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Spectrum 2 Thermal
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MF Digital Spectrum 2 Thermal User Manual

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Spectrum2 Thermal Printe Operator’s Guide
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Copyright Notice
Copyright ©1996-2002 by MediaFORM, Inc. All rights reserved.
This manual and the accompanying illustrations may not be copied, reproduced, e lectronically transmitted, or tra nslated into another language, in whole, or in part, without the written consent of MediaFORM, Inc.
MediaFORM, CD2CD, CD2CD PRO, CD-5400L, CD-5908, CD­5916, CD-3701, CD-3703, CD-3704, CD-3706, CD-3706P, cdDIRECTOR, AP-1301i, AP-1301t, Easi-DAT Easi-AUDIO Spectrum and Spectrum2 are trademarks of MediaFORM, Inc.
Other trademarks referred to are the property of their respective trademark or registered trademark holders.
Warranty
MediaFORM, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that the equipment that you have purchased is free from defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of time as follows:
Duplicator Electronics & Mechanical Parts 1 year CD-R/RW Recorders 1 year (through MediaFORM, Inc.)
This warranty is applicable when the warranty registration has been completed and returned to MediaFORM, Inc. within a reasonable period of time following the purchase and the warranty is NOT transferable. This warranty does not apply to malfunctions caused by misuse, negligence, accident, or alteration, nor is MediaFORM, Inc. responsible for consequential damages related to the use of this equipment.
This warranty is made in lieu of any other warranty expressed or implied.
CD-R/RW Recorder Warranty Policy
Individual CD-R/RW recorder manufacturers are responsible for the products they provide. As a convenience, MediaFORM, Inc. will honor any service issue related to a defective recorder while under its respective manufacturer’s warranty providing that the recorder has been purchased from MediaFORM, Inc. either directly or indirectly. MediaFORM, Inc. assumes no responsibility for products NOT purchased t hrough MediaFORM , Inc.
Piracy
The copying of audio, video, or software without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal. MediaFORM, Inc. accepts no responsibility for the copyright use or misuse of this equipment. It is the sole responsibility of the user to ensure that the legal rights of copyright in duplicating are respected.
MediaFORM, Inc. 122 Oscar Way Chester Springs, PA 19425 Tel.: (610) 458-9200 Fax.: (610) 458-9554 Email: documentation@mediaform.com www: http://www.mediaform.com
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction 4 Minimum PC Requirements 5 Printer Installation Overview 6
Quick Setup Directions 7 Installation - Unpacking 8 Installation - Parts Identification 10 Installation - Connecting the Printer 11
Spectrum2 Printer Driver Installation 12
Printer Driver Installation for Windows 98 13 Printer Driver Installation for Windows NT 14 Printer Driver Installation for Windows 2000 and XP 16
Label Software Installation 17
Windows 98: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer software: 17 Windows 2000: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer software: 17 Windows NT: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer Software: 18
Printer Operation 19
Printer Ribbon Installation 19
CD Label Printing 20 Control Panel Operation 21
Manual Loading CD Media 22 CD Label Printing 23
Multi-tray Feature 24
Changing the CD Tray 25
Maintenance: General 26
Storage 26 Startup and Shutdown 26
Maintenance: Printer Ribbon Installation 27
Installing Print Ribbon 28 Printer Ribbon Installation Chart – Part 1 29 Printer Ribbon Installation Chart – Part 2 31
Installing Spacer for Color, Mono-Color Blue and Red Ribbon) 33 Maintenance: Printhead 34
Cleaning the Print Head 34 Printhead Replacement 36 Printhead Replacement Procedure 37
Troubleshooting Section 39
Quick Recovery Strategy 39
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Test CD Strategy 39 Common Printer Issues 39 Clearing Improper Placement of CD 39 Printer is not printing checklist 40
Print Quality 42 CD Positioning Errors 42 CD Printing Techniques Section 43 Spectrum2 CD Media & Ribbon Selection Guide 44 Graphics Tips 45 Common Label Issues 47 Strobe Setting Examples 49 CD Media & Strobe Setting examples 50 Printer Driver Settings: Win 98 51 Spool Settings 53
Printer Driver Settings: Win 2000 / XP 54 Spool Settings 56 Printer Driver Settings: Win NT 4.0 57 Spool Settings 59 Optimizing Color Labels 60 Optimizing Color Labels 61 CD Printing Techniques Chart 64 Thermal Transfer & Inkjet CD Printer Comparison 68 Supported Ribbon and Ribbon Specifications 70
Ribbon Usage with a Minimum Print Size 70
Autolo ade r Por t 71
Autoloader Port Pinouts: 71
Error Codes for Status LED 72
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Introduction
Figure 1: The MediaFORM Spectrum2 CD Printer shown with optional Business Card CD Tray
Spectrum2 CD Printer
The MediaFORM Spectrum2 CD Printer is a thermal transfer printer capable of printing labels up to 600 dots per inch (DPI) on several types of CD-R, DVD-R or CD-ROM media surfaces, using appropriate wax/resin thermal transfer ribbons. MediaFORM’s thermal transfer CD labeling technology allows creation of cost effective, durable, waterproof labels that are printed directly on the surface of the disc.
The Spectrum2 CD Printer prints CD labels designed using the MediaFORM CD Labeling software (Spectrum2 Designer software). Labels created with the Spectrum2
Designer software can contain text, graphics, and serial numbers. The Spectrum2 Printer Driver for the Windows environment controls the operation and performance
configurations for the Spectrum2 CD printer. The Spectrum2 Printer Driver must be installed prior to printing with the Spectrum2 CD printer.
Spectrum2 CD Printer Key features
The MediaFORM Spectrum2 CD Printer offers several features not found on other CD printers:
• Instant re-print of last label printed
• Removable CD trays for printing on a variety of business card-shaped discs
• Flip open chassis to allow easy ribbon change or print head maintenance
• Software and hardware support for automated printing systems
• Spectrum2 Designer, user-intuitive label design software and electronic print
templates
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
• Standard CD-R / DVD-R media tray
• Quick change, easy and fast ribbon thread feature
• Local store, 1.5 MB memory for local print image storage
• Ribbon saver feature, maximizes ribbon life
• Ribbon out, automatic notification when ribbon runs out
• Prints black, red, blue, or multi-color
• Parallel interface for standalone operation
• Serial interface for use with automation
• 1 year warranty (print head not included)
Spectrum2 CD Printer Options
• Business Card Disc CD-R tray, business card tray for exact printing to custom
61-63mm media
• Mini Disc CD-R tray, mini-round tray for exact printing to custom 80mm media
Minimum PC Requirements
Windows NT4, Windows 98/SE, Windows 2000, or
Operating System Processor
RAM Available hard
drive space Ports
Windows XP Pentium 233 or greater 64MB 30MB or greater: De pends on number of stored l abels
desired and the resolution and color depth of clipart. One Parallel port (LPT1 or LPT2)
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printer Installation Overview
The Spectrum2 User’s Guide includes two Setup sections and Appendix.
Quick Setup Directions
• These are brief instructions for printer and software setup by technical computer users
Standard Setup Directions
• These are more detailed instructions for printer and software setup by non-technical computer users
General information and Appendix follow Setup Directions
• Printer maintenance
• Ribbon replacement
• Optimizing label print quality
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Quick Setup Directions
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Unpack Printer
• Remove Printer from shipping box
and foam inserts
Printer is shipped with:
• Power cable
• Parallel cable
• Printer Software (CD-ROM disc)
• Printer is shipped with a black
ribbon installed
• Serial cable (for automation)
Connect printer to computer and power
• Parallel cable is (DB-25 to DB-25
type of cable) that connects to computer’s parallel port
• Power Cable connects to 110/220
VAC power
• Note: power supply is auto
switching and compatible with 110/220 VAC power
Install Printer Driver Software
• Printer Driver Software is located on
Spectrum2 Software CD-ROM
• The printer driver is located in the
Printer Drivers directory.
• Follow standard printer driver install
or Add Printer Wizard procedures and select appropriate drivers for the version of Windows on the computer connected to the printer
Install CD labeling software (Spectrum2 Designer Software)
• CD labeling software is located on
the Spectrum2 Software CD-ROM
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
• The CD labeling software is located
in the Spectrum2 Designer directory
• Follow standard software install
(add program) procedures and select the Setup file for the Spectrum2
Designer application
Start CD labeling software (Spectrum2 Designer)
• Load blank CD (label side up) into
printer (press tray button on printer to open tray)
• Click on Spectrum2 Designer Icon
to start program
• Create Label design and save label
to a file
• Select Spectrum2 Printer Driver
• Select File Menu, then Print,
(confirm Spectrum2 is selected) then Click OK to print.
Installation - Unpacking
Figure 2: Spectrum2, unboxed, but still in protective shipping foam
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Unpacking
• Open the top of the box
• Lift the Spectrum2 by gripping the underside of the narrow sides of the unit
• Set the Spectrum2 and foam on a sturdy, flat surface
• Support either end of the Spectrum2 with an arm and carefully pull the foam off the
elevated end. Repeat for the shipping foam on the other end
Note:
• Printer is shipped with black ribbon installed
• Printer is shipped with top cover secured by plastic wrap or tape
Re-packing for shipment
• Important: Make sure Printer Chassis is locked. Check by lifting the chassis up. The chassis should not move. To re-lock, pull Chassis Lock Knob out, then release and check by lifting chassis. When locked the chassis will not open. (See Parts Identification section for location of Chassis Lock Knob)
• When re-packing for shipment, secure outer top cover by plastic wrap or tape before placing printer into foam pieces.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Installation - Parts Identification
You should become familiar with the parts of the printer before attempting to operate it. See the Maintenance section of this manual for help installing printer ribbons.
• Power switch
• Control panel
• Printer ribbon
• Ribbon supply roller
• Take-up roller (geared)
Printer ribbon:
Supply roller Take up roller
Control panel CD Tray
Chassis
ote: Chassis flips up to allow ribbon replacement
Tray Release button Chassis Lock Knob Power Switch Power and Data connectors
• Roller clips
• CD Tray
• Parallel Port
• Power Cord
• Autoloader Port
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Installation - Connecting the Printer
Power switch Power connection
Figure 3: Spectrum2 data and power connections
Serial Port
Parallel (printer) port
Autoloader port
Connecting the Printer
The MediaFORM Spectrum2 has only three main connections for operation:
• AC power connection – for 110/220 VAC power
• Parallel port connection – DB-25 “straight through” cable
• Serial for automation
Before operating the Spectrum2, make sure these connections have been made:
• Plug the supplied power cord into the power connection at rear of the Spectrum2.
• Connect the supplied parallel printer cable to the parallel port on the Spectrum2 and
to the printer port on your host computer.
• Printer is shipped with a black ribbon installed. If a printer ribbon is not installed,
follow the instructions in the Installing the Printer Ribbon section.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Spectrum2 Printer Driver Installation
Spectrum2 Software
The Spectrum2 requires:
• Printer Driver for Windows 98, NT, XP, or 2000
• Spectrum2 CD labeling software
This software is on the Spectrum2 Software CD included with printer.
Printer Driver
The printer driver controls the operation for the Spectrum2. The printer driver must be installed prior to using the Spectrum2 for the first time. The printer driver installation varies with the version of Windows used (see detailed instructions for specific version of Windows). The printer driver allows the MediaFORM CD Labeling software or other labeling programs to be used with the printer.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
CD Label Software
The CD Label Software, which is named Spectrum2 Designer, is used to create the label that will be printed on the CD. The CD Label Software provides tools to incorporate text and graphics of the label. The CD Label program provides convenient CD templates that correspond to a variety of CD media. In addition, the CD Label software can import graphic files (such as entire labels) from other programs.
Printer Driver Installati on for Windows 98
In order to print labels on discs, the Spectrum2 printer needs to be connected to a computer that has the Spectrum2 printer driver software installed. The printer driver software controls the printer's functions and allows adjusting the print density (darkness or lightness of label), and other printing characteristics. Typically, when printing a disc label, the printer driver dialog box is displayed showing the name of the printer and choices for selecting the number of copies and selecting printer properties. Listed below are instructions for installing the Spectrum2 printer driver for Windows 98.
Printer driver installation for Windows 98:
• Place Spectrum2 CD-ROM disk into computer's CD-ROM drive
• Click on Start from Windows Menu Bar
• Select Settings
• Click on Printers
• Double click Add Printer
• Click Next
• Click Have Disk button
• Select Install From Disk
• Click Browse, under Drive List Box, select the CD-ROM drive that contains
Spectrum2 CD-ROM disk
• Double Click Drivers Folder
• Click on Spectrum2 folder
• Double Click Win98 Folder
• Select PPRO_G2.INF and then Click OK
• Click OK again
• Confirm that MediaFORM Spectrum2 is selected and Click Next
• Select LPT1: Port
• Click Next
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
• To set the Spectrum2 Printer as Default, select Yes (select No if another printer is
normally the default printer)
• Click Next
• When prompted to print test page, select No
• Click Finish
• Windows 98 requires re-starting computer to complete the installation process
Printer Driver Installation for Windows NT
In order to print labels on discs, the Spectrum2 printer needs to be connected to a computer that has the Spectrum2 printer driver software installed. The printer driver software controls the printer's functions and allows adjusting the print density (darkness or lightness of label), and other printing characteristics. Typically, when printing a disc label, the printer driver dialog box is displayed showing the name of the printer and choices for selecting the number of copies and selecting printer properties. Listed below are instructions for installing the Spectrum2 printer driver for Windows NT.
Printer driver installation for Windows NT:
• Place Spectrum2 CD-ROM disk into computer's CD-ROM drive
• Click Start button (found on Windows toolbar)
• Select Settings (a list will be displayed)
• Click on Printers
• Double Click Add Printer
• Select My Computer
• (If not selected, Click Next, Select LPT1: Click Next, Click Have Disk Button)
• Click Browse, click Cancel when A:\ is not accessible
• Select the CD-ROM Drive that has the Spectrum2 Software CD
• Double Click Drivers folder
• Double Click Spectrum2 folder
• Double Click WinNT folder
• Double Click Color folder
• Select PPNTC600.INF
• Click Open, then Click OK
• Select MediaFORM Spectrum2 Color
• Click Next
• At Printer Name Click Next
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
• Set settings to Not Shared
• Click Next
• When prompted to print test page, Select No
• Click Finish
• Re-start Computer
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printer Driver Installati on for Windows 2000 and XP
In order to print labels on discs, the Spectrum2 printer needs to be connected to a computer that has the Spectrum2 printer driver software installed. The printer driver software controls the printer's functions and allows adjusting the print density (darkness or lightness of label), and other printing characteristics. Typically, when printing a disc label, the printer driver dialog box is displayed showing the name of the printer and choices for selecting the number of copies and selecting printer properties. Listed below are instructions for installing the Spectrum2 printer driver for Windows 2000.
Printer driver installation for Windows 2000:
• Place Spectrum2 CD-ROM disk into computer's CD-ROM drive
• Click Start button (found on Windows toolbar)
• Select Settings
• Click on Printers
• Double Click Add Printer
• Click Next at Add Printer Wizard, make sure Local Printer is selected, then click Next
• Select LPT1: then Click Next
• Click Have Disk Button
• Click Browse
• Select the CD-ROM Drive that has the Spectrum2 Software CD
• Double Click Drivers folder
• Double Click Spectrum2 folder
• Double Click WIN2000 folder
• Select Spectrum2, Click Open
• Click OK
• Highlight MediaFORM Spectrum2, Click Next
• Select Yes to set printer as default, Click Next. This makes the Spectrum2 printer
selected first over other printers attached to the computer.
• Select Do Not Share this printer, Click Next
• When prompted to print test page, Select No
• Complete the Add Printer selection, Click Finish
• Wait for the Driver installation process to finish, then re-start the computer
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Label Software Installation
The MediaFORM Label Software (named Spectrum2 Designer) is a graphics program with built-in disc label templates that allow the design and creation of labels to be printed on CD media. The Spectrum2 Designer software is supplied on the Spectrum2 Software CD-ROM.
Windows 98: Install ation of Spectrum2 Designer software:
• Place Spectrum2 Software CD into CD-ROM drive
• From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon
• Select Settings, Click on Control Panel
• Double Click on Add/Remove Program Icon
• Click Install, Follow Prompts
• Click Browse, then browse for CD-ROM drive
• Select CD-ROM drive, Select Spectrum2 Designer Folder
• Select and Double Click on SETUP.EXE from Spectrum2 CD-ROM from
Spectrum2 Designer directory and follow Prompts to install the Spectrum2 Designer software
• Run the Spectrum2 Designer software and create a CD label
Windows 2000: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer software:
• Place Spectrum2 Software CD into CD-ROM drive
• From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon
• Select Settings
• Click on Control Panel
• Double Click on Add/Remove Program Icon
• Select Add New Programs, Follow Prompts
• Click Browse, Browse for CD-ROM drive
• Select CD-ROM drive, Double Click on Spectrum2 Designer Folder
• Select and Double Click on SETUP.EXE from Spectrum2 CD-ROM from
Spectrum2 Designer directory and follow Prompts to install the Spectrum2 Designer software
• After Clicking on Finish, re-start computer
• Run the Spectrum2 Designer software and create a CD label
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Windows NT: Install a ti on of Spectrum2 Designer Softwar e:
• Place Spectrum2 Software CD into CD-ROM drive
• From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon,
• Select Settings
• Click on Control Panel
• Double Click on Add/Remove Program Icon
• Select Add New Programs, Follow Prompts
• Click Install, Browse for CD-ROM drive
• Select CD-ROM drive, Double Click on Spectrum2 Designer Folder
• Select and Double Click on SETUP.EXE from Spectrum2 CD-ROM from
Spectrum2 Designer directory and follow Prompts to install the Spectrum2 Designer software
• After Clicking on Finish, re-start computer
• Run the Spectrum2 Designer software and create a CD label
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printer Operation
Once the Spectrum2 is properly connected to the host computer, printer ribbon installed, and the printer driver and Spectrum2 Designer software are installed on the host computer, the printer is ready for use.
CD Printing Sequence
• Connect printer power cord
• Connect printer to computer parallel port
• Computer must have Spectrum2 printer driver and CD Label software installed
• The printer driver should be set to Black and White if black ribbon is used or color if
color ribbon is used. Printer driver should show strobe set to Auto.
• Power ON printer
• Load CD into printer tray (press TRAY button to open printer tray)
• Create a CD label using the CD Labeling software
• Save the Label file
• Print the label
• If print is too light or too dark, try adjusting printer driver's print strobe setting and
print from Label Software program
• The CD Label is now stored in the printer re-print buffer, pressing the PRINT button
on printer's control panel allows printing additional copies of this label.
Power ON and OFF Information
• If the power cord is not already connected, make sure the power switch is off before
connecting the power cord.
• If the power cord is connected, then turn the power switch ON to power up the
Spectrum2. The Spectrum2 CD Printer will flash Status LEDs and advance ribbon. If Black ribbon is detected status LEDs will flash twice, if color ribbon detected the LEDs flash four times. When power on process is complete printer will show Ready LED. If an error appears, such as no ribbon is detected, the printer will flash the status LED with an error code. See error code listing in the appendix for more details.
• To shutdown the Spectrum2, make sure no print jobs are executing, and turn the
power switch OFF. Always shutdown the Spectrum2 with the power switch, and avoid disconnecting the power cord with the power ON.
Printer Ribbon Installati on
The thermal transfer ribbons used by the Spectrum2 must be installed correctly for proper label printing. See the Maintenance section for ribbon installation instructions.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
CD Label Printing Printing a CD Label w i th Spectrum2 Designer
To begin printing labels on CD media, first follow the Power Up and Loading procedures outlined in the Printer Operation section.
1) Select the Print from the File Menu of the Spectrum2 Designer software
2) Make sure the Spectrum2 is selected as the printer to be used.
3) Important: In Properties area select appropriate Color or Black and White selection in print driver to match the type of ribbon (Color or Mono-color) used in the printer
4) Important: In Properties
area check that Strobe Setting, which controls print density (darkness or lightens of label), is set to Auto. The Spectrum2 Designer's default strobe settings are shown below.
For steps 4 and 5, please see Maintenance section for more detail on Printer Driver settings
Resolution
600 DPI mode 300 DPI mode
Ribbon type
Black Color Black Color
Strobe Setting
15 15 15 15
Figure 4: The Spectrum2 Designer default strobe settings for AUTO set t ing
You may save these settings in the label file, see Settings Menu selection of Spectrum2 Designer. Saving Settings with the label file is useful when re-printing the label in the future.
5) When all preferences are set as desired, click ‘OK’ to begin printing the current label.
6) After one CD has been successfully printed, the label image is stored in the printer’s memory. Successive prints can be done manually by pressing the ‘Print’ button after loading a new disc. The label image stored in memory is lost after shutdown (power off).
7) See the Spectrum2 Designer User’s Guide for instructions using Spectrum2
Designer to create CD labels. Follow the procedures in the Spectrum2 Designer User’s Guide to get a label file ready for printing.
Note: A CD label printed on the Spectrum2 is stored in the Spectrum2’s memory as long as the Spectrum2 is ON. Only one CD label will reside in the Spectrum2’s memory at a time. To re-print additional CDs with this stored label, open printer tray by pressing the TRAY button, load an unlabeled CD, then press the PRINT button on the printer's control panel.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Control Panel Operation
Spectrum2 keypad
The Control Panel consists of three buttons and status LEDs, which controls the operation of the Spectrum2 as described below.
Figure 5: Spectrum2 Control Panel
TRAY
READY
PRINT
STATUS
START
CTIVE
Tray Button
The ‘Tray’ button will extend and retract the CD tray. Use this button for manually opening the CD tray for loading and unloading CD media.
Print Button
The ‘Print’ button is used to reprint the most recent label. The CD tray is closed automatically when the print is started.
Start Button
The ‘Start’ button is used to re-start printer after error condition (ie. ribbon out) is cleared. Pressing 'Start' resets the printer and may allow quick resumption of the print job. (Some errors may require resubmitting the print file after pressing 'Start')
Ready LED
This LED indicates printer is ON and ready to accept a print job
Status LED
This LED indicates error conditions by flashing error codes (See error code list section)
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Active LED
This LED lights when printer is processing data or printing
Manual Loading CD M e dia Prior to loading the CD
Before manually loading or unloading discs into the Spectrum2, first make sure the power is on and the ‘Ready’ LED is on. If the CD tray is already extended, a new CD may be placed with the printable side up on the cushioned surface. If the tray is not extended, press the ‘Tray’ button to open it. The printable side of the CD surface is facing up when the stacking ridge near the center edge of the CD is facing down, as shown below. Please note: DVD media can have a stacking ridge on either side of the disc.
Printable Side
Figure 6: CD Stacking Ridge.
Loading the CD
Place the CD on the cushioned surface so that it does not rest on any part of the CD Positioning Surface or on the centering pin. (See photo).
When the CD is properly positioned, press the ‘Tray’ button to retract the tray.
Note: When handling CD’s, always grip the CD by only the center or outer edges. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the CD. Fingerprints on the printable surface of the CD may make printing inconsistent.
Stackin
Figure 7: CD Tray open .
ridge
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
CD Label Printing
For those new to the Spectrum2 CD printer, MediaFORM recommends experimenting with a single CD and using a label design that only covers part of the CD (for example a vertical bar). This allows repeated prints on the CD (by rotating the CD) and observing changes made by adjusting the printer driver and label software settings.
Many printing issues can be resolved with adjustment of strobe setting, media type, or graphics. For printing questions please contact your Spectrum2 dealer, and save the label file in question for review.
Guidelines for successful CD label printing
1) Use of appropriate CD-R media for the thermal transfer printing
• Silver media works best with a black ribbon
• White thermal transfer type media with a smooth surface works best with color
ribbon
• White inkjet type media with a rough surface will not provide good results
2) Use of appropriate strobe setting (which controls the darkness or lightness of the label) for the type of CD-R media and label design.
• Spectrum2 printer driver software's "Auto" strobe setting should work with most
media
• If label is too light try increasing the strobe setting in increments of 5 until label
has best appearance. If printing does not improve, try another brand of CD-R media.
• If label is too dark or light try decreasing or increasing the strobe setting in
increments of 5 until label has best appearance. If printing does not improve try another brand of CD-R media. Typical strobe settings: Silver media 15, and white coated media 18
3) Use of appropriate text or graphics that are within the range of printer capabilities, labels that print best include:
• Text only, line art, and clip art
• Mixed text and graphics
• Photos with limited range of colors
• Spot colors
4) Labels that may not print properly are:
• Large single color or revered out text or graphics
• Photos with wide range of color gradient
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Multi-tray Feature
Figure 8: Printer with Standard CD tray installed and Business Card CD tray (Oval type) shown
The Spectrum2 CD Printer uses different CD trays to handle different shaped CDs and DVD discs.
CD-R/CD-ROM/DVD Disc
Spectrum2 CD Tray
• Standard Round Disc
Standard Tray
• 120MM
• Mini Round Disc
Mini Round Tray
• 80MM
• Business Card Disc
Business Card Oval
Oval Type
• Business Card Disc
Business Card Rectangle
Rectangle Type
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Changing the CD Tray
Tray Release Button Chassis Lock Knob Note: Tray Release Button is located inside printer case
Figure 9: Spectrum2 Tray Release Button location
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
To Remove CD Tray
• Remove top cover
• From the Printer’s front control panel: Press Tray button to extend tray
• Press Tray Release button (this is a small, metal, spring loaded button located near
Chassis Release Knob)
• Hold CD Tray with left hand and pull outward, while pressing Tray Release button
• CD Tray should disengage from printer
To Insert CD Tray
• Turn OFF Power, and remove top cover
• If there is a CD tray in printer, remove CD tray from printer (see above)
• Hold CD tray in front of printer, with circular disc end oriented outward
• Gently guide end of tray into printer
• Try to guide CD tray straight into printer
• Stop when CD tray is at least halfway into printer
• Power ON printer
• At Power ON printer will bring CD tray into printer at proper position
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Maintenance: General
To keep the Spectrum2 functioning at its best, follow these Usage Guidelines:
Storage
• Keep the Spectrum2 on a flat, stable surface.
• Keep the Spectrum2 in a room temperature environment, and away from excessive
heat or cold
Startup and Shutdown
• Always use the power switch when powering up or shutting down the Spectrum2
• A power strip (surge protector) is always a good way to protect electronic equipment,
but is not meant as a means of turning on/off the power to the Spectrum2
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Maintenance: Printer Ribbon I nstallation
Figure 10: Direction of ribbon travel shown with arrows
Printer ribbon:
Supply roller Take up roller
Chassis Lock
Figure 11: Printer Chassis shown closed and open
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Installing Print Ribbon
The Ribbon Installation procedure is easiest to perform with the CD tray open. It is recommended that the Spectrum2 be turned OFF during ribbon installation.
General information
• The Spectrum2 uses ribbon rollers to hold the supply ribbon (ribbon rolled on tube) and the take up core (empty cardboard tube).
• The supply ribbon is put on a silver roller and the take up core is placed on a gray (geared) roller
• The supply ribbon roller is placed in slots in the front of the printer
• The take-up core is placed in slots in central area of the printer
• The ribbon is threaded around the chassis and attached to the take up core using the
adhesive strip on the end of the ribbon (or adhesive tape).
• After the rollers are placed in the Printer Chassis, the chassis must be opened to thread ribbon through the printer
• Open Printer Chassis by unscrewing the Chassis Lock Knob
• Lift Printer Chassis upward
• When printer ribbon is installed, close chassis gently and screw the Chassis Lock
Knob back into place.
• Try to lift the chassis upwards to confirm that it is locked, and secure.
• Ribbon is now installed and the printer is ready for printing CD Labels
• Please see Printer Ribbon Installation Chart for more details.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printer Ribbon Installation Char t – Par t 1
Remove Cover
• Remove the top cover by carefully
lifting and pulling forward. Remove used ribbon from printer
Note: Ribbon rollers are held in place by locking clips secured by thumbscrews. Loosen but do not remove thumbscrews to adjust roller clips.
Load Ribbon Rollers
• Insert the supply ribbon core onto
the silver supply spindle (shown)
• Insert the take up core on to the gray
take up spindle
Note: Ribbon roller has a metal pin that fits into a notch in the ribbon core. There are two pin positions for different length ribbons.
Putting Rollers in printer
• Supply Roller is placed into area at
the front of the printer.
Note: Supply Roller has metal shaft with square end that fits into square hole in printer frame
• Take up core is placed in area at in
the middle of the printer.
Note: Take up core Roller has metal shaft with round end that fits into round hole in printer frame
Pin
Locking clips
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Open printer chassis
• Open printer chassis
• Loosen chassis knob to release
chassis lock
Note: Lift chassis up using handle on side of the chassis. Printer chassis will stay in vertical position when it is fully opened.
Chassis Lock
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printer Ribbon Installation Char t – Par t 2
Feed ribbon from Supply to Take up Roller
• Take end of ribbon from Supply
Roller and pull toward the rear of printer
• Take ribbon around backside of Take
up Roller
• Close printer Chassis
Note: Check that Chassis Lock knob has slipped into locked position.
• Attach ribbon to Take up Roller
New ribbons: the ribbon has a leader with an adhesive strip. Use this strip to adhere the ribbon to the cardboard core of the Take up Roller
Used ribbons: use adhesive tape to secure the ribbon to Take up Roller
Wind ribbon to remove slack
Start & Print keys
Chassis Lock
• Power ON printer. Printer will wind
ribbon as part of start up sequence
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
• Ribbon can also be wound by
pressing Start and Print buttons simultaneously
• Ribbon change complete - check
software settings for proper color or black ribbon selection prior to printing.
When installing a mono-color blue or red ribbon, please follow the instructions below in order to disable the ribbon sensor:
ote:
• Press and hold the print button
• Turn on the power to the printer
• Continue to hold the print button down for 25 seconds
• Release the print button when the ribbon spools
• The ready light will come on at this point
• If done improperly, a large amount of ribbon will be spooled and the status
button will blink twice.
• There is no need to enable the ribbon sensor if you want to install a color or
black ribbon. Simply turn the printer off and on again, and the ribbon sensor will be enabled.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Installing Spacer for Color, Mono-Color Blue and Red Ribbon)
A spacer is used to prevent color, mono-color blue and red ribbons from sliding back and forth on the supply spindle. Please see below for installation instructions.
• The spacer should be positioned opposite the metal pin that fits into the ribbon core.
• Slide the spacer onto the supply spindle as seen below.
• After the spacer is placed onto the supply spindle, install the ribbon into the printer as
you normally would.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Maintenance: Printhead
Figure 12: Printer open showing printhead
Cleaning the Print Head
If the CD prints begin to look smeared or develop vertical streaks, it may be time to clean the print head. The printhead uses a row of heat producing "printing elements" to heat the ribbon to transfer label ink to the disc. Typically, the printhead may have a dust particle or possibly a melted piece of ribbon adhered to the heating elements. These particles prevent the printhead from transferring ink to the disc label. Cleaning the printhead consists of rubbing a cotton swab soaked in alcohol (use standard alcohol that is labeled Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol typically available at drug stores) over the printing elements to remove any debris.
Important: The printhead is fragile cotton swabs with alcohol to clean the printhead. The printhead heating elements can be damaged if touched by hard or abrasive objects. A damaged printhead may leave “white” vertical lines through all labels, requiring replacement of printhead for proper label appearance.
Power Connection
Print Control
and can be damaged by improper cleaning. Only use
Printing Elements
Clean this area
Figure 13: Printhead Unit.
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Chassis Release Button is located inside case
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Figure 14: Printhead cleaning with ribbon removed
Printhead Cleaning Procedure
• If tray is in, press Tray Button to extend tray
• Remove the top cover by carefully lifting and pulling forward. Set the cover aside.
• Open printer chassis by pulling chassis release knob and lifting chassis up by chassis
handle.
• Remove Ribbon Supply Roller from printer and place on CD Tray, this will expose the printhead. (As an alternative, remove ribbon completely from printer)
• Printhead is now visible from the inside of Printer chassis
• Move the Supply Ribbon roller and ribbon forward and away from the front of the
unit, exposing the printhead.
• Use a cotton swab or Q-tip with a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to gently rub the printing surface of the print head.
• Use a sweeping motion starting from one end of the printhead and move past the other end to remove any dust particles (do not lift up Q-tip in middle of printhead since that may leave residue in that area).
• Allow the printhead a minute to dry before moving ribbon spindle back on to chassis.
• Printer will wind slack ribbon at power ON, or pressing Start and Tray button
simultaneously will also wind slack ribbon.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printhead Replacement
Figure 15: Printhead partially removed
Replacing the Printhead
A damaged printhead may leave “white” vertical lines through all labels, requiring replacement of the printhead for proper label appearance. If the print head must be replaced, use the following guidelines for replacing the print head.
Note: A "dirty" printhead may produce prints similar to a damaged printhead. Always clean the printhead and check with a test print to determine if printhead is not damaged, but only needs to be cleaned.
Cautions in handling printhead
Important: The printhead is fragile and can be damaged by improper handling. The printhead heating elements can be damaged if touched by hard or abrasive objects.
Important: Always place printhead on clean soft cloth or paper towel. Do not place printhead on metal or other hard or abrasive surfaces. Printhead heating element area is fragile.
Important: The printhead's power connection has three black ground wires. The ground wires must be connected to the pins of the power connector closest to the center of the print head.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printhead Replacement Procedure
Power Connection
Print Control
Securing Screw
Holes
Printing element
Figure 16: The printhead's printing element is fragile, avoid touching the printing element
To replace printhead, you will need the following tools:
• Phillips-head screwdriver
Important: Always turn power off and unplug printer prior to removing print head.
Important: The printhead is fragile. Avoid touching the printing element and always
store the printhead on a soft area such as a clean paper towel
Wait until all printing has finished, and remove any CD still on the Tray.
• Power off and unplug printer
• Remove the top cover, remove ribbon, and set aside.
• Printhead is held by two Philips head screws
• Look down top of chassis to locate Philips head screws
• Use screw driver to loosen screw (note: screws are captive and will not fall out)
• Open Chassis (pull chassis knob out, and lift chassis)
• Printhead will hang from two cable connectors
• Note the position and orientation of the connectors
• Remove printhead from cable connectors, and place aside
• Attach cable connectors (noting orientation) to new printhead
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
• Lightly hold printhead in place and tighten the two Philips head screws
• Close chassis and completely tighten screws
• Printer is now ready to resume operation
Printhead Replacement, cont'd.
Figure 17: Printhead is retained by Philips type screws accessed from top of printer
Figure 18: Printhead power and data cables shown after printhead screws removed
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Troubleshooting Section
Quick Recovery Strategy
• Clear error condition (if needed, see Error Code Chart at end of this document)
• Press “START” key (to reset printer) or power printer OFF and then power back ON
• Re-try printing label
Test CD Strategy
• For testing printer issues, make sure a CD is loaded in printer’s CD Tray
• To conserve media while testing, test print with small label and rotate the CD after
each print. This allows multiple test prints on a CD.
Common Printer Issues
Printing Issues
• Fingerprints on CD may cause unprintable areas
• Strobe setting (CD label is printing too light or too dark)
• Printer driver set for Color when Black ribbon is installed (error results)
• Spectrum2 Printer driver not selected, therefore computer is not sending print data to
printer
• Parallel Port on computer is set to ECP, SPP or EEP Modes, change Parallel Port Mode to Normal
Clearing Improper Placement of CD
• If the CD is improperly placed on the CD tray, the CD tray will open and the status light will blink three times.
• Correct the placement of the CD on the CD tray.
• Press Start
• Press Print
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printer is not printing checklist
Use list below to determine cause for non-printing printer error.
Cables and connections
• Check “Status” LED for flashing Error Code. (See ERROR CODES Chart below)
• Check all power connections, and make sure the printer is ON and “Ready” LED is
ON.
• Make sure the printer cable is connected to the parallel port on the Spectrum2, and to the printer port of the host computer.
• Make sure there is a CD loaded properly on the tray.
• Make sure the Spectrum2 Printer Driver is selected as the Windows print destination.
• From Windows, select FILE menu, then PRINT. A dialog box will appear
and the Spectrum2 printer should be listed. If not, click on dialog box to select Spectrum2. If Spectrum2 is not shown as a selection, then the Spectrum2 printer driver needs to be installed.
• Make sure Printer Driver is set for Black & White printing if Black ribbon is installed
• Make sure Printer Driver is set for Color printing if Color ribbon is installed
Active LED shows activity, but no label is printed
• Check if “Active” LED does not light, after issuing a print command.
• Windows 98 may not operate properly with very large graphics files.
Test by printing CD label with smaller graphics files to check printer operation. Try printing label with Spectrum2 Printer Driver set to 300 DPI. Also, try reducing file size as needed or attempt to print label by using Windows NT/2000 host computer
Parallel port setting on computer
• Make sure the Computer’s Parallel Port mode is configured as: Normal, Compatible, SPP or Output Only. Normal is the recommended setting with most systems.
To check parallel Port configuration requires checking the Computer’s BIOS Settings and setting the Parallel Port setting to Normal.
To check Computer BIOS settings:
. Note: ECP Mode works
• Power OFF the computer
• Power ON the computer
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
• As the computer starts up it will display a message on how to check
computer BIOS setup.
• Usually, this requires pressing the DEL or ALT or F2 or some other key
• After pressing the appropriate key, a list of choices or menu will be
displayed
• Choose to review the advanced settings, look for Parallel Port Mode
listing or Integrated Peripherals listing
• Proper settings are:
• Parallel Port Mode setting shows: ECP or EPP
• Change to: Normal
• Exit the BIOS settings by selecting Exit, and save any changes.
• Shutdown then re-start computer, then start Spectrum2 Designer
Program and try printing a CD label.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Print Quality
Fuzzy prints and smudges
• Make sure the CD print surface is a printable (lacquer or matte) surface.
• Check the CD surface for fingerprints, oils, etc
• Clean the printing surface of the CD
• Make sure the print ribbon is a supported ribbon type
• Check the CD position
• Check the Printing Alignment in the CD labeling software
Faded prints
• Check the Strobe setting (this controls darkness or lightness of print density). If printing from Spectrum2 Designer, check the Strobe setting on the host computer.
• Increase or raise Strobe Setting by 5 units and reprint
Horizontal Streaks or Arc shaped Streaks
• Lower or reduce Strobe Setting
• Re-arrange graphics to reduce large coverage areas
• Check the Strobe setting (this controls darkness or lightness of print density).
Sticking or Torn Ribbon
• Vertical Lines or streaks - Printer makes snapping or popping sounds during printout
• Lower or reduce Strobe Setting
• Clean the Printhead
CD Positioning Errors
Reload CD on tray according to the loading instructions in the Printer Operation section of this manual.
• Make sure the CD centering pin is positioning the CD when the tray closes. The CD centering pin should touch only the outside edge of the CD. The CD should not rest on top of the CD centering pin.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
CD Printing Techniques Section
The Spectrum2 CD Printer offers a convenient way to print labels on CDs, this section describes ways to get the best possible printouts within the printer's labeling capabilities.
• The Spectrum2 Printer automatically selects default print density setting, (lightness or darkness of print) which is called the Strobe Setting based on what type of ribbon is installed in the printer (black or full color) and on the print mode (300 DPI or 600 DPI mode). In general, the default settings will work for a wide range of labels, however some types of CD media may require adjusting the Strobe Setting to a lower range (for lighter label) or for high range (darker label).
• Create text in Spectrum2 Designer program and use one of the seven primary colors for text.
• Graphics files from Photo or Paint type programs should be saved at either 300 or 600 DPI.
• Graphics files taken from websites typically are set at 72 DPI resolution and may look smaller than expected when added to a CD Label design that is printing at 300DPI or 600 DPI.
Please see the following CD Printing Techniques Chart for more detailed information on CD Label printing techniques.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Spectrum2 CD Media & Ribbon Selecti on Gui de
For best results, use the CD Media and Ribbon Section Guide to choose the appropriate CD Media, Ribbon, and Printer Strobe setting for your CD labeling job.
Ribbon
CD Media
Label Project:
• Black Text &
Graphics
Black or Monocolor Ribbon
Silver or Gold Discs (lacquer finish)
Label Project:
• Color Text &
Graphics
Full Color Ribbon
White Discs (Smooth white coated
finish)
Project Printing Tip
Spectrum2 requires thermal transfer type white coated discs with smooth coating for optimum color results.
White coated inkjet type discs (for inkjet CD printers) with a rough surface will not provide good output
Strobe Setting
Strobe setting controls darkness or lightness of print
To set strobe setting in Windows: select File / Print / Properties / Device Option
15 15
If label is too light try increasing the strobe setting in increments of 5 until label has best appearance
If label is too dark try decreasing the strobe setting in increments of 5 until label has best appearance
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Label Graphics
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Labels the print best in monocolor are:
• Text only
• Line art and Clip
art
• Mixed text and
graphics
• Mixed graphics
• Photos with
limited grayscale range
Labels the print best in color are:
• Text only
• Line art and Clip
art
• Mixed text and
graphics
• Mixed graphics
• Photos with
limited range of colors
• Spot colors
Labels that may not print properly are:
• Large single
color areas
• Reversed out
graphics (example: clear text on solid black background)
• Photos with wide
range of colors
Graphics Tips
Label Graphics Tips
Resolution
Web Graphics
Text Color
Set resolution of graphics files for 600 DPI (or 300 DPI) prior to saving graphics. If using Photo or Paint programs, save files as 300 or 600 DPI JPEG files, with images sized for placement on CD. Import graphic file to Spectrum2 Designer. Set Printer Driver for 300 or 600 DPI mode accordingly prior to printing.
Website graphics are typically 72DPI, which means they will shrink in size when brought over to a label file. If possible, avoid expanding size of graphics. Expanding to a larger size may result in “rough” looking graphics.
For color text, choose the 8 basic colors (bottom row of color selection within Spectrum2 Designer—this will consistently give best results. If using Photo or Paint programs, set to CMY and select colors that utilize only one or two of the CMY colors.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Color Graphics
Most clip art in Windows Meta File format (WMF) provide good results. JPEG, BMP, and TIFF files may use dithering of CMY colors; you may
need to use a Photo or Paint program to adjust color density to achieve best results.
Full disc single color graphics and reversed out graphics are not recommended for thermal transfer CD printers.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Common Label Issues
Issue Cause Possible Correction
Label is too light or too dark
Curved marks in graphic Strobe Setting is too high.
Graphics or text are not printed near CD edge or hub
Jagged or rough looking graphics or text that have been imported from other program or WebPages
Text appears light or faded (text created in CD label program)
Text appears light or faded (text created in Photo or Paint
ram
Strobe Setting is either to high or too low. The Strobe Setting controls printhead heat and print density.
Overheated ribbon causing "wrinkle" marks in graphics. CD has unprintable areas near outer edge and inner hub, also check template size in CD label program
Low-resolution graphics appear jagged or rough. Graphics re-sized to larger size lose resolution.
Text color not optimized for CD printer
Text color not optimized for CD printer
If label is too dark decrease Strobe Setting. If label is too light increase Strobe Setting. Make changes in 5 unit increments. Decrease strobe setting. If needed, clean print head.
Template adjustment is made from the CD label program, see Settings Menu. Adjust label template to mask unprinted areas. Template mask creates uniform boarder for crisp presentation. Create graphics sized for label at 300 DPI, then import into CD Label program. WebPage graphics at 72 DPI will become "rough" if resized. From label program change text color to one of the seven solid colors. These colors are shown in Custom Colors area of Color Menu. See Optimizing Color Labels. From Paint or Photo program to increase color densit
of text prior to
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
and imported to label program)
Graphics appear light or incomplete
Some colors in graphic not optimized for CD printer
Vertical line across label White vertical line
through label indicates printed requires cleaning
Unprinted area or marks on label
Possible finger print or dust interferes with printing
import to the label program. Also change CMYK values to minimize dithering. See Optimizing Color Labels. Use Paint or Photo program to increase color density of graphic prior to import to the label program. Clean printhead; see Maintenance Section of User Manual. If cleaning does not correct issue printhead may be damaged. Avoid touching printable area of CD prior to printing.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Strobe Setting Examples
Strobe Setting Examples
1 Strobe setting is too low
• Print is light or no print at all
• Shaded graphics light or not printed
2 Strobe setting is correct
• Text and graphics are clear
• Shaded graphics are clear
3 Strobe setting is too high
Case 1 - strobe is set a little too high
• Print and graphics too dark
Case 2 - strobe is much too high
• Print and graphics very uneven
• Ribbon is tearing
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
CD Media & Strobe Setting examples
Recommended CD media, ribbon type and strobe setting
A Silver CD discs
(also called lacquer finish disc)
Recommendations:
• Use with black ribbon
• Strobe setting: 15
B White Coated CD discs
(with smooth surface)
Recommendations:
• Use with black ribbon
• Strobe setting: 15
• Use with color ribbon
• Strobe setting: 15
A
B
C White Coated CD discs
(with rough surface for use with inkjet type CD printer)
Recommendations:
• Not recommended quality output will result
• Disc's rough surface does not accept label ink properly
• Strobe setting: 15
, light poor
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printer Driver Settings: Win 98
The key printer driver settings for the Spectrum2 CD printer are:
• Strobe Setting (controls lightness and darkness of label)
• Color or Black Ribbon selection. This setting needs to match the type of ribbon
(black or color) installed in the printer.
Strobe Setting
Figure 19: Win 98 Print Driver Properties Window
Strobe Setting Adjustment
To adjust Printer Driver settings from Windows 98:
• From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon
• Select Settings, Click on Printers
• Right Click on Spectrum2 Icon
Strobe Setting slider bar for manually setting strobe value
Strobe Auto checkbox for factory set default Strobe setting. The Auto setting works with most types of CD media
• Double click Properties, Follow Prompts
• Click Device Options Tab, then check for Print Strobe setting.
• Strobe value may be set by clicking the Auto check box (recommended) or
manually by slider bar selection (for fine tuning the darkness or lightness of print).
• For Auto setting: use Auto Checkbox to set Strobe to Auto. When checked,
printer will use factory default settings that should work with most standard CD discs. While the value of the Auto Setting is not shown, typically for black ribbon it is 15 and for a color ribbon is 15.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
• For manually setting the Strobe Setting, use the Slider Bar to adjust strobe over a
range of values. In general, higher strobe settings results in darker labeling.
• If label is too dark reduce strobe setting by 5 units and re-print, repeat this process
until proper print out is obtained.
• If label is too light increase strobe setting by 5 units and re-print, repeat this
process until proper print out occurs. Please note: if strobe setting is above the 15 unit range or higher and print is light, first try a lower strobe setting in the 15 unit range and increase the strobe. In some cases a very high strobe setting will result in too light a print, and increasing the strobe setting further may cause the ribbon to melt or tear when printing. This may then require cleaning the print head (see Maintenance Section for print head cleaning information).
Black & White, or Color printing settings for Win 98
Color or Black Ribbon selection procedure:
• While in the Printer Driver Properties box
• Click Graphics Tab
• Note: recommended Dithering setting is the Course selection
Black & White for black ribbon
Color for color ribbon
• Click the Color button
Select the following:
• If black ribbon is installed in printer select: Black and White only
• If color ribbon is installed in printer select: Color without image matching
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Spool Settings
• Set spool settings as indicated below:
• Go to Printer Properties
• Click the Details tab and click Spool Settings
• If you are operating a standalone printer click Spool print jobs so program finishes printing faster.
• If you are operating with automation click Print directly to printer.
• Click OK
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printer Driver Settings: Win 2000 / XP
Strobe and Ribbon Color Settings
The key printer driver settings for the Spectrum2 CD printer are:
• Strobe Setting (controls lightness and darkness of label)
• Color or Black Ribbon selection (this setting needs to match the type of ribbon,
mono-color or color, installed in the printer)
To adjust Printer Driver settings from Windows 2000:
• From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon
• Select Settings, Click on Printers
• Right Click on Spectrum2 Icon,
• Click Printing Preferences, Follow Prompts
• Click Paper Quality Tab
Ribbon Color Settings
• Select Black and White or Color setting to match type of ribbon installed in
printer
• Click Advanced Button, the Advanced Options box will display
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Strobe Setting Adjustment
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Ribbon Color Setting: this should match type of ribbon installed in printer
Strobe Setting: the higher the value, the darker the label
• From the Printing Preferences Window
• Click on Print Strobe number box
• Strobe value may be set by clicking the Auto check box (recommended) or manually
by slider bar selection (for fine tuning the darkness or lightness of print).
• For Auto setting: use Auto Checkbox to set Strobe to Auto. W hen checked printer will use factory default settings that should work with most standard CD discs. While the value of the Auto Setting is not shown, typically for black ribbon it is 15 and for a color ribbon is 15.
• For manually setting the Strobe Setting, use the Slider Bar to adjust strobe over a range of values. In general, higher strobe settings result in darker labeling.
• If label is too dark reduce strobe setting by 5 units and re-print, repeat this process until proper print out is obtained.
• If label is too light increase strobe setting by 5 units and re-print, repeat this process until proper print out occurs. Please note: if strobe setting is above the 15 unit range or higher and print is light, first try a lower strobe setting in the 15 unit range and increase the strobe. In some cases a very high strobe setting will result in an uneven print, and increasing the strobe setting further may cause the ribbon to melt or tear when printing. If this occurs, reduce the strobe setting and check the printout. If print out is fuzzy, cleaning the print head may be required (see Maintenance Section for print head cleaning information).
• Close Printers Window to exit.
• Print Strobe setting and ribbon setting (color or black) are now set.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
• Strobe value may be set by clicking the Auto check box (recommended) or manually by slider bar selection (for fine tuning the darkness or lightness of print).
• For Auto setting: use Auto Checkbox to set Strobe to Auto. When checked, printer will use factory default settings that should work with most standard CD discs. While the value of the Auto Setting is not shown, typically for black ribbon it is 15 and for a color ribbon is 15.
• For manually setting the Strobe Setting, use the Slider Bar to adjust strobe over a range of values. In general, a higher strobe setting results in darker labeling.
• If label is too dark, reduce strobe setting by 5 units and re-print. Repeat this process until proper print out is obtained.
• If label is too light increase strobe setting by 5 units and re-print, repeat this process until proper print out occurs. Please note: if strobe setting is above the 15 unit range or higher and print is light, first try a lower strobe setting in the 15 unit range and increase the strobe. In some cases a very high strobe setting will result in an uneven print, and increasing the strobe setting further may cause the ribbon to melt or tear when printing. If this occurs, reduce the strobe setting and check the printout. If print out is fuzzy, cleaning the print head may be required (see Maintenance Section for print head cleaning information).
Spool Settings
• Set spool settings as indicated below:
• Go to Printer Properties
• Click the Advanced tab
• If you are operating a standalone printer click Spool print jobs so program
finishes printing faster.
• If you are operating with automation click Print directly to printer.
• Click OK
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Printer Driver Settings: Win NT 4.0
Strobe and Ribbon Color Settings
The key printer driver settings for the Spectrum2 CD printer are:
• Strobe Setting (controls lightness and darkness of label)
• Color or Black Ribbon selection (this setting needs to match the type of ribbon,
mono-color or color, installed in the printer)
To adjust Printer Driver settings from Windows NT 4.0:
• From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon
• Select Settings, Click on Printers
• Right Click on Spectrum2 Icon,
• Click Printer Properties, Follow Prompts
• Click Page Setup tab
Ribbon Color Settings
• Select Black and White or Color setting to match type of ribbon installed in
printer
• Click Advanced Button, the Advanced Options box will display
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Strobe Setting Adjustment
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Ribbon Color Setting: this should match type of ribbon installed in printer
Strobe Setting: the higher the value, the darker the label
• From the Printer Properties Window
• Click on Print Strobe number box
• Strobe value may be set by clicking the Auto check box (recommended) or manually
by slider bar selection (for fine tuning the darkness or lightness of print).
• For Auto setting: use Auto Checkbox to set Strobe to Auto. W hen checked printer will use factory default settings that should work with most standard CD discs. While the value of the Auto Setting is not shown, typically for black ribbon it is 15 and for a color ribbon is 15.
• For manually setting the Strobe Setting, use the Slider Bar to adjust strobe over a range of values. In general, higher strobe settings result in darker labeling.
• If label is too dark reduce strobe setting by 5 units and re-print, repeat this process until proper print out is obtained.
• If label is too light increase strobe setting by 5 units and re-print, repeat this process until proper print out occurs. Please note: if strobe setting is above the 15 unit range or higher and print is light, first try a lower strobe setting in the 15 unit range and increase the strobe. In some cases a very high strobe setting will result in an uneven print, and increasing the strobe setting further may cause the ribbon to melt or tear when printing. If this occurs, Click OK, then Click OK.
• Close Printers Window to exit.
• Print Strobe setting and ribbon setting (color or black) are now set.
• Strobe value may be set by clicking the Auto check box (recommended) or manually
by slider bar selection (for fine tuning the darkness or lightness of print).
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
• For Auto setting: use Auto Checkbox to set Strobe to Auto. When checked, printer will use factory default settings that should work with most standard CD discs. While the value of the Auto Setting is not shown, typically for black ribbon it is 15 and for a color ribbon is 15.
• For manually setting the Strobe Setting, use the Slider Bar to adjust strobe over a range of values. In general, a higher strobe setting results in darker labeling.
• If label is too dark, reduce strobe setting by 5 units and re-print. Repeat this process until proper print out is obtained.
• If label is too light increase strobe setting by 5 units and re-print, repeat this process until proper print out occurs. Please note: if strobe setting is above the 15 unit range or higher and print is light, first try a lower strobe setting in the 15 unit range and increase the strobe. In some cases a very high strobe setting will result in an uneven print, and increasing the strobe setting further may cause the ribbon to melt or tear when printing. If this occurs, reduce the strobe setting and check the printout. If print out is fuzzy, cleaning the print head may be required (see Maintenance Section for print head cleaning information).
Spool Settings
• Set spool settings as indicated below:
• Go to Start / Settings / Printers and right click on Spectrum2
• Click Properties and click the Scheduling tab
• If you are operating a standalone printer click Spool print documents so
program finishes printing faster.
• If you are operating with automation click Print directly to printer.
• Click OK
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Spool Settings (cont.)
• With the Spectrum2 printer selected, click File / Print / Properties.
• Click the Advanced tab
• Click on Metafile Spooling
• If you are operating a standalone printer click Off.
• If you are operating with automation click On.
• Click OK
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Optimizing Color Labels
Optimizing Color Labels
For full color printing, the Spectrum2 CD Printer uses a paneled ribbon that includes a Cyan (blue), Magenta (Red), and Yellow panels, commonly referred to as CMY colors. The printer mixes (by dithering) these colors to create the colors on the label. Mixing the CMY panels creates a range of colors. For example, green would be a mix of blue and yellow, and black a mix of all three panels. Due to the limitations of dithering some color combinations appear more intense than others.
There are seven standard colors that provide good color intensity for text and graphics. These colors are shown in the first row of the Custom Colors of the Color Selection Menu in the CD Label program. These colors are red, green, blue, light blue, purple, yellow, and black.
For best color output: Use the
Seven standard colors shown in the Custom Colors box. (Note: white is not printed)
Recommendation for optimum text and graphics: Use the seven standard colors for text color or graphic shape color for boxes, circles, lines, and color filled shapes. These colors are selected from within the CD Label program.
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white is not
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
In addition to the standard colors are the basic colors, which provide more color choices, but may appear to print lighter than they appear on-screen.
Additional colors
Seven basic colors (Note:
Preparing Color Graphics for import into the CD Label Program
The CD Label Program allows import of several standard graphics files, including versions of BMP, JPG and TIF file formats. The Spectrum2 prints at 300 and 600 DPI modes, so graphics should be set for 300 DPI resolution and properly siz ed for the disc label. Typically, in Paint and Photo editing programs there are features that allow setting resolution and imaging size. Having the correct size and resolution eliminates the need to "re-size" the image in the CD Label software. Small images or low-resolution images may need to be stretched to a larger size, however this may cause the graphic to appear to have a "rough" or "jagged edged" appearance.
Recommendation for preparing graphics for labels:
• Set graphic image resolution to 300 DPI when preparing graphic in Photo or Paint programs.
• Make text or graphic the correct size for the CD label.
• If possible, avoid re-sizing graphic in CD Label program.
• Importing web page graphics: on-screen web page graphics are typically set for 72
DPI (low resolution) and will appear to "shrink" in size when imported into the CD Label program which is displaying the graphic at 300 DPI. Re-sizing this type of graphic to a larger size may cause the graphic to become fuzzy or have jagged edges.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Advanced Recommendations:
• In Photo and Paint programs, if possible, select colors that mix only two of the three CMY colors to minimize dithering.
• In Photo and Paint programs, adjust contrast and brightness settings to make "brighter" and denser images.
• In Photo and Paint programs, use the color saturation adjustment (Ex. color curves) to increase color density of graphic.
Figure 20: For graphics created in Photo and Paint programs, adjust the color curves to increase color
density of graphic for best color output
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
CD Printing Techniques Chart
Use this chart to help address printing issues.
Area Issue Reason Suggestion Additional tips A
B
With black ribbon: Text created in the Spectrum2 Designer program does not print clearly.
Graphics and Text have light horizontal lines
Check Strobe setting...setting of too high or too low will affect text quality. If strobe is too high you may have a ribbon tear or hear a ”crackle” sound while printing, indicating ribbon is overheated.
Check strobe setting…see above.
Strobe setting is too high, causing ribbon to wrinkle.
Try a Strobe setting of 15 and increase strobe value in increments of 5 until you have good results.
CD media may not be suitable for thermal transfer labeling. Try different brand of CD media.
C
Text or Graphic fades at outer edge of disc or near hub ring area
Printer can not print to outer edge of disc or near hub ring area
Some CD-R discs are not perfectly flat and have raised areas near hub ring area and on the outer edges of the disc. The raised areas lifts the
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1. Move text or Graphic away from edge or hub area
2. Adjust disc template - see Settings Menu in Spectrum2 Designer - select Template & Adjust
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
printhead away from the disc causing print to fade
3. Change to white coated CD media for better results
White coated media provides flatter / smoother printing surface compared to some types of silver CD media
D
D
Text or graphics at top or bottom of disc is not printing or is cutoff
Web page graphics copied to a disc label have a “rough” or “jagged” quality
Printed graphics look “rough” or “jagged” as compared to what is shown on­screen
Printer may not print completely to edge disc
Web page graphics are usually set at 72 DPI, which will cause them to appear very small when imported into Spectrum2 Designer label program
The graphics may have been created or saved at a low resolution, then placed in the label.
Low resolution graphics may have been “expanded” or “stretched” to larger size
See above.
Do not enlarge or stretch web graphics. Enlarging reduces quality of the graphics
Use high resolution graphics for best looking 300DPI or 600DPI printout
Create and Save all Graphics at least 300DPI or higher.
Note: Graphics that are created and saved at a low resolution can not convert back to higher resolution.
Tip: Some graphics files (WMF files: Windows Meta Format) can be enlarged without reduction in quality
When creating graphics, create graphics close to size used on CD label. In your graphics program, set resolution to 300 DPI and use rulers to check size. This will eliminate the need to “expand” or “stretch” graphics which may reduce the quality of the graphic object
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
CD Printing Techniques Chart
E
F
F
With color ribbon: Text created in the Spectrum2 Designer program does not print clearly
With color ribbon: Text created in a 3rd party graphics program does not print clearly
Graphics objects appear washed out or are not completely printing
For best text quality use one of the printer’s seven primary colors as a text color.
Also, check strobe setting. See above.
The text may be a bitmap or JPEG graphic, with a color that does not print well.
Check strobe setting. See above.
IF Strobe setting OK, graphic may be too light.
Adjust to color of the text to more closely match the printer’s seven primary colors
Tip: If adjusting colors does not provide good results. Use the Spectrum2 Designer software to create the text or text and background.
Adjust graphics in photo or paint program by increasing darkness or density in 10% increments and if
CD media may not be suitable for thermal transfer labeling. Try different brand of
CD media. needed reduce contrast by 10%.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
CD Printing Techniques Chart
GI
Vertical “White” line or “non printing line” is across disc label
Printhead has a particle of ribbon or dust stuck to it.
It is possible that printhead is damaged and needs replacement. If cleaning printhead does not correct problem. Contact MediaFORM Service department for replacement printhead.
Clean printhead Tip: If strobe
setting is too high,
this may cause
ribbon to melt and
ribbon particle stick
to printhead.
After cleaning
printhead, set strobe
setting to 15 and
increase in strobe
value increments of
5 until you have
good results.
G
G
One half of the label is not printed on all discs
Dot or spec on disc label
Print head may need servicing, please contact your reseller or MediaFORM service department
Dust particles on ribbon cause spots on disc label
Tip: Save a copy of
the labeled CD and
label file to allow
quick problem
solving Check printer for
dust. Use printer in less dusty area.
Operate printer with
Take care not to
touch printhead
when inspecting for
dust. top cover on.
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Thermal Transfer & Inkjet CD Printer Comparison
The Spectrum2 series of printers use thermal transfer technology to apply resin type ink to the surface of a plastic CD or DVD disc. Thermal transfer printers have a print head that heats portions of a ribbon as disc moves under the printer head, as the disc goes past the print head the resin type ink cools and adheres to the surface of the disc. Thermal Transfer printers provide one of the few methods to print on CD discs in an office environment.
CD Printer Comparison Chart
Inkjet CD Printer Thermal Transfer
Key Point
CD printer
Print speed Slow Fast Thermal Printer is
faster
Waterproof Label
Requires coated CD media
Not waterproof Waterproof Thermal Printer
label more durable
Yes No – prints black
directly on Silver or gold media
Thermal Printer has lowest cost per label for black only labels and media
Yes – prints color on white coated media
Quality of output
Good Text Excellent Graphics
Excellent Text Good Graphics
Thermal transfer Printer offer good labeling characteristics
Coverage of Disc
Best labeling applications
Can cover entire disc with graphics
Color photos on white inkjet type coated media
Can cover most of the disc with graphics. Some unprintable areas at edges of disc and hub area
Black text and graphics on silver / gold media
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Thermal transfer Printer label coverage good for most business CD labeling applications
Thermal transfer Printer allows wide range of label types
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Not recommended labeling applications
Permanent Labeling of disc
Disc that will be handled in wet or humid conditions (ink will smear)
Spot color on silver on white coated media
Mixed text and color graphic on white coated media
Full color photos or graphics covering the entire label area of the disc
Thermal Transfer Printer full coverage labels possible but not recommended
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Supported Ribbon and Ribbon Specifications
The MediaFORM Spectrum2 supports the following thermal transfer ribbons.
Vendor
MediaFORM
Rimage
Ribbon Type Spindle Width Labels per ribbon
Black 130MM
• 2361 full CD
labels
• 4,000 to 6,000
partial CD labels
• Over 6,000
labels if label is consists of single line of text
Full Color 122MM
• 500 labels full
CD
Ribbon Usage with a Minimum Print Size
The amount of ribbon used will vary depending on the particular print, and the amount of CD surface the print is intended to cover. A minimum print (ex. line of text) is one that uses the smallest amount of ribbon. The Take-up Roller typically winds 7/8” to 9/8” of ribbon with a minimum print.
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Autoloader Port
Connector and Signal information:
Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Pin Number Signal Name I/0 Function Logic 1
(5 Volts)
1 CPBSY Output Printer Busy Printer Busy Printer
2
CTOUT Output Tray Out Tray
Extended
3 CTIN Output Tray In Tray
Retracted
4 CCDINTRAY Output CD on Tray CD Present No CD
5 P_CCMD Input Print Buffer
No Action Prints label
Command
6 O_CCMD Input Move Tray
No Action Toggles tray
Command 7 CPERR Output Printer Error Error Exists No Error 8 CRIBOUT Output Ribbon Out No Ribbon
Detected
Logic 0
Available Tray
Retracted Tray
Extended
Present
image in buffer
In or Out
Ribbon Detected
9 Ground Ground N/A N/A
Note:
• P_CCMD and O_CCMD must receive a logic low pulse of at least 70ms for the
command to be valid.
• MediaFORM Autoloaders send valid P_CCMD and O_CCMD pulses of 800ms.
Autoloader Port Pinouts:
5 4 3 2 1 9 8 7 6
Figure 21: DB-9 Female type connector on printer
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Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Error Codes for Status LED
The Status LED is located on the front of the printer.
Number of
Flashes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Area to check Action
Timeout Power OFF / Power ON printer
Ribbon out Install new ribbon, press START
No CD No CD in tray. Place CD in Tray, press
Tray error Press START to home tray
Head motor error Power OFF / Power ON printer
Memory error Memory error detected.
Print buffer overflow Press START key
Positioning Power OFF / Power ON printer
Data error Check driver color setting matches type of
START to continue.
Power OFF / Power ON printer
(check label size - use RLL setting in driver to reduce label)
ribbon installed in printer. Power OFF / Power ON printer
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