HP (Hewlett-Packard) FlexJet E, StudioJet User Manual

User Guide

Ioline FlexJet E & StudioJet Printers

User Notice

Trademarks

Ioline, StudioJet and FlexJet E printers are trademarks of Ioline Corporation. HP is a trademark of the Hewlett-Packard Company. Other product names, logos, designs, titles, words or phrases mentioned within this publication may be trademarks, service marks, or trade names of Ioline Corporation or other entities and may be registered in certain jurisdictions including internationally.

Ioline Disclaimer

IOLINE CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL IOLINE, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF IOLINE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

Limit of Liability Statement

It is the responsibility of the operator of the printer to monitor the performance of the printer and maintain it in proper working condition by following the instructions in this User Guide. It is the responsibility of the operator of the printer to follow all safety precautions and warnings that are described in this User Guide. Ioline Corporation is not responsible for injuries that may occur as a result of unsafe use. Ioline Corporation is not responsible for substandard operational performance as a result of failure to maintain the printer as described in this User Guide.

© 2003-2008 Ioline Corporation. All rights reserved. This manual may not be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, transmitted or converted to any electronic or machine-readable form in whole or in part without prior written approval of Ioline Corporation.

Service and Support

If you require assistance with an Ioline product, your local Ioline dealer or authorized service center is ready to help. Support information is also available 24/7 on the Ioline Web site—or you may contact Ioline directly:

Ioline Corporation

14140 NE 200th Street

Woodinville, Washington 98072 U.S.A.

Ioline Customer Service Department

Monday through Friday

7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. U.S. Pacic Time

Voice: 1.425.398.8282

Fax: 1.425.398.8383

support@ioline.com

www.ioline.com

Part Number 109619 Rev. 1

Ioline FlexJet E

Printers

User Guide

Table of Contents

Safety & Cautions

Visual Reference Guide

Chapter 1 Overview

Getting Started ................................................................................................. 15

How The Ioline FlexJet E and StudioJet printers Work ................................ 16

Chapter 2 Installation

Printer Assembly .............................................................................................. 17

Unpacking the Printer ......................................................................................................... 17

Assembling the Stand .......................................................................................................... 17

Attaching the Printer to the Stand ................................................................................... 17

Connect the printer to the Computer: Overview ....................................................... 17

Cable Connections .............................................................................................................. 18

Serial Conguration ............................................................................................................. 18

COM Port .............................................................................................................................. 18

Baud Rate ............................................................................................................................... 19

Other Serial Port Settings .................................................................................................. 19

Software Setup Options ..................................................................................................... 19

Power On ........................................................................................................... 21

Installing FlexPlot and the Control Center ................................................... 21

Chapter 3 Operation

Keypad Controls ............................................................................................... 23

Start/Stop ............................................................................................................................... 23

Clean ....................................................................................................................................... 24

Quality .................................................................................................................................... 24

Set Origin ............................................................................................................................... 24

Arrow Keys ............................................................................................................................ 25

Page Advance ......................................................................................................................... 25

Unroll (FlexJet E Only) ........................................................................................................ 25

Special Key Combinations .............................................................................. 25

Roll Up (FlexJet E Only) ..................................................................................................... 25

Reset Serial Port Baud Rate ............................................................................................... 25

Restore Factory Default Settings ...................................................................................... 25

The Control Center ......................................................................................... 26

Overview ................................................................................................................................ 26

Changing System Settings ................................................................................................... 26

Control Center Menu Bar Features ............................................................... 27

File ........................................................................................................................................... 27

Communications .................................................................................................................. 27

Tools ........................................................................................................................................ 27

Help ......................................................................................................................................... 27

Control Center Menu Options ........................................................................ 28

Software Version ................................................................................................................... 28

Cartridge Count ................................................................................................................... 28

Get Plotter Data .................................................................................................................. 28

Plotter Data (check box) .................................................................................................... 28

Line Width .............................................................................................................................. 28

Scale ......................................................................................................................................... 28

Frame Size .............................................................................................................................. 28

Quality Setting ...................................................................................................................... 29

Measurement Units .............................................................................................................. 29

Consumables ..................................................................................................... 29

Paper ....................................................................................................................................... 29

Ink ............................................................................................................................................ 29

Guidelines for Installing a Cartridge

* ............................................................................................................................................... 29

Printing a Marker ............................................................................................. 30

Overview ................................................................................................................................ 30

General Guidelines .............................................................................................................. 30

Loading Paper on the StudioJet ...................................................................... 31

Loading Paper on the FlexJet E Printer ......................................................... 31

Installing the Take-up Shaft (FlexJet E Models only) ............................................ 32

Feeding Paper (FlexJet E Models only) ................................................................ 33

Tape Paper to the Take-up Shaft (FlexJet E Models only) .................................. 34

Positioning the Pinchwheels ............................................................................ 34

Insert Front Dancer Bar (FlexJet E Models only) ............................................... 35

Insert Read Dancer Bar (FlexJet E 2H+ Models only) ........................................ 36

Set an Origin ..................................................................................................... 36

Sending Plot Files ............................................................................................. 36

Pausing a Marker Plot ...................................................................................... 36

Canceling a Marker Plot .................................................................................. 37

Removing Markers from the Take-up Shaft (FlexJet E Models only) ................. 37

Manually Freeing the Take-up Shaft (FlexJet E Models only) ............................ 38

Automatically Freeing the Take-Up Shaft (FlexJet E Models only) .................. 39

Reattach Paper to the Take-up Shaft (FlexJet E Models only) .......................... 39

Printing to the Floor ........................................................................................ 40

Chapter 4 Routine Maintenance

Cleaning the Drive Shaft ................................................................................. 41

Cleaning the Platen and Traverse ................................................................... 41

Cleaning the Support Blocks (FlexJet E Models only) ....................................... 42

Size Calibration ................................................................................................ 42

Prepare the Printer (See the Operation chapter) ............................................................... 42

Use the Control Center to Gather the Calibration Data .......................................... 43

Enter the Calibration Data: ................................................................................................ 43

Cartridge Calibration ....................................................................................... 44

Prepare the Printer .............................................................................................................. 44

Motion Adjust (Carriage Scan Alignment) ..................................................................... 45

Frame Gap (Paper Scan Alignment) ................................................................................. 45

Cartridge Maintenance and Handling ............................................................ 46

Check Cartridges ................................................................................................................. 46

Automatic Cleaning Procedure ......................................................................................... 46

Manual Cleaning Procedure ............................................................................................... 47

Print Cartridge Storage ................................................................................... 48

Short-term Storage (7 days or less) ................................................................................. 48

Long-term Storage (greater than 7 days) ........................................................................ 48

Updating Firmware using the Control Center .............................................. 48

Summary ................................................................................................................................. 48

Prepare the printer for a Firmware Update ................................................................... 48

Check the Current Firmware Version ............................................................................. 48

Update the Firmware .......................................................................................................... 49

Reset Calibration Values ..................................................................................................... 50

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

General Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 51

Media Tracking .................................................................................................. 51

Printing Quality ................................................................................................ 52

Line Quality ....................................................................................................... 52

Serial Communication ..................................................................................... 52

Keypad Error Codes ......................................................................................... 53

Legend ..................................................................................................................................... 53

Common Issues ................................................................................................ 54

Common Issues (FlexJet E Models only) ............................................................. 57

Chapter 6 End Notes

Service & Support ............................................................................................ 59

Getting Help ..................................................................................................... 59

Customer Service ............................................................................................. 60

Your Comments Are Requested ..................................................................... 60

Before you contact Support… ........................................................................ 61

The FCC Wants You to Know... ........................................................................ 62

Glossary

Index

NOTES

The Ioline FlexJet E and StudioJet printers have many fast moving components. Please read and follow these safety guidelines before beginning operation of the printer:

n Do not try to repair the machine without factory authoriza-

tion. Only qualied service personnel should attempt any

disassembly or access to internal components. If external mechanical adjustments are necessary, turn off the printer and disconnect it from all power sources (both the computer and the wall outlet).

Safety &

Cautions

n Be careful with hair, jewelry, or loose clothing near the printer.

They can become caught in the mechanical parts.

n Never attempt to move the carriage by hand when the power is

on. Always use the Arrow keys to move the carriage. To park

the carriage safely in the Service Station and protect the print cartridges, press the Clean button.

n Keep hands away

from the carriage when the printer is in operation. The car-

riage will automatically move to touch the left end plate then back to the right end (the Service Station position) when the power is turned on.

n Never insert hands or other objects into the Service Station

area on the right side of the printer. The carriage occasionally

enters this area without warning and could collide with an obstruction, potentially causing and injury.

Figure 1. Hold the bottom surfaces of the

end covers to avoid injury to your ngers.

n Be careful when moving or lifting the printer. Moving the

FlexJet E printer requires at least 2 people. To avoid injury to your ngers, do not lift either model by the end plates. Hold the bottom surfaces of the end covers to lift or move them. See Figure 1.

n Keep ngers away from the drive shaft when the printer is in

Visual Reference Guide

KEY

A. Left End Cover B. Right End Cover C. Take-up Motor D. Stand Leveling Foot E. Feed Roll F. Take-up Shaft

Rear Panel Behind Right End Cover

G. Feed Shaft H. Dancer Bar I. Stand AA. Power Switch BB. Serial Port CC. USB Port

AA BB

The Ioline FlexJet E Printer Front View.

Visual Reference Guide

KEY

J. Drive Shaft Marker K. Pinchwheel L. Traverse or Carriage Rail M. Carriage Assembly N. Platen P. Ink Cartridge Latch

Q. Ink Cartridge Stall R. Pinchwheel Lever S. Keypad T. Service Station

U. Take Up Sensors

The Ioline FlexJet E Printer Front View Close-up

Visual Reference Guide

KEY

A. Left End Cover B. Drive Shaft Marker C. Pinchwheel Lever D. Pinchwheel E. Drive Shaft

F. Right End Cover G. Keypad H. Stand Leg I. Inkjet Cartridge J. Carriage

D E

K. Stand Leveling Foot L. Feed Shaft M. Cross-member N. Platen O. Traverse

Figure 5. The Ioline StudioJet Front View.

Unless otherwise noted, diagrams and descriptions depicting Ioline FlexJet E printer models also apply to the Ioline StudioJet in this manual.

Getting Started

Chapter 1

Overview

Thank you for purchasing the Ioline FlexJet E or StudioJet printer.

This manual contains instructions and guidelines for setting up, operating and maintaining your Ioline printer. The following components are needed to create markers:

n A FlexJet E printer assembled according to the directions out-

lined in the FlexJet E Printer or StudioJet Quick Start Guide.

n A computer system that is properly installed and has a func-

tioning serial or USB port.

n Apparel design software loaded into the computer according to

the installation instructions.

n Printing media and ink cartridges that are within the guidelines

stated under the Operation chapter.

n Depending on the communications setup, Ioline FlexPlot soft-

ware is required if your CAD software does not create compat-

ible les.

In order to output to the FlexJet E or StudioJet printer, your apparel design software must create plot les in HPGL 7475 or DM/PL format. Alternatively, you can output markers using the FlexPlot software, included with the printer. FlexPlot imports and

converts a variety of le formats

for output to your Ioline printer.

Note

The Ioline Control Center and FlexPlot will only run on the Windows® 2000/XP/Vista operating systems. Most design software provides drivers for Ioline printers. Contact Ioline customer service if you need assistance with drivers.

LEFT EDGE OF PLOT

LOWER EDGE OF PLOT

Ioline FlexJet E User Guide

How The Ioline FlexJet E and StudioJet printers Work

The FlexJet E and StudioJet printers create printed images through synchronized media and carriage motion. Files are sent to the printer

from a computer or le server via a serial or USB* connection.

When the printer receives a le, the electronic logic system translates

the vector image into X-axis (paper motion) and Y-axis (carriage motion) instructions and uses digital feedback to ensure plot accuracy.

The FlexJet E and StudioJet printers break the plot le into frame segments in order to plot long markers. The FlexJet E printer then rolls the frame segments onto a take-up shaft. The FlexJet E printer can roll up to 600 yards onto the take-up shaft at a time. The Studio-

Jet plots to the oor.

Left side of FlexJet E printer Right side of FlexJet E printer

In this manual the right and left side refers to the right and left side of the front of the printers. Design software usually refers to the Origin (or Start Point) as “lower left” because it is the lower left corner of a plot. The plot is usually oriented in the printer rotated 90 degrees counter clockwise as shown in Figure

5. The lower left corner of the

plot is physically on the right side of the printer.

* Note: The StudioJet has a serial

port. The FlexJet E has both a se-

rial port and a USB port.

Note

Origin at right side of printer and lower left on plot

Figure 7. The X- and Y-axes and origin (top view).

An overview of the complete setup procedure is described in detail in the FlexJet E Printer and StudioJet Quick Start Guides (provided in the Accessory Kit).

Chapter 2

Installation

Printer Assembly

Unpacking the Printer

Carefully remove the printer from the box and place it on a at,

stable surface. This procedure requires two people. Check the packing list to ensure that all of the accessories are present. (See the FlexJet E printer or StudioJet Quick Start Guide for more information.) Save all packing materials and the box.

Assembling the Stand

Assemble and level the stand using the hardware included in the Accessory Kit and directions outlined in the See the FlexJet E printer or

StudioJet Quick Start Guide.

Attaching the Printer to the Stand

Attach the printer to the stand with the top bars resting in the notches in the stand legs. Use the hardware as indicated in the See the FlexJet E or StudioJet Quick Start Guide.

Connect the printer to the Computer: Overview

Connect the printer to your computer via serial cable (provided in the Accessory Kit). The corresponding serial port on your computer may be either a 9-pin or 25-pin male receptacle. If the computer has 25-pin serial ports, a 25- to 9-pin adapter is necessary.

Once connected, select the correct port and data rate in your apparel design software, FlexPlot and/or the Control Center. Consult the design software manual or the dealer for further information. Information on conguring FlexPlot and the Control Center follows in the Operation chapter.

Caution

Do not hold the printer head by the bottom edge

of the end plates when attaching it to the stand. Fingers and hands might get pinched between the end plates and stand legs. Hold the bottom of the end covers when handling the printer. (See Figure 1.)

Caution

Before connecting the

printer to your PC, make

sure the computer and the printer both have the power turned off. Ioline recommends using a surge protector power strip for both the printer and the computer.

Ioline FlexJet E User Guide

Cable Connections

When connecting the printer to the computer by serial cable:

1. Make sure that power to the printer is off. Power is off when the switch is in the “0” position, and is turned on when placed in the “1” position.

2. Connect the supplied serial cable and power cord to the panel on the back right end cover of the printer. Lock the serial cable to the port on the printer with the thumb screws.

COM Ports

Figure 8. The serial cable and power cord plug into the sockets in the back of the right end cover.

3. Plug the printer power cable into a wall socket or a surge protector.

4. Make sure that power is off to the computer.

5. Connect the serial cable to a 9-pin male serial port on the back of the computer. (If your computer has a 25-pin connector, acquire a 25-pin to 9-pin serial adapter to make the connection.) Tighten the thumbscrews.

Figure 9. PCs typically have two 9-pin serial ports, COM 1 and COM 2.

Serial Conguration

It is critical that the Control Center, FlexPlot software, and any other software that send data to the printer use the same COM port and baud rate that the printer is using.

COM Port

A PC typically has two external 9-pin male serial connections. These ports are often listed in the system settings as COM 1 and COM 2. Determine which port is connected to the printer, then select that port in all the software as instructed in the respective software user guides. (See Figure 10.)

Figure 10. FlexPlot Serial Port set-up window.

Baud Rate

The serial port on the printer has an adjustable baud rate. Available speeds are 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200. The default is set at the factory to 38,400. The baud rate is adjustable in the Control Center in the Communications>Settings window.

Chapter 2: Installation

Other Serial Port Settings

You may also need to set additional serial port settings, for instance, when you use a terminal program. The recommended conguration settings are:

Data Bits: 8

Parity: None

Stop Bits: 1

Flow Control: Software or Xon/Xoff

Software Setup Options

Ioline recommends using FlexPlot for marker making on the printer. FlexPlot offers the most robust and exible workow available

for creating output. It’s especially useful when many le formats are

used, a common situation for service bureaus. To set-up and learn how to use the software, see the FlexPlot User Guide.

The printer is designed to work in many different production environments. The type of marker printing you do will often determine your preferred communication method. Two typical methods for sending markers are:

1. Plot directly from the marker or design software to the

printer. (See Figure 11.)

Unlike other marker printers, the FlexJet E and StudioJet print-

ers are capable of operating as stand-alone devices with no extra software running on the computer. This method works if your CAD software includes a driver for any Ioline product, such as the Ioline 600Ae or the Summit 2200. It will also work if the CAD software can create a compatible HPGL- or DM/PL-formatted le.

Ioline FlexJet E User Guide

CAD

Software

HPGL

DM/PL

FlexJet E printer

Figure 11. Workow: output direct from CAD software (without FlexPlot).

2. Use FlexPlot software to convert les before sending them to the printer for output.

The printer includes the FlexPlot software which will convert

many different les into a format that is compatible with the

printer. It also provides an advanced marker queue management system and other tools to optimize the performance of the printer.

CAD

Software

[Network]

FlexPlot

HPGL

DM/PL

DXF

ASTM 6959

STD

(Alternate Conguration)

CAD

Software

FlexPlot

FlexJet E printer

Figure 12. Workow using FlexPlot for le conversion and output.

Chapter 2: Installation

Power On

Turn on the computer and the printer to make sure they both work. The printer power switch is located next to the power cord on the back of the machine, behind the keypad. When the paper is properly loaded and the printer is powered up, the carriage will move toward the left side of the machine, then return to the opposite side to park in the Service Station. The OK light will turn red and the Square light will turn green on the front panel after the start-up process has

nished.

If no paper is loaded when the printer is powered up, the printer displays an error message. The OK light will turn red and the Circle light will turn orange. This combination of lights indicates a paper out error. The keypad buttons do not work unless paper is properly loaded—or a small piece of masking tape is placed over the Paper Out sensor on the back of the printer. Once paper is loaded or the sensor is taped over, press the Start/Stop button to clear the orange circle and regain use of the keypad.

Installing FlexPlot and the Control Center

The printer includes two software interfaces: FlexPlot and the Control Center. FlexPlot will import and queue plot les from

many design programs to optimize production operations. The Control Center is an interface for adjusting parameters to optimize printer performance. The printer comes with a CD-ROM which has Microsoft Windows® 2000/XP/Vista versions of the programs as well as PDF user guides and the required Adobe® Acrobat® reader.

Caution

Keep hands and loose clothing away from all

moving parts of the printer. Make sure the Service Station opening in the right end plate is not obstructed and that the stall latches are lowered.

In this manual the right and left side refers to the right and left side of the front of the printer. Design software usually refers to the Origin (or Start Point) as “lower left” because it is the lower left corner of a plot. The plot is usually oriented in the printer rotated 90 degrees counter clockwise as shown in Figure

5. The lower left corner of the

plot is physically on the right side of the printer.

Note

1. Power on the computer and Windows®.

2. Insert the Ioline CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (usually D:).

3. The installation program should start automatically. If it does not:

a. Select the Start button.

b. Choose Run.

c. Type D:\IOSETUP (substitute the correct letter if the CD-

ROM drive letter is not D:) and Click OK.

4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

5. The FlexPlot User Guide has details on using the FlexPlot software. In this manual, see the section The Control Center for more details about the Control Center software.

Ioline FlexJet E User Guide

This page intentionally left blank

Keypad Controls

The keypad provides access to the main functions of the printer.

Chapter 3

Operation

Figure 13. The Printer Keypad.

Start/Stop

The Start/Stop key toggles the printer online and ofine. If the Start/ Stop key is pressed during printing, the OK light turns red and

the machine will stop after it nishes printing the current scan. The

Arrow, Unroll and Paper Advance keys are active when in STOP mode. When the Start/Stop key is pressed again, the printer enters START mode, the OK light turns green and printing resumes exactly where it stopped.

START mode OK = green Arrow keys inoperable,

printer online (ready to receive instructions).

STOP mode OK = red Arrow keys operable,

printer ofine (not ready to receive instructions).

Ioline FlexJet E User Guide

Clean

Runs the print heads through a cleaning cycle in the Service Station. Put the printer in STOP mode and wait until the OK light turns red. Then press the Clean button. If the carriage is not already parked, it will return to the Service Station. After auto cleaning, the printer will react differently when you put it in green light (START) mode, depending on what it was doing just prior to the cleaning:

Printer state before auto cleaning—e.g. what the printer is doing just before it is put

in STOP (red light) mode

Printing in START mode (OK light is green) Resumes printing

Idle in START mode (OK light is green) Stays parked and capped.

Idle, in STOP mode (OK light is red) Stays parked and capped.

Printer reaction when put in

START mode after auto cleaning

Quality

Switches between the Best—or dark (600 dpi)—line mode and Draft mode (300 dpi), which prints lighter and consumes less ink. You can change line quality while the printer is printing.

Set Origin

The Set Origin key sets the initial origin or starting position for the marker. It’s best to always set a new origin point after cycling power. To set a new origin, press Start/Stop until the OK light turns red (STOP mode). Use the Arrow keys to move the carriage so that the white marker is positioned over the desired starting point. Press the Set Origin key. The OK light will turn green, indicating the printer is ready to accept plot les. (See Figure 14.)

Apparel design software usually refers to the origin as “lower left” because it is the lower left corner of a marker. Because the plot is usually oriented as shown in Figure 5, it is physically on the right side of the printer.

Note

Origin Marker

Figure 14. The Set Origin key sets the marker origin point directly below the top of the white origin marker on the carriage base—located on the right side.

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