1
PANTHER™ LS8
HAND- HELD THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTER
Operator’s Manual
Identification Products Division
1819 Atlanta Highway
Cumming, GA 30040
Technical Support: 1-866-871 -4571
Technical Support: 1-866-871 -4571
Technical Support: 1-866 -871-4571
Customer Service: 1-800 -777-3300
www.panduit.com
Panduit Corp.
USA
REV. 0 – 9/1/05
2
Section 1: Getting Started.............................................................3
Introduction and Safe Operation..................................................4-6
General Description........................................................................7-9
Loading Batteries and Label Cassette ..........................................10
Keyboard Functions....................................................................11-12
Section 2: Working wi th the PANTHER™ LS8..........................13
Using the PANTHER™ LS8...............................................................14
Creating Labels
Creating Text ..................................................................15-16
Creating Serializations ...................................................17-19
Creating Symbols............................................................20-21
Creating Data Lists...............................................................22
Creating Bar Codes........................................................23-24
Creating a Date or Time Stamp and Creating Lines.25-27
Creating Frames ...................................................................28
Using Pages ..........................................................................29
Setting up the PANTHER™ LS8 and Using File Manager .....30-31
PANTHERLINK™.................................................................................32
Printer Cleaning Instructions...........................................................33
Printer Troubleshooting..............................................................34-35
Warranty Information …..................................................................36
General Specifications .....................................................................37
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SECTION 1
GETTING STARTED
INTRODUCTION & SAFE OPERATION
4
Congratulations on your purchase of the PANTHER LS8 Hand-Held Thermal
Transfer Printer. The versatile PANTHER LS8 is designed to meet the
demanding printing requirements of electrical and network users. The LS8
prints high quality industrial labels on a wide variety of materials for electrical
and network applications, such as wire/cable, components, safety, and facility
identification. It is the ideal labeling tool for electricians, installers,
maintenance personnel, and contractors. As you will read throughout this
operator’s manual, the PANTHER LS8 has been designed with many time
saving features that will allow you to maximize your labeling productivity.
This manual will guide you step by step through the set -up, operation, and
troubleshooting of the PANTHER LS8 Hand-held Thermal Transfer Printer. If
you have problems not covered herein, contact your local Panduit Sales
Representative, call Panduit Technical Support at 866-871-4571, or call
Panduit Customer Service at 800-777-3300. More information is also
available on the web at www.panduit.com.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
The following general safety practices supplement the specific warnings and
cautions depicted elsewhere in this manual. They are recommended
precautions that must be understood and applied during the operation and
maintenance of this printer.
Do Not Operate In An Explosive Environment
Do not operate the printer in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Operation of this printer in such an environment constitutes a definite safety
hazard.
Do Not Operate In Wet Or Damp Areas
Do not operate this printer in wet or damp areas. Operation of the printer in
such an environment constitutes a definite safety hazard.
INTRODUCTION & SAFE OPERATION
5
Do Not Substitute Parts Or Modify Equi pment
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install
substitute parts or perform an unauthorized modification to the printer or its
accessories. The proper components for service and repair may be obtained
from Panduit Corp.
WARNING:
When the printer has been in use for an extended period of time, the
printer motor may become hot. DO NOT touch the printer motor with
bare hands.
Information to USA Users
NOTE: This printer has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the printer is operated in a commercial environment. This printer generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not used in accordance
with this instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this printer in a residential area is likely to
cause interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Information to Canadian Users
This digital apparatus does not exceed Class A limits for radio noise
emissions for digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations
of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques
depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class A
prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le
ministere des Communications du Canada.
It is possible that infrequent electrical phenomena (static discharge, power
line fluctuations) may cause printer function to be temporarily interrupted. In
this case, the printer will usually reset itself. In extreme cases, the user should
remove then re-apply power (batteries or AC adapter).
INTRODUCTION & SAFE OPERATION
6
Printer Power Supply
The PANTHER LS8 is supplied with 6 AA alkaline batteries. These batteries
are not re-chargeable. After the batteries have surpassed their useful life,
they must be disposed of properly.
An optional AC adapter is also available for use with the PANTHER LS8. The
AC adapter is available in different versions that are suitable for use in many
regions of the world, including North America, Europe, Australia, and the
United Kingdom.
Certifications
The PANTHER LS8 Hand-Held Thermal Transfer Printer meets the
requirements of the following standards:
• FCC Part 15 Class A
• CE
Additional Reference Materials
A Quick Reference Card, which summarizes the most important and
frequently used features of the PANTHER LS8 is included with your printer.
The Quick Reference Card has several label exercises to help familiarize you
with LS8 functions. Should you misplace the quick reference card, you may
download another copy from the web at www.panduit.com.
All of the detailed product ordering information is included in the
comprehensive Product Bulletin. The bulletin is available from Panduit
Customer Service (800 -777-3300) or online at www.panduit.com.
7
PANTHER LS8 Hand-Held Thermal Transfer Printer
Large, graphic
Adjustable
Drive Roller
Durable plastic
Die-cut or continuous
display with backlight
lock
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
59 button keypad
wrist/neck strap
housing
labels
P1 Label Cassette System
Ribbon included
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
8
Print Technology
The PANTHER LS8 prints labels using thermal transfer printing technology.
The print head melts ink contained on a thin web of ribbon material allowing
the ink to transfer to the label material. The print head operates at a resolution
of 203 dots per inch (dpi).
Smart Label Cassette
P1 label cassettes are automatically detected by the PANTHER LS8 printer.
The LS8 printer automatically adjusts its settings according to the label
cassette that is installed. This process saves you the time and effort normally
required to begin printing. With the LS8, simply install the label cassette and
lock the drive roller. Now you are ready to begin printing. P1 label
cassettes have an embedded memory device designed to improve your
labeling productivity. The device maintains an accurate count of the
remaining labels in the cassette. The device also recalls the last label design
used. Now when you take a label cassette out of the printer, your last label
design goes with the cassette.
Label Cutter
The PANTHER LS8 has a manually operated cutter blade. Press and release
the cutter button in order to cut your label. The cut ter button has two possible
settings: Full Cut and Partial Cut.
Full Cut is used to cut entirely across a label and its liner. This is the familiar
cutting style used on other hand-held printers. Partial Cut is used to leave a
very small area of the label liner attached even after cutting. This is an
innovative adaptation to label cutting that allows you to avoid the frustration of
searching for the correct label within a disorganized pile or having to use
scissors. After using the partial cut setting, you will take a strand of labels to
a job and then separate them as needed. In this way, your labels remain in
the order they were printed.
The Cut Pause feature allows you to cut between labels during a print job.
When Cut Pause is turned on, the printer will stop printing and allow you to
cut the label. After cutting, the printer will resume printing. The Cut Pause
feature is turned on or off inside of the Setup menu.
Carrying Case
The PANTHER LS8 has a custom protective carrying case construc ted of
durable plastic material. The case provides a convenient method of
transporting the printer, label cassettes, and accessories to and from a job
site.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
9
PC KIT
The PC KIT includes a CR-ROM with PanTherLink software and a USB
cable. The PC KIT is used to communicate between a computer and the
PANTHER LS8 printer. This provides the ability to transfer files or upgrade
the operating system.
LOADING BATTERIES AND LABEL CASSETTE
10
Loading the Batteries
1. Remove the battery door from the back of the PANTHER LS8 printer. If
the impact bumper is installed on the printer, you will have to move it
away from the battery door first.
2. Install the 6 AA batteries according to the molded indicators within the
battery compartment.
3. Reattach the battery door. Move the impact bumper back over the battery
door if necessary.
Loading a Label Cassette
1. Remove the cassette door from the back of the PANTHER LS8 printer.
2. Remove the plastic sleeve from the cassette. Retain the sleeve for later
use.
3. Install a label cassette. Press firmly to lock the cassette in place.
4. Lock the drive roller.
5. Reattach the cassette door.
NOTE: To uninstall a label cassette:
1. Unlock the drive roller.
2. Remove the cassette door.
3. Remove the cassette. Use the removal tab for
4. Re-apply the plastic sleeve to the cassette.
5. Reattach the cassette door.
assistance.
11
1) Setup
2) Power
14) Delete/Clear
12) Print
6) Shift
3) Size/Length
4) Letters
KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS
13) Feed/Backlight
11) Insert or Edit Tools
5) Numbers
10) Label Mode/Caps Lock
9) Directional Arrows
8) Enter/Rotate
7) Space/Accent
KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS
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• POWER
–
Turn printer on or off
Basic Keyboard Functions
• SETUP – Access the Set Up menu
• DELETE – Erase characters and tools
• CLEAR – Clear the entire screen
• FEED – Feed labels
• – Turn the backlight on or off
• PRINT – Pri nt labels
• COPIES – Print multiple copies
• SIZE – Select the text font size
• LENGTH – Set the length of continuous label media
• STYLE – Select the text font style
• ALIGN – Change the label justification
• LINE – Add vertical and horizontal lines to a label
• FRAME – Add a frame around a label
• PAGE – Move to another page
• FILE – Access the file manager
• INSERT – Insert a new tool
• EDIT – Edit an existing tool
• LABEL – Change the label mode
• CAPS – Turn caps lock on or off
• HOME – Move to home position on screen
• END – Move to end position on screen
• SHIFT – Access secondary functions on keypad
• SPACE – Add a space to a label
• ACCENT – Insert an international character
• ENTER – Move to the next line or accept menu changes
• ROTATE – Rotate the label to 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees
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SECTION 2
WORKING WITH THE
PANTHER™ LS8
USING THE PANTHER ™ LS8
14
The Home Screen
The home screen is where the user enters and edits text or places label items
known as tools. The home screen is also where the user prints labels. The
home screen has several different indicators, including:
INDICATOR ICON DESCRIPTION
Caps Lock
Shift Function
or
Indicates if caps lock is on or off.
Indicates if the shift key has been pressed.
Text Size
Text Style B
B
Text Line
Page
Vertical or
Horizontal Line
Frame
The Tool Menu
The tool menu includes serializations, symbols, data lists, bar codes, and
date/time stamps. These items are placed on the home screen. The tool
menu is accessed by pressing the Insert key.
Tool Icons
The following icons represent the available tools:
- Serialization
- Symbol
- Data List
- Barcode
- Date Stamp
- Time Stamp
1:9
Indicates the text size for the current line.
Indicates the text style for the current
cursor position. Available styles include
Bold and Bold + Underline.
Indicates the current line.
Indicates the current page. There are 9
total pages.
Indicates that a label has one or more
dividing lines selected.
Indicates that a label has a frame selected.
CREATING TEXT
15
Creating Text
After turning on the PANTHER LS8, the home screen will appear. The home
screen is also the text editor.
To create text on the home screen, simply begin pressing the alphabetic or
numeric keys on the keypad. Text will be entered at the position of the
cursor. The cursor is indicated by a vertical line. To insert blank spaces,
press the key. Press to move down to the next line. Use the
directional arrow keys to move the cursor up, down, right, or left. The home
screen has a maximum of 8 lines on which to place text. The home screen
also has 9 separate pages on which to place text. The current page number
is indicated in the bottom right corner of the home screen.
Inserting Text
To insert characters on a line, move the cursor to any position and begin
typing. The character will be inserted at the cursor position.
Deleting Text
To remove characters from the screen, press the key. Each press of
the key will delete one character at a time immediately to the left of the
cursor. .
Text Size
The PANTHER LS8 has 9 different font sizes available for creating text. The
font sizes range from 6 point to 72 point. To change the font size, press the
SIZE key. Then scroll up or down with the directional arrows. Press ENTER
To select a size. The new size will be displayed at the top of the home
screen.
Each P1 label cassette has a default font size. The default font size is
automatically chosen when inserting a new cassette.
The text size can be different on each of the 8 available lines of text on each
page.
CREATING TEXT
16
Text Style
The PANTHER LS8 has two different text styles: Bold and Bold + Underline.
To change the text style, press the STYLE key. All characters typed after
changing the style will have the new style. Text style can be different for each
individual text character on a line.
Text Rotation
Label legends may be rotated to 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees in the clockwise
direction. The page shaped icon in the lower right hand corner of the display
indicates the current rotation. To change the rotation, press the key and
then press the key. Use the directional arrows to scroll to the desired
rotation and press ENTER. The rotation of the legend can be different on
each of the 9 pages of a label.
Text Justification
Label legends may be horizontally and vertically justified by pressing the
key and then pressing ALIGN. The horizontal justification options include left
justified, center justified, and right justified. The vertical justification options
include top justified, center justified, and bottom justified. The character “A”
inside of the page shaped icon in the lower right hand corner of the display
indicates the current justification setting. The character “A” will move within
the page shaped icon to indicate the current justification settings.
CREATING SERIALIZATIONS
17
The Serialization Tool
The serialization tool is used to automatically number labels in a sequence.
The sequence can be either numeric (1 to 999) or alphabetic (A to ZZZ). A
serialization is defined by a start value, an end value, and a step value.
To correctly define a serialization, the end value must be larger than the start
value and the start and end values must be both numeric or both alphabetic.
(Numbers and letters cannot be used together when defining a particular
serialization.)
The step value can be any number between 1 and 99.
Serializations can be combined with other label items, such as text, boxes,
lines, symbols, etc. For example, to create a prefix or a suffix to a
serialization, enter text immediately before or after the serialization on a line.
Serializations can be printed as text or as bar codes on a label.
Creating a Serialization
The serialization tool should be accessed from the home screen. To access
the serialization tool:
1. Press the INSERT key to enter the tools menu.
2. Press the directional arrows to highlight the serialization tool.
3. Press the key to select the serialization tool.
4. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to select the serialization
parameters: Start, End, or Increment.
5. Use the right or left directional arrow keys to set the values for Start,
End, or Increment.
NOTE: Pressing the right directional arrow key will move the cursor
to the current value of the selected parameter. For a new
serialization the start and end values will display an asterisk *.
After entering a value, pressing ENTER will automatically
move the cursor to the next parameter.
6. Repeat step 5 for each parameter.
7. Press the key to accept the changes and to return to the home
screen. Otherwise, press the DEL key to return to Tools menu without
accepting changes.
8. On the home screen, the serialization tool icon will appear at the
position of the cursor.
CREATING SERIALIZATIONS
18
More Serialization Parameters
The serialization tool includes more parameters on a second screen following
the first screen. The second screen includes Copies and Collate. To access
the second screen press the down directional arrow twice after Increment.
1. The Copies parameter determines the number of copies to print for the
serialization. The Copies parameter can be set to any number from 1 to
99.
To change the Copies parameter, press the up or down directional
arrow keys to highlight Copies.
Press the right directional arrow key to move the cursor to the current
value of the Copies parameter. The Copies parameter will default to a
value of 1. Enter the number of copies to print.
Press the key to accept the changes.
2. The Collate parameter determines whether or not the copies of the
serialization items will be collated. The Collate parameter only works
when more than one copy of a serialization is defined. The Collate
parameter defaults to No.
If No is selected, then consecutive copies of the serialization items will
be placed together. The result will resemble the following legend:
A01 A01 A02 A02 A03 A03
If Yes is selected for Collate, then consecutive copies of the serialization
items will not be placed together. The result will resemble the following
legend:
A01 A02 A03 A01 A02 A03
CREATING SERIALIZATIONS
19
To change the Collate parameter, press the up or down directional
arrow keys to highlight Collate.
Press the right directional arrow key to select Yes or No.
Press the key to accept the changes and to return to the home
screen.
Advanced Serialization Options
The serialization tool includes several advanced options for customizing
labels. The advanced serialization options are Print As and Place On.
1. The Print As option determines whether the serialization will print as text
or as a bar code on the labels. The default setting will print as text. The
bar code settings can be changed in the setup menu. Printing a
serialization as a bar code is useful for asset tracking, component
manufacturing, and quality control.
2. The Place On option determines whether the serialization will print on
consecutive labels or on consecutive pages of the same label. The
default setting will print on labels. Printing a serialization on pages is
useful for creating serialized patch panel labels using die cut network
systems label media.
Editing a Serialization
To edit a serialization on the home screen, move the cursor di rectly to the left
of the serialization and then press the INSERT key. Follow the steps listed
above for creating a serialization.
CREATING SYMBOLS
20
The Symbol Tool
The Symbol Tool is used for creating electrical, network, and safety or facility
identification labels.
Creating a Symbol
The symbol tool should be accessed from the home screen. To access the
symbol tool:
1. Press the INSERT key to enter the tools menu.
2. Press the directional arrows to highlight the symbol tool.
3. Press the key to select the symbol tool.
4. Use the right or left directional arrow keys to search the symbol library.
(see the next page for available symbols
5. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to increase or decrease the
size of the symbol.
6. Press the key to accept the changes and to return to the home
screen. Otherwise, press the DEL key to return to the home screen
without accepting changes.
7. On the home screen, the symbol tool icon will appear at the position
of the cursor.
Editing a Symbol
To edit a symbol on the home screen, move the cursor directly to the left of
the symbol and then press the INSERT key.
1. Use the right or left directional arrow keys to search the symbol library.
(see the next page for available symbols
2. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to increase or decrease the
size of the symbol.
3. Press the key to accept the changes and to return to the home
screen. Otherwise, press the DEL key to return to the home screen
without accepting changes.
NOTE: There are 3 sizes available for each symbol. The sizes range from 1
(smallest) to 3 (largest).
CREATING SYMBOLS
21
Currently available symbols and their assigned library numbers are listed
below. Additional symbols may be added to the PANTHER™ LS8 firmware in
the future.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
37 38 39 40 41
CREATING DATA LISTS
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The Data Tool
The data tool is used to create printable data lists in the PANTHER™ LS8.
The data tool is very useful for customizing labels because it allows up to one
hundred unique labels to be created from a list of data. With the data tool,
users can input, store, or transfer custom lists of data. The PANTHER™ LS8
stores up to 6 unique data lists.
Creating a Data Tool
The data tool should be accessed from the home screen. To access the data
tool:
1. Press the INSERT key to enter the tools menu.
2. Press the directional arrows to highlight the data tool.
3. Press the key to select the data tool.
4. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to highlight the data tool
options. You can recall a previously saved data list or you can create a
new list. Creating a new list is similar to working on the home screen.
Use the PAGE function to move forward or backward through the 100
data list items. After finishing a new list press the INSERT key to return to
the main data tool menu.
5. After making all changes to the data tool options, press the key to
accept all of the changes and to return to the home screen. Otherwise,
press the DEL key to return to the home screen without accepting
changes.
6. On the home screen, the data tool icon will appear at the position of
the cursor.
Editing a Data Tool
To edit a data tool on the home screen, move the cursor directly to the left of
the data tool and then press the INSERT key. Follow the steps list above for
creating a data tool.
CREATING BAR CODES
23
The Bar Code Tool
The bar code tool can be used for bin labeling, component identification, or
asset management and can be used in combination with other tools. The bar
code tool can be printed with or without a checksum digit or human readable
text. The bar code symbology available in the PANTHER™ LS8 is CODE 39.
Creating a Bar Code
The bar code tool should be accessed from the home screen. To access the
bar code tool:
1. Press the INSERT key to enter the tools menu.
2. Press the directional arrows to highlight the bar code tool.
3. Press the key to select the bar code tool.
4. Press the right directional arrow key to input text. Type the text in the
text window. The bar code must include at least one digit of text.
5. Press the key to accept the text.
6. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to highlight the other bar code
settings.
7. Use the right or left directional arrow keys to change the bar code
settings.
8. Press the key to accept all of the changes and to return to the home
screen. Otherwise, press the DEL key to return to the home screen
without accepting changes.
9. On the home screen, the bar code tool icon will appear at the
position of the cursor.
Editing a Bar Code
To edit a bar code on the home screen, move the cursor directly to the left of
the bar code and then press the INSERT key.
1. Press the right directional arrow key to input text. Type the text in the
text window. The bar code must include at least one digit of text.
2. Press the key to accept the text.
3. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to highlight the other bar code
settings.
4. Use the right or left directional arrow keys to change the bar code
settings.
CREATING BAR CODES
24
5. Press the key to accept all of the changes and to return to the home
screen. Otherwise, press the DEL key to return to the home screen
without accepting changes.
Bar Code Settings
The default bar code settings can be changed in the setup menu. To change
the default settings, access the printer settings in the setup menu.
Readable: Indicates whether the bar code text is human readable or not. If
activated (bar code text is human readable) the setting will display Yes.
Checksum: Indicates whether the checksum digit is activated or not. If
activated (checksum digit is turned on) the setting will display Yes.
Bar Size: Indicates the width of the bar code. Available sizes are 0.010
inches, 0.015 inches, and 0.020 inches. The default width is 0.010 inches.
Serialized Bar Codes
The PANTHER™ LS8 is able to serialize bar codes. In order to do so, a
serialization must first be defined. Please see the section entitled
“CREATING SERIALIZATIONS” for more information about serialized bar
codes.
CREATING A DATE OR TIME STAMP
25
AND CREATING LINES
The Date Tool
The Date Tool allows the user to print a date stamp on a label. The date
printed on the label is defined by the internal clock of the PANTHER™ LS8.
Creating a Date Tool
The date tool should be accessed from the home screen. To access the date
tool:
1. Press the INSERT key to enter the tools menu.
2. Press the directional arrows to highlight the date tool.
3. Press the key to select the date tool.
4. On the home screen, the date tool icon will appear at the position of
the cursor.
Editing a Date Tool
To edit a date tool on the home screen, move the cursor directly to the left of
the date tool and then press the INSERT key.
The Time Tool
The Time Tool allows the user to print a time stamp on a label. The time
printed on the label is defined by the internal clock of the PANTHER™ LS8.
Creating a Time Tool
The time tool should be accessed from the home screen. To access the time
tool:
1. Press the INSERT key to enter the tools menu.
2. Press the up directional arrow key to highlight the date tool.
3. Press the key to select the time tool.
4. On the home screen, the time tool icon will appear at the position of
the cursor.
Editing a Time Tool
To edit a time tool on the home screen, move the cursor directly to the left of
the time tool and then press the INSERT key.
CREATING A DATE OR TIME STAMP
26
A01
AND CREATING LINES
Lines
Lines allows custom placement of vertical and horizontal lines on a label.
Lines are especially useful for creating patch panel, faceplate, or terminal
block labels. There are seven unique line settings available: Center
Horizontal, Center Vertical, Top, Bottom, Left, Right, and @ Pages. Each
of these settings may be turned on or off independently.
NOTE: The top, bottom, left, and right sides of the label will rotate
with the legend when a label is rotated.
1. The Center Horizontal setting places a line through the center of the
label in the horizontal direction.
2. The Center Vertical setting places a line through the center of the label
in the vertical direction.
3. The Top setting places a line at the top of the label.
4. The Bottom setting places a line at the bottom of the label.
5. The Left setting places a line at the far left side of the label.
A02
A01 A02
A01
A01
A01
CREATING A DATE OR TIME STAMP
27
AND CREATING LINES
6. The Right setting places a line at the far right side of the label.
7. The @ Pages setting places lines between each page of a label that has
multiple pages defined. The @ Pages setting is used for patch panel,
outlet, and terminal block labeling.
Creating Lines
Lines should be accessed from the home screen. To access the line tool:
1. Press the LINE key.
2. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to select the desired line
position.
3. Use the right or left directional arrow keys to turn on or turn off the line
tool at the selected position.
4. Press the key to accept the changes and to return to the home
screen. Otherwise, press the DEL key to return to the home screen
without accepting changes.
5. On the home screen, the line icon will appear on the right side of the
display when a line is activated.
A01
A01 A02 A03 A04 A05 A06
CREATING FRAMES
28
Frames
Frames are useful for customizing a label. There are three unique frame
settings available: Outline, Reverse, and Frame Off.
The Outline setting places a box outline around the perimeter of the entire
label area.
The Reverse setting places a dark background with light text characters on a
label.
The Frame Off setting deactivates the frame.
Creating a Frame
The frame menu should be accessed from the home screen. To access the
box tool:
1. Press the FRAME key to enter the tools menu.
2. Use the right directional arrow key to change the setting.
3. Press the key to select the frame type.
4. On the home screen, the frame icon will appear on the right side of the
display when a frame is activated.
NOTE: If a frame is activated, it will appear on all printed pages of a label.
WARNING
WARNING
USING PAGES
29
The Page Function
The PANTHER™ LS8 provides 9 separate pages for each label. Label items,
including text and tools may be placed on each of the 9 pages. The pages
function is particularly useful for creating non -standard serializations that do
not follow a common increment. The pages function is also useful for creating
text on patch panel labels.
Using the Page Function
The page number icon in the lower right hand corner of the display indicates
the current page. For example, 1:9 indicates that page 1 of 9 is currently
displayed. To change the page, press the PAGE key. Then scroll forward
using the right directional arrow key or backward using the left directional
arrow key. Press ENTER to accept the page change and return to the home
screen.
SETTING UP THE PANTHER LS8
30
AND USING FILE MANAGER
The Setup Menu
The setup menu is used to modify the default printer settings. The setup
menu should be accessed from the home screen. To access the setup menu
press the key.
Use the setup menu to adjust the contrast, heat, time, date, units, language,
and bar code settings. Also us e the setup menu to transfer files to a personal
computer or to upgrade your printer’s operating system.
Within the setup menu, scroll up or down using the directional arrows. Select
the setting to adjust by pressing ENTER. Once inside the setting, use the
arrow to select a parameter to change. Press ENTER to accept the changes
and return to the main setup menu screen.
Press SETUP to exit from the setup menu will all changes.
Label Modes
To edit the label mode, press the LABEL key.
1. Use the up or down directional arrows to select the desired mode and
press ENTER.
Available Modes include:
MODE DESCRIPTION APPLICATIONS
Component Vertically centers legend Electrical components
Wiremarker Repeats legend until label is filled Wire and cable marking
Terminal Places legends at terminal
locations
Tape Rotates legends 90° clockwise Safety/facility ID, pipe
Strip Repeats legend until label is filled
and copies legend on two sides of
middle perforation
Network Places legends at port locations Data communications
Flag Prints legend once at top of label
and then repeats the legend once
at the bottom of label
Vertical Prints legend vertically Safety/facility ID, pipe
Terminal blocks
marking
Wire and cable marking
components
Wire and cable marking
marking
SETTING UP THE PANTHER LS8
31
AND USING FILE MANAGER
The PANTHER™ LS8 has the ability to store and recall label files. Label files
stored and recalled within File Manager. Label files are designated with a
.LS8 ending.
To access File Manager, press the FILE key:
1. Use the right or left directional arrow keys to select the desired file.
There are 50 file storage locations in the PANTHER™ LS8.
NOTE: When saving a new file, press the key to begin entering
a file name. Use the alphabetic or numeric keys to enter a
file name. After entering a file name, press the key
again to Save .
NOTE: When renaming a previously saved file, press the key to
begin entering the new file name. Use the alphabetic or
numeric keys to enter the new file name. After entering the
name, press the key again to Save . The printer will
then prompt to Overwrite File? 1-Yes 2-No. Press 1 to
accept the new file name or press 2 to keep the previous file
name.
2. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to highlight Action.
3. Use the right or left directional arrow keys to select Save , Load, Delete,
or Delete All.
WARNING: Selecting Delete All will erase all stored label and data
files.
4. Press the key to complete the selected action.
NOTE: When recalling a previously stored label file, the part number
of the stored label file must match the part number of the
label roll installed in the printer. If the part numbers do not
match, an error message will display on the screen.
PANTHERLINK
32
Installing PANTHERLINK
Use the PANTHERLINK CD to install PANTHERLINK software onto a personal
computer. The PANTHERLINK CD is available with the purchase of LS8-KIT
or LS8-PCKIT.
Insert the CD into a personal computer. The installation program will begin
automatically. Follow the instructions in the installation wizard in order to
complete the installation process.
PANTHERLINK desktop icon
Using PANTHERLINK
To use PANTHERLINK software with the PANTHER ™ LS8 printer:
1. Connect the USB cable (included with LS8-KIT and LS8-PCKIT) to a
personal computer.
2. Connect the USB cable to the PANTHER™ LS8 at the USB port.
3. Turn ON the PANTHER™ LS8.
4. Press the key to access the setup menu.
5. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to highlight PanTherLink.
6. Press the key. The LS8 is now ready to communicate to a personal
computer.
7. Open PANTHERLINK software on a personal computer.
8. Use PANTHERLINK to transfer label files between the PANTHER™ LS8
and a computer.
PRINTER CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
33
Cleaning the Print Head and Drive Roller
The print head should be cleaned regularly, and more often in harsh
environments. The drive roller should be cleaned whenever foreign matter,
such as dust or adhesive, is present.
1. Turn OFF power to printer.
2. Unlock the drive roller lever.
3. Remove the label cassette from the printer
4. Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the print head, drive
roller, and cutter blade.
PRINTER TROUBLESHOOTING
34
This section helps identify printer conditions and problems that can often be
solved by the user. If you are unable to correct the problem contact Panduit
Technical Support at 866-871-4571 or Panduit Customer Service at 800-777-
3300.
SYMPTOM ACTION
POWER
Printer does not
power up properly,
and LCD does not
come on.
PRINTING
Not printing.
Tools Too Big!
Media is not
advancing properly
in the printer.
• To turn printer ON, press the power button.
• Make sure that 6 AA alkaline batteries are loaded
in the printer. If problem persists, replace
batteries.
• Plug in AC Adapter.
• Make sure printer:
1. Is turned ON
2. Has label cassette loaded properly.
3. Drive roller lever is locked.
• The items on the home screen are too large for
the printable area. Adjust the text size on the
home screen, adjust the symbol size, rotate the
label, or use a larger label.
• Drive roller lever is not locked.
• End of label roll reached. Replace label cassette.
• Label jam in printer. Label is caught in print
mechanism. To clear jam:
1. Turn printer power OFF.
2. Unlock the drive roller
3. Open cassette door.
4. Detach any printed labels with cutter.
5. Remove label cassette from printer.
6. Carefully remove any labels caught in the
printer.
7. Reinstall label cassette.
8. Replace cassette door.
9. Lock drive roller.
PRINTER TROUBLESHOOTING
35
SYMPTOM ACTION
Printed image is
full, but grayish or
“translucent”.
• Print head heat setting is too high. Reduce heat
setting. The heat setting is accessible in the
Setup menu. Press the SETUP key, scroll down
to heat and Press ENTER. Adjust the heat setting
with the up or down arrows.
Voids in printed
image: areas where
there is no print.
LABELS
Labels not
registering
Die-cut labels
continue to feed
without stopping.
• Print head elements or “dots” are dirty or
obstructed. Clean print head with soft -stemmed
swab and isopropyl alcohol.
• Make sure that labels are feeding properly.
• Printer not reset for new label format. Turn printer
OFF, then ON again. Printer will re -calibrate for
new label.
• Label sensor is dirty or obstructed. Clean sensor
with soft -stemmed swab and isopropyl alcohol or
compressed air.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
36
Our products are warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship at the time of sale but our obligation under this warranty is
limited to the replacement of any product proved to be defective within 6
months (for product) or 90 days (for printers) from the date of delivery. Printer
warranty is void if Panduit printers are modified, altered or misused in any
way. Use of Panduit printers with any product other than the specified Panduit
products for which the printer was designed, constitutes misuse. Before using,
user shall determine the suitability of the product for his intended use and
user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith.
This warranty is made in lieu of and excludes all other warranties, expressed
or implied. THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED.
Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable for any other injury, loss or
damage, whether direct or consequential, arising out of the use of, or the
inability to use the product.
The information contained in this literature is based on our experience to date
and is believed to be reliable. It is intended as a guide for use by persons
having technical skill at their own discretion and risk. We do not guarantee
favorable results or assume any liability in connection with its use.
Dimensions contained herein are for reference purposes only. For specific
dimensional requirements consult the factory. This publication is not to be
taken as a license to operate under, or a recommendation to infringe any
existing patents. This supersedes and voids all previous literature, etc.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
37
Print Method: Thermal transfer
Effective Print Width: 1.00” (25.4 mm)
Print Length: 30.00” (maximum label length)
Print Resolution: 203 dpi (horizontally and vertically)
Label Width: 0.24” to 1.0”
Media Length: Up to 25’ continuous tapes
Media Types: Die cut or continuous tapes
Materials: Vinyl self-laminating, flattened heat shrink,
vinyl cloth, polyester, continuous tape, vinyl,
non-adhesive polyester, polyolefin
Media Cutting: Manually operated cutter
Display: 4 line x 14 graphic LCD with backlight
LCD Contrast Control: Adjustable via keypad
Operating System: Panduit proprietary – user upgradeable
Power Supply: 6 AA alkaline batteries
AC Adapter: Universal Input (100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) with
Oper. Temp/Hum: 41-104° F (5-40 °C),
0 - 90% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Stor. Temp/Hum: -40-140° F (-40-60 °C),
0 - 90% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Compliance: FCC Part 15 Class A, European Community EMC
and Low Voltage Directives regarding safety,
emissions, and immunity
Weight 1.8 lbs. (1.86 kg) - includes battery pack
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