MUTOH Falcon Outdoor 46, Falcon Outdoor 62 User Manual

USER'S

GUIDE

AP-75046

Eco-Solvent Inkjet Printer

Falcon Outdoor 46/62

3

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

USER GUIDE

Falcon Outdoor46/62

Eco-Solvent Inkjet Printer

Mutoh America Inc.

2507 W. Erie Dr. Suite 103

Tempe, AZ 85282

United States

4

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

This equipment complies with radio interference regulations for data pro­cessing devices. When used in a residential area, this equipment may
cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take
appropriate corrective measures.

#Concerning radio interference

This product generates weak radio signals and may interfere with radio and
television reception if not installed and used correctly. If you suspect that it is
causing interference with radio and television reception, try one or more of the
following measures:

• Change the direction of your reception antennae and feeders

• Change the direction of this product

• Change the distance between your receiver and this product

• Use separate power supply circuits for your receiver and this product

#Trademarks mentioned in this manual

• MUTOH, Falcon Outdoor, MH-GL, MH-GL/2, MH-RTL and RTL-PASS are trademarks
or product names of MUTOH Industries Ltd.

• HP, HP-GL, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL are trademarks or product names of Hewlett­Packard Inc.

• Centronics, Bitronics are trademarks or product names of Centronics Data
Computer Corp.

• Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 are trademarks or product
names of Microsoft Corp.

• DOS-V, PC-DOS are trademarks or product names of IBM (International
Business Machines Inc.)

• NetWare is a trademark or product name of Nobel Inc.

• EtherTalk is a trademark or product name of Apple Computer Inc.

• Other names of companies or products are trademarks or product names of
the respective companies.

• Details of this product and this manual are protected by copy­right held by this company and except for legitimate use by
individuals, may not be copied, reproduced or distributed in
whole or in part.

• Details contained in this manual may be subject to future alter­ation without notice.

• Details contained in this manual are believed to be correct but
please contact this company or your dealer if you suspect an
error or a point is not clear.

• In no event will this company be responsible for the conse­quences of using this product or this manual.

August 2002
Published: Mutoh Europe NV, Archimedesstraat 13, 8400 Oostende, Belgium
Copyright © August 2002, Mutoh Europe NV. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046) 5

6

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

Dear Customer,

Mutoh's new Falcon Outdoor high-resolution drop-on-demand piezo electric outdoor
inkjet printer series consists of two models.
The printer use a newly developed eco-solvent ink. Inks are offered in six colours.
This User Guide deals with printer installation and operation methods as well
as usage precautions. In order to use the printer safely and effectively, please
read the User Guide carefully before you use the printer and then use it cor­rectly.

Keep the manual beside the printer. It is sure to be useful in case something
that you are not sure about should occur while you are using the printer.

• Because the Falcon Outdoor is an inkjet printer, it needs to be
cleaned and inspected periodically. User registration and a
service contract are recommended for detecting trouble
promptly and maintaining printing quality in top condition. For
details, contact your local Mutoh dealer.

For Safe Usage

Introducing the safety symbol that is used in this manual.
The following warning indicator is used in this manual to prevent injury to the
user and damage to property.

• Applies to a case where ignoring this instruction or incorrect
action may lead to serious injury and may cause physical dam­age to the printer. You must read this and work correctly.

Introduction

Precautions & Introduction

IMPORTANT

CAUTION

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046) 7

Introducing the Note and Reference symbols that are used in this manual.

• An explanation of a matter that is very important for proper use
of the printer. You must read this and work appropriately.

• An explanation of a matter that is useful for you to know or that
may affect the printing result. You should read this and bear it
in mind.

• A reference to where further useful detailed information is
available. Refer to this if necessary.

Introduction
For Safe Usage

IMPORTANT

NOTE

REFERENCE

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

Falcon Outdoor is a precision device. When you use it, be careful
of the following.

• Do not use the printer in extreme heat, cold or humidity.

• Covers secured by screws must not be opened other than parts
noted in this manual.

• Don't have a radio or television nearby as the printer may
cause interference.

• Don't connect the printer cable to the same power source as an
appliance that generates electrical noise.

• This printer uses 100 to 120 V, or 200 to 240 V AC power. Don't
use it with power other than 100 to 120 V, or 200 to 240 V AC.

• Be sure to use a power source with an earth connection.

• Avoid placing objects on top of the printer or subjecting it to
severe vibration or impact.

• Don't tilt or shake the printer when you move it. This may
cause the ink to spill or the mechanism to malfunction. If tilting
is unavoidable, contact your local Mutoh dealer.

• Don't wipe the printer with thinners or benzene.

• Be sure to use the Falcon Outdoor special cartridges (the printer
will be damaged if an ink other than a special cartridge is
used.)

• If the printer makes a strange noise or acts abnormally, refer to
"When trouble strikes" on page 202 and contact your local
Mutoh dealer.

• There is no question about the safety of the ink but since it is
mildly toxic it should be kept out of the reach of children.

Using the Printer

Precautions & Introduction

CAUTION

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046) 9

• Ink cartridges should be kept in a cool dark place. However, the
ink will freeze if it is stored for a long period below -10˚C for
black ink and below -10˚C for colored ink so storage under
these conditions should be avoided. If the ink becomes frozen,
it should be thawed for at least three hours at room tempera­ture (25˚C) before use.

• Don't put the hold lever in the up position while the head is
moving (during printing, media size detection, media cutting
and cleaning, etc.). The head and media keeper blade will
touch, causing damage or faulty printing.

• When the hold lever is to be put in the up position for loading
media, etc., make sure that the head is in a position where it
will not touch the media keeper blade.

• Don't move the head while the hold lever is up. The head may
touch the media keeper blade.

Using the Printer

CAUTION

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

Contents

Introduction

7

For Safe Usage

7

Using the Printer

9

Contents

11

Before Using the Printer

17

Usage Environment 18
Names of Parts 19
Control Panel Names 20

Preparing for Printing

27

What’s in the Box 28
Assembling the Stand 29
Assembling the Printer 33
Connecting the Power Cable / Disconnect Device 37
Ink Cartridge Precautions 38
Loading the Ink Cartridges 40
Specify the Type of Media 46
Loading the Media 48
Loading Cut Media 49
Loading Roll Media 52
Loading media in combination with the Roll Take-Up System 58
Using Pre- and Post-Heater 65
Making a Test Print 66
Connecting the Interface Cable 67
To Receive Data from the Computer 68
Input Port 68
Online Set-up 68
Command Set-up (User Settings) 69

Printing the Setup Lists 70
Making a Manual Cut 71

Contents

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046) 11

Contents

Direct Access Keys

73

Specifying the Media to be Used 74
Specifying the Resolution 75
High Quality Printing, Normal Printing, High Speed Printing 77
Head Cleaning 78
Cutting the Media 79
Making a Test Print and a Setup List Print 80
Media Feed 81
Reverse Media Feed 82
Fine Adjustment of Print Quality 83

Menus 87
Menu Mode Operation 88
Menu Levels 90

When You Want to do This

93

To use roll media efficiently 94
To speed up printing time 94
To improve printing quality 95
To connect with Centronics 95
To connect with network (Ethernet) 95
To cut roll media 95
To place printed output is a specified position 96
To use colour effectively 97
To check the status of the printer 97
To use another type of ink 97
To check printer set-up 98

Explanation of Functions

99

Understanding the Functions 100
Command Settings 100
Function Settings 103
Centronics Settings 107
Network Settings 107
Utility Settings 108

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

Contents

Contents

How to set Parameters 111

Command Settings 113
Command 113
Plot Area 114
Position 115
Terminator 116
Resolution 117
Online Timer 118
Overwrite 120
Origin Reset 121

Function Settings 122
Ink Dry Time 122
Halftone 124
CMY à Black 125
Scale 126
Mirror 127
Direction 128
Cut Position 129
Media Cut 130
Copy 131
Ink Density 132
Distance Adjustment 133

Centronics Settings 136
Mode 136
Timing 137

Network Settings 138
IP Address 138

Utility Settings 140
Error Display 140
Initial : All 141
Initial : Command 143
Initial : Function 145
Initial : Centronics 147
Initial : Network 149
Dump 151

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046) 13

Contents

Wash 153
Clean 156
Fill 157
Ink Change 159

Accuracy Adjustment Plot 162

Installation of Options

165

Network Interface Board Installation 166
Memory Extension 168

Details of the Display

171

Printer Status Display 172
Messaged Errors and Countermeasures 174
Data Error Display and Countermeasures 177
Command Error Display and Countermeasures 178
Errors Requiring a Restart 180

Errors Requiring Restart that Involve the Mechanical
System

180
Errors Requiring Restart that Involve the CPU System 182
Errors Requiring Restart that Involve the Heater System 184

Daily Maintenance

187

Cleaning the Printer 188
Replacing Ink Cartridges 191
Switching Inks 192
Replacing the Cutter 196

Replacing Waste Liquid Absorbent Sheet ( Waste Ink
Bottle)

198

Cleaning the Cleaning Wiper 200
When Trouble Strikes 202
Nothing happens after power is switched on 202
Nothing happens after media is loaded 202
Nothing happens after the computer sends data 203

When printer sends data, the printer shows an error and
does not print

203
Parts of the print are dirty or missing 203

It prints but the position is not right
(There are places that cannot be printed)

204
Media jams occur frequently 204
Roll paper is not cut cleanly 204
Ink initial filling fails 205
Ink does not appear even after initial filling 205

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

Contents

Contents

Media comes off or is torn during media initialisation 205
Media wrinkles during media initialisation 206
Thin media is not detected 207
Wrong media size in media initialisation 207
Media is skewed during printing 207
Cannot install printer driver 208
Cannot go online with Centronics 208
Printed line is blurred 209
White and black bands appear in printing 209
Printed lines do not join 209

Appendix

211

Printer Specifications 212
Interface Specifications 213

Centronics Interface Specifications
(Bi-directional Parallel Interface : IEEE1284 Compatible)

213
Network Interface (option) Specifications 215
List of Optional and supply Items 216

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

15

Periodical Maintenance 210

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

This section lists matters that must be attended to before the printer is used.

Usage Environment PAGE 18

Names of Parts PAGE 19

Control Panel Names PAGE 20

Before Using the Printer

Before Using the Printer

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

17

An appropriate location for installing the printer should be selected after refer­ring to the following conditions for the installation site and installation space.

• Always use a separate, earthed power outlet.

• Avoid places subject to sudden change of temperature or
humidity, dust, or the direct rays of the sun.

• The Falcon Outdoor printer should not be in the direct draft
from an air conditioner.

• Don't block the ventilation holes of the Falcon Outdoor printer.

• The floor should be level and free from vibration.

• Avoid places near a device that produces heat, such as a stove
or heater.

• Avoid using the printer under strong light globes or halogen
lamps.

Environmental Conditions for the Installation Site

We recommend setting up the printer in a place that conforms to the condi­tions in the following table.
With regard to temperature and humidity in particular, even if the conditions
fall within the ranges indicated, places subject to sudden changes should be
avoided.
We recommend setting up in a place that can be air conditioned in order to
maintain constant temperature and humidity.

Area for Installation At least 3 m

2

with a doorway of 1.5 m
Floor Strength At least 2490 Pa (300 kg/m2)
Power Supply Voltage 100 V to 120 V AC 10% or

200 V to 240 V AC 10%

Frequency 50/60 Hz 1%

Capacity Use a power outlet rated for at least 10 A

Temperature 10˚C to 35˚C (16˚C to 25˚C for assured

printing accuracy)
Variation rate: Not more than 2˚C per hour)

Humidity 35% to 80% (50% to 60% for assured

printing accuracy) with no condensation
Variation rate: Not more than 5˚C per hour)

Usage Environment

CAUTION

Leave at least 1 m in front, at the rear and at the sides.

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

Names of Parts

Left Cover

Front Paper
Guide

Front Cover Y-rail Cover Operating Panel Right Cover

Heater Panel

Pressure Lever

Waste Bottle

Control Box Take-up System

Left Cover

Front Paper
Guide

Front Cover Y-rail Cover Operating Panel Right Cover

Heater Panel

Pressure Lever

Waste Bottle

Control Box Take-up System

Cartridge Cover 6 Ink Slots

Rear Paper
Guide

Scroller

Waste
Bottle

Scroller

A

djusting

Screw

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

3

Scroller
Slip

Ring

The control panel is for setting operating conditions, displaying printer condi­tions and making settings for various functions.

Control Panel Names

DATA LED (Green)

ERROR LED (Red) CLEANING key

MENU key

Shift key

CANCEL key

MEDIA WEIGHT key
Standard LED (Orange)
Thin LED (Green)

QUALITY / SPEED key
High Quality LED (Green)
Normal LED (Green)
High Speed LED (Green)

RESOLUTION key
Low LED (Green)
High LED (Green)

MEDIA key
Roll Media LED (Green)
Sheet Media LED (Green)

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

Control Panel Names

Nr.

Key Description

1. Data LED :

The

DATA LED

monitors DATA status :

· LED ON

indicates

data is being received.

· LED FLASHING

means

data is being processed.

2. Error LED :

The

ERROR LED

is

ON

after an

ERROR has

occurred, to indicate a possible hazardous situation.

The LED will go out if the error is corrected or after
pressing the [CANCEL] key.

The

[CANCEL] key

is a special key, controlling both the

CANCEL FUNCTION

as well as the

ROLL MEDIA

sheet-off function.

Printer Condition

Result by pressing

CANCEL

Idle Status

Roll media is cut at the
current position

Receiving Status

Process stops

Process Status

Buffer is cleared

Printing Status

Print is cancelled, buffer
is cleared, printed part is
cut-off.

To request a sheet-off, press cancel for 2 seconds
and confirm with

[ENTER].

3. Cancel :

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

21

Control Panel Names

4. Cleaning :

- Pressing for 2 seconds initiates the cleaning
procedure.

- When pressed together

with the [SHIFT] key

,

(9) it initiates the

head adjustment procedure.

- Go to the

Previous Menu

, when in

menu-mode

operation.

- For advanced Cleaning Control, enter the menu
system and select submenu [Utility] – option

[Clean].

5. Quality / Speed :

- Pressing

QUALITY / SPEED

will change the
output quality and speed. Each time the key is
pressed you will notice the LED indicator
showing the current status :

High quality,

Normal

and

High Speed.

- The set-up can only be changed in idle status.

- When pressed together with [SHIFT] key

(9)

outputs the Test Print.

- Go to the

Next menu option

, or

increase a

parameter value

when in

menu-mode

operation.

- The LED indication is also influenced by data
coming from the RIP/driver software.

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

Control Panel Names

- Pressing

RESOLUTION

will change the output

resolution between

360 DPI, 720 DPI or 1440

DPI.

The set-up can only be changed in idle

status.

- When pressed together with the [shift] key

(9)

it

allows reverse manual roll feed.

- Select the

previous menu option

and

decrease

a parameter

value when in

menu mode

operation.

- If

both LEDs are ON simultaneously

the plotter

operates in

one of the 3 available 1440 dpi

modes (horizontal, vertical or diagonal).

- The LED indication is also changed by data
coming from the RIP software.

7. Media :

- Allows

selection among roll, cut-sheet or

media take-up system support.

- When pressed

together with the [shift] key

(9),

generates a

nozzle check print.

-

Accept a new setting

when in

menu mode

or

enter a lower menu level.

8. Menu Mode Operation :

The

Menu Mode Operation

is used to change printer
settings and parameters. Menu Mode related buttons
are enclosed in the yellow area.

6. Resolution :

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

23

Control Panel Names

-

Shift button

to activate

Head Adjustment,
manual roll feed (forward or reverse), Nozzle
check print, Test print or Set-Up List.

- Back out of menu levels or switch back to
ONLINE level from top level (Menu mode

operation).

10. Menu :

- The

Menu Mode Operation

is used to change

printer settings and parameters.

- Press the

[MENU] key

to

switch from ONLINE

status to menu mode operation.

- When pressed

together with the [shift] key

(9)

it

allows forward manual roll feed.

11. Liquid Cristal Display :

16 characters LCD display which

displays messages,

shows settings / values

and

allows menu-wise

control.

9. Shift-button :

24

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

Control Panel Names

12. Vacuum :

- The Vacuum key allows you to reduce the fan
power when using very light media such as
synthetic paper or uncoated paper lighter than 70
g/m².

- When pressed together with the [SHIFT] key

,

(9) it initiates a

Set-up List

and an

adjustment

parameter plot.

Note :

·

When the data light is ON (receiving) or blinking (processing), all the
keys are disabled, except the head

cleaning key.

The keys will be operational in case of receiving data while you are in
the setup menu. The settings changes, however, will then only be
valid for the next printing job.

· Panel set up from the printer is only possible when no printing data or

processing data is sent to the printer.

·

In menu mode operation, the

shift key

functions are not available.

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

25

Control Panel Names

1 = Controls Front Heater
2 = Controls Rear Heater
3 = Power Switch

Power Switch:

Control for power ON or OFF the Heater System.

Controls Front Heater:

Set temperature for the front heater. Real (RT) and set (ST) temperature are displayed on the LCD screen.
The maximum temperature is 50 °C. By pushing the buttons you can select an appropriate temperature.

Controls Rear Heater:

Set temperature for the rear heater. Real (RT) and set (ST) temperature are displayed on the LCD screen.
The maximum temperature is 50 °C. By pushing the buttons you can select an appropriate temperature.

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

This section deals with preparations for using the printer.

What's in the Box PAGE 28

Assembling the Stand PAGE 29

Assembling the Printer PAGE 33

Ink Cartridge Precautions PAGE 38

Loading the Ink Cartridges

PAGE 40

Specify the Type of Media PAGE 46

Loading the Media

PAGE 48

Using Pre- and Post heater

PAGE 65

Making a Test Print

PAGE 66

Connecting the Interface Cable

PAGE 67

To Receive Data from the Computer PAGE 68

Printing the Setup List

PAGE 70

Making a Manual Cut

PAGE 71

Preparing for Printing

Preparing for Printing

Power Cable / Disconnect device page 37

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

27

What's in the Box

What’s in the box ?

· Falcon Outdoor printer unit

·

Printer stand

· 2 media scrollers (2” / 3”) including plastic
flanges

· 1 Sheet-off knife, pre-installed in head

·

In-the-box RIP software

Accessories kit consisting of:

·

Power cable

· User’s Guide

· Extra Box with Roll Take-Up System

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

· Scroller Slip Ring

Assembling the Stand

Preparing for Printing

Caution:

· Before lifting the printer body out of the box, make sure to remove all
plastic wrapping materials first, in order to avoid that the machine slips
from your hands.

Step 1:

Unpack the stand and assemble it by screwing the left and right stand legs to the cross
beam (upper bar)

(1)

and to the cross bar (lower bar)

(2)

. To do this, use the 4 long

hexagon bolts and the large hex wrench provided to secure the cross beam

(1)

, and 2 long

hexagon bolts to secure the cross bar

(2)

. Make sure the caster wheels are on the front.

After securing the bolts permanently, put on the two plastic side covers.

Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)

29

Assembling the Stand

Step 2 :

First make sure to mount the left end plate (plate without motor box) to the left leg of the
stand.

Hook the left end plate between the leg assembly. Turn the left end plate diagonally, so
that you can put it in-between the left leg and then turn it right to fix it into place by means
of the hooks.

Fasten the left end plate temporarily with 2 bolts + washers (use a 3 mm hex key) onto the
bracket.

Push the endplate as much as possible to the upper side of the leg assembly, so you can
easily screw the printer body onto the stand.

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Falcon Outdoor 46/62 USER GUIDE (AP-75046)