NeuraLabel 300x User Manual

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Neuralabel 300x High-

Speed Full-Color Digital

Label Printer

Instruction Manual

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide

NeuraLabel 300x Continuous Form Label Printer

NeuraLabel 300x

Continuous Form Label Printer

by NeuraLabel Printing Solutions

Congratulations on your NeuraLabel 300x Continuous Form Printer. With this printer you have invested in the latest advancements in printing technology.

The NeuraLabel 300x is a high-speed, high-resolution printer for digital color label printing. Built on Hewlett-Packard PageWide® Technology, the NeuraLabel 300x brings high speed printing to your fingertips. HP PageWide Technology features a stationary printhead with over 40,000 nozzles that delivers breakthrough speed and reliability, because the paper is the only thing that moves.

While the NeuraLabel 300x is made for continuous printing, it also can be used for cut sheet printing. Both network and USB printing capabilities are supported. In short, this flexible device is your desktop printing solution for full-color prime or GHS compliant labels.

PageWide is a registerd trademark of Hewlett-Packard.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide

All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems - without the written permission of the publisher.

Products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners. The publisher and the author make no claim to these trademarks.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this document.

Printed: July 2015 in Stafford, TX USA

Recognition of Content Source:

Portions of this document were taken from Officejet Pro X451 and X551 series printers User Guide.

Table of Contents

5Contents

Part I Tour of the NeuraLabel 300x

Part II Installing the NeuraLabel 300x

1. USB Installation

2. Network Installation

3. Configure Network Settings

................................................................................................................................... 16

................................................................................................................................... 17

................................................................................................................................... 20

View or change network settings

Set or change the product password

Manually configure IPv4 TCP/IP parameters from the control panel

Link speed and duplex settings

.......................................................................................................................................................... 20

.......................................................................................................................................................... 21

Part III Setting Up and Printing Labels

1. Setting Up Your Label

2. Select Paper Source and Form Size

3. Understanding Your Media

4. Loading Continuous Media into the Printer

5. Leaving Continuous Media in the Printer

6. Canceling a Print

7. Printer Jam and Error Recovery

8. Printer Consumable Maintenance

................................................................................................................................... 24

Margins

Sizing to Fit

Copies or Numbered

Complexity and Job Size

................................................................................................................................... 25

................................................................................................................................... 26

Media Material

Media Size and Label Dimensions

................................................................................................................................... 27

Loading Fan-Fold Media

Loading Rolled Media

................................................................................................................................... 31

................................................................................................................................... 32

................................................................................................................................... 34

.......................................................................................................................................................... 24

.......................................................................................................................................................... 27

.......................................................................................................................................................... 28

.......................................................................................................................................................... 30

Part IV Label Printing Options

1. Layout Tab

2. Paper/Quality Tab

................................................................................................................................... 36

................................................................................................................................... 37

Paper Source

Media

.......................................................................................................................................................... 37

.......................................................................................................................................................... 38

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide6

Quality Settings

Color

3. Advanced Options Dialog

................................................................................................................................... 40

Paper/Output Size

Document Options

.......................................................................................................................................................... 39

.......................................................................................................................................................... 41

.......................................................................................................................................................... 42

Print in Grayscale Printer Features

......................................................................................................................................................... 42

......................................................................................................................................................... 43

......................................................................................................................................... 43Print in Max DPI

......................................................................................................................................... 43Image Enhancement

......................................................................................................................................... 43Borderless Printing

......................................................................................................................................... 45Borderless Copies

......................................................................................................................................... 46Max Print Speed

......................................................................................................................................... 47Ink Saver

......................................................................................................................................... 48Print Hold

......................................................................................................................................... 48Use Marks

......................................................................................................................................... 49Rotate 180

......................................................................................................................................... 49Print Head Adjust

......................................................................................................................................... 50Leading Blank Pages

......................................................................................................................................... 51Trailing Blank Pages

......................................................................................................................................... 52Initial Slow Print

......................................................................................................................................... 52Raster Compression

......................................................................................................................................... 53Mark Adjust

......................................................................................................................................... 53Leading Edge Adjust

......................................................................................................................................... 54Manage Custom Sizes

................................................................................................................................... 43Borderless Printing ON

................................................................................................................................... 45Borderless Printing OFF

Part V Managing Ink

1. Ink Saver

2. Low Ink Warning

3. Out of Ink Warning

4. Changing an Ink Cartridge

................................................................................................................................... 58

................................................................................................................................... 59

Part VI Printing System Requirements

1. Supported Operating Systems

2. Minimum System Requirements

3. Connectivity

................................................................................................................................... 62

................................................................................................................................... 63

USB

Network

.......................................................................................................................................................... 63

.......................................................................................................................................................... 64

Part VII Types of Continuous Printing

7Contents

1. Using Roll-to-Roll

2. Printing GHS Drum Labels

3. Printing Prime Labels

4. Printing Borderless Prime Labels

................................................................................................................................... 68

................................................................................................................................... 70

................................................................................................................................... 73

................................................................................................................................... 75

Part VIII Cut Sheet Printing

Part IX Embedded Web Server

1. Energy Saving Settings

2. Estimated Ink Levels

3. Network Summary

4. Print Quality Toolbox

5. Job Monitor

6. Printer Information

7. Administrator

8. Auto-Off Settings

9. Backup

10. Firewall

11. Printer Reports

12. Usage Report

................................................................................................................................... 81

................................................................................................................................... 82

................................................................................................................................... 84

................................................................................................................................... 85

................................................................................................................................... 86

................................................................................................................................... 87

................................................................................................................................... 88

................................................................................................................................... 89

................................................................................................................................... 90

................................................................................................................................... 91

................................................................................................................................... 92

Part X Operator Panel

1. Operator Panel Buttons

2. Operator Panel Menu System

................................................................................................................................... 96

................................................................................................................................... 97

Setup Menu

Printer Status Report Print Quality Report Clean Printhead Clean Ink Smear

Job Status

Ink Information

.......................................................................................................................................................... 97

......................................................................................................................................................... 100

......................................................................................................................................................... 101

......................................................................................................................................................... 102

......................................................................................................................................................... 104

.......................................................................................................................................................... 105

Part XI Purchasing NeuraLabel Supplies

Part XII Troubleshooting

1. Printer does not pick the media

2. Printer picks up multiple sheets of media

3. Preventing Jams

................................................................................................................................... 110

................................................................................................................................... 111

108

110

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide8

4. Clearing Jams

5. Label prints in wrong position on continuous media

6. Prints wrinkle and jam at print start

7. Printer declares an Error Code

8. Print Quality Guidelines

9. Printer Stops in the Middle of a Label Print Job

10. Printer does not print or is very slow

11. Printer prints very slowly

12. Mark Sensor Calibration

13. MAP Sense Calibration

14. NeuraLabel 300x Media Mark Specification

................................................................................................................................... 112

Clear Jam in Continuous Tray 1

Clear Jam in Cut Sheet Tray 2

Clear Jam in the Left Door

Clear Jam in Output Bin

................................................................................................................................... 118

Prints are too far down from media leading edge

Prints are too far up from media leading edge

Prints are accross two labels

Prints are not centered Left/Right on page

................................................................................................................................... 122

Mark Early/Mark Late Error

Mark Missed Error

Maximum supported length exceeded

................................................................................................................................... 126

................................................................................................................................... 128

................................................................................................................................... 129

................................................................................................................................... 130

................................................................................................................................... 131

.......................................................................................................................................................... 112

.......................................................................................................................................................... 115

.......................................................................................................................................................... 116

.......................................................................................................................................................... 117

.......................................................................................................................................................... 118

.......................................................................................................................................................... 119

.......................................................................................................................................................... 122

.......................................................................................................................................................... 125

Index

133

Introduction

This Quick Start User Guide provides the information you need for successfully printing labels on the NeuraLabel Printing Solutions 300x Continuous Printer. The NeuraLabel 300x can be used to print Continuous and Cut Sheet Labels, and it can be used as a Continuous Web Press.

The NeuraLabel 300x will print continous labels at speeds up to 20 inches per second. The water-resistant pigment inks used in the printer are moisture resistant, allowing this printer to be used for a variety of labeling applications, including BS5609 compliant printing. Print resolutions up to 2400x1200dpi allow sharp full-color finished labels.

9Introduction

This document will provide the basic steps to help you get started printing labels.

For more detailed information and the latest NeuraLabel 300x User Guide, please visit the NeuraLabel web site at www.neuralabel.com.

NeuraLabel Printing Solutions is a Neuralog Company.

Tour of the NeuraLabel 300x

Part

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide12

1 Tour of the NeuraLabel 300x

This Quick Start Guide provides the information you need for successfully printing labels on the NeuraLabel Printing Solutions 300x Continuous Form Printer. The NeuraLabel 300x can be used to print Continuous Form and Cut Sheet Labels, or it can be used as a Continuous Roll Web Press. This document will provide the basic steps to help you get started printing labels.

For the latest NeuraLabel 300x User Guide please visit the NeuraLabel web site.

NeuraLabel 300x Continuous Form Printer

Tour of the NeuraLabel 300x 13

NeuraLabel 300x Continuous Form Printer

Installing the NeuraLabel

300x

Part

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide16

2 Installing the NeuraLabel 300x

The NeuraLabel 300x will work with either USB or over your wired network. It is not a wireless printer and will not work well over a wireless network because continuous printing requires a significant amount of data bandwidth. USB is the fastest and therefore recommended type of printer connection. Installation for both USB and network are provided.

2.1 USB Installation

NeuraLabel 300x supports a USB 2.0 connection. Use an A-to-B type USB cable. A cable that is no longer than 2 m (6.5 ft) is recommended.

CAUTION: Do not connect the USB cable until the installation software prompts you to connect it.

IMPORTANT: This printer is designed to be used on a level surface. Operating the printer when not level could result in inaccurate printer messaging about the amount of ink remaining in cartridges.

NeuraLabel Driver Installation from CD (or www site)

1. Quit all open programs on the computer.

2. Install the software from the CD, and follow the onscreen instructions.

3. When prompted, select the USB-Connect the printer to the computer using a USB cable option, and then click the Next button.

4. When the software prompts you, connect the USB cable to the computer and the printer.

5. When the installation is complete, print a test page to be sure the driver is correctly installed.

Installing the NeuraLabel 300x 17

Figu re: U SB C ab le C o nn ectio n

Troubleshoot USB Installation problems

If you have connected the printer directly to a computer via USB, and are having problems, check the USB cable.

Verify that the cable is connected to the computer and to the product. Verify that the cable is not longer than 5 m (16.4 ft). Try using a shorter cable. A cable no longer than 2 m is recommended. Verify that the cable is working correctly by connecting it with another product. Replace the cable if necessary.

2.2 Network Installation

NeuraLabel 300x supports the following network protocols:

TCP/IP (IPv4 or IPv6) LPD Printing SLP WS-Discovery

NOTE: While NeuraLabel 300x can be used over IPv6 networks, a product software installation from the CD is not supported over IPv6 networks.

Install the product on a wired network

Use this procedure to install the product on a wired network.

Obtain the IP address

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide18

1. Connect the ethernet cable to the printer and to the network. Turn the printer on.

2. Wait for 60 seconds before continuing. During this time, the network recognizes the product and assigns an IP address or host name for the product.

3. At the product control panel, press the Setup button.

4. Touch the Print Reports menu, and then touch the Network Configuration Page menu item to print the configuration report.

5. Find the IP address on the configuration report.

Figure: Network Cable Connection

Install the driver software from the CD (or www)

1. Quit all programs on the computer.

2. Install the software from the CD and follow the onscreen instructions.

3. When prompted, select the Wired Network - Connect the printer to your network using an Ethernet cable. option, and then click the Next button.

4. From the list of available printers, select the printer that has the correct IP

Installing the NeuraLabel 300x 19

address.

5. When the installation is complete, print a page from any program to make sure that the printing software is correctly installed.

Troubleshoot Network Installation problems

If you have connected the printer to a computer over a network, and are having problems, check the following items to verify that the product is communicating with the network. Before beginning, print a configuration page from the product control panel and locate the product IP address that is listed on this page,

Poor physical connection/bad cable.

Verify that the product is attached to the correct ethernet port using the proper cable.

Verify that cable connections are securely attached.

Look at the ethernet port on the back of the product, and verify that the amber activity light and the green link-status light are active.

If the problem continues, try a different cable or port on the network router, switch, or hub.

The computer is using the incorrect IP address for the printer.

On the computer, open the printer properties and click the Ports tab. Verify that the current IP address for the printer is selected. The IP address is listed on the printer configuration page or through the operator panel.

If the IP address is correct, delete the product entry from the list of installed printers, and then add it again.

The computer is unable to communicate with the printer.

Bring up the printer's Embedded Web Server to verify communication.

Ping the printer IP using a cmd command.

The printer is using incorrect link and duplex settings for the network.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide20

Keep at auto or 100 Mbps duplex.

New software programs might be causing compatibility problems.

The computer or workstation might be set up incorrectly.

The printer is disabled, or other network settings are incorrect.

2.3 Configure Network Settings

Should you need to make manual changes to the printer network connection, follow the steps outlined in this section.

2.3.1 View or change network settings

Use the Embedded Web Server to view or change IP configuration settings.

1. Print a configuration page, and locate the IP address.

If you are using IPv4, the IP address contains only digits. It has this format:

xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

If you are using IPv6, the IP address is a hexadecimal combination of characters and digits. It has a format similar to this :

xxxx::xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx

2. To open the NeuraLabel Embedded Web Server, type the IP address (IPv4) into the address line of a Web browser. For IPv6, use the protocol established by the Web browser for entering IPv6 addresses.

3. Click the Networking tab to obtain network information. You can change settings as needed.

2.3.2 Set or change the product password

Use the NeuraLabel Embedded Web Server to set a password or change an existing password for a product on a network so unauthorized users cannot change the product settings.

1. Type the printer IP address into the address line of a Web browser. Click the

Settings tab, click Security, and then click the Password Settings link.

NOTE: If a password has previously been set, you are prompted to type the

Installing the NeuraLabel 300x 21

password. Type “admin” for User Name along with the password, and then click the Apply button.

2. Type the new password in the Password box and in the Confirm Password box.

3. At the bottom of the window, click the Apply button to save the password.

2.3.3 Manually configure IPv4 TCP/IP parameters from the control panel

Use the control-panel menus to manually set an IPv4 address, subnet mask, and default gateway for the NeuraLabel 300x.

1. Select the Setup option from the Home screen.

2. Select the Network option.

3. Select the Advanced Setup option.

4. Select the IPv4 option.

5. Select the Manual option.

6. Select the IP Address option.

7. Use the numeric keypad to enter the IP address, and touch the OK button. Touch the Yes button to confirm.

8. Use the numeric keypad to enter the subnet mask, and touch the OK button. Touch the Yes button to confirm.

9. Use the numeric keypad to enter the default gateway, and touch the OK button. Touch the Yes button to confirm.

2.3.4 Link speed and duplex settings

NeuraLabel 300x continuous printing requires a 100 Mbps, full-duplex wired network connection for proper operation.

NOTE: The link speed and communication mode of the print server must match the

network hub. For most situations, leave the printer in automatic mode. Incorrect changes to the link speed and duplex settings might prevent the printer from communicating with other network devices. If you need to make changes, use the product control panel.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide22

Setting

Description

Supported by NeuraLabel 300x

Automatic

The print server automatically configures itself for the highest link speed and communication mode allowed on the network.

Yes, we recommend leaving Link Speed set at Automatic.

10 Half

10 megabytes per second (Mbps), half-duplex operation

Not supported because of insufficient performance.

10 Full

10 Mbps, full-duplex operation

Not supported because of insufficient performance.

100 Full

100 Mbps, full-duplex operation

Required for continuous printing.

100 Half

100 Mbps, half-duplex operation

Not supported because of insufficient performance.

NOTE: The setting must match with the network product to which you are connecting (a network hub, switch, gateway, router, or computer).

NOTE: Making changes to these settings causes the printer to turn off and then on. Make changes only when the printer is idle.

1. From the control panel, press the Setup button.

2. Touch the Network Setup menu item.

3. Touch the Advanced Setup menu item.

4. Touch the Link Speed menu.

5. Select one of the following options.

6. Press or touch the OK button. The product turns off and then on.

Table: Network Configuration Options

Setting Up and Printing

Labels

Part

III

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide24

3 Setting Up and Printing Labels

The NeuraLabel 300x makes printing labels fast and easy, regardless of the type of media and label software you are using. Understanding the media, software application and printing process will greatly expedite the label printing process.

The NeuraLabel 300x will work with any label authorizing software. Make sure you understand the software application you have chosen. Of particular importance are margin settings, color selection and label sequencing. Neuralog can offer limited help with software setup. Contact your label authoring software manufacturer for detailed help.

3.1 Setting Up Your Label

Setting up the label involves understanding the margins, placement of active content on your document page, understanding sequencing or copies and knowing the complexity and size of the label job. The following sections provide some guidance for this area, however this is mostly controlled by your chosen labeling application.

3.1.1 Margins

The NeuraLabel 300x has 35/300 (0.117) inch margins. It is not a fullbleed printer, however see the section Types of Continuous Printing for information about fullbleed printing. Documents should be sized to be within this space so that image cropping will not occur.

If Borderless Printing is selected in the driver, the image will print borderless in the continuous direction and still keep 35/300 margin (white space) on the sides of the media.

Maximum Print Width is 8.5" - 0.117" left margin - 0.117" right margin = 8.266" Minimum Print Width is 3.0" - 0.117" left margin - 0.117" right margin = 2.766"

Maximum Print Length is 22.0". Margins of 0.117" on each side are optional. Minimum Print Length is 4.0". Margins of 0.117" on each side are optional.

3.1.2 Sizing to Fit

The NeuraLabel 300x can print labels as small as 3 inches wide by 4 inches long and labels up to 8.5 inches wide by 22 inches long. If your label is outside these dimensions, you will need to use "size to fit" to print them on the NeuraLabel 300x.

3.1.3 Copies or Numbered

The NeuraLabel 300x will print both sequenced and non-sequenced (copies) labels. Copies should be set in your label authoring application.

3.1.4 Complexity and Job Size

The complexity and size of your label print job may affect the time it takes for the printer to start printing. Make sure you are using a reliable network/USB connection and an up-

to-date operating system.

The file size will not affect the actual printing speed, however larger sized media may print at slower speeds than smaller media.

3.2 Select Paper Source and Form Size

When printing labels it is critical to set up the form size to exactly match the size of your media. There are many pre-defined form sizes, however you may need to create and define custom form sizes. Custom form sizes can be accessed in your printer server properties through the control panel. Alternatively, you may access custom form sizes through the NeuraLabel 300x printer driver. To access through the printer driver select Advanced... and then Manage Custom Sizes. Manage Custom Sizes is the last item in the Advanced... Options Printer Features list.

Setting Up and Printing Labels 25

Figure: Managing Custom Form Sizes

Note that custom form sizes should be set up before label printing. Because creating custom form sizes is a system function, you must close completely out of the printer driver dialog for custom form sizes to be saved.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide26

Figure: Creating a Custom Form Size

Creating a custom form size is simple. Be sure to click the Change Form Settings button.

Check the Create a new form box. Enter a meaningful form name - we recommend that the size is included in the name. Enter the Width and Height to 2 decimal places. Round down if needed. Leave the margins blank. Left, Right, Top, and Bottom margins should remain at 0.00. Click the Save Form button.

Both English and Metric units are supported.

Again, please remember that Custom Form sizes should be set up before label printing. Because creating custom form sizes is a system function, you must close completely out of the printer driver dialog for custom form sizes to be saved.

3.3 Understanding Your Media

The NeuraLabel 300x uses both unmarked and custom marked (diecut) continuous media. There are many vendors that create this media. Contact Neuralog if you need to verify that your media vendor is supplying certified NeuraLabel media.

3.3.1 Media Material

A variety of media types will work with the NeuraLabel 300x including inkjet coated paper and synthetic facestocks, in matte, glossy, and a variety of other finishes.

Please see the NeuraLabel web site for a complete list of supported media types.

3.3.2 Media Size and Label Dimensions

The following section describes the physical media dimensions that the printer will accept

Media Width: The NeuraLabel 300x will support continuous media from 3 to 8.5 inches wide. The printer's media width guides should be adjusted according to the media width.

Media Length: Individual media page length for marked (diecut) media may be from 4 to 22 inches long. Unmarked media may be on a continuous roll of any length.

The smallest continuous marked media size that the NeuraLabel 300x will support is 3 inches wide by 4 inches long. The largest continuous marked media size that the NeuraLabel 300x will support is 8.5 inches wide by 22 inches long. Media should be measured "mark to mark" or "perf to perf". Note that on marked media the actual label is smaller than the media.

Setting Up and Printing Labels 27

It is critical that the proper page size be created and selected in the driver when printing to any media. The page size you select in the driver must match the physical media page size to within 0.1 inches.

CAUTION: Sometimes label boxes are labeled incorrectly. They may be marked as length of the label itself, rather than the full page size with backing.

For any new media you receive, we recommend getting a ruler and measuring the exact length of the media. Tear off a single media page and measure the label end to end. Alternatively, you can look at the back of the media and measure "mark to mark".

IMPORTANT: Continuous label media is placed on a web, and in the case of diecut labels, that the actual labels are smaller than the media size. You must be aware of the overall dimensions of the label and release liner (backing material). You must set up your label authoring application to print only on the labels and not on the release liner. Printers of any type will have poor results if ink or toner is placed on the release liner.

3.4 Loading Continuous Media into the Printer

Loading continuous media into the printer is a simple process. First, make sure the media is placed near the printer input and is free of any kind of obstruction. Adjust the printer guides to the proper width and load the media mark side up. Push the media all the way in until the leading edge touches the back wall of the printer Tray 1 opening, which should be about 5 inches.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide28

3.4.1 Loading Fan-Fold Media

STEP 1. Position media in MPF tray opening.

Try to flatten out any curled edges. The label or printable side should be facing down, and the non-printable side facing up. This example shows pre-diecut and fan-folded label media with timing marks.

Load the media as shown below, with the marks facing up and going into the printer.

Figure: Loading Fan-Fold Media

The media must be able to pass under and between the two grey colored plastic width guides.

Figure: Printer Width Guides

Setting Up and Printing Labels 29

You can slide the guides in and out with your fingers to accommodate different widths of label media from 3"- 8.5" wide.

Figure: Adjusting the Printer Width Guides

STEP 2. Insert media.

It’s important to insert it straight and keep it flat as it passes through the mouth of the printer and under the guides and pick wheels.

Figure: Inserting Media into the Printer

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide30

Figure: Printer Paper Path

At this position the media is properly positioned to begin printing.

Figure: Jogging the

Printer Media

Press the jog button on the operator panel, either in brief increments or steadily. Note that the media can only travel in a forward direction.

Figure: Jog Button

Keep pushing gently until you feel a bump where the media hits the back wall (about 5 inches). The red arrow in the following illustration of the inside of the printer indicates how the media should be loaded.

NOTE: The media will slide about 5 inches into the printer Tray 1 opening.

STEP 3. Jog the media through the printer (optional).

Once the media is loaded, you can begin printing immediately. You can optionally “jog” the media through the printer in small increments by tapping the jog button, or, holding the button down to jog continuously. If the jog button light on the operator panel is lit, then you can jog the media forward.

3.4.2 Loading Rolled Media

Rolled media, whether continuous un-diecut, or pre-diecut, is loaded into the printer the same way as fan-fold media. Rolled media tends to be curled more at the edges than pre-diecut fan-folded. Take care with inserting the media into the printer properly so that it doesn’t jam when you try to print.

STEP 1. Position media in Tray 1 (Continuous Tray) opening.

Setting Up and Printing Labels 31

The NeuraLabel 300x roll-to-roll unit should position the media so that it is aligned with the printer. Make sure the roll is aligned with the printer track, especially if the media is narrower than 8.5 inches and the guides need to be adjusted.

STEP 2. Insert media.

Follow the same steps as the Fan-Fold Media, inserting the media straight and keeping it flat as it passes through the mouth of the printer and under the guides and pick wheels.

Figure: Loading Rolled Media into the Printer

STEP 3. Jog the media through the printer (optional).

You can either start the print without jogging the media in and attach the printed media to the output roll once the print has started, or you can jog the media into and through the printer until you are able to wind it on the output roll.

3.5 Leaving Continuous Media in the Printer

The NeuraLabel 300x may print with paper loaded into Tray 1 Continuous of the printer or it may start printing with paper loaded in the paper path. In either case, the printer will look for and print on the next "mark" that it sees (when in Marks Only mode).

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide32

Media may be left in the printer if desired, either loaded into Tray 1 or left in the body of the printer. However, because the printer needs to perform self maintenance, it will periodically discharge ink to keep the ink heads lubricated. Therefore it is advisable, although not required, to remove media from the printer when not in use. For cut sheet printing from Tray 2 (the printer drawer), you must remove the continuous media from the printer.

Media can be removed from the printer using the jog button.

3.6 Canceling a Print

If at any time you wish to cancel a print job, you can do this several ways.

Cancel using the Operator Panel red X button.

Press the red X to cancel a job that is printing or about to start printing. Note that to cancel a job with the red X, the Operator panel must be displaying "Now Printing..." Press the red X once to cancel the job when the panel displays "Now Printing...". Press the red X twice to cancel the job when this panel shows any other message. (Pressing the X once will change the panel to display "Now Printing...").

Cancel the print job from the printing application.

Printing can be canceled from your label application, as long as it is still sending pages to the printer queue. This assumes the application allows canceling of jobs. The NeuraLabel 300x will not start printing until the entire print job has been sent from the application to the printer queue.

Cancel the job from the printer queue

To view the printer queue select the NeuraLabel 300x printer in the control panel and select What's Printing. Select and cancel the print job if it is still in the printer queue. Keep in mind that only the portion of the job not already sent to the printer will be canceled.

3.7 Printer Jam and Error Recovery

To prevent incorrect prints and wasted media the NeuraLabel 300x printer will intentionally declare a jam in the following cases. Follow the directions on the printer operator panel to clear the jam code.

Label Size Mismatch

If the wrong label size is detected the printer will stop and declare a jam. Either a MARK EARLY or MARK LATE message will be declared. If MARK EARLY is declared then the physical media loaded into the printer is smaller than the defined page size by more than 0.1 inches. If MARK LATE is declared then the physical media loaded into the printer is larger than the defined page size by about 1 inch. The user must tear the media at the mouth of the printer and clear the jam by pressing OK to eject the incorrect

Setting Up and Printing Labels 33

label media.

In the MARK EARLY/LATE case EITHER the wrong media was loaded OR the wrong page size was selected for the media. Check both the page size and the media.

If this was the media you wanted to use, then create/select a custom form size that exactly matches your measured media size. If necessary, get a ruler and measure the media.

If this was not the correct media, find the correct media and load it into the printer.

Labels Loaded Upside Down

Labels should be loaded into the continuous Tray 1 with the mark side facing up. The mark is at the top of the media form and it should be loaded into the Tray 1 opening of the printer. If the labels are loaded upside down, the printer will not see the marks and will declare a NO MARKS jam. The user must tear the media at the mouth of the printer and clear the jam by pressing OK to eject the incorrect label media. Turn the media to the correct orientation and resend the print job.

Physical or "Actual" Print Jam

An "Actual Print Jam" can occur if the media fed into the printer is crumpled or fed in extremely crooked. If this happens the following message will appear.

Print zone jam. Press ? for guide, OK to continue. Code = 0x0e3e2927 or similar.

Clear the printer jam and eject the media. Be sure that any media going into the printer is not crumpled or crooked. For more information on printer jams, see the section

Clearing Jams.

Jam Assist

When a jam occurs, jam assist can be used to help remove the media from the printer. Jam Assist advances the media in the printer track to assist in removing it from the printer. Jam Assist will start as soon as the duplexer is removed from the printer.

Jog Button

The jog button can be used to move the media out of a printer after a jam. Jogging can be used once the jog light turns on. Be sure to tear the media at the printer input side before jogging it.

Media Out or Short Media

The behavior for Short Media (running out of labels) is that the remainder of the job will not print and will be canceled. Resend the entire or a partial job to complete your printing.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide34

3.8 Printer Consumable Maintenance

It is important to make sure you have sufficient ink for your continuous label printing before you start a print. If the printer runs out of ink during a job, the print job will stop and be canceled. You will need to resend the remainder of the print job.

The following consumables messages are provided.

Low On Ink

Occurs when the ink cartridge is approximately 20% full. The Low On Ink value is customizable can be changed through the printer web server. The warning will be suppressed until the end of a continuous job. If you are printing long runs, it is advisable to change to a full cartridge at this time.

Very Low On Ink

Occurs about 30 pages after Low On Ink, depending on page size and ink coverage. When this message is triggered the continuous print job will stop and the remainder of the job canceled. For continuous printing it is strongly recommended that the ink cartridge be changed as soon as this message appears.

Out Of Ink Occurs when the cartridge is no longer usable. When this message is triggered the continuous print job will stop and the remainder of the job will be canceled. The ink cartridge must be changed as soon as this message appears. If printing were to continue in an Out Of Ink state, air might enter the printhead and damage it.

IMPORTANT: Do not place an empty cartridge back in the printer. The printer will still have ink in the ink tubes and the cartridge may not immediately register as empty. This may lead to air in the tubes that can shorten the life of the printer.

Label Printing Options

Part

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide36

4 Label Printing Options

The NeuraLabel 300x has a variety of options accessed through the printer driver. These options allow you to set parameters such as label size, print quality and print speed. All printer driver options are explained in this chapter.

4.1 Layout Tab

The NeuraLabel 300x print driver provides a Layout Tab for changing the orientation of your label. Choose from Landscape or Portrait. Note that most label authoring applications automatically select label layout to match the selected form size.

Also on the Layout tab is an option to print duplex: "Print on Both Sides." This option is not useful for printing labels, which have only one printable side. Use this option if you need to print on paper or other dual sided media from Tray 2, the cut sheet tray. This option is not available for the Tray 1 Continuous.

Figure: Printer Driver Layout Tab

4.2 Paper/Quality Tab

The NeuraLabel 300x print driver provides a Paper/Quality Tab for selecting the correct media and final print appearance. This tab is divided into three sections: Paper Source, Quality Settings, and Color.

Label Printing Options 37

Figure: Printer Driver Paper/Quality Tab

4.2.1 Paper Source

The Paper Source selection is found on the Paper/Quality tab of the NeuraLabel 300x print driver. For continuous media printing, keep the default setting of Tray 1 Continuous Form. All continuous printing is done through Tray 1 Continuous Form. This is the tray found on the left side of the printer.

The default Paper Source is Tray 1 Continuous Form. Tray 1 is the multi-purpose feeder (MPF) where continuous media is inserted into the printer. Tray 2, the printer drawer, is used for cut sheet and can support up to Letter or A4 size. Tray 1 can also be used for cut sheets; copies can be sent, but only 1 sheet at a time should be loaded. An additional Tray 3 is also available and supports up to legal cut sheet size.

The default width for Tray 1 is 8.5 inches. The feeder to the printer will open and the media guides can be adjusted to fit the width of your media. Be sure to adjust the media guides to fit your media so that the best possible prints can be acheived.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide38

Cut sheets up to 17 inches can also be fed into Tray 1. Choose Tray 1 Cut Sheet for this functionality. This would be useful for printing cut sheet labels longer than letter or A4 size. Media placed in Tray 1 should be face down; mark side up.

Tray 2 Cut Sheet should be selected for Letter, A4 or smaller cut sheets. Tray 2 is the tray at the bottom of the printer. Note that Tray 2 supports duplex printing.

Tray 3 is an optional component and can accommodate up to legal size media. Select Tray 3 Cut Sheet if you have this tray and need to print legal media.

4.2.2 Media

Figure: Printer Driver Paper Source Selection

Because the NeuraLabel 300x has been designed to be a label printer, several predefined settings are available to achieve the best label print results, depending on the type of media you will use. The default Media is Plain Paper.

Figure: Printer Driver Media Type Selection

Understanding your media is critical for quality printing. NeuraLabel Printing Solutions works with multiple media vendors to provide specialty media for use with the NeuraLabel 300x. The media type choice will work the same whether you are printing cut sheet or continuous form.

Plain Paper Synthetic Labels Matte Labels Glossy Labels Photo Inkjet Papers Matte Inkjet Papers Glossy Inkjet Papers

Media Name

Equivalent

Print Mode

Max DPI

support?

Best Mode

support?

Draft

support?

PQ Default

Black Ink

Only

support?

Plain Paper

PlainNoYes

Yes

Normal

Yes

Synthetic Labels

Brochure

Yes

Normal

Yes

Matte Labels

PlainNoYes

Yes

Normal

Yes

Glossy Labels

Fast Glossy

Yes

Normal

Photo Inkjet Papers

Fast Glossy

Yes

Normal

Matte Inkjet Papers

Coated

Yes

Normal

Yes

Glossy Inkjet Papers

Brochure

Yes

Normal

Yes

NOTE: Glossy Labels and Photo Inkjet Papers setting use Composite Colors to create grays, rather than black.

4.2.3 Quality Settings

NeuraLabel 300x provides quality modes of Draft, Normal and Best. The default Quality Setting is Normal. For most labels, Normal mode is an appropriate quality choice,

however for the highest quality labels, Best mode can be selected. The best results depend on your specific media and may require experimentation.

Label Printing Options 39

Table: NeuraLabel 300x Media Properties

4.2.4 Color

Figure: Printer Driver Quality Settings

Draft - Use when quality is not as important. Less ink is used in this mode.

Normal - Use for most printing.

Best - Use when quality is very important. More ink is used and slower print speeds will

be noticed in this mode. See the section Max Print Speed for more information.

The NeuraLabel 300x Printer may be set to Black & White or Color mode. If Black & White mode is selected, only black ink will be used. A high quality grayscale in which all colors are mixed is also available. For further information see section Print in Grayscale.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide40

Figure: Printer Driver Color Selection

4.3 Advanced Options Dialog

The NeuraLabel 300x printer is configured for continuous label printing using the Advanced Options Dialog. From this panel you select the continuous form label size using the paper size menu. You can also configure other features related to continuous printing from this panel.

Figure: Printer Driver Advanced Options Dialog

4.3.1 Paper/Output Size

Selecting the correct Paper Size is necessary for continuous label printing. Select from the predefined sizes or create your own page size using the Manage Custom Sizes setting. See section Manage Custom Sizes. The page size you select should be within

0.10 inches of the measured physical media size, measured "mark to mark" or "perf to perf".

Figure: Printer Driver Paper Source Selection

NOTE: Paper Size and Page Size are both synonymous with Form Size. The 300x printer driver uses the term Paper Size. The Windows System uses the term Form.

Page (Paper) size may be defined from 3 inches to 8.5 inches wide and 4 inches to 22 inches long. The smallest page size that can be defined is 3 inches x 4 inches. The largest page size that can be defined is 8.5 inches x 22 inches.

Label Printing Options 41

Diecut (marked) Media Paper Size

It is critical that the page size you define and/or select match the size of the physical label media you load into the printer. Page size is defined as WIDTH x LENGTH where the length of the continuous media is measured perf to perf or mark to mark. The actual peel-off label will be slightly shorter than the defined page length.

EXAMPLE: If the continuous media you are using measures 8.0 inches long and 8.0 inches wide, create and select that size from the driver.

Un-Diecut (no marks) Media Paper Size

In the case of un-diecut continuous media you must still select a paper size. However, it is no longer equivalent to an actual page as it is in pre-diecut (marked) media. The page size is actually equivalent to either: (1) the individual label being printed or (2) a form in which the label design software is used to configure "multi-up" labels. In either case the user should remember that 0.117 inch margins will be added to the non-continuous edges and borderless printing should be set to ON or OFF.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide42

Figure: Printer Driver Paper Source Selection

4.3.2 Document Options

Some of the features in the Advanced Options Dialog are not directly related to continuous printing. However, they may be used to fine tune the printing result.

Print in Grayscale Print in Max DPI Image Enhancement

4.3.2.1 Print in Grayscale

The Print in Grayscale driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Print in Grayscale is normally Off for label printing. However, if grayscale labels are desired, the user may choose between High Quality Grayscale, which mixes colors to produce shades of gray, or Black Ink Only may be selected to produce the grayscale images.

4.3.2.2 Printer Features

The following sections contain the important driver settings for continuous printing.

4.3.2.2.1 Print in Max DPI

The Print in Max DPI driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Printing in Max DPI can increase the quality of the print, however it is not advised or available for all media types. Print in Max DPI is only available for Photo Inkjet Papers and Glossy Labels, because only these papers are designed to properly handle the increased amount of ink. It can be used with Draft, Normal or Best modes. It can also be used to increase image accuracy with the selected ink level mode.

Many types of label media will have a higher quality appearance with less ink and lower DPI settings. Print in Max DPI setting of No is recommended for most continuous form label printing.

4.3.2.2.2 Image Enhancement

Label Printing Options 43

The Image Enhancement driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Image Enhancements is Off by default. It may be useful for printing labels that include photographs. Image Enhancement is known to provide excellent skin tone colors and true-to-life landscape colors through automated photo brightening, adaptive lighting, and image sharpness and smoothness control.

4.3.2.2.3 Borderless Printing

The Borderless Printing driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Borderless Printing has values of ON and OFF.

If your media does not have marks, you can use borderless printing. Borderless label printing is not usually used with marked media.

4.3.2.2.3.1 Borderless Printing ON

Borderless Printing is done on media without marks. Be sure to select "No Marks" in the "Use Marks" setting. Borderless Printing is used to remove the top and

bottom margins from the print. It does not remove left or right margins. Borderless Printing is usually used when the printer is being used as a web press. It can be used to print documents whose pages need to be "stitched" together. Or it can be used to print borderless individual labels with a gap between each label.

Borderless label printing should only be used on unmarked media using the "No Marks" setting. For printing continuous label media with marks, such as pre-die cut label media, set Borderless Printing to Off.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide44

Borderless Copies

Borderless Pages (not copies)

Borderless Multi-Page Documents

Normally, Borderless printing means a repeated pattern (i.e. copies). However, numbered labels may also be printed borderless.

For borderless repeated copies there are two cases.

1. The label copies need to be stitched together to form a seamless document.

Borderless Copies: Enhanced Precision is used. The copies will be stitched together. Performance may be reduced for this setting. (It might take longer to print.)

2. The individual labels need to be full bleed, but they can have a gap between them.

Borderless Copies: Normal is used. There may be a small gap (<0.2") between the labels. The exact size of the gap is dependent upon label size.

It is also possible to print borderless labels where each label is different. For example, each label is numbered.

Select Borderless ON and No Marks. The printed page will be "full bleed" in the continuous direction. Normal margins are applied to the non-continuous side of the label. The labels will be butted up against one another. The resulting print will appear to be one seamless continuous image.

Note that there is a special case for using Borderless ON and Marks Only. This is used for multi-page documents that need to be printed as one seamless print (not usually a label application). Whenever Borderless ON and Marks Only are selected together in

the driver, the print will begin by synching on a mark and all other marks are ignored. (Use marked media in this case.)

Hint: To effectively create full bleed in the non-continuous direction for labels less than

8.5 inches wide, define the page to be slightly wider than the media.

4.3.2.2.3.2 Borderless Printing OFF

Bordered Copies

Bordered Pages (not copies)

Bordered Printing (where Borderless Printing is set to OFF) can be done on marked or unmarked media. The marked media can be on a roll or fanfold. As with Borderless printing, copies or counted labels can be made.

Bordered copies can be made on marked or unmarked media. The pages will be evenly spaced using the exact label size.

Label Printing Options 45

Bordered pages can be made on marked or unmarked media. The pages will be evenly spaced using the exact label size.

If using marked media, make sure the perf-to-perf measurement of the label media exactly matches the defined label page size.

Note that the Mark Adjust setting can be used to center the label on the page in the continuous direction.

4.3.2.2.4 Borderless Copies

The Borderless Copies driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Borderless Copies can be printed on the NeuraLabel 300x. There are two configurations.

Normal prints the copies at the fastest possible speed. A gap may appear between label copies because each label copy may be placed on a slightly larger "even" page boundary. However each label itself is printed full bleed or borderless.

Enhanced Precision prints the copies butted up against one another, creating a completely seamless print. The individual labels are full bleed or borderless. However, print speed may be slower.

NOTE: Borderless Copies can only be printed using the "No Marks" setting.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide46

Normal/Draft Quality

Best Quality

Page Width

Speed

(Inches per

Second)

Page Width

Speed

(Inches per

Second)

4"- 8.5"

14 IPS

4"- 8.5"

4 IPS

3"- 4"

20 IPS

3"- 4"

5 IPS

4.3.2.2.5 Max Print Speed

The Max Print Speed driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

The NeuraLabel 300x will operate at print speeds from 2 inches per second to 20 inches per second. Max Print Speed is the fastest possible speed of the printer. However, it is likely that the printer will print more slowly than its maximum speed due to several factors.

Quality setting affects print speed. The higher the quality, the slower the printer must print. Media type affects print speed. Media width may affect print speed. Narrower media may print at higher speeds. Media length may affect print speed. See the table below.

The NeuraLabel 300x has built-in algorithms to regulate the print speed for the selected settings. This will produce the best possible quality prints. However, in some circumstances, the user may need to manually lower the print speed. For example, a new type of media might have poor ink absorption or folding properties, in which lowering the print speed may produce better results. Any special case label where the printer cannot keep up with the data should be printed with reduced print speeds.

The following are signs that lowering the maximum print speed will be helpful:

oThe media does not seem to allow the ink to completely dry. oThe media is not folding and needs to be folded manually. oQuality control needs to be done on the media as it is printing. oThe printer speed control algorithm is continuously changing speed. oThe printer gets a data underrun error because it is printing faster than the host PC

can provide data.

Print Speed Limitations

Continuous printing generates a significant load on the printer CPU and associated data path hardware. It is not possible to print at both full speed and full width simultaneously for a continuous print job. The following table describes the print speed limitations due to data processing bandwidth. These are the maximum print speeds available for the given media width, plain paper media type and normal quality setting.

In addition, in Normal mode:

Ink Saver Mode

Amount Ink Used

Appearance

Off

Normal

Low

Slightly Less

(about 12.5%)

Barely noticeable lighter print

High

Significantly Less

(about 25%)

Noticeable, but not dramatic

lighter print

if the Page Length is < 5", the speed limit is reduced by 2 IPS. if the Page Length is >=5" and < 6.25", the speed limit is reduced by 1 IPS. if the Page Length is > 10.5" and the width is >4", the speed limit is increased by 1 IPS.

4.3.2.2.6 Ink Saver

The Ink Saver driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Ink Saver is a valuable feature for maximizing the affordability of your NeuraLabel 300x continuous form printer. Often full ink volume is not needed for printing labels, even high quality labels. In fact, some media will provide better quality results if less ink is used. NeuraLabel 300x offers the following ink saver modes:

Label Printing Options 47

Table: 300x Maximum Print Speed

Off - Default value. The normal amount of ink will be used to create the print, based on other printer settings.

Low - Slightly less (about 12.5%) ink will be used to create the print, after other settings have been applied. This should hardly be noticeable in the print.

High - Significantly less (about 25%) ink will be used to create the print, after other settings have been applied. This should be noticeable, but not dramatic. It will be more noticeable in red colors.

Table: Ink Saver Mode Summary

It is recommended that you experiment with Ink Saver mode to find the best setting for your specific needs. For example, some medias do not absorb the ink as well as others and may produce a better printed result with Ink Saver activated. Ink Saver mode works with any other print quality settings.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide48

4.3.2.2.7 Print Hold

The Print Hold driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Print Hold is a feature that will cause the printer to hold (not print) the job until the user presses a release button on the operator panel. This is a useful feature if one needs to verify the printer setup before the job is released.

4.3.2.2.8 Use Marks

The Use Marks driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Use Marks allows the printer to print on continuous marked media, media where each page has a mark to identify the top of form. This type of media has marks which allow the printer to begin printing each label at the correct location on the media. Marked media is usually pre-diecut and perforated. It may be fan-folded or placed on a roll.

Use Marks has three values.

Marks Only - The printer begins printing when a mark is detected. Marked media will

almost always be printed using this setting.

No Marks - The printer does not recognize marks. Even if marks appear on the media, the printer does not use them, but begins printing on the media immediately. This would be the setting selected if the printer were to be used as a web press.

Mixed - The printer begins printing on the media immediately, however it begins to synch on the marked page as soon as marks are detected.

Figure: Print Hold Screen

If your media has marks to distinguish the pages, use the Marks Only setting. Make sure the page size you select exactly matches the physical media page size.

If your media does not have marks, use the No Marks setting.

NOTE: If your media has perforated or separate die cut label pages, but does not have marks, you cannot expect reliable results. Contact Neuralog for help obtaining the correct media for use with the 300x printer.

4.3.2.2.9 Rotate 180

The Rotate 180 driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Rotate 180 will simply rotate each individual page as it is printed. This setting is available for use with the Borderless Printing setting at OFF. Rotation of borderless labels is not supported.

Rotate 180 is often needed to orient labels correctly for use with unwinder and rewinder units.

4.3.2.2.10 Print Head Adjust

The Print Head Adjust driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Label Printing Options 49

Print Head Adjust affects the distance between the print head and the media. Because label media is normally thicker than plain paper, the print head may best be positioned farther away from the media. The value of Auto will automatically detect the best position for the print head, given the selected Media Type.

Print Head Adjust Settings:

Low - Gives the best image quality but has the highest smear risk. Use only on very

flat, thin media.

Medium - Recommended for most media and best overall tradeoff.

High - Use only for very thick media such as envelops.

Auto - Selects a printhead height depending on Media selection in the Paper/Quality

tab of the driver.

The following table summarizes the Auto Printhead Setting, based on the selected media type.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide50

Media Name

Auto

Printhead

Setting

Plain Paper

Low

Synthetic Labels

Low

Matte Labels

Low

Glossy Labels

Medium

Photo Inkjet Papers

Medium

Matte Inkjet Papers

Low

Glossy Inkjet Papers

Low

Printhead

Setting

Height

Low

1.3mm

Medium

1.6mm

High

3.5mm

Item

Thickness

Quarter

1.75mm

Penny

1.52mm

Envelope

about .75mm

14 pt cardstock

.36 mm

12 pt cardstock

.30mm

Label Media

about .12mm

Coated Inkjet Paper

.12 - .25mm

Copy paper - 20 lb

0.1mm

Table: Auto Printhead Settings per Selected Media Type

The following table lists the actual printhead distance in mm. Thick media should use the high setting.

Table: Printhead Setting Height Difference

This table gives some perspective of item thickness so you can understand the print head setting.

Table: Relative Thickness of Common Items

4.3.2.2.11 Leading Blank Pages

The Leading Blank Pages driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Leading Blank Pages allows you to add blank pages into the beginning of the job. You may add 0 to 20 leading blank pages at the beginning of the print job.

Label Printing Options 51

Reasons for Inserting Leading Blank Pages:

Rolled Media/Web Press - If you are placing the printed media on a roll, you may wish to use a leading blank page or two to attach the media to the rewinder device. Shorter media may need a larger number of blank pages to achieve the same result.

Job Separation - You may choose to include one or more blank media pages in between print jobs to separate them.

Note that the printer may automatically place an additional page before or after each job for excess ink. You may see an ink pattern similar to the one shown below. This is necessary to keep the ink heads in working order.

4.3.2.2.12 Trailing Blank Pages

The Trailing Blank Pages driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Trailing Blank Pages allows you to add blank pages into the end of the job. You may add 0 to 20 trailing blank form pages to the end of the print job.

Reasons for Inserting Trailing Blank Pages:

Rolled Media/Web Press - If you are placing the printed media on a rewinder, you may wish to use a trailing blank page or two so that the outer printed labels are protected. Shorter media may need a larger number of blank pages to achieve the same result.

Job Separation - You may choose to include one or more blank media pages in between print jobs to separate them.

Ending Job Outside Printer - Adding one or two trailing blank pages will allow your print job to be completely out of the printer at the end of the print. This is more convenient for tearing off a completed print job. (With no trailing pages, the end of the

Figure: Printhead Maintenance Pattern

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide52

job will remain inside the printer at the end of the print. This saves label media.)

Note that the printer automatically places a single additional page before or after each job for excess ink. You may see an ink pattern similar to the one shown below. This is necessary to keep the ink heads in good working order.

Figure: Printhead Maintenance Pattern

4.3.2.2.13 Initial Slow Print

The Initial Slow Print driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Initial Slow Print is useful when you need to handle the printed media as it exits the printer, such as attaching the printed labels to a rewinder. The slow print speed is fixed; the time for slow print may be set to 0, 5,10, 20, or 30 seconds. Initial Slow Print may be used with or without Leading Blank Pages. It does not affect the outcome of the final print; only the initial sprint speed. The speed of slow print is fixed at 3 inches per second.

4.3.2.2.14 Raster Compression

The Raster Compression driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Raster Compression has values of Maximum Compression and Best Quality. The default value of Maximum Compression is recommended for most continuous label printing.

Maximum Compression adds a special "Lossy" encoding which makes certain elements such as photographs much smaller in the print file. Always use this setting when printing photographs over continuous printing. This higher compression will enable the printer to process more data and print at faster speeds.

Best Quality skips the Lossy compression and will execute faster on the PC. It should only be needed/used in the following cases:

If the quality of the print using Maximum Compression is not acceptable.

If you are printing text with solid colors (business graphics) and you want to optimize PC performance (the time it takes to generate the file; not the time it takes to print the file.)

Best Quality should not be used for high resolution photo-like content because the file size can grow significantly in those cases.

4.3.2.2.15 Mark Adjust

The Mark Adjust driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Mark Adjust is used to refine the placement of the label image with respect to the label form. It is applicable when Marks Only or Mixed is selected for Use Marks. It has no affect when Use Marks is set to No Marks as is the case with a Web Press.

NeuraLabel 300x continuous media has a mark on the back of each continuous label page. This allows the printer to monitor the media and determine the label size. Mark Adjust is used to adjust the label placement with respect to the mark.

Label Printing Options 53

Mark Adjust may have any value from -300 to 300. The default value is 10.

If you find that the printed label is not centered on the page in the continuous direction, use Mark Adjust. The marked end of the continuous media is the top of the page.

To move the printed image down the page, decrease the value of Mark Adjust. To move the printed image up the page, increase the value of Mark Adjust. 10 units of Mark Adjust is about 1/10 inch. Mark Adjust may be a negative or positive value or it may be 0. It is likely that this value will not need to be changed or that it would only need to be changed by a small amount.

Reasons Mark Adjust would need changing:

The media does not meet the NeuraLabel 300x media specifications. The user wants to change the position of the label on the continuous form. Small discrepancies in the printer may require a small adjustment.

NOTE: Mark Adjust can be set by printing a single label and adjusting the value based on the resulting label image placement.

4.3.2.2.16 Leading Edge Adjust

The Leading Edge Adjust driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Leading Edge Adjust is used to refine the placement of the label image with respect to the label form on the leading edge (first page) of the media. It does not affect any other

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide54

page. Leading Edge Adjust only affects a label that has been loaded into the Tray 1 opening of the printer. If there is already continuous label media fed through the printer,

Leading Edge Adjust has no affect.

Leading Edge Adjust may have any value from -12 to 12. The default value is 0. It is

possible that this value will not need to be changed.

If you find that the leading (page 1) printed label is not centered on the page in the continuous direction, adjust Leading Edge Adjust.

To move the printed image down the page, decrease the value of Leading Edge

Adjust.

To move the printed image up the page, increase the value of Leading Edge Adjust. 10 units of Leading Edge Adjust is about 1/10 inch. Leading Edge Adjust may be a negative or positive value or it may be 0. It is likely that this value will not need to be changed or that it would only need to be changed by a small amount.

Reasons Leading Edge Adjust would need changing:

The user wants to change the position of the leading label on the continuous form. Small discrepancies in the printer may require a small adjustment.

4.3.2.2.17 Manage Custom Sizes

The Manage Custom Sizes driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Manage Custom Sizes allows you to create custom form sizes for label printing.

There are many pre-defined form sizes, however you may need to create and define custom form sizes. Custom form sizes may be accessed through your printer server properties through the control panel. You may also access custom forms through the NeuraLabel 300x printer driver. To access through the printer driver select Advanced... and then Manage Custom Sizes. Manage Custom Sizes is the last item in the Advanced Options Printer Features list.

Label Printing Options 55

Figure: Printer Driver Manage Custom Sizes

Custom Form Sizes should be set up before label printing. Creating custom form sizes is a system function, and you must close completely out of the printer driver dialog for custom form sizes to be saved.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide56

Figure: Printer Driver Entering Custom Form Values

Creating a custom form size is simple. Be sure to click the System Change Form Settings button.

Click the Create a new form button. Enter a meaningful form name - we recommend that the size is included in the name. Enter the Width and Height to 2 decimal places. Round down if needed. Leave margins blank. Left/Right/Top/Bottom remain at 0.00in. Choose Save Form.

Both English and Metric units are supported.

Please remember that Custom Form sizes should be set up before label printing.

Creating custom form sizes is a system function, and you must close completely out of the printer driver dialog for custom form sizes to be saved.

Managing Ink

Part

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide58

5 Managing Ink

In continuous printing it is important to use Ink Cartridges full enough to complete a job. Each Yellow, Magenta or Cyan ink cartridge is rated to print 6,600 letter-sized labels at 5% coverage, and a Black ink cartridge is rated to print 9,200 labels.

You may want to calculate the coverage for a particular label so that you can better estimate and understand ink use. APFill available at http:/avpsoft.com/ is an example of an ink/toner coverage calculator. Neuralog/NeuraLabel does not endorse any particular product.

Ink Coverage Guidelines:

5% - very light coverage 15% - light coverage 20% - medium coverage 25% - heavy coverage 100% - full coverage

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Do not remove an ink cartridge from its package until you are ready to use it.

Always change the ink cartridge as soon as Low Ink is declared for continuous printing.

Any damage caused by a non-Neuralog print cartridge is not covered under the HP warranty and service agreements.

5.1 Ink Saver

Remember that Ink Saver mode is available to reduce the amount of ink used in label printing. You may choose to use Ink Saver for economical reasons, or you may decide that the final print has a better quality with less ink. The need for Ink Saver often depends on the type of media you will use.

5.2 Low Ink Warning

The Low Ink warning will be declared when an ink cartridge is depleted to 20%. Depending on the coverage, size, and job length of your labels, you may want to replace the cartridge with a full ink cartridge at this time. The low cartridge can be used at a later time if desired. Note that the value at which low ink is declared can be set via the Embedded Web Server. See the Embedded Web Server section.

5.3 Out of Ink Warning

If you do not change the ink at the Low Ink warning, an Out of Ink message will be declared once the printer is completely out of ink. The printer must stop printing once Ink Out occurs to prevent air from entering and damaging the printhead. Once Out of Ink

occurs all printing stops and is canceled. Therefore, it is very important to change the ink before Out of Ink is declared.

5.4 Changing an Ink Cartridge

The NeuraLabel 300x uses four colors and has a different ink cartridge for each color: yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). Follow these steps to change a cartridge.

1. Open the ink cartridge door.

2. Push the old ink cartridge inward to unlock it.

Managing Ink 59

Figure: Push in on ink cartridge and then pull out to remove.

3. Grasp the edge of the old ink cartridge and then pull the cartridge straight out to remove it.

4. Remove the new ink cartridge from the packaging. Do not touch the metal connector of the ink cartridge. Fingerprints on the connector can cause printquality problems

5. Insert the new ink cartridge into the printer.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide60

Figure: Push new ink cartridge into slot on printer.

6. Close the ink cartridge door.

Printing System

Requirements

Part

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide62

Novell Netware 6, 6.5, Open Enterprise Server 6.5

(Novell iPrint support only)

Citrix (Print): Citirx XenApps 6.0, Xen Server 5.6, Xen Desktop 5.5.

Cluster Support

Microsoft Windows 2003 Server Terminal Services

Microsoft Windows 2003 Server Terminal Services with Citrix Metaframe XP with Feature Rel 3

Microsoft Windows 2003 Server Terminal Services with Citrix Presentation Server 4.0

Microsoft Windows 2003 Server Terminal Services with Citrix Presentation Server 4.5

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (32-bit) & (64-bit) [Standard & Enterprise Edition]

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services with Citrix XenApp

6 Printing System Requirements

The following sections provide the minimum Operating System, hardware and network requirements for successful printing on your NeuraLabel 300x.

6.1 Supported Operating Systems

The NeuraLabel driver software supports the following Windows OS:

Windows 7, 32 and 64 bit

Windows 8, 32 and 64 bit

Windows 8.1, 32 and 64 bit

Only the Add Printer and the Enterprise installation methods are supported on these server OSes: Win 2003 Server, Win 2008 Server, Win 2008 Server R2, Win 2012 Server, Win 2012 Server R2

The following are supported via Add Printer only:

Table: Additional Operating Systems Supported by Add Printer only.

The CD Installer will block installations in unsupported OS versions as well as on the Server OS.

Note: Windows XP 32 bit and Vista, 32 and 64 bit are not officially supported and will not be tested, but Add Printer will be allowed. The installer will block normal installation on these Operating Systems.

6.2 Minimum System Requirements

The NeuraLabel printer driver software requires the following minimum system requirements to operate correctly. Lesser system configurations can result in slower printing speeds.

Windows® 7, 8, 8.1

3 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

8 GB RAM

4 GB available HD space, solid state drive recommended

Microsoft® Internet Explorer or equivalent browser

Printing System Requirements 63

CD-ROM/DVD or Internet

USB/ethernet

NOTE: If Microsoft Security Essentials is running AND real time protection is ON , you must excludes the spooler process.

6.3 Connectivity

The NeuraLabel 300x works with both USB and Network (Wired, IPv4). Older slower computers and network environments may result in slower printing.

The NeuraLabel 300x is not meant to work over a wireless network. Continuous printing involves large amounts of data and wireless networks will not be sufficient to handle this data. If a wireless connection is used (via a switch or router) print speeds will be significantly reduced.

NOTE: If you notice a significantly reduced print speed, make sure the host PC is not connected to a wireless switch and sending data to through your network wirelessly.

6.3.1 USB

NeuraLabel 300x is compatible with USB. In fact, USB may result in better performance because a busy network may result in slower printing. A USB cable not longer than 5 m

(16.4 ft) is recommended.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide64

6.3.2 Network

The NeuraLabel 300x will work on your corporate or private network, using either a static or dynamic IP address.

Set the network type to Automatic if you wish to use a dynamic IP address. This will use the DHCP server on your network.

Setup -> Network

Setup->Network->Print Configuration Page

The NeuraLabel 300x requires a network link speed of 100 Mbps, full-duplex operation.

See the Network Installation section for more information.

Types of Continuous Printing

Part

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NeuraLabel 300x User Guide66

1. Rolled Media with NO marks – Use Marks set to No Marks

1.1 Repeated Single Labels (copies)

Single label copies may be printed in borderless or bordered mode. Furthermore, borderless copies may be printed with or without a gap between the labels

Borderless Printing set to ON will print the page "full bleed" in the continuous direction. Normal margins are applied to the non-continuous side of the label. This case has 2 options.

Borderless Copies: Normal There may be a small gap (<0.2") between the labels. The exact size of the gap is dependent upon label size.

Borderless Copies: Enhanced Precision The copies will be stitched together to create a seamless print. Performance may be reduced for this setting. (It might take longer to print.)

Borderless Printing set to OFF will print the page with margins on both sides of the label. The spacing of the

7 Types of Continuous Printing

There are several kinds of continuous label printing. How you set up the NeuraLabel 300x will first depend on the type of media you have or plan to purchase.

Marked media is usually associated with a pre-diecut. In this case the labels will be printed onto the media at specific marked intervals. This marked media might be on a roll or in fan-fold form, and it might have perforations between the pre-diecut labels. Any pre-diecut media used with the 300x will need to have marks. The marks allow the printer to precisely position the label contents on the page to align the printed data to the media.

If you do not have or need pre-diecut marked media, but have an unmarked roll instead, you will use the printer in a "no marks" mode where the labels will be printed on the "blank" unmarked roll. Often the guide or timing marks for the labels are printed directly on the media as the label itself is printed. These marks are then used for post processing of the labels.

There are 8 different printer configurations based on whether your media has marks or not, whether borderless printing is selected, and whether you are making copies of a single label or printing multi-page jobs such as sequenced labels. Each of these is explained below.

Types of Continuous Printing 67

labels should be the exact size of the labels.

1.2 Unique Single Page Labels (for example, numbered)

Borderless Printing set to ON will print the page "full

bleed" in the continuous direction. Normal margins are applied to the non-continuous side of the label. The labels will be butted up against one another. The resulting print will appear to be one seamless continuous image.

Borderless Printing set to OFF will print the page with margins on both sides of the label. The spacing of the labels should be the exact size of the labels.

2. Rolled or Fanfold Media with marks on each label – Use Marks set to Marks Only

2.1 Repeated Single Labels (copies)

Borderless Printing set to ON configuration is not

supported. Use Borderless OFF instead. If you need borderless labels, you must use the No Marks setting.

Borderless Printing set to OFF will print the page with margins on both sides of the label. The spacing of the labels should match the exact size of the labels.

2.2 Unique Single Page Labels

Borderless Printing set to ON is not normally used for

label printing in this configuration. Borderless ON will print the pages "full bleed" in the continuous direction. Normal margins are applied to the non-continuous side of the label. The pages will be butted up against one another such that the resulting print appears to be one seamless continuous image. Note that whenever Borderless ON and Marks Only are selected together in the driver, the print will begin by synching on a mark and all other marks are ignored.

Borderless Printing set to OFF will print the page with margins on both sides of the label. The spacing of the labels should match the exact size of the labels.

Borderless Printing on Media with No Marks

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide68

Borderless Printing is normally only done on unmarked media and is used to remove the top and bottom margins from the print. It does not remove left or right margins.

Borderless Printing can be used to print documents whose pages need to be "stitched" together, for example, if the printer is being used as a web press.

For copies, a small gap (<0.2") might appear in between the individual borderless label pages. Enhanced Precision mode available to eliminate this gap and create a seamless print if desired. However, performance may be reduced for this option.

For printing on continuous label media with marks, such as pre-diecut label media, set Borderless Printing to Off. This will prevent printing on the stripped area of the liner. Do not use Borderless printing with marked media.

For printing on continuous label media with no marks, such as a continuous roll, Borderless Printing may be set to On.

Note that with Borderless Printing set to On, the driver reports zero border all around and Print Preview shows it that way, however, the printer still applies left and right borders.

Hint: To effectively create full bleed in the non-continuous direction for labels less than

8.5 inches wide, define the page to be slightly wider than the media.

7.1 Using Roll-to-Roll

The NeuraLabel 300x may be used with fan-fold media or it may be used with rolled media. Roll-to-roll offers a convenient solution for label applicators and when there is additional processing required, such as die-cutting and finishing.

Types of Continuous Printing 69

Figure: NeuraLabel 300x Roll to Roll Setup

Roll-to-Roll Driver Features

There are several specific features in the printer driver that will assist in roll-to-roll printing.

Initial Slow Print - Use this setting to allow the print to start slowly, giving you time to feed the media onto the output roller.

Leading Blank Pages - This feature places one or more blank labels at the beginning of the job. For example, you may need blanks to attach the labels to the output roller.

Trailing Blank Pages - This feature places on or more blank labels at the end of the job, in case this is needed for the output roller. It also allows the entire job to be out of the printer once the print stops.

Rotate 180 - This feature may be needed to orient the labels in a particular direction for your output roller.

Roll-to-Roll Media

Both marked and unmarked media may be used on a roll-to-roll unit.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide70

Unmarked Media

Unmarked media requires Use Marks set to "No Marks".

Both Bordered and Borderless are supported.

Copies and Sequenced labels are supported.

Marked Media

Marked media requires Use Marks to be set to "Marks Only".

Make sure the paper/page size you select in the driver exactly matches the measured media page size, mark to mark.

Only Borderless Off mode is supported.

Copies and Sequenced labels are supported.

7.2 Printing GHS Drum Labels

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals was developed to manage and regulate the sage labeling of chemicals. GHS-compliant labels have critical information, data and pictograms about chemicals, in addition to basic product and company information, including barcodes.

GHS labels are commonly found on drums, pales, totes and IBC's. Large format drum labels range in size from 8.5"x11" to 8.5" x 22", but the labels can be any size. Often these labels are sequentially numbered and printed in batches. The following are tips and guidelines for printing GHS labels on the NeuraLabel 300x.

GHS label media is usually marked. While the 300x can print on marked or unmarked media, most GHS labels are pre-diecut rectangular labels, and therefore must be marked to allow the printer to distinguish the individual labels. This mark must meet NeuraLabel specifications and can be found on the back of the media.

GHS label media may be fan-fold or it may be on a roll. See the section on roll-to-roll for more information on rolled media. The figures below show the non-printable back side of typical fanfold GHS labels marked for the NeuraLabel 300x. The individual labels in this sample are letter size. These pre-diecut labels are attached together by a release liner and separated by perforations where the fold occurs. The actual label (sticky part that is peeled off) will be slightly smaller that the media page itself. It's important to

Types of Continuous Printing 71

Paper Size is set to the exact size of your label media, including the release liner.

Borderless Printing is set to OFF. This is the required value for GHS drum labels on marked media. Do not change this value.

Use Marks is set to MARKS ONLY because the pre-diecut media will have marks on the back to indicate label position. If your media does not have marks you may not be able to use the printer in this configuration. If this is the case, contact Neuralog Support.

remember that the label you design in your application must fit on the peeled label and not bleed into the media backing.

Figure: Sample GHS Fanfold Media

The following specific features in the printer driver are important for GHS printing.

Rotate 180 can be On or Off, depending on end-use applicator requirements.

Mark Adjust may be used to center the label on the page in the continuous

direction.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide72

Figure: Printer Driver Setup for GHS Drum Labels

Other driver settings may be adjusted if needed.

Below is an example of a GHS label. These labels have critical information about the chemical contents of a container. They often have dynamic fields that are updated in the labeling application. GHS labels often have barcodes. They may be numbered by batch and by individual label.

Types of Continuous Printing 73

Figure: Sample GHS Label

7.3 Printing Prime Labels

Prime labels are used to identify and promote products. Quality is usually critical as the product manufacturer wants the best look possible for their goods. Durability is also important if the container will be subject to moisture, extremes in temperature and humidity.

Prime labels are often printed on a roll-to-toll configuration, but they can also be on marked fan-fold media. Media on rolls may be marked (the labels are individual pages,

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide74

Paper Size is set to the exact size of your label media. See the section Paper/Output for review of the details of setting the paper size.

Borderless Printing may be ON or OFF. If you need to print borderless prime labels, see the next section Printing Borderless Prime Labels.

Use Marks is usually NO MARKS, however it is possible to print prime labels on marked media. Check your media and select the appropriate setting.

Rotate 180 can be On or Off, depending on end applicator requirements. However, Rotate 180 is only supported for Bordered labels, that is Borderless Printing is OFF.

Borderless Copies require special configuration. See the next section Printing Borderless Prime Labels.

See the section Using Roll-to-Roll if you are using rolled media for printing. You may with to use Leading/Trailing Blank Pages or Initial Slow Print with your roll-to-roll unit.

Other driver settings may be adjusted if needed.

often separated by a perforation) or the media may be a continuous unmarked sheet of up to 1,000 feet.

When printing prime labels,check whether your media is marked (pre-diecut) or unmarked. For continuous unmarked media, you can print the labels as bordered or borderless. In either case, the label page size will remain the same, however a borderless label will have 0 margin in the continuous direction.

The following specific features in the printer driver are important for prime label printing.

Types of Continuous Printing 75

Figure: Printer Driver Setup for Prime Labels

7.4 Printing Borderless Prime Labels

Borderless Prime Labels can be printed on unmarked media with Use Marks set to No Marks. Do not choose the Marks Only or Mixed setting for Borderless Prime Labels.

If you are printing borderless copies (rather than a sequential multi-paged borderless print), choose from two driver settings for Borderless Copies.

Normal prints the copies at the fastest possible speed. The page size will be rounded up to an even size, so a gap may appear between label copies.

Enhanced Precision prints the copies butted up against one another, creating a completely seamless print.

Cut Sheet Printing

Part

VIII

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide78

8 Cut Sheet Printing

The NeuraLabel 300x can print cut sheets from both Tray 1 and Tray 2. Tray 1 also functions as the continuous feeder, while Tray 2 is the printer drawer.

Tray 1 Cut Sheet Printing

Cut sheets up to 17 inches long can be printed from Tray 1 Cut Sheet. Multiple pages can be printed from Tray 1, however for best results feed only one cut sheet label at a time into the tray. Place the media face down into Tray 1 and slide it into the printer Tray 1 opening, the same as a continuous print.. Duplex is not supported.

Tray 2 Cut Sheet Printing

Cut sheets up to Letter/A4 size can be printed from Tray 2 Cut Sheet. Load the media directly into the Tray 2 drawer. For labels, place the media face up into Tray 2. Duplex printing is supported for this tray, however be careful not to select duplex if loading label media into Tray 2.

HINT: For the easiest workflow, install additional copies of the NeuraLabel printer driver for each type of printing. For example:

NeuraLabel 300x Continuous NeuraLabel 300x Cut Sheet (Tray 1) NeuraLabel 300x Cut Sheet (Tray 2)

Embedded Web Server

Part

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide80

9 Embedded Web Server

NeuraLabel 300x ships with an Embedded Web Server that is accessible via a network connection. It is not accessible over USB. The pages that follow provide an overview of Embedded Web Server functionality. The individual components that appear on the Home screen are configurable.

Figure: Embedded Web Server Home Screen

9.1 Energy Saving Settings

Use the Energy Save Settings to save energy when your printer is not in use. Selecting this option provides the Power Management display shown below.

Embedded Web Server 81

Figure: Embedded Web Server Power Management Display

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide82

Use the Estimated Ink Levels to monitor your ink usage. Select this option for the Ink Gauge display shown below which provides more detailed information about your ink. Note that the printer operator panel also displays an ink gauge.

You can also use the Ink Settings panel to set the level at which the printer will provide a Low Ink warning. For continuous printing you should change the ink as soon as Low Ink is declared to reduce the chances of running out of ink during a long job. The default value for Low Ink is 20%, however, the value for Low Ink is customizable.

9.2 Estimated Ink Levels

Note that the display below shows Genuine Neuralog Cartridges Installed. The 300x requires Genuine Neuralog Cartridges to function; ink from other vendors will not work in the printer.

Embedded Web Server 83

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide84

The Network Summary provides the status of the network connection, the printer IP Address and other critical information about the printer.

Figure: Embedded Web Server Ink Information Display

9.3 Network Summary

Figure: Embedded Web Server Network Summary Display

9.4 Print Quality Toolbox

The Print Quality Toolbox gives you access to the Print Quality Report and Cleaning routines.

Embedded Web Server 85

Figure: Embedded Web Server Utilities Print Quality Toolbox Display

If you notice print quality defects such as streaks, smudges or smears, you can run cleaning routines on the printer. Clean Printhead is accessible through the Operator Panel Tools menu. Two levels of cleaning can be run, each lasting about 12 minutes. The Print Quality Report is printed out after printhead cleaning. See the Print Quality Report section for a sample report. Clean Ink Smear (accessible from the Print Quality Toolbox) does a quicker cleaning of the printhead. A blank page is printed when the routine is complete. See the Clean Ink Smear section for more information.

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide86

The Job Monitor provides a record of printed jobs.

The Printer Information Panel provides basic information about the printer. The printer serial number and version of printer firmware are both important pieces of information located on this panel.

9.5 Job Monitor

Figure: Embedded Web Server Job Management Display

9.6 Printer Information

Embedded Web Server 87

The Administrator panel allows you to setup a user name and password to control access to your printer.

Figure: Embedded Web Server Printer Information Display

9.7 Administrator

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide88

The Auto-Off Settings will cause the printer to shut down when it is not in use for an extended period of time.

Figure: Embedded Web Server Security Display

9.8 Auto-Off Settings

Embedded Web Server 89

The Backup and Restore page allows you to create a backup file for certain user settings. These are not related to continuous printing.

Figure: Embedded Web Server Power Management Auto Off Display

9.9 Backup

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide90

The Firewall panel allows you to enable and configure firewalls.

Figure: Embedded Web Server Backup and Restore Display

9.10 Firewall

Embedded Web Server 91

Printer Reports allows you to print Font reports. These are not specifically related to continuous printing.

Figure: Embedded Web Server Firewall Rules Display

9.11 Printer Reports

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide92

The Usage Report has various statistical data about printing. Most of these are not related specifically to continuous printing.

Figure: Embedded Web Server Printer Reports Display

9.12 Usage Report

Embedded Web Server 93

Figure: Embedded Web Server Usage Reports Display

Operator Panel

Part

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide96

Home - Returns to the Home Screen

Back- Goes Back to Previous Screen

Cancel - Cancels the current menu selection or cancels a print. Note that

the red X cancels a print whenever the Operator Panel reads "Now Printing...". Press the Red X twice to cancel a job when the printer is not in this state, once to move to the "Now Printing..." state and a second time to cancel the job.

10 Operator Panel

The NeuraLabel 300x printer has an operator panel to assist the user with basic printing. Most buttons on this panel are self explanatory. The following section provides useful information about the display.

Figure: NeuraLabel 300x Operator Panel

10.1 Operator Panel Buttons

The 300x Operator Panel has three buttons on the LEFT side of the display:

The three buttons on the RIGHT side of the display are usually used to scroll or select OK. The display will dynamically update to show the functionality of these buttons.

10.2 Operator Panel Menu System

The Operator Panel includes a menu system that can be used for printer configuration and various printer reports. There are quite a few options under the Setup Menu. There is basic information under Job Status and Ink Information.

10.2.1Setup Menu

Setup->Network

View Network Summary: Wired, Presents Network Information, for example Wired Sum: 169.100.100.206 Hostname: NLF74000 MAC: ecb1d7ff0000

Advanced Setup

Link Speed: Automatic, 10 Full, 10 Half, 100 Full, 100 Half

“Changing the IP Address will remove the printer form the Network” Select OK. Choices are Automatic and Manual

Operator Panel 97

IP Settings: Changing the IP address will remove the printer form the

network

o IPv4 Settings: Automatic, Manual

IPv6 Settings: On, Off

Hostname: NLF74000

Legacy Default IP: Do you want to connect the printer to the network

using a legacy default IP?

Print Configuration Page: Prints an information page about the printer network configuration.

Restore Defaults: Yes, No

Reset 802.1X Security: Are you sure you want to restore 802.1X security?

Press OK for Yes.

Setup->Device Setup

Allows customized device setup.

Preferences

NeuraLabel 300x User Guide98

Date and Time Language Country/Region Screen Brightness Quite Mode

Paper Handling

Default Tray: Tray 1/Tray 2

Default Tray is only relevant when the driver Paper Source setting is set to Printer Auto Select. Using Printer Auto Select is not recommended for continuous printing. Default Tray determines which tray the media will be pulled from if both trays have identical settings.

Paper Selection: Tray 1/Tray 2 The NeuraLabel 300x Printer Driver will override the Paper Selection, therefore this parameter is needed used for continuous or cut sheet printing.

Tray Lock: None/Tray 1/Tray 2 Tray Lock allows you to lock a tray to a specific type and size of media, as entered in Paper Selection menu of the operator panel. It is only relevant when the driver's Paper Source setting is set to Printer Auto Select. For example you might set the Paper Selection of the cut sheet Tray 2 to Letter size and Plain type. Any job send to the printer (using Printer Auto Select) that was not Letter/Plain, would be redirected to Tray 1. Neither Tray Lock nor Printer Auto Select are necessary or recommended for continuous printing.

ColorLok Optimization: On or Off

Ink Low Level: Can change Ink Low to a custom value.

Yellow/Cyan/Magenta/Black

o Automatic/Custom

Power Handling

Standby After: 5 min/10min/15 min/30 min/ 1 hour

Sleep After: 15 Minutes/30 Minutes/1 Hour/2 Hours

Optimum Speed/Energy: Save Energy/Faster First Page

Auto Power Off: Never/2 Hours/4 Hours/8 Hours12 Hours

Schedule On/Off: Follow instructions and enter time for Power On/

Power Off of printer

Print Settings

Setup->Tools

Clean Printhead For best result use Colorloc paper and Genuine Neuralog

Ink. Follow directions...

Clean Ink Smear: This process might take several minutes. No other warning. Will start process.

Reset Service Ink Container: No warning. Resets it. Service Ink Container

Operator Panel 99

was Reset.

Restore Defaults: Restoring Factory Defaults

Advanced Cleaning: Requires Neuralog Service Support

Setup->Print Reports

Printer Status Report

Print Quality Report

Usage Page: Provides a report of page counts

Network Configuration Page: Provides the same report as the Setup-

>Network->Print Configuration Page. Prints an information page about the printer network configuration.

Event Log

View Event Log: View OK

Print: Provides an Event Log that contains errors and intermittent failures

designed to help you troubleshoot problems.

PCL Font List: 6 page report of installed fonts

NeuraLabel 300x User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

1 Tour of the NeuraLabel 300x

2 Installing the NeuraLabel 300x

2.1 USB Installation

2.2 Network Installation

2.3 Configure Network Settings

2.3.1 View or change network settings

2.3.2 Set or change the product password

2.3.3 Manually configure IPv4 TCP/IP parameters from the control panel

2.3.4 Link speed and duplex settings

3 Setting Up and Printing Labels

3.1 Setting Up Your Label

3.1.1 Margins

3.1.2 Sizing to Fit

3.1.3 Copies or Numbered

3.1.4 Complexity and Job Size

3.2 Select Paper Source and Form Size

3.3 Understanding Your Media

3.3.1 Media Material

3.3.2 Media Size and Label Dimensions

3.4 Loading Continuous Media into the Printer

3.4.1 Loading Fan-Fold Media

3.4.2 Loading Rolled Media

3.5 Leaving Continuous Media in the Printer

3.6 Canceling a Print

3.7 Printer Jam and Error Recovery

3.8 Printer Consumable Maintenance

4 Label Printing Options

4.1 Layout Tab

4.2 Paper/Quality Tab

4.2.1 Paper Source

4.2.2 Media

4.2.3 Quality Settings

4.2.4 Color

4.3 Advanced Options Dialog

4.3.1 Paper/Output Size

4.3.2 Document Options

The Image Enhancement driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Borderless Printing has values of ON and OFF.

Borderless Copies can be printed on the NeuraLabel 300x. There are two configurations.

The Ink Saver driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

The Rotate 180 driver setting is found in the Advanced Options Dialog of the NeuraLabel Printer Driver.

Trailing Blank Pages allows you to add blank pages into the end of the job. You may add 0 to 20 trailing blank form pages to the end of the print job.

Raster Compression has values of Maximum Compression and Best Quality. The default value of Maximum Compression is recommended for most continuous label printing.

Mark Adjust may have any value from -300 to 300. The default value is 10.

Leading Edge Adjust is used to refine the placement of the label image with respect to the label form on the leading edge (first page) of the media. It does not affect any other

Manage Custom Sizes allows you to create custom form sizes for label printing.

5 Managing Ink

5.1 Ink Saver

5.2 Low Ink Warning

5.3 Out of Ink Warning

5.4 Changing an Ink Cartridge

6 Printing System Requirements

6.1 Supported Operating Systems

6.2 Minimum System Requirements

6.3 Connectivity

6.3.2 Network

7 Types of Continuous Printing

7.1 Using Roll-to-Roll

7.2 Printing GHS Drum Labels

7.3 Printing Prime Labels

7.4 Printing Borderless Prime Labels

8 Cut Sheet Printing

9 Embedded Web Server

9.1 Energy Saving Settings

9.2 Estimated Ink Levels

9.3 Network Summary

9.4 Print Quality Toolbox

9.5 Job Monitor

9.6 Printer Information

9.7 Administrator

9.8 Auto-Off Settings

9.9 Backup

9.10 Firewall

9.11 Printer Reports

9.12 Usage Report

10 Operator Panel