Leica LPC Software installation

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LabeLase® Producer

Software installation manual for

/HLFD/3 &

Cassette Printer

Revision 2

30. March 2010 Always keep this manual with the instrument.

Read carefully before working with the instrument.

Table of Contents

InfoSight Corporation 20700 US HWY 23 Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 USA

Telephone: 001-740-642-3600 website: http://www.infosight.com eMail: service@infosight.com

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Table of Contents

LabeLase® Producer

Software Installation Manual for Leica LPC – Cassette Printer

1. Software/firmware licensing agreement .................................................................................................. 7

2. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 9

2.1 Connecting your printer ............................................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Connection type ............................................................................................................................................. 9

2.3 What should I choose? .............................................................................................................................. 10

2.4 What next?.................................................................................................................................................... 11

3. Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 12

3.1 Minimum requirements .............................................................................................................................. 12

3.2 Software installation ................................................................................................................................... 12

3.3 Connection type ........................................................................................................................................... 15

3.3.1 RS232 serial port .............................................................................................................................16

3.3.2 USB port ........................................................................................................................................... 21

3.3.3 Ethernet network connection ...................................................................................................... 38

3.4 Installing the LabeLase® Producer ......................................................................................................... 65

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

Table of Contents

LabeLase® Producer

Software Instruction Manual Leica LP C – Cassette Printer

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 71

1.1 Features ........................................................................................................................................................ 71

1.2 System requirements .................................................................................................................................. 73

1.3 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 74

2. Installation and Setup ................................................................................................................................. 76

2.1 Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 76

2.2 Setup ........................................................................................................................................................... 76

2.2.1 Connecting the printer to your computer .................................................................................. 76

3. User Interface ............................................................................................................................................... 79

3.1 Main form ...................................................................................................................................................... 79

3.1.1 Data Entry ........................................................................................................................................ 80

3.1.2 Print image ....................................................................................................................................... 83

3.1.3 Control buttons................................................................................................................................ 83

3.1.4 Status bar ......................................................................................................................................... 83

3.1.5 Menu ................................................................................................................................................. 84

3.1.6 File menu .......................................................................................................................................... 84

3.1.7 Printer menu ....................................................................................................................................85

3.1.8 Setup menu ...................................................................................................................................... 86

3.1.9 Maintenance menu ........................................................................................................................87

3.1.10 Help menu ........................................................................................................................................87

3.2 Main form - File menu .................................................................................................................................90

3.2.1 Open .................................................................................................................................................. 90

3.2.2 Supervisor/Operator ...................................................................................................................... 91

3.2.3 XL Tags ............................................................................................................................................. 92

3.3 Main form - Setup menu ............................................................................................................................ 92

3.3.1 Layout ............................................................................................................................................... 92

3.3.2 Printer Configuration ..................................................................................................................... 93

3.3.3 Supervisor password ................................................................................................................... 103

3.3.4 Units of measure........................................................................................................................... 103

3.3.5 Host Communications .................................................................................................................. 104

3.3.6 Preferences ...................................................................................................................................110

3.4 Layout Designer ......................................................................................................................................... 114

3.4.1 Layout menu .................................................................................................................................. 114

Menu ............................................................................................................................................... 115

File Menu ....................................................................................................................................... 115

Edit Menu .......................................................................................................................................116

View Menu ..................................................................................................................................... 118

Tools Menu ....................................................................................................................................119

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Table of Contents

Setup Menu ................................................................................................................................... 119

3.4.2 Toolbars ......................................................................................................................................... 120

Edit Toolbar .................................................................................................................................... 120

Tool Toolbar................................................................................................................................... 121

Align Toolbar ................................................................................................................................. 121

Format Toolbar ..............................................................................................................................121

3.4.3 Status bar ....................................................................................................................................... 121

3.4.4 Adding a field ................................................................................................................................122

Text Field Editor ............................................................................................................................123

Barcode Field Editor .................................................................................................................... 127

Graphic Field Editor ......................................................................................................................133

Line Field Editor ............................................................................................................................. 134

Box Field Editor ............................................................................................................................. 135

Ellipse Field Editor ........................................................................................................................136

3.4.5 Selecting fields ............................................................................................................................. 137

Resizing .......................................................................................................................................... 138

Rotating .......................................................................................................................................... 138

Aligning .......................................................................................................................................... 138

3.4.6 Special flags ..................................................................................................................................148

Flag Help Form ..............................................................................................................................149

3.4.7 Geometry Form.............................................................................................................................. 151

Dimensions .................................................................................................................................... 151

3.4.8 Serial numbers ..............................................................................................................................152

Serial Numbers Form ................................................................................................................... 154

3.4.9 User Tables Form..........................................................................................................................155

3.4.10 User Data Form ............................................................................................................................. 159

3.4.11 Layout Preferences Form............................................................................................................161

Display Tab .................................................................................................................................... 161

Format Toolbar Tab ......................................................................................................................162

3.5 XL Tag batch printing ................................................................................................................................ 163

4. Host Communication ................................................................................................................................. 170

4.1 Connection type ......................................................................................................................................... 170

4.2 Settings of the serial RS232-C interface ............................................................................................... 171

4.3 Network Configuration ............................................................................................................................. 172

4.5 Communication protocol ..........................................................................................................................179

InfoSight Extended ....................................................................................................................................179

Programmable ........................................................................................................................................... 183

4.6 Data buffering ............................................................................................................................................ 183

5. Maintenance menu.................................................................................................................................... 184

5.1 Motor diagnostics ..................................................................................................................................... 185

5.2 View Printer I/Os ........................................................................................................................................ 186

5.3 Digital-to-analog converter .....................................................................................................................187

5.4 Barcode scanner ...................................................................................................................................... 188

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

1. Software/firmware licensing agreement

IMPORTANT: These programs are licensed to end users by InfoSight Corporation exclusively according to the following conditions. Receipt and use of these programs constitutes acceptance of these conditions. This is a legally binding contract between you, the end user, and InfoSight Corporation.

1. GRANTING OF THE LICENSE

InfoSight Corporation ("InfoSight") agrees to grant to you a non-exclusive license to use the InfoSight software program (the "PROGRAM") subject to the terms and conditions of this license agreement.

2. DEFINITION OF TERMS

The term SOFTWARE refers to a computer program stored on a floppy diskette, hard disk drive, magnetic tape, or paper tape that must be loaded into the computer’s memory to be executed. The term FIRMWARE refers to a computer program stored in semiconductor memory (ROM, PROM, EPROM EEPROM, NVRAM, etc.) that is an integral part of the computer’s memory. Together, these forms of computer programs are refered to as the "PROGRAM".

3. COPYRIGHT

The PROGRAM(s) and Documentation is owned by InfoSight and is protected by United States copyright laws and by international treaty provisions. The PROGRAM(s) contain trade secrets and proprietary property of InfoSight. You may make one copy of the PROGRAM(s) solely for backup or archival purposes provided that the copy clearly displays the InfoSight copyright notice. Additional copies may be made when authorized to do so in writing by InfoSight. In addition to any other right of InfoSight, InfoSight has the right to terminate this license if the terms of this license are violated.

4. LIMITATION ON USE AND TRANSMISSION

The single-processor version(s) of the PROGRAM(s) and Documentation are to be used on one computer or embedded system at any one time. The multi-processor versions(s) of the PROGRAM(s) and Documentation may be used over a network provided that the number of computers accessing the network simultaneously shall not exceed the number authorized by InfoSight or for which you paid the corresponding multi-processor fee. You may not distribute the PROGRAM(s) or Documentation to a third party. You may transfer the license and complete package (retaining nothing) if the transferee agrees to the terms of this License Agreement.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

1. Software/firmware licensing agreement

Neither the PROGRAM(s) nor the Documentation may be changed or translated without express written permission of InfoSight. You may not reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the PROGRAM(s).

5. THE WARRANTY

for this (these) PROGRAM(s) is covered by the InfoSight standard conditions of sale.

6. EXPIRATION OF THE LICENSE

The license is effective until terminated. It will be terminated if you fail to comply with any term or condition of this License Agreement. You may terminate this License Agreement at any time. In the event of termination, you agree to destroy the PROGRAM(s) and Documentation together with all copies and related materials.

7. YOUR USE OF THIS PROGRAM/THESE PROGRAMS

confirms that you have read this license agreement and agree to be bound by its provisions. This agreement is complete and supersedes any other agreement that may have related to the subject matter of this agreement.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

Thank you for your decision to purchase a LabeLase® printer from InfoSight. Use this guide as a handy reference to get you up and running quickly. It will take you step by step through software and driver installation and configuration and help you verify that everything is working.

Note that this document covers the Installation of LabeLase® Producer and communications drivers for the following InfoSight printer:

• Leica LP C - cassette printer

2.1 Connecting your printer

As you proceed with the installation process, you will be instructed to connect your printer to your PC, or to your local area network (LAN) depending on the connection type.

2.2 Connection type

How you connect your printer depends on the connection type you want to use. Your Leica LPC cassette printer offers three different connection options, each of which has its own particular advantages and disadvantages. You must select one of these three connection types.

2. Introduction

Do not attempt to connect the printer to your PC or network until instructed to do so.

Using a serial COM port is the simplest way to connect the printer to your PC, since it doesn’t require you to install any additional drivers or software.

Fig. 1

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

However, many newer PC computers do not come with a serial COM port.

Select this option if you are using a USB to Serial convertor.

2. Introduction

Most modern PC’s come with one or more USB ports. If you select this option, this program will guide you through the installation of the USB driver.

Do not select this option if you are using a USB to Serial convertor device, since it has its own device driver.

Fig. 2

If your PC is connected to an Ethernet network, you may also connect the printer to the network and access it from your PC. This option requires you to configure the IP address of the printer and install special drivers in your PC.

Fig. 3

2.3 What should I choose?

Many factors can influence your choice of connection type for your Leica LPC cassette printer.

If your PC is equipped with a serial port and this is not being used by other applications, we recommend that you use this port to connect your printer directly. This connection type is the simplest and most reliable, and you do not have to install a special driver or any other software to enaboe your Producer to communicate with your printer.

If your PC does not have a free serial port and you want to place your printer very close to the PC, another option is to connect the printer via USB. USB is a standard feature of practically every new Windows PC made, so it is highly likely that your PC will have one or more free USB ports. We will assist you in the process of installing the USB drivers on your PC.

Remember that this does NOT turn your printer into a "network printer".

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

2.4 What next?

2. Introduction

If your PC does not have a free serial port and you want to place your printer a long way from the PC, we recommend an Ethernet connection to you local area network (LAN). Even though this does not mean that your printer now becomes a "network printer" that can be used by multiple PC users, it still provides a fast, convenient connection to your new printer.

Once you have chosen the type of connection you wish to use with your printer, you may proceed to the next step where you will Install the Software.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

3. Installation

3.1 Minimum requirements

In order for you to be able to install and use the Leica LPC cassette printer, your PC must have at least the following features:

• 100 % IBM PC-compatible computer

• Pentium 400 MHz

• Windows XP, Vista, 7*

• 50 MB free hard disk space

• 64 MB RAM

• 1 serial port, USB or Ethernet (for connecting the printer)

• Color monitor (800 x 600 or higher resolution recommended)

• CD or DVD drive

* Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000 are no longer supported by LabeLase® Producer. This does not necessarily mean that the software will not run on these platforms, but we cannot guarantee that it will, nor do we offer technical support if not everything works.

3.2 Software installation

First insert the installation CD in your PC’s CD or DVD drive**. If your computer is configured for autoplay of CDs, the installation program

should start automatically when the CD is inserted. If the program does not start automatically after a short time, you can start it manually yourself by one of the following methods:

• In Windows Explorer, navigate to the CD or USB drive and double-click the program named LabeLaseInstaller.exe.

• Click Start/Run and type in: D:\LabeLaseInstaller.exe

If necessary, replace the drive letter with the letter for your CD or USB drive!

** If your PC does not have its own CD drive, copy the installation CD to a USB stick, and apply the installation instructions to this device.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

When the LabeLase® installer program starts, it will display a welcome screen as shown below.

When you are ready to begin the installation process, click "Next".

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 4

3. Installation

The next step requires you to read and agree to InfoSight’s Software License Agreement.

Fig. 5

If you do not agree to be legally bound by the terms of this license, simply exit the program. Otherwise, click "I accept the terms..." and then click the "Next" button.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3.3 Connection type

3. Installation

Select the connection type for the connection between your PC and the Leica LPC cassette printer.

For a description, see chapter "2.2 Connection types" beginning on page 9.

Depending on the connection type you choose for your printer, click the corresponding option box (or on the image with the cable) and then on "Next".

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 6

3. Installation

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

If you chose to connect the printer using a serial RS232 communications port, continue on to Step 5.

If you chose to connect the printer using a USB port, continue on to Step 6.

If you chose to connect the printer using an Ethernet network connection, continue on to Step 7.

3.3.1 RS232 serial port

Fig. 10

To connect the printer to the serial port on your PC, you need a serial cable with a DB9 connector. This cable is included with the printer at delivery.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

Locate the serial COM port on the back of the printer as shown in the figure below.

Connect one end of the serial cable to this port, and the other end of the cable to a similar port on your PC.



Switch the printer ON (16) and wait for it to initialize.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 11

3. Installation

After you selected Serial RS232 as your connection type, you will see a screen that looks similar to the one shown below.

Fig. 12

Click "Next" to select the port, or to find out which port the printer is connected to.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

The installer will show you a list of COM ports that are installed on your PC as shown below. Note that the actual list of COM ports will vary from this figure depending on the number of ports that are installed on your PC.

Fig. 13

If you know which port you have used to connect to the printer, simply click the name of the port to select it and then click the "Next" button. If you want to test the port to make sure it can communicate to the printer, proceed to step 5d below.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

3. Installation

If you are not sure of the name of the port, or if you want to test the port connection, click "Find". The program will attempt to communicate with the printer via each of the listed ports.

Fig. 14

As is shown in the above figure, the program has found a Leica LPC model printer on serial port COM3. The model number, firmware version and serial number of the printer are displayed.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3.3.2 USB port

3. Installation

When you have selected or found the port to which the printer is connected, click "Next" to continue.

If you have used the "Find" button and the program has found and communicated with the printer, you can advance to Step 9 to install the version of LabeLase® Producer.

In order to connect the printer to your PC’s USB port, you need a standard USB cable. The printer is shipped with this cable if the USB option has been installed on it.

Fig. 15

Locate the USB port on the back of the printer as shown in the figure below.



LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Connect one end of the USB cable to this port on the printer, but DO NOT connect the other end of the cable to your PC.

It is important that you wait until instructed to connect the USB cable to your PC.

Switch the printer (16) ON and wait for it to initialize.

Fig. 16

3. Installation

After you selected USB as your connection type, you will see a screen that looks similar to the one shown below.

Fig. 17

Even if you are using a USB port to connect the printer to your PC, the LabeLase® Producer software still expects to communicate with the printer via a serial port. For this to work, the installed USB driver creates a "virtual" serial port, which convinces the Producer that it is a serial port, but is actually using a USB connection. When you are ready to install the "virtual" serial port of the USB connection, click "Next".

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

When the USB installer (also called the VCP installer) begins, you will see a screen like that shown below. Note that the appearance of the screen may vary according to your operating system version.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 18

You will need to read and agree to the Software License Agreement for the USB drivers.

3. Installation

At several points during the installation of the USB driver, you may see the Windows Logo testing notification as shown below.

Fig. 19

If you see this message, you can click "Continue Anyway" without any prob- lems.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

After the USB driver has been successfully installed, you will see a screen similar to the one shown below.

Click the "Finish" button to continue the installation.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 20

3. Installation

After the USB driver installation has completed, the LabeLase® Installer will present the screen shown below.

Fig. 21

Now, the printer’s USB cable is connected to a free USB port on your PC. Make sure that the printer is switched on and it has finished initializing before you connect the cable.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

A few seconds after you connect the USB cable to your PC, Windows will detect the newly added hardware and will display a notice in the system tray. The next step differs depending upon the version of Windows.

Windows 7

Fig. 22

On computers with Windows 7, the message indicating that new hardware has been detected is accompanied by a security warning. Allow the driver to be installed. The driver is usually installed without further intervention and Windows informs you that the device driver software has been installed successfully.

Advance to Step 6l (starting on page 32).

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 23

3. Installation

Windows XP

Fig. 24

On computers with a Windows XP operating system, after the "New hardware found" (USB VCP adapter) message appears, Windows will launch the

wizard for new hardware.

Fig. 25

If Windows prompts you to switch to Windows Update so that you can find the software for the new hardware, click "No, not this time". Since the printer driver has already been installed, it is not necessary for Windows to look for it. Click "Next" to continue.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

The Found New Hardware Wizard will then ask you what to do next as shown below.

Click the button that tells the wizard to "Install the software automatically (Recommended)" and then click the "Next" button to continue. Windows may find several driver files that it thinks are suitable for your computer and present a list of choices as shown below:

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 26

3. Installation

Fig. 27

Special note:Special note:

Special note: It is extremely important that you select the cor-

Special note:Special note: rect driver for your operating system. Bear in mind that Windows will not necessarily offer the most suitable driver in this list for you to select. You may have to scroll the list sideways in order to see the full path name which contains the operating system version as shown above. If the wrong driver for the operating system is chosen, it is possible that the Leica LPC cassette printer does not work with a USB connection.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

When the wizard completes the installation of the USB Serial Device, you will see the screen shown below.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 28

3. Installation

After the first wizard completes, Windows will detect new hardware once again.

Fig. 29

After indicating that it has found new hardware (USB-Serial Port), Windows will run the Found New Hardware Wizard once again.

Fig. 30

Follow the instructions in the Wizard to complete the driver installation.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

The "New hardware found wizard" completes the installation and then the screen shown below appears.

Click "Finish" to complete the installation. This should be the last time you see the New hardware found wizard.

After clicking the "Finish" button, go back to the LabeLase® Installer. But before you continue with the Installer, you must wait until Windows tells you that the new hardware has been installed and is ready for use.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 31

Fig. 32

3. Installation

SPECIAL NOTE:SPECIAL NOTE:

SPECIAL NOTE: Once the first printer has been installed, the

SPECIAL NOTE:SPECIAL NOTE: "New hardware found wizard" will be launched for both the serial device and the serial port every time a new printer is connected to your PC. Follow the instructions for installing the software automatically as indicated above, and then select the newly installed communication port in the LabeLase Producer™ menu.

Once Windows tells you that the new hardware is installed and ready to use, you can continue with the LabeLase Installer below.

Fig. 32

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

If you have installed the USB drivers, a new COM port, which is actually a "virtual" port, should have been added to your system. If you click "Next" on this screen, the program attempts to find the newly added "virtual" COM port.

After you have installed the USB virtual COM port, you will see a screen that looks similar to the one shown below.

Note that the actual list of COM ports will vary from this figure depending on the number of ports that are installed on your PC.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 33

3. Installation

The installer program has detected that COM3 was added when the USB drivers were installed, so this port name is highlighted in the list. If you wish, you can now click "Next" to advance to the next step.

If you want to test the port to make sure it can communicate to the printer, proceed to Step 6n below.

However, bear in mind that - if you run the installation program again - you may have already added the new COM port with the previous installation. In this case, the Installer does not detect the addition of a new port, so you must make a selection of the list yourself before you can continue.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

If you are not sure of the name of the port, or if you want to test the port connection, click "Find". The program attempts to communicate with the printer via each of the ports (COM ports) in the list.

As is shown in the above figure, the program has found a Leica LPC model printer on serial port COM3. The model number, firmware version and serial number of the printer are displayed.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 34

3. Installation

When you have selected or found the port to which the printer is connected, click "Next" to continue.

3.3.3 Ethernet network connection

Fig. 35

If you have used the "Find" button and the program has found and communicated with the printer, you can go advance to Step 9 to install the LabeLase® Producer software.

Connecting the printer to your PC via an Ethernet Network connection requires one of two connection types.

• The printer is normally connected to your local area network (LAN) via a standard connector cable and either a network switch or a hub.

• The printer can be connected directly to the Ethernet port on your PCs using a special cable, called the crossover cable.

What You Need to Know

Before you can begin connecting the printer to your LAN, you need certain information. If you are not sure whether you can provide the following information, contact your network administrator!

Hardware address

You must know the hardware address (also called the MAC address) of the printer. This is located on a label on the back of the printer, and has the following format: 00-20-4A-XX-XX-XX, where "XX" are digits that are assigned to the printer.

Hardware address: 00-20-4A-_____-_____-_____

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

IP address

Your printer must have a unique IP address on your network. The Network Administrator generally provides the IP address, subnet mask,

and gateway. The IP address must be within a valid range, unique to your network, and in the same subnet as your PC.

IP address: _______ _______ _______ _______ Subnet mask: _______ _______ _______ _______ Gateway: _______ _______ _______ _______

There are two ways to assign an IP address to your printer. If your network administrator assigns IP addresses manually (called a static address), ask your network administrator for the information you need.

If devices on your network obtain their IP addresses from a DHCP server (called a dynamic address), then you won’t need to know what the IP address, subnet mask or gateway are as the printer will get them automatically.

Locate the Ethernet jack (RJ45) on the back of the printer as shown in the figure below.

Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to this jack on the printer, and the other end to a network switch or hub.



You may instead connect the printer directly to your PC with a cross-over cable (no switch or hub). Switch the printer ON (16) and wait for it to initialize.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 36

3. Installation

After you selected Ethernet as your connection type, you will see a screen that looks similar to the one shown below.

Fig. 37

Even if you use an Ethernet network connection to connect the printer to your PC, the LabeLase® Producer software still expects to communicate with the printer via a serial port (COM port). For this to work, the software you have installed, called Redirector, creates a "virtual" serial port, which convinces the Producer that it is a serial port, though it is actually using an Ethernet port.

When you are ready to continue with the installation, click "Next".

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

In the next screen, shown below, you must tell the program how you want to assign its IP address, subnet mask and gateway.

Select the method you want to use and click the "Next" button.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 38

3. Installation

The program will scan your LAN, as shown below, to find any LabeLase® printers that are connected to your LAN.

Fig. 39

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

After the first search for printers on the LAN, the following screen or a similar one will be displayed.

Remember that more than one printer can be found on your network. You must use the MAC address to find out which printer has been connected. The MAC address is printed on a label on the back of the printer.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 40

3. Installation

Note that the IP address of a printer that has not been configured may not be valid for your subnet. If this is the case, it will be displayed in red. At this point, the MAC address is more important than the IP address. Therefore, use the MAC address to select the printer.

Select the printer you want to install, and click "Next". If you previously selected the dynamic method (DHCP server) for configur-

ing the printer’s IP address, proceed to Step 7f below. If you selected the static method (manual assignment) for setting the

IP address, skip to Step 7g.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

Dynamic IP Address:

If dynamically assigning the IP address, the configuration of the printer will begin immediately.

The configuration of the printer’s IP address, subnet mask, gateway and communications parameters takes several seconds.

Go to Step 7h to complete the installation process.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 41

3. Installation

Static IP Address:

If statically assigning the IP address, the following screen will require you to enter the necessary information.

Fig. 42

On this screen, enter the static IP address, the subnet mask, and the standard gateway for the printer. When you enter the IP address for the first time, the program calculates the subnet mask for you based on the class of the IP address. You can change the calculated subnet mask as you wish. After entering the required information, click "Next" to continue with the configuration process.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

When the configuration is complete, the following screen appears. Note that the IP address shown is only an example, and does not represent what you will actually see.

Note that Windows may issue a warning to the effect that it is preventing the Installer from functioning as a server. If this warning appears, instruct Windows to enable the program again.

Click "Next" to continue.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 43

3. Installation

After the printer has its IP address, you must install the COM Port Redirector software.

Fig. 44

When you click "Next", the program will begin installing the COM Port Redirector (Redirector) software on your PC. This is the software that creates the "virtual" serial port that is used by LabeLase Producer to communicate with the printer.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

You may be prompted to restart the PC during the installation process for Redirector. If so, restart the PC. The LabeLase® Installer (this program) will automatically start after the reboot and will continue the installation and start Redirector.

Click "Next" to install Redirector.

When the Redirector Installer starts, the installation files must first be copied to a folder on your PC. The screen shown below enables you to change the default folder for these installation files.

Fig. 45

We recommend that you keep the default installation folder and click "Next" to continue.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

3. Installation

The Redirector installation files have been unpacked; the final installation program runs as illustrated below.

Fig. 46

Click "Next" to continue.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

Choose the installation folder for Redirector if you must.

Fig. 47

We strongly recommend that you have Redirector installed in the default folder. This makes it easier for the LabeLase® Installer to find Redirector and run it after it has been installed. If you install it in a different folder, you will be prompted to find the program when the LabeLase® Installer continues.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

3. Installation

The installer is is now ready to install Redirector on your computer.

Fig. 48

Click "Next" to continue.

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3. Installation

After you have installed Redirector, you may be prompted to restart your computer. For most installations, a reboot will not be necessary. However, it is sometimes necessary to restart the PC after installing Redirector.

Fig. 49

If you are prompted to restart the computer, we strongly recommend that you do so before continuing. After restarting, you will have to launch the LabeLase® Installer again and then continue with the Ethernet setup process. It will then be able to launch the newly installed Redirector.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

3. Installation

After your PC has been rebooted, the LabeLase® Installer will resume where it left off, showing the screen below.

Fig. 50

This screen gives you an overview of the next process, which will be to run Redirector and add a virtual COM port to your PC. Check this step and click "Next" when you are ready to launch Redirector.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. Installation

When Redirector is running, a screen like the one below will appear. Note that the port names shown here are examples only, and may differ from those that appear on your PC.

To start, click the "Add/Remove" button on the toolbar. This will open the port dialog box so that you can select the name of the new port.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 51

3. Installation

After you click the "Add/Remove" button (Fig. 51), the port dialog will allow you to select a COM port number, which will be used for your printer connection.

Fig. 52

Select a free port (COM port) and click "OK" to continue.

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3. Installation

After selecting a COM port number, you must configure the port as shown below:

To create a virtual serial port (in this example COM10), you must enter an IP address to be connected to it. The address we are entering is the IP address that was assigned to the printer earlier.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 53

3. Installation

1 - Highlight the new port that you just added. 2 - Scroll the Settings page to reveal the Host and TCP Port settings. 3 - Enter the IP address you have just assigned to the printer. Note that the

IP address shown here only serves as an example. You must enter your printer’s IP address.

4 - Enter 10001 in the field for the TCP port. This is the TCP port number that

the printer displays for connections to the computer.

5 - Click "Save" on the toolbar. This saves your settings and creates the new

port. Note that when Windows issues a security warning, you can continue the process by pressing "Continue Anyway".

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3. Installation

After saving your settings and confirming the new software with Windows (if necessary) you will see the screen shown below.

Select "File" / "Exit" to close the program. The LabeLase® Installer program will continue running.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 54

3. Installation

The Redirector now has added a virtual COM port to your PC.

Fig. 55

Now must must select the new port for using Producer. Click "Next" to con- tinue.

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3. Installation

After you have installed the Redirector, you will see a screen that looks similar to the one shown below.

Note that the actual list of ports will differ from this figure depending on the number of ports that are installed on your PC. The port numbers shown are for exemplary purposes only.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 56

3. Installation

The installer program has detected that COM$ was added when Redirector was installed, so this port name is highlighted in the list. If you wish, you can now click "Next" to advance to the next step.

If you want to test the port to make sure it can communicate with the printer, proceed to Step 7v below.

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3. Installation

As is shown in the above figure, the program has found a Leica LP C model printer on port COM4. The model number, firmware version and serial number of the printer are displayed.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 57

3. Installation

When you have selected or found the port to which the printer is connected, click "Next" to continue.

If you have used the "Find" button and the program has found and communicated with the printer, you can advance to Step 9 to install the version of LabeLase® Producer that is suitable for your printer model.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3.4 Installing the LabeLase® Producer

The last step in setting up your LabeLase® Printer is to install the

LabeLase® Producer software.

3. Installation

LabeLase® Producer is the software that allows you to configure your printer, create layout files, and enter print jobs.

To start the Producer installation program for your printer, click "Next".

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 58

3. Installation

The LabeLase® Producer installation program will run as shown below.

Fig. 59

Note that the version number of your specific printer/software may differ from the example shown here.

Follow the instructions given by the installer to install LabeLase® Producer on your PC.

When the installation is complete, continue on to Step 9.

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3. Installation

Congratulations on successfully installing your LabeLase® Printer.

Fig. 60

If you have any further questions, contact your Leica technical agent for assistance.

Thank you for your interest in our marking products.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Notes

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

LabeLase® Producer CL

Software Instruction Manual

/HLFD/3 &²

Cassette Printer

Revision 1 December 20, 2007 Always keep this manual with the instrument. Read carefully before working with the instrument.

1. Introduction

The LabeLase® Producer CL software controls the operation and interface of an InfoSight Corporation Model Leica LPC series laser LabeLase® printer. This software runs on a Windows 2000/XP computer and provides complete control over the laser cassette printer. The program can also run on a Windows 9x computer, but with reduced capabilities. Because the program is Windows-based, the software can use many capabilities of Windows, such as a wide variety of fonts, graphic images, network interfaces etc.

The program also includes the function of a graphic WYSIWYG editor, which enables you to create a cassette layout quickly and easily. With this tool, you can quickly add text, barcodes, custom bitmap images, lines, boxes and ellipses to your layout. Once your layout is complete, the laser cassette printer can print it. For archiving purposes, you can store the layout in a file on your hard drive and, if necessary, edit it at a later time.

The LabeLase® Producer CL software offers you many functions that make creating a cassette image easy and convenient. LabeLase is a registered trademark of InfoSight Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

1.1 Features

The following features are available with the LabeLase® Producer CL.

• Windows XP/Vista/7 program for improved stability and functionality

• Interfaces to the Leica LPC Cassette Printer via a RS232-C, USB or

Ethernet connection on the PC

• Graphical WYSIWYG user interface

• Complete control and configuration of the cassette printer

• Ability to archive and edit print layouts stored on the hard drive

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

1. Introduction

• Unlimited reset/restore

• Settings for English and Metric units of measure

• Unlimited text fields per cassette  Complete character set with multibyte characters for foreign

languages including Asian characters

 Uses any font on your computer  Each text field can be enabled for auto-sequencing

• Unlimited barcode fields per cassette

 Interleaved 2 of 5  Code 39  Code 128  Opticode (Numbra code)  2D data matrix  UPC  PDF417 2D  Barcode data can come from one or more linked text fields,

from direct input or from a file from your computer

• Unlimited graphic image fields per cassette

 Uses BMP graphics files  Can enlarge or reduce images  Graphics can be embedded in the layout – ensuring that there are

no defective file links

• Line, box and ellipse drawing tools with an unlimited number of fields

• Image rotation of 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees

• Up to four numeric fields for auto-sequencing (2 groups with two linked numbers)

• Alternating sequencing in each text field – with letters and numbers

• Configurable user interface

 Unlimited number of text input fields  Field requests are configurable and stored with the layout

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

• Magnification/reduction from 10 to 200 % in 10 % increments

• Optional grid display with snap function for easy field orientation

• Optional field anchor display for easy field location

• Optional display of cassette markings, slots, fold or bare edges

• Built-in diagnostic capabilities enhance setup and maintenance

• Ability to import Microsoft Excel files (or CSV) and batch print the data

• Provides a host computer interface for data download

1.2 System requirements

• PC (100 % IBM-compatible computer)

• Pentium 400 MHz

• Windows XP/Vista/7 - Windows 2000 recommended

• 5 MB available disk space

• 32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended)

• 1 serial COM, USB or Ethernet port (for connecting to the printer)

• Color monitor (800x600 or higher resolution recommended)

1. Introduction

 Uses RS232-C COM port, or optional Network Interface with TCP/IP  Download buffer with an unlimited number of print jobs  Multiple application protocols

 Programmable - can be customized exactly to your application  InfoSight Extended

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

1. Introduction

1.3 Overview

Operator mode

The LabeLase® Producer CL software allows you to configure, create and print cassettes directly from your Windows computer. The program provides basic features for operator level personnel to open and print layouts as well as more advanced features accessible to supervisory personnel for configuring and maintaining the printer.

The operator mode is the native mode of the software. When the program starts, it is in the operator mode and the more advanced features are not available.

In this mode, the operator can perform the following operations:

• Open a layout that is stored on hard disk

• Enter text into the layout’s data fields (if enabled)

• Enter a starting serial number (if enabled)

• Enter the quantity of cassettes to print

• Begin the print operation

Supervisor mode

The supervisor mode is provided to allow more advanced control of the cassette printing process. To enter this mode, pull down the File menu and select Supervisor. You will be asked to supply a password to enable the supervisory features. When the program is first installed on your computer, no password is set. It is strongly recommended that you create a password soon after installing the software to prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing the advanced features of the program. In the supervisor mode, the following operations can be performed:

All of the things the operator can do, plus…

• Create and edit a layout

• Configure the cassette printer

• Change the supervisor password

• Set the program’s units of measure

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• Configure communications to a host computer

• Set the program’s preferences

• Calibrate the printer

• Jog the printer’s stepper motors

• View the printer’s inputs and outputs

• Control the printer’s digital-to-analog converter

1. Introduction

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

2. Installation and Setup

2.1 Installation

The Producer SL software is supplied on CD-ROM. To install the software, simply insert the CD into your drive and close the drive door. The installation program will execute automatically after a few seconds. If the installation program does not start automatically, select Start > Run and enter Setup.exe into the field. Follow the on-screen instructions to install LabeLase® Producer CL on your PC.

The software is also available online at our website.

2.2 Setup

2.2.1 Connecting the printer to your computer

Before you can print cassettes with the LabeLase® printer, you must first connect the printer to your computer. The printer is connected to your computer via an RS232-C, USB or Ethernet port. Most Windows PC has at least one serial port called COM1. This is the port that is used to connect to the cassette printer. The software automatically configures the port settings. If your computer has a communication port other than COM1, you can use that port instead by specifying the port in the Preferences form. If you would like to connect the printer via USB or Ethernet, call us at +1 (740) 642-3600 to obtain additional software drivers.

RS232-C communication port

The printer and the computer must be connected using a serial cable. The connector on the printer end of the cable must be a DB9 female. The connector on the computer side may be either a DB25 or DB9 style connector, depending on the computer. Only three signals are used for communications: transmit, receive and ground. The transmit and receive signals must be reversed in the cable such that the transmit signal of one device is routed to the receive signal of the other and vice versa.

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2. Installation and Setup

DB9 (printer) to DB25 (computer)

Connect pin 3 of the printer end to pin 3 of the computer end Connect pin 2 of the printer end to pin 2 of the computer end Connect pin 5 of the printer end to pin 7 of the computer end

DB9 (printer) to DB9 (computer)

Connect pin 3 of the printer end to pin 2 of the computer end Connect pin 2 of the printer end to pin 3 of the computer end Connect pin 5 of the printer end to pin 5 of the computer end

You may obtain a suitable cable by contacting the InfoSight factory at +1 (740) 642-3600.

Once you have connected the printer and computer, apply power to the cassette printer by turning the key switch to the "on" position.

After the printer has been turned on, you may start the LabeLase® Producer CL software. When the software starts, it will attempt to establish communications with the cassette printer. When communications has been established, the status bar at the bottom of the window will show the printer is "IDLE".

If the printer has not been reset, the status of the printer will be shown as "ESTOP". If the printer’s power is not on, you will see a "TIMEOUT" error indicating that the software cannot establish communications with the printer.

Once communications is established, and the status bar accurately reflects the printer’s status and no error message are displayed, you may begin printing cassettes.

2.2.2 Connecting to your information system

Before you can send data from your information system to the cassette printer, you must connect the printer to your system. This is done via the PC and LabeLase® Producer CL software.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

2. Installation and Setup

There are two ways to connect to the printer: serial and network. The serial connection requires you to have two RS232-C COM ports on the PC that is running the Producer CL software. The second port is specified in the "Host Communications Setup" form along with the port parameters (e.g. baud, bits, stop, parity, etc.).

The second method of connecting to the printer is via a network interface card (e.g. Ethernet, Token Ring, etc.). The Producer CL software can be configured via the Host Communications setup form to listen on a specific TCP/ IP port for incoming data transmissions. Your system must make a connection to this port, send the data, and close the connection.

Regardless of the method you choose to physically connect your Host system to the Producer CL PC, you must also choose an "Application layer pro- tocol" to handle the actual data transfer. Several protocols are available in the Host Communications setup form. Please note that if you choose Network connection, the specified protocol will run on top of TCP.

It is your responsibility to provide the cable between your Host system's serial port and the serial port on the PC.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3.1 Main form

3. User Interface

The program's main form is the primary interface for the operator to configure the printer magazines, select a layout, enter data, and print cassettes. In Version 2.0 and higher, the software supports the Leica LPC model with single magazine.

Note that at the top of the form, in the title bar, is the name of the currently loaded layout file. If no file is currently loaded, "Untitled" will be shown.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig.1, Producer main form for Leica LPC

3. User Interface

3.1.1 Data Entry

The Data Entry area of the main form allows the operator to provide data for the layout that may not be available until it is time to print the cassettes. The designer of the cassette layout can specify zero or more data entry fields that become accessible to the operator. Each field has a prompt (shown here as ID) as well as an editable area where the text is to be provided. The designer can also provide optional verification information to ensure that the operator enters data into each field in the proper format.

There is no limit placed on the number of data entry fields the designer can specify for any given layout, although for practical reasons, you should limit the number of fields to a maximum of 24.

Fig. 2

In addition to the data to be printed on the cassettes, there are fields that allow the user to define the quantity and copy counter, the starting sequence (serial) number and whether the printer is to go offline after the end of the print operation.

As you enter the data into the data entry field, the image of the cassette is displayed with the new information above the Data Entry area. If you double-click on the cassette image, you will activate the "Layout Designer" form, which allows you to edit the layout. You must have Supervisor access to edit a layout.

Whatever text the operator enters into the data entry fields will be added to the print queue when the operator clicks on the Accept Data button

(or press the F11 key) or when

the Print button is clicked and there is nothing in the print queue.

Instruction Manual V 1.0 – 06/2010

"Status" Tab

3. User Interface

When used with a Leica LPC laser printer, the "Status" tab appears as follows:

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

Fig. 3

3. User Interface

"Print Queue" Tab

Fig. 4

This tab shows information about the pending print jobs in the queue. The job to be printed next is at the top of the list.

"Delete" - Click this button to delete the highlighted job in the list. "Move to Top" - Click this button to move the highlighted job to the top of the

New in V2.20!

list. "Clear" - Click this button to clear the entire print queue. This removes all

pending jobs from the list. "Edit" - To edit an individual item, double-click it. This opens an editor with

which you can modify the print job as needed.

However, make sure not to edit the queue during cassette printing. Switch the printer to offline before editing the queue.

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3. User Interface

3.1.2 Print image

3.1.3 Control buttons

Fig. 6

Fig. 5

The print image panel provides a graphical picture of the layout as it appears when printed.

The image is updated whenever the operator clicks on the "Accept Data"

presses the F11 key) when there is nothing in the print queue, and when the layout is printed.

Please note that the quality of the image display may be less than what is actually printed on the cassette due to loss of resolution when scaling a very large image to fit on the display.

Four buttons are provided to control the operation of the cassette printer. They correspond to exactly the same functions as those in the printer menu.

Note that each of these buttons has a corresponding function key that enables quick access to the desired operation.

button (or

3.1.4 Status bar

Fig. 7

Leica LPC

At the very bottom of the main form is the status bar. Several panels are used to provide information to the operator about the condition and status of the cassette printer. As shown here, the printer is ONLINE, IDLE and LATCHED, i.e. it is ready to print. The "0" at the far right indicates that no jobs are in the print queue. Other status conditions, as well as error messages, will appear in this bar as needed.

3. User Interface

3.1.5 Menu

Fig. 8

The main form contains a menu bar at the top. The menus provided are File, Printer, Setup, Maintenance and Help. Note that the Setup and Maintenance menus are "grayed" out, indicating that they are not accessible. This is one of the default settings in "Operator" mode.

3.1.6 File menu

When the program starts the first time, it runs in Operator mode, and the Setup and Maintenance functions are not available.

To access these two menu items, the program first has to be started in supervisor mode. Setup and Maintenance then become active.

• New - Allows the supervisor to create a new layout based on a blank layout, from a tem-

plate, or using a "wizard".

• Open - Allows the operator to open a "new lay- out" that is stored on the computer's hard disk, a CD/DVD or network drive.

• Supervisor - Puts the program into Supervi- sor mode of operation, enabling the more advanced features.

Fig. 9

The "File menu" provides access to the program functions that deal with loading layout files for printing, as well as for accessing other special program operations.

Note that a password will be required to enable this mode.

Once the program is in the supervisor mode of operation, this menu item will be renamed to "Operator", providing a method of switching back to operator mode.

Instruction Manual V 1.0 – 06/2010

3.1.7 Printer menu

3. User Interface

• XL Tags - This option allows the operator to open a "Microsoft Excel spreadsheet" and print the data contained within it on cassettes. Files in the CSV (comma separated variable) format can also be loaded and printed.

• Exit - Exits the program.

Between the XL Tags menu item and the Exit item is a list of up to 4 layout filenames. The program keeps track of the last four layouts loaded by the operator and allows them to be re-loaded quickly by clicking on the filename.

The Printer menu gives the operator the ability to control various aspects of the printer.

Online - Puts the printer online. This is necessary so that cassettes can be printed.

Offline - Puts the printer offline. Printing cassettes is not possible in this state.

Leica LPC

Fig. 10

Accept Data - Selecting this menu item will accept the data entered by the

operator into the Data Entry fields and redraw the cassette image for preview.

Print - Select this menu item to begin printing cassettes.

Abort - Select this menu item to abort the current cassette print. This menu

item is only available if the program is currently printing a cassette.

Reloaded - Select this menu item to indicate that you have manually reloaded cassettes into the printer. Putting the printer online has the same effect.

Note that all of the Printer menu items have an associated function key. Pressing the function key is the same as clicking the item in the menu.

3. User Interface

3.1.8 Setup menu

The Setup menu is only available in the Supervisor mode of operation and provides several features for configuring the operation of the cassette printer.

Layout - This menu item will activate the "Cassette Layout Designer" form, which allows the supervisor to create and/or edit layout files for cassettes. This form can also be opened by double-clicking the cassette layout icon.

Printer Model - New in V2.00 - Submenu that allows you to select the LPC printer model.

Printer Configuration - This menu item will open the "Printer Configuration" form. This allows you

Fig. 11

Supervisor Password - This menu item will activate the "Change Password"

form that allows the supervisor to change the password that activates the supervisor mode of operation. You will be required to enter the current password as well as the new password.

Virtual Magazines - This menu item will activate the Virtual Magazine Configuration form that allows the supervisor to add, modify or delete virtual configuration types.

Units of Measure - This menu item will activate the "Units" form that allows the supervisor to specify either English or Metric units of measure. When in English units, the basic unit of measurement is the inch. While in Metric units, the basic unit of measurement is millimeters.

Host Communications - This menu item will activate the "Host Communications" form, which allows the supervisor to configure the communications link between the cassette printer and the customer's information system (host).

Preferences - Enables the "Preferences" input mask, which enables the supervisor to configure certain program preferences.

to configure details about the cassette printer such as resolution in both axes, stepper motor rates, laser burn intensity, etc.

Instruction Manual V 1.0 – 06/2010

3.1.9 Maintenance menu

View Printer I/O - This menu item will activate the "Printer I/O Monitor" form,

which allows the supervisor to view the Input and Output signals of the cassette printer.

Digital to Analog Converter - This menu item will activate the "Digital to Analog Converter Monitor" form, which allows the supervisor to manipulate the D/A converter that controls the printer's galvanometer / mirror.

Fig. 12

3. User Interface

The Maintenance menu is only available when in the Supervisor mode of operation and provides several features that aid in the setup of the printer and diagnosis of any problems you may encounter. Note that under most circumstances, it will not be necessary to access these functions. If you must use these functions, do so only under the direct supervision of factory-trained personnel.

Motor Diagnostics - This menu item will activate the "Motor Diagnostics" form that allows the supervisor to start up the printer motor slowly as part of a diagnostic procedure.

3.1.10 Help menu

Leica LPC

Fig. 13

The Help menu provides access to the program's built-in help facility, as well as to information about the program itself.

Contents - This menu item will activate the Windows Help for the Producer CL program, including indexed search, tutorials, etc.

3. User Interface

Fig. 14

About - This menu item will activate the About

form, which shows important information about the program including version number, printer firmware version, PassCode, etc. If you contact us for support, you may be asked to access the About form to provide details about your specific configuration. One important feature of the About form is the PassCode field. This is a special, encrypted field that can be used to obtain a one-time password in the event that your supervisor's password is forgotten or changed inadvertently. Should you need a temporary password, make a note of the PassCode setting and telephone the factory at +1 (740) 642-3600 for assistance.

Please note that the PassCode setting will be different each time you access the About form. Any temporary password that is supplied by the factory is only valid until the end of the current hour. Therefore, you should use the temporary password to change the supervisor's password.

Instruction Manual V 1.0 – 06/2010

3. User Interface

File Toolbar

Configuration Toolbar

Lighter/Darker Cassettes - Using the cassette trackbar, you can quickly

adjust the darkness of the printed cassette. Moving the trackbar to the left makes the printed cassette lighter, while sliding it to the right makes it darker. This trackbar influences the "Print Speed" parameter.

Draft - This check box allows you to switch between normal and draft modes. When in draft mode the printer uses a lower resolution resulting in lower quality cassettes, but they print at a faster rate.

Fig. 15

Fig. 16

New to Version 1.30, the file toolbar provides quick access to the following functions: New, Open, Supervisor / Operator mode, and Setup Layout.

Note that the "New" and "Setup Layout" buttons will require you to enter the supervisor password if you are not already in the supervisor mode.

New to Version 1.30, the configuration toolbar provides quick access to the more useful printer configuration settings. These settings are available whether in operator or supervisor modes.

Leica LPC

Note that when in draft mode, barcode fields with odd scale settings will be distorted.

3. User Interface

3.2 Main form - File menu

Fig. 17

The file menu provides access to the program functions that deal with loading cassette layout files for printing, as well as for accessing other special program operations. The following gives you information on each command in this menu.

New

The "New" menu item has been introduced in V1.30 and enables you to get an easy start on creating a new cassette layout. If you are not in supervisor mode, you will be prompted to enter the password in order to continue. The Layout Designer opens and asks how you want to configure the new layout: either based on a blank layout, by opening a layout template or using the new "wizard" that guides you through creation.

3.2.1 Open

Fig. 18

Instruction Manual V 1.0 – 06/2010

3. User Interface

The "Open" dialog opens when you select the "Open" menu item in the File menu or click the "Open" button in the Main form. This dialog allows you to open a cassette layout file to be opened. If you select a file from the list, a preview is displayed in the right-hand section of the dialog to help you select the correct file.

You may select any layout file that may reside in any folder on your hard disk drive, on a CD/ DVD, or anywhere in a network folder (assuming your PC is connected to a network that allows file sharing.)

Clicking the "Preview" button in the upper right corner of the dialog will open a new window showing the full size layout image.

3.2.2 Supervisor/Operator

Fig. 19

When the Supervisor menu is selected, the password entry form appears, in which the supervisor enters the corresponding password for switching between modes.

If the program is running in operator mode, access to some functions is not possible, in which case the menu item appears as "Supervisor".

The supervisor must enter the correct password, then click "OK". If an incorrect password is entered, an error message is displayed. Once the correct password is entered, the program will enter the Supervisor mode of operation and all functions will be enabled. To go back to the operator mode, pull down the File menu and notice that "Supervisor" has been replaced by "Operator". No password is required to switch back to operator mode.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

3. User Interface

3.2.3 XL Tags

The XL Tags menu item allows the user to open a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and print the data contained within it on cassettes. Files in the CSV (comma separated variable) format can also be loaded and printed. The InfoSight XLTags provides an easy method for the operator to specify an Excel file and the data to be printed.

3.3 Main form - Setup menu

The Setup menu is only available in the Supervisor mode of operation and provides several features for configuring the operation of the cassette printer.

3.3.1 Layout

Fig. 20

This menu item activates the "Layout Designer" form, which allows the supervisor to create and/or edit cassette layout files. This form can also be opened by double-clicking the cassette layout icon.

Instruction Manual V 1.0 – 06/2010

3. User Interface

Printer Model

This menu item will open a sub-menu allowing you to select the printer model.

Fig. 21

The system checks the currently selected model. Select the printer connected to the computer. Note that when Producer starts, the printer model is queried and the corresponding settings are configured automatically.

3.3.2 Printer Configuration

The "Printer Configuration" dialog allows you to enter the parameters that describe the configuration of the printer. The dialog has five tabs, each for a specific aspect of the printer configuration: Laser, Stepper Motors, Mirror/ Galvanometer, Printer Configuration and Barcode Verifier, which are explained in detail below.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

3. User Interface

Fig. 22

Laser Speed - This field affects the "blackness" of the image produced by

the cassette printer’s laser by specifying the speed at which the laser is moved across the cassette surface. The lower the setting for this field, the blacker the image will be. Note that print speed is affected by this setting: the lower the setting, the slower the print speed.

Minimum Speed - New to Version 1.30. This field, along with the maximum speed (below), is used to set the range of the "Darkness" track bar on the main window. When the track bar is all the way to the right (darker), then this speed will be selected.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. User Interface

Maximum Speed - New to Version 1.30. This field, along with the minimum

speed (above), is used to set the range of the "Darkness" track bar on the main window. When the track bar is all the way to the left (brighter), then this speed will be selected.

Laser Off Tickle - This field specifies the amount of "tickle" that will be used to excite the laser when it is off. If this value is increased, the laser is ready to use more quickly.

Laser On Duty Cycle - This field specifies the amount of time the laser is on for any given pixel, expressed as a duty cycle (percentage).

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

3. User Interface

Fig. 23

Stepper Resolution - This field specifies the resolution of the print feed step-

per motor in inches or millimeters per step. A typical value for the Leica LPC is 0.00315 inches per step.

Microsteps / Column - This field specifies the number of microsteps of the stepper motor per column of the image. A typical value for a cassette printer is 1. Rotary printer models may have a different setting. Contact the factory to determine the proper setting for your printer.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

3. User Interface

Minimum Frequency - This field specifies the minimum or starting frequency

of the stepper motor. The value is specified in Hertz.

Maximum Frequency - This field specifies the maximum or top frequency of the stepper motor. The value is specified in Hertz.

Reversing Takeup - This field specifies an additional number of steps that the print feed motor must make when changing directions. This feature is used to compensate for backlash in the motor gearing.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

3. User Interface

Fig. 24

Mirror Resolution - This field specifies the resolution of the mirror galva-

nometer in inches or millimeters per step. You must enter a value that is compatible with your printer model. A typical value for the model Leica LPC cassette printer is 0.003 inches per step.

Galvo Step Size - This field specifies the number of DAC steps to apply to move the galvanometer mirror by one pixel in the vertical dimension. You must enter a number that matches your cassette printer’s configuration.

Galvo Start Margin - This field specifies the number of pixels in the margin at the start of each column of image data.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

Printer Configuration

3. User Interface

Galvo Home Delay - This field specifies the time, in milliseconds, that the

galvo must delay when returning to the home position.

Galvo Offset - This field specifies the vertical distance in inches (mm) to offset the galvo/laser from the center of its scan. This setting effectively shifts the printed image +/- about the center of the cassette. The field is usually set to 0 for the model Leica LPC printer, but positive or negative values may be entered to fine-tune vertical alignment of the burned image with respect to the cassette.

The "Printer Configuration" tab has been extensively redesigned for V2.00 and now provides support for the Leica LPC1 single-magazine printer. Additional controls are provided to assist you in adjusting the printer's setting.

LabeLase® Producer - Installation

3. User Interface

Fig. 25

100

Draft Mode - This checkbox allows you to specify that you wish to run the

printer in a lower resolution draft mode. When you check this box, the Stepper Resolution, Mirror Resolution, Microsteps / Column, Galvo Step Size and Laser Speed settings will be adjusted appropriately for you.

Note that when in draft mode, barcode fields with odd scale settings will be distorted.

Reverse Print - This checkbox reverses the print image (white and black get

reversed, like a "negative") when the cassette is printed. This eliminates the need to add a "reverse" line to the image for removing the background.

Software Installation Manual, Revision 2 - 03/2010

Leica LPC Software installation

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual