacts provides answers to technical and service questions. The telephone
If you are a Support First member, use your toll-free assistance number (for more
Safety Labels
Safety Labels are attached to the internal and external area of the printer to alert you to
potentially hazardous situations or conditions. The following safety labels are located inside
the printer cover:
LOADING A SHEET
Align the media with the leading edge of the
♦
printing plate.
Align the right side of the media with the
♦
base line (holes)
Align the right side of the media with the
♦
center of the alignment line (hole).
LOADING ROLL MEDIA
3
Pull some media off the roll, feed it into
the media feed gap and between the
pressure rollers and the drive rollers.
CHECK THE POSITION OF THE ROLL MEDIA
Turn the scroller manually to wind up
the media so that it is nicely stretched.
Align the right side of the media with the
drive roller base line (holes)
Pull out the media at the front side and
make sure at least 0.5 meters hangs out
in the front of the printer.
Right side of the roll media
Drive roller
Base line (holes)
Move the
roll media
to the right
Move the
roll media
to the left
CHAPTER 1
4
Introduction
FINE TUNING THE ROLL MEDIA POSITION
Turn the screw counterclockwise to
move the media to the right.
During printing: Do not touch the media.
♦
Do not open the cover.
When the machine is idle (or not in use) for a longer period of time, leave the
♦
media hold lever up and unload the media.
Do not use damaged media.
♦
Before using new media, please respect at least 30 minutes of acclimatization time.
♦
Make sure to load the media correctly. Media should be fed between the base
♦
plate and the media guiding fins attached to the pressure roller assembly.
Never put the media lever is the up position:
♦
While the head is moving.
♦
When the printer performs its media loading sequence.
♦
During automatic sheet-off.
♦
During cleaning.
♦
When the media lever is in the UP position:
♦
Make sure the head does not touch the media guiding fins attached to the
♦
pressure roller assembly.
Do not move the head manually.
♦
Regularly clean/replace the automatic sheet-off blade. When replacing blades,
♦
switch the printer off and put the hold lever down.
Regularly clean the paper sensor and printing plate. (Refer to the manual for
♦
proper instructions.)
Turn the screw clockwise to move the
media to the left.
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
After loading ink for the first time, please wait 30 minutes before launching the
♦
first print.
WARNING
Do not touch the steel belt.
♦
CAUTION
To move the left pressure roller, put the media hold lever in the UP position.
♦
The following label is located on top of the cassette bay.
CAUTION
Do not remove ink cassettes when printing.
♦
Do not put fingers in the ink cassette compartment.
♦
Do not tilt the waste ink box when removing it.
♦
When tilting or storing the media scroller always keep the
♦
fixed flange side a the bottom to avoid media from sliding
FIXED
FLANGE SIDE
down
5
CHAPTER 2
6
Installing and Setting up the Gerber Jetster
Chapter 2:
Installing and Setting up the Gerber Jetster
Installation requirements
The location where you set up your equipment is very important. The room must be large
enough to accommodate the Gerber Jetster and the printer media and have the proper power
supply.
Gerber Jetster size and weight
You must have enough room to maneuver the packed Gerber Jetster to its final location where
you can unpack and assemble it. Alternately, you can assemble the Jetster and then wheel it to
its final location.
Model Crated Size Crated
Weight
Gerber
Jetster 62
Gerber
Jetster 46
102.5" l x 34.5" w x 42" h
260.4 cm x 87.6 cm x 106.7 cm
78.5" l x 34.5" w x 42" h
199.4 cm x 87.6 cm x 106.7 cm
454 lbs.
205.9 kg
335 lbs.
151.9 kg
Power supply
WARNING: Make sure to connect the power cable only after all of the steps of the
installation procedure have been completed.
Voltage:
Frequency:
Current:
200 to 240 VAC
100 to 120 VAC
50/60 Hz ± 1 Hz
< 10 A (110 V)
< 5 A (220 V)
Uncrated Size Uncrated
Weight
94" l x 28" w x 53" h
238.8 cm x 71.1 cm x 134.6cm
70" l x 28" w x 53" h
177.8 cm x 71.1 cm x 134.6 cm
394 lbs.
178.7 kg
275 lbs.
124.7 kg
Ambient conditions
The environment must meet the following conditions:
Operating environment
♦
Temperature: 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C)
7
♦ Recommended temperature for assured printing accuracy:
♦
Humidity: 35% - 80%, non-condensing
♦ Recommended humidity for assured printing accuracy:
61°F to 77°F (16°C to 25°C)
50% to 60%
Storage environment
♦
Temperature: 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C)
♦
Humidity: 20% - 90% non-condensing
Variation rate
♦
Temperature: 4°F (2°C) per hour
♦
Humidity: 5% per hour
Important cautions
♦
Do not connect the printer to a power supply used by other devices that could interfere
with your printer.
♦
Do not use thinner, benzene or similar agents on the printer.
♦
Only use original Gerber ink cassettes. Use of different ink cassettes might cause damage
to your printer. When using non-Gerber ink cassettes, the ink supply system, the heads
and the cleaning system will be considered out of warranty.
♦
Keep ink cassettes out of the reach of children.
♦
The Gerber Jetster ink can freeze if you store your ink below -4°F (-18°C). Store your ink
cassettes in a cool place above the freezing point. If the ink freezes, leave your cassettes at
room temperature for at least three hours before using them.
♦
Protect your printer from moisture, dust, draughts and direct sunlight.
♦
It is best to keep your machine away from open windows and air-conditioners.
♦
Make sure that there is an adequate space around the printer so that ventilation is not
obstructed.
♦
Avoid using your Gerber Jetster printer near heating systems, such as stoves or heaters.
♦
Avoid using your printer under strong lighting, such as halogen lamps or light bulbs.
♦
When selecting a place for your printer, leave at least 3 feet (1 m) in front and at the sides,
and 3 feet (1 m) at the rear.
CHAPTER 2
8
Installing and Setting up the Gerber Jetster
Unpacking your Gerber Jetster printer
The printer body and Roll Take-up system are packed in two separate boxes. Unpack the
printer body first.
CAUTION: Four people are required to lift the machine out of the box. Protect the
printer from shocks. Do not dismantle the unit.
To unpack the printer
1
Remove the top cover cardboard and big sleeve.
2
Unpack the leg set, accessories box, extra media scroller,
and beams.
3
Open the printer body box.
4
Remove all plastic and cardboard pieces securing the
printer body.
5
Take out the media scroller
6
Determine if all of the parts described in the parts list are
included in the box. Consult your dealer if anything
seems to be missing.
What’s in the box?
Box contents
♦
Gerber Jetster printer unit
♦
Printer stand
♦
2 media scrollers including plastic flanges in 2 sizes:
2”and 3”
♦
Scroller slip ring
♦
1 Sheet-off knife, pre-installed in head
Accessories kit contents
♦
Power cable
♦
Gerber Jetster Owner’s Guide
♦
Extra Box with Roll Take-Up System
♦
Set of Eco-solvent ink cassettes (6 cassettes)
♦
Set of Eco-solvent Transition Liquid cassettes (6 cassettes)
Note: The Jetster requires an IEEE 1284 compliant cable (maximum length of 15 feet
(157.2 cm)) that is not included in the shipment. You must supply the cable, which is readily
available at most computer stores.
Getting to know the printer
Y
g
W
p Sy
Front Cover
Left Cover
-rail Cover Operating Panel
Ri
ht Cover
9
Heater Panel
Waste Bottle
On 62" Model
Front Paper
Guide
Cartridge Cover 6 Ink Slots
Control Box
Take-u
Media Hold
Lever
aste Bottle
stem
Waste
Bottle
Scroller
Adjusting
Screw
Rear Paper
Guide
Waste Bottle
on 62" Model
Scroller
Scroller Slip
Ring
CHAPTER 2
10
Installing and Setting up the Gerber Jetster
Part Description
Covers The protective covers protect the printing area. Opening a cover
immediately pauses printing which resumes when the cover is
closed.
Operation Panel Touch keyboard with integrated LCD-Display.
Heater Panel Controls the pre- and post-heaters with integrated LCD-Display.
Pressure Lever Lowers/Releases pressure rolls to load/unload media.
Take-up System Winds up printed media when using roll media.
Control box Box with the main electrical components.
Front Paper Guide A firm, flat base which supports the media during printing and
houses the vacuum system and post-heaters.
Rear Paper Guide Supports the media during printing & houses the pre-heaters.
Scroller Feeds through the roll media core to hold the media.
Scroller Adjusting Screw Adjusts the position of the roll media.
Scroller Slip Ring Prevents unwinding of roll media.
Ink Cassette Slots Holds/detects the ink or transition liquid cassettes.
Waste Bottle(s) Collects ink resulting from purging and cleaning.
CAUTION: Do not use the printer as a shelf to hold equipment. Do not lean on
Front Paper Guide and Cartridges. This may result in unrecoverable damage of your
machine.
Assembling the printer
Two people are required to assemble the stand. Four people are required to lift the printer onto
the assembled stand.
CAUTION: Before lifting the printer body out of the box, make sure to remove all
plastic wrapping materials so that you can handle the printer directly.
To assemble the printer stand
1
Unpack the stand and assemble it by screwing the left and right stand legs to the cross
beam (upper bar) (1) and to the cross bar (lower bar) (2). Lay the stand legs down to
make assembly easier. Use the 4 long hexagon bolts and the large hex wrench
(provided) to secure the upper cross beam (1), and 2 long hexagon bolts to secure the
lower cross bar (2). Make sure the caster wheels are on the front. Secure the bolts
permanently
2
Put the two plastic side covers over the bolts connecting the upper bar (1).
11
Ridge of the
upper cross
beam facing the
front of the
stand
3
Mount the left end plate (plate without motor box) to the left leg of the stand. Hook
the left end plate between the leg assembly. Turn the left end plate diagonally, so that
you can put it in-between the left leg and then turn it right to fix it into place by means
of the hooks.
CHAPTER 2
12
Installing and Setting up the Gerber Jetster
4
Fasten the left end plate temporarily with 2 bolts and washers (use a 3 mm hex key)
onto the bracket.
5
Hold firmly to the top of the leg assembly and push the endplate as high possible on
the leg assembly, so you can easily screw the printer body onto the stand.
6
Hook the right end plate between the leg assembly. Follow the same procedure as for
the left end plate. Hook the right end plate between the leg assembly. Turn the right
end plate diagonally; so that you can put it in between the right leg and then turn it
right to fix it into place with the hooks.
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