iSys V8.5e User Manual
V8.5e
User Guide
www.isys-group.com
iSys - The Imaging Systems Group Inc. © Copyright 2010 Rev 003
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 vor, die in diesem
Handbuch enthaltenen Informationen jederzeit ohne vorherige Ankündigung zu ändern.
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.
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.
2
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 interference. 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.
Bitte verfahren Sie erst dann weiter, wenn Sie die Bedeutung der vorstehenden Hinweise vollständig verstanden
haben.
Elektromagnetische Kompatibilität (EMC) USA – Dieses Gerät erzeugt und verbreitet Hochfrequenzenergie
und kann daher, sofern es nicht gemäß dem Benutzerhandbuch installiert und benutzt wird, zu Störungen im
Hochfrequenz-Kommunikationsverkehr führen. Es wurde gemäß den Einschränkungen 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 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).
3
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 any
infringement of proprietary rights 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 data, loss of profits or revenue, 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 1-866-415-4797
Fax: (403) 204-1971
e-mail: support@isys-group.com
http://www.isys-group.com
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 GENERALDESCRIPTION...................................................................................................................................8
1.2 MEDIADESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................................................8
1.3 ABOUTTHISMANUAL.....................................................................................................................................8
2.1 FUNCTIONAL.................................................................................................................................................10
Operation...............................................................................................................................................................10
Media.....................................................................................................................................................................11
Thermalprinthead..................................................................................................................................................11
Transport................................................................................................................................................................12
2.2 ELECTRICAL....................................................................................................................................................12
Interface.................................................................................................................................................................12
Powerconsumption...............................................................................................................................................12
Powerrequirements
2.3 PHYSICAL.......................................................................................................................................................12
Dimensions.............................................................................................................................................................12
Weight............................................................................................................................... .....................................12
2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL..........................................................................................................................................13
Temperature..........................................................................................................................................................13
Other......................................................................................................................................................................13
3.1UNPACKING............................................................................................................................... ...................14
3.2 MOUNTINGANDPOSITIONING.....................................................................................................................15
3.3 INTERFACESETUP..........................................................................................................................................15
3.4 MEDIAINSTALLATION...................................................................................................................................15
Installingrolledpaper...............................................................................................................................
Installingfan‐foldpaper.........................................................................................................................................18
Installingandusingfilm..........................................................................................................................................18
Installingrolledfilm................................................................................................................................................19
..............................................................................................................................................12
.............16
4.1 POWERSUPPLYPRECAUTIONS.....................................................................................................................21
4.2 USINGTHECONTROLPANEL.........................................................................................................................21
4.3 CONTROLPANELFUNCTIONSANDSETTINGS...............................................................................................23
Changingfunctionsettings.....................................................................................................................................23
5
DefaultSettings......................................................................................................................................................23
Testplot..................................................................................................................................................................23
Contrast..................................................................................................................................................................23
Speed......................................................................................................................................................................24
Media.....................................................................................................................................................................24
Scaling.....................................................................................................................................................................25
Emulation(verticalresolution)...............................................................................................................................25
Formfeedlength....................................................................................................................................................25
Bytesperscan........................................................................................................................................................26
Grayscalemediatablenumber..............................................................................................................................27
SetupheadersforprogrammingtheV8.5e
4.4 ERRORMESSAGES.........................................................................................................................................29
4.5 DRIVERINSTALLATION..................................................................................................................................30
5.1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................39
5.2 PLOTTERFUNCTIONSANDFEATURES...........................................................................................................39
THEORYOFOPERATION.........................................................................................................................................40
5.3 INTERFACE.....................................................................................................................................................41
Interfacetimingandsignals...................................................................................................................................41
Datarates...............................................................................................................................................................42
Scanwidth..............................................................................................................................................................43
Verticalresolution..................................................................................................................................................43
Scaling.....................................................................................................................................................................43
Printmode..............................................................................................................................................................43
5.4 THERMALPRINTHEAD...................................................................................................................................43
AutomaticHeadTemperatureFeedback...............................................................................................................44
...........................................................................................................27
Filmmedia..............................................................................................................................................................44
5.5MEDIASENSORS...........................................................................................................................................44
6.1 MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................... ...............45
6.2 MAINTENANCEGUIDELINES..........................................................................................................................46
6.3 REGULARMAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................................46
Cleaningthe
thermalprinthead............................................................................................................................. 47
6
Cleaningtheplatenroller............................................................................................................................... ........48
Replacingthefuse..................................................................................................................................................48
7.2 PROBLEMS.....................................................................................................................................................49
Plotterdoesnotplot..............................................................................................................................................49
Plothasverticalwhitestripes................................................................................................................................50
Plotisblotchyorfaded..........................................................................................................................................51
Plotcontrastisweak..............................................................................................................................................51
Plothasblackverticallines....................................................................................................................................
Plotiswronglength................................................................................................................................................52
Paperiswrinklingortearingalongoneedge.........................................................................................................53
Plotterhasnopower..............................................................................................................................................53
Plotterdisplayisfunctioningbutmotordoesnotfunction...................................................................................53
Can’tmakechangestocontrolpanelsettings.......................................................................................................53
Plotoutputspeediserratic....................................................................................................................................
Burningsmellduringplot,or“blooming”presentonoutput................................................................................54
Formfeedstopsbeforedesiredlength..................................................................................................................55
Formfeeddoesnotstopattop‐of‐formmarks.....................................................................................................55
Plotisskewedorunreadable............................................................................................................................... ..55
8.0WARRANTY.......................................................................................................................................................56
A. APPENDIX.............................................................................................................................................................57
ASCIITABLES
B.APPENDIX.............................................................................................................................................................58
...........................................................................................................................................................57
52
54
INTERFACECONNECTORPINASSIGNMENT...........................................................................................................58
C.APPENDIX.............................................................................................................................................................59
CENTRONICSINTERFACEBOARD...........................................................................................................................59
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Imaging Systems Group’s V8.5e Thermal Plotter is a high-sp eed plotter suitable for office or field use. Its
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 of plotting can produce high-resolution images containing many shades of gray.
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 well as certain types of film media.
Call your Imaging Systems Group product representative for media recommendations.
An optional fan-fold paper guide and feeder trays (which attach to the back of the plotter, and below the
rackmount plotter) are available 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 Chapters, and the
“Regular Maintenance” section in the Maintenance Chapter. Pay special attention to warnings, cautions and notes.
The following conventions are used in this manual:
CAUTION: Indicates possible equipment damage unless procedure is followed correctly.
VORSICHT: Verweist auf die Gefahr der Beschädigung des Gerätes, falls die Vorschriften nicht genau befolgt
werden.
NOTE: Indicates a general rule for a procedure, or an exception to a rule.
WICHTIGER HINWEIS: Verweist auf allgemeine Verfahrensvor schriften oder eine Ausnahme zu einer Vorschrift.
8
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.
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.
9
2. SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 FUNCTIONAL
Operation
Command panel Front mounted.
LED display.
Three push buttons.
Online/Offline, Data and error LED’s.
Command modes Bimodal Plotting mode.
Grayscale mode.
Printing mode.
Features Bimodal (black and white) plotting.
Grayscale plotting.
Plot speed up to 4.0 inches per second.
Microprocessor controlled.
Automatic head temperature feedback
Panel 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.
~ Vertical 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.
Form feed adjust F2, F4, F8, tF, PF – selects Form feed 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 respectively.
~ 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.
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Plot speeds Paper 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.
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.
Feeder trays Optional, for fan-fold paper.
Thermal printhead
Type Linear array.
Resolution 203 dots per inch (8 dots per millimeter).
Dots per scan 1728 (metric) maximum.
Bytes per scan 216 bytes maximum.
Image width 8.5 inches.
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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 365 Watt maximum
Power requirements
Voltage Auto selectable input 100 Volts AC @ 60
Hertz or 240 Volts AC @ 50 Hertz
Current 5 Amps maximum @ 110 Volts
2.5 Amps nominal @ 220 Volts
Fuse 250 Volts / 5 Amps
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
Rackmount Desktop
Net 23 pounds 22 pounds
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2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL
Temperature
Operating range 32º to 122º Fahrenheit (0º to 50º Celsius)
Storage range 14º to 158º Fahrenheit (-10º to 70º Celsius)
Other
Operating humidity 5% to 95 non-condensing
Certification FCC Class “A” CE and cTUVus
13
3. INSTALLATION
3.1 UNPACKING
Although shipments are thoroughly checked for completeness by The Imaging Systems Group Inc., please confirm
your plotter contains the following:
1. Power cord
2. Sample Roll of paper
3. Two spindle hubs
4. Rackmount spacers
Confirm that any specified options are present, such as a data cable or fan-fold guide.
AC Power
Cord
Manual & Warranty Card
Head Cleaning Pen
Plotter
Rail
Spacers
Spindle with Spacer disks
Thumb
Screw
Kit
14
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 representative.
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.
3.3 INTERFACE SETUP
Plug the power cord into a grounded AC outlet only. Avoid sharing an outlet that is also powering other noisegenerating equipment. The V8.5e comes equipped with a Versatec short line TTL (transistor to transistor logic)
interface. This interface can be used for data cable lengths up to 50 feet.
An optional long line interface (differential) can be used for data cable lengths up to 700 feet. For optional
Centronics interface setup, see Appendix C. An external SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) 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.
15
Installing rolled paper
The V8.5e plotter comes with a sample roll of thermal sensitive paper. To install rolled paper:
1. Loosen the rackmount thumbscrews and pull the plotter forward on the rails.
2. Release the lid assembly by grasping 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.
Figure 3-1
Figure 3-2 Back Panel
16
Figure 3-3 Roll paper and film path
Figure 3-4 Roll paper installed
17
Figure 3-5 Opening the plotter Lid
Installing fan-fold paper
1. Loosen the rackmount thumbscrews and pull the plotter forward on the rails.
2. Release the lid assembly by grasping underneath the black latch bar and pulling it upwards (Figure 3-5). Op en
the plotter lid by lifting it straight upwards.
3. Remove paper roll and insert the fanfold guide over the spindle blocks (see Figure 3-6).
4. Feed the paper through the slot in the back or bottom of the plotter depending on which fan-fold paper tray is
being used.
5. If using rear load fan-fold paper, feed the media under the rear fan-fold guide bar and over the front fan-fold
guide bar. Figure 3-4. If using bottom loaded fan-fold paper, feed the media over the rear fan-fold guide bar
and over the front fan-fold guide bar.
6. Guide the paper over the blue platen roller and under the black cutter bar as shown in Figures 3-3 and 3-4.
7. When installing any media, ensure that the coated side of the media is on top and the TOF mark is on the
bottom right side.
Installing and using film
Note that the plotter operates at 1.0 inch per second when using film. Install roll film as you would paper, ensuring
that the coated side is on top.
Note that the cutter bar is designed for paper media only. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut film media.
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