iSys V8.5 User Manual

V8.5 Thermal Plotter

User Guide

V8.5 Thermal Plotter is a product of iSys - The Imagaing Systems Group. © 2005

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V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

This document is copyrighted by The Imaging Systems Group Inc.,

2000. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, or stored in a retrieval system of any kind without prior
written permission of The Imaging Systems Group Inc.

TRADEMARKS

Centronics is a U.S. registered trademark of Centronics Data
Computer Corporation.

Versatec is a registered trademark of Versatec Corporation.

DISCLAIMER

The Imaging Systems Group Inc. makes no warranties as to the
accuracy, validity or fitness for use of the contents of this manual.
The Imaging Systems Group Inc. reserves the right to revise the
information in this manual at any time without notice.

HAFTUNGSAUSSCHLUSS

Imaging Systems Group Inc. übernimmt keinerlei Garantie hinsichtlich
der Genauigkeit, Gültigkeit und Anwendbarkeit dieses Handbuches.
Imaging Systems Group Inc . behält sich das Recht v or , die in diesem
Handbuch enthaltenen Informationen jederzeit ohne vorherige
Ankündigung zu ändern.

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V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

ATTENTION: The V8.5e plotter generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio
communications. It has been designed to comply with the
requirements for Class A computing devices pursuant to Sub-part J of
Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause interference in which case, the user, at his own expense, will
be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct
the interference.

ACHTUNG: Der V8.5e Plotter erzeugt, verwendet und verbreitet
Hochfrequenzenergie und kann daher, im Falle, dass er nicht gemäß
dem Benutzerhandbuch installiert und benutzt wird, zu Störungen
im Hochfrequenz Kommunikationsverkehr führen. Er wurde gemäß
den Anforderungen für Rechnergeräte der Klasse A konstruiert und
erfüllt Unterabsatz J des Teils 15 der FCC Vorschriften, die dazu gedacht
sind, einen angemessenen Schutz bei Einsatz dieser Geräte in einer
gewerblichen Umgebung zu sichern. Ein Einsatz dieser Geräte in
Wohngebieten wird wahrscheinlich Störungen verursachen, im
welchem Falle der Benutzer auf eigene Kosten die notwendigen
Maßnahmen ergreifen muß, die erforderlich sind, um solche
Störungen zu vermeiden.

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V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

Caution! – must be observed to avoid loss or damage to your

equipment.

Important: - must be observed to avoid operational impairment.

Do not proceed past any of the above notices, until you have fully
understood the implications.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) USA – This equipment
generates and radiates radio frequency energy and if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to
Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a
commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause interference in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be required
to correct the interfer ence. Shielded cables should be used with this
unit to ensure compliance with the Class A limits.

Europe – This digital equipment fulfils the requirements for radiation
emission according to limit B of EN55022/A1 May 1998, and the
requirements for immunity according to EN55024 1998 residential,
commercial, and light industry (Compliance is not valid for unshielded
network and printer cables).

Vorsicht! – Muss befolgt werden, um Totalverlust oder Beschädigung

des Gerätes zu vermeiden.

Wichtig: - Muss befolgt werden, um Beeinträchtigungen beim Betrieb

zu vermeiden.

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V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

Bitte verfahren Sie erst dann weiter, wenn Sie die Bedeutung der
vorstehenden Hinweise vollständig verstanden haben.

Elektromagnetische Kompatibilität (EMC) USA – Dieses Gerät
erzeugt und verbr eitet Hochfrequenzenergie und kann daher , so fern
es nicht gemäß dem Benutzerhandbuch installiert und benutzt wird,
zu Störungen im Hochfrequenz-K ommunikationsverkehr führ en. Es
wurde gemäß den Einschränkungen für R echnergeräte der Klasse A
konstruiert und erfüllt Unterabsatz J des Teils 15 der FCC Vor schriften,
die dazu gedacht sind, einen angemessenen Schutz bei Einsatz dieser
Geräte in einer gewerblichen Umgebung zu sichern. Ein Einsatz
dieser Geräte in Wohngebieten wird wahrscheinlich Störungen
verursachen, im welchem Falle der Benutzer auf eigene Kosten die
notwendigen Maßnahmen ergreifen muss, die erforderlich sind, um
solche Störungen zu beheben. Um die Einhaltung der Klasse-A­Einschränkungen zu gewährleisten, sollte das Gerät mit geschirmten
Kabeln verwendet werden.

Europa – Dieses digitale Gerät entspricht den Anforderungen für
Strahlungsemissionen gemäß EN55022/A1 Klasse B vom Mai 1998,
sowie die Anforderungen für Störsicherheit gemäß EN55024 1998
für den häuslichen, gewerblichen und leichtindustriellen Gebrauch
(Konformität gilt nicht für ungeschirmte Netz- und Druckerkabel).

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V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The Imaging Systems Group’s total liability to the purchaser, or to
any third party, for damages from any and all causes whatsoever,
regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or in tort,
including negligence, and an y infringement of proprietary right s or
any misappropriation or unlawful use of any proprietary rights or
property of any third party shall, in the aggregate, be limited to
purchase price actually paid by the purchaser for the product relating
to the damages. The limitation of liability provisions of this agreement
reflect an informed voluntary allocation of the risks (known and
unknown) that may exist in connection with the provisions of the
goods and services provided hereunder by The Imaging Systems
Group Inc., and that such voluntary risk allocation represents a
fundamental part of the agreement reached between The Imaging
Systems Group Inc. and the purchaser.

The Imaging Systems Group Inc. shall not be liable for any special,
direct or indirect, incidental, consequential, exemplary, punitive or
any similar or other damages of any nature suffered by the purchaser
whatsoever including, without limitation, loss of use or lack of
availability of the purchaser facilities, including its computer resources
and any stored dat a, loss of pr ofits or r ev enue , or other commercial
loss, or any claim for contribution or indemnity in respect of any
claims against the purchaser, regardless of whether The Imaging
Systems Group Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such
damages.

The Imaging Systems Group Inc.
911 28th Street N.E.
Calgary, Alberta T2A-7X1
Canada
Phone [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
http://www.isys-group.com

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V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ........................... 1-1

1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION .................... 1-1

1.2 MEDIA DESCRIPTION ...................... 1-1

1.3 ABOUT THIS MANUAL ..................... 1-2

2. SPECIFICATIONS .......................... 2-1

2.1 FUNCTIONAL ........................... 2-1

Operation .............................. 2-1

Media ................................. 2-3

Thermal printhead ........................ 2-3

Transport .............................. 2-4

2.2 ELECTRICAL ............................ 2-4

Interface ............................... 2-4

Power consumption ....................... 2-4

Power requirements ....................... 2-4

2.3 PHYSICAL .............................. 2-5

Dimensions ............................. 2-5

Weight ................................ 2-5

2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL ........................ 2-5

Temperature ............................ 2-5

Other ................................. 2-5

3. INSTALLATION ............................ 3-1

3.1 UNPACKING ............................ 3-1

3.2 MOUNTING AND POSITIONING .............. 3-2

3.3 INTERFACE SETUP ........................ 3-3

3.4 MEDIA INSTALLATION ..................... 3-3

Installing rolled paper ..................... 3-4

Installing fan-fold paper .................... 3-8

Installing and using film .................... 3-8

Installing rolled film ....................... 3-9

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V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

4. OPERATION .............................. 4-1

4.1 POWER SUPPLY PRECAUTIONS ............... 4-1

4.2 USING THE CONTROL PANEL ................. 4-2

4.3 CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS AND SETTINGS ..... 4-5

Changing function settings .................. 4-5

Default Settings .......................... 4-6

Test plot ............................... 4-6

Contrast ............................... 4-6

Speed ................................. 4-7

Media ................................. 4-8

Scaling ................................ 4-9

Emulation (vertical resolution) .............. 4-10

Form feed length ........................ 4-10

Bytes per scan .......................... 4-12

Grayscale media table number .............. 4-13

Setup headers for programming the V8.5e ...... 4-13

4.4 ERROR MESSAGES ....................... 4-16

5. THEORY OF OPERATION ..................... 5-1

5.1 INTRODUCTION .......................... 5-1

5.2 PLOTTER FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES .......... 5-1

Power supplies ........................... 5-1

Stepper motor ........................... 5-3

5.3 INTERFACE ............................. 5-3

Interface timing and signals ................. 5-3

Data rates .............................. 5-6

Scan width ............................. 5-7

Vertical resolution ........................ 5-7

Scaling ................................ 5-7

Print mode ............................. 5-8

5.4 THERMAL PRINTHEAD ..................... 5-9

Automatic Head Temperature Feedback ......... 5-9

Film media ............................ 5-10

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V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

5.5 MEDIA SENSORS ........................ 5-10

6. MAINTENANCE ............................ 6-1

6.1 MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES ................. 6-2

6.2 REGULAR MAINTENANCE ................... 6-3

Cleaning the thermal printhead ............... 6-4

Cleaning the platen roller ................... 6-5

Replacing the fuse ........................ 6-6

7. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................ 7-1

7.1 INTRODUCTION .......................... 7-1

7.2 PROBLEMS ............................. 7-2

Plotter does not plot ...................... 7-2

Plot has vertical white stripes ................ 7-3

Plot is blotchy or faded ..................... 7-4

Plot contrast is weak ...................... 7-5

Plot has black vertical lines .................. 7-6

Plot is wrong length ....................... 7-7

Paper is wrinkling or tearing along one edge ..... 7-7

Plotter has no power ...................... 7-8

Plotter display is functioning but motor ......... 7-8

Can’t make changes to control panel settings ..... 7-8

Plot output speed is erratic .................. 7-9

Burning smell during plot, or “blooming” ....... 7-10

Form feed stops before desired length ......... 7-11

Form feed does not stop at top-of-form marks ... 7-11

Plot is skewed or unreadable ................ 7-12

8. WARRANTY .............................. 8-1

APPENDICES

A. ASCII TABLES ............................. A-1

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V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

B. INTERFACE CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT ....... B-1

C. CENTRONICS INTERFACE BOARD ............... C-1

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1-1V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Imaging Systems Group’s V8.5e Thermal Plotter is a high-speed
plotter suitable for o ffice or field use. It s small size and lightweight,
yet rugged construction makes it durable in mobile situations. The
V8.5e uses direct thermal plotting technology , so it requires no liquid
or powdered ink.

Interface parameter settings and other menu functions can be
accessed from either the front panel or the host computer. It is
capable of printing at four speeds; 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 inches per
second.

The V8.5e thermal plotter contains a completely new method of
plotting rasterized data. Each scan of data plotted can contain as
many as 64 independent intensity levels (gray scales). The thermal
print head (TPH) in the V8.5e is made up of 1728 thermal heater
nibs, and each one of these nibs can be heated to a different
energy level, producing a dot on the thermal media of varying
intensity . This type o f plotting can produce high-resolution images
containing many shades o f gr ay.

The V8.5e prints in both raster and character modes, and contains
a 96-character ASCII set. It interfaces with Versatec and optionally
Centronics data interfaces.

1.2 MEDIA DESCRIPTION

The V8.5e uses rolled or fan-folded thermal paper or rolled film.
Media width is 8.75, and 9.0 inches. The V8.5e accommodates
regular thermal paper, papers with a protective top coating, as w ell
as certain types of film media. Call your Imaging Systems Group
product representative for media recommendations.

INTRODUCTION

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1-2 V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

An optional fan-fold paper guide and feeder trays (which attach to
the back of the plotter , and below the rackmount plotter) are a vailable
from The Imaging Systems Group which stabilizes the paper for
smooth intake of fanfold papers. These options are useful in field
situations or where vibration is a problem.

1.3 ABOUT THIS MANUAL

Please read this manual before using the plotter, in particular the
Installation and Operation Chapter s, and the “Regular Maintenance”
section in the Maintenance Chapter.

P ay special attention to warnings, cautions and notes . The following
conventions are used in this manual:

CAUTION: Indicates possible equipment damage unless procedure
is followedcorrectly.

NOTE: Indicates a general rule for a procedure, or an exception to a
rule.

This symbol indicates an area of possible concern due to
static discharge into the circuitry. When this symbol ap­pears in the manual, please observe proper static precau­tions to minimize damage to the circuitry.

VORSICHT: Verweist auf die Gefahr der Beschädigung des Gerätes,
falls die Vorschriften nicht genau befolgt werden.

Dieses Symbol warnt davor, dass es in diesen Bereichen
möglicherweise zu statischen Entladungen an den Schaltkreisen
kommen kann. Wenn dieses Symbol im Handbuch erscheint, sind
die entsprechenden Vorsichtsmaßnahmen zu treffen, um eine
Beschädigung der Schaltkreise so weit wie möglich zu vermeiden.

WICHTIGER HINWEIS: Verweist auf allgemeine
Verfahrensvorschriften oder eine Ausnahme zu einer Vorschrift.

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2-1V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 FUNCTIONAL

Operation

Command panel Front mounted.

LED display .
Three push buttons.
Online/Offline, Dat a and error LED’ s .

Command modes Bimodal Plotting mode.

Grayscale mode .
Printing mode.

F eatures Bimodal (black and white) plotting.

Grayscale plotting.
Plot speed up to 4.0 inches per second.
Microprocessor controlled.
Automatic head temperature feedback

P anel settings ~ On-line , off-line.

~ Test plot, test print.
* Contrast C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8.
* Plot speed select 1”, 2”, 3”, 4” per second.
* Media select LP, HP, LF , HF.
~ Scaling (positive and negative) S0, S1, S2,
S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, SA, SB, SC, SD, SE.
~ V ertical emulation.
P0, n0 for 200 dots per inch vertical

emulation. P3, n3 for 203 dots per inch

vertical emulation. P selects positive
scaling, n selects negative scaling.

SPECIFICATIONS

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2- 2 V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

~ F orm feed adjust F2, F4, F8, tF, PF - selects

formfeed of 2, 4, 8 inches, Top of Form
sensing, and programable past top of form
respectively.

~ Bytes per scan b1, b2 - selects 216 and 264

bytes per scan respectiv ely.

~ Grayscale levels per scan g1, g2, g3, g4 -

selects 8, 16, 32, and 64 levels of gray levels
per scan respectively.

# Grayscale media calibration table number

t1, t2.

Settings marked with (*) are used exclusively with bi-modal plotting.
Settings marked with (#) are used exclusively with grayscale plotting.
Settings marked with (~) are used with both bi-modal and grayscale
plotting.

Plot speeds P aper 1.0, 2.0, 3 .0, and 4.0 inches per second

in bimodal (black and white) plotting mode.
Film: 1.0 inch per second.
Grayscale: dependent upon the number of levels
of grayscale selected.

Condition detection Media out.

Top of form.
Head temperature.
24 volt error detection.

2

SPECIFICATIONS

2-3V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

Media

Types Thermal sensitive paper or film.

Rolled paper with 7/16 inch spool core.
Rolled film.
Fan-folded paper (optional).

Width 8.75 inch rolled paper or film media.

8.75, 9.0 inch fan fold paper media.

Maximum length Rolled media: 100 feet with thick paper, 150

feet with thin paper. Maximum diameter 2.5
inches. Fan-fold: unlimited maximum.

Fan-fold guides Optional, for fan-fold paper. Adjustable for

8.75 inch and 9.0 inch media.

F eeder tray s Optional, for fan-f old paper.

Thermal printhead

Type Linear array.
Resolution 203 dots per inch (8 dots per milimeter).
Dots per scan 1728 (metric) maximum.
Bytes per scan 2 16 bytes maximum.
Image width 8.5 inches.

SPECIFICATIONS

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2- 4 V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

Transport

Stepper motor Micro-step.
Stepping resolution 0.004 millimeter.

6400 micro-steps per inch of media.
32 micro-steps per scan line .

2.2 ELECTRICAL

Interface

Type Parallel, 8 kB buffer
Compatibility Versatec Greensheet

Centronics parallel (optional)
External SCSI

Data cable Optional

Power consumption

Idle mode 110 Watt minimum.
Plot or print mode 315 Watt maximum

Power requirements

Voltag e Auto selectable input 100 Volts AC @ 60

Hertz Or 240 Volts AC @ 50 Hertz

Current 3 Amps maximum @ 110 Volts

1.5 Amps nominal @ 220 Volts

Fuse 250 Volts / 5 Amps

2

SPECIFICATIONS

2-5V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

2.3 PHYSICAL

Dimensions

Rackmount Desktop
Height 3.5 inches 3.5 inches
Width 19 inches 15 inches
Depth 12.5 inches 12.5 inches

Weight

Net 23 pounds 22 pounds

2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL

Temperature

Operating range 32º to 122º Fahrenheit (0º to 50º Celcius)
Storage range 14º to 158º Fahrenheit (-10º to 7 0º Celcius)

Other

Operating humidity 5% to 95 non-condensing
Certification FCC Class “A” certified for electromagnetic

interference

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3-1V8.5e Rev 2.1.2001

INSTALLATION

3.1 UNPACKING

Although shipments are thoroughly checked for completeness by
The Imaging Systems Group Inc., confirm that your plotter has the
following:

1. Power cord

2. Sample Roll o f paper

3. Two spindle hubs

4. Rackmount spacer s

Confirm that any specified options are present, such as a data cable
or fan-fold guide.

AC Power
Cord

Manual &
W arranty Card

Head Cleaning Pen

Plotter

Rail

Spacers

Spindle with Spacer disks

Thumb

Screw

Kit

INSTALLATION

3

3-2 V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

Inspect the plotter and components for any damage that may have
occurred during shipment. Report any damage to the carrier of the
shipment, and to your Imaging Systems Group Inc. product
representitive.

Keep the box and packaging for future shipping, in the event of
servicing or upgrading issues. This product must be returned to
our factory in the original or proper packaging material. Damage
caused during return shipping or due to improper packaging will
not be covered by The Imaging Systems Group Inc. During shipping
or storage, place a length of thermal paper between the printhead
and roller. This prevents damage caused by the two components
sticking together.

3.2 MOUNTING AND POSITIONING

Keep the V8.5e away from direct heat sources, including sunlight.
Do not block the vents on the sides of the plotter.

CAUTION: Make sure the thumbscrews are secured before operation.
This is particularly important in mobile situations. Damage to the plotter
or rack components could result if the plotter becomes unstable.

VORSICHT: Versichern Sie sich vor dem Betrieb des Gerätes, dass die
Flügelschrauben festgestellt sind. Das ist besonders in beweglichen
Konstellationen wichtig. Sollte der Plotter instabil werden, kann dies
zu Schäden am Plotter oder am Gestell führen.

3

INSTALLATION

3-3V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

3.3 INTERFACE SETUP

Plug the power cord into a grounded AC outlet only. Avoid sharing
an outlet that is also powering other noise-generating equipment.

The V8.5e comes equipped with a V ersatec short line TTL (transist or
to transistor logic) interf ace. This interface can be used for dat a cable
lengths up to 50 feet.

An optional long line interface (differential) can be used for data
cable lengths up to 700 feet.

F or optional Centronics interface setup, see Appendix C.
An external SCSI (Small Computer System Interf ace) is also available.

Please contact your Imaging Systems Group Inc. product
representitive for further information.

3.4 MEDIA INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Do not attempt to plot or form feed without the print

medium installed. This may damage the print head and will void the
warranty.

VORSICHT: Versuchen Sie bitte nicht, einen Druckvorgang oder
Papiervorschub zu starten, wenn sich kein Druckmedium im Plotter
befindet. Dies kann zu einer Beschädigung des Druckkopfes und zum
Verlust der Garantie führen.

INSTALLATION

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3-4 V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

Installing rolled paper

The V8.5e plotter comes with a sample roll of thermal sensitiv e paper .
To install rolled paper:

1. Loosen the rackmount thumbscrews and pull the plotter forward
on the rails.

2. Release the lid assembly b y gr asping underneath the black latch
bar and pulling it upwards (Figure 3-5). Open the plotter lid by
lifting the guide straight upwards.

3. Remove the fan-fold guide by grasping the two stainless steel
rails and lifting it straight upwards.

4. Place the spindle hubs onto each end of the roll of media with the
spacer on the left hand side spindle.

5. Orient the roll so that the paper feeds off of the top of the roll.

6. Place the roll in the plotter so that the pins on the spindle hubs
snap into the slots on the spindle blocks.

7. Guide the paper over the blue platen roller and under the black
cutter bar as shown in Figure 3-3.

8. Figure 3-4 shows roll paper installed. When installing any media,
ensure that the coated side of the media is on top.

3

INSTALLATION

3-5V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

Figure 3-1

Control Panel

Power

Latch

Figure 3-2 Back Panel

AC receptacle Screws

AC Power & Fuse Back Panel Screws Data port

INSTALLATION

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3-6 V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

Figure 3-3. Roll paper and film path

Roll

Figure 3-4 Roll paper installed

3

INSTALLATION

3-7V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002

Latch Bar

Figure 3-5 Opening the plotter Lid