Panduit PANTHER LS8E Owner's Manual

1

P

ANTHER™

LS8E

H

AND-HELD THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTER

Operator’s Manual

Panduit Corp.

Identification Products Division

1819 Atlanta Highway

Cumming, GA 30040

USA

Technical Support: 1-866-871-4571
Customer Service: 1-800-777-3300

www.panduit.com

LS8E-MAN-

A

REV. 0 – 03/27/07

2

Section 1: Getting Started...........................................................3

Introduction and Safe Operation..................................................4-6

General Description .....................................................................7-8

Loading Batteries and Label Cassette............................................9

Keyboard Functions.................................................................10-11

Section 2: Working with the P

ANTHER™ LS8E......................... 12

Using the P

ANTHER™ LS8E..........................................................13

Creating Labels

Creating Text ...............................................................14-15

Creating Serializations..................................................16-18

Creating Symbols..........................................................19-21

Creating Data Lists ............................................................22

Creating Bar Codes ......................................................23-24

Creating a Date or Time Stamp.........................................25

Creating Lines...............................................................26-27

Creating Frames................................................................28

Using Pages.......................................................................29

Using Special Functions ....................................................30

Setting up the P

ANTHER™ LS8E and Using File Manager.......31-33

P

ANTHERLINK™.........................................................................34-48

Labeling Exercises...................................................................49-55

Application Based Label Wizard ..............................................56-58

Printer Cleaning Instructions....................................................59-60

Printer Troubleshooting............................................................61-62

Frequently Asked Questions....................................................63-64

Warranty Information …................................................................65

General Specifications.................................................................. 66

3

SECTION 1

GETTING STARTED

INTRODUCTION & SAFE OPERATION

4

Congratulations on your purchase of the P

ANTHER™ LS8E Hand-Held Thermal

Transfer Printer. The versatile P

ANTHER™ LS8E is designed to meet the

demanding printing requirements of electrical and network users. The LS8E
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™ LS8E 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™ LS8E 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 Equipment

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™ LS8E 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 and replaced.

An optional AC adapter is also available for use with the P

ANTHER™ LS8E. The

AC adapter is available in different versions that are suitable for use in many
regions of the world, including North America, Australia, China, Continental
Europe, and the United Kingdom.

Certifications

The PANTHER™ LS8E Hand-Held Thermal Transfer Printer meets the
requirements of the following standards:

• FCC Part 15 Class A

• CE

•

European Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of Hazardous
Substances (RoHS)

Additional Reference Materials

A Quick Reference Card, which summarizes the most important and frequently
used features of the P

ANTHER™ LS8E is included with your printer. The Quick

Reference Card has several label exercises to help familiarize you with LS8E
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
LS8E Product Bulletin. The bulletin is available from Panduit Customer Service
(800-777-3300) or online at www.panduit.com.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

7

P

ANTHER™ LS8E Hand-Held Thermal Transfer Printer

P1™ Label Cassette System

Large, graphic
display with backlight

59 button keypad

Adjustable

wrist/neck strap

Print head latch

Durable plastic
housing

Die-cut or continuous
labels

Ribbon included

Cutter button with

partial cut adjustment

Integrated
memory device

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

8

Print Technology

The P

ANTHER™ LS8E 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 P

ANTHER™ LS8E printer

upon insertion. The LS8E 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 LS8E, simply install the label cassette and lock
the print head latch. 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. When you take a label cassette
out of the printer, your last label design goes with the cassette. This is very useful
for sharing files between more than one user or printer.

Label Cutter

The P

ANTHER™ LS8E has a manually operated cutter blade. Press and release

the cutter button in order to cut your label. The cutter 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 still 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 that 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 automatically. The Cut Pause feature
is turned on or off within the Setup menu.

Carrying Case

The P

ANTHER™ LS8E has a custom protective carrying case constructed of

durable plastic material. The case provides a convenient method of transporting
the printer, label cassettes, and accessories to and from a job site.

PC KIT

The PC KIT includes a CD-ROM with PanTherLink™ software and a USB cable.
The PC KIT is used to communicate between a computer and the P

ANTHER™

LS8E printer. This provides the ability to import data, upgrade the printer operating
system, and print labels from Panduit Easy-Mark Labeling Software.

LOADING BATTERIES AND LABEL CASSETTE

9

Loading the Batteries

1. Remove the battery door from the back of the PANTHER™ LS8E 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.

Observe Correct Polarity When Installing
Batteries

Replace All Six Batteries At The Same Time

Loading a Label Cassette

1. Remove the cassette door from the back of the PANTHER™ LS8E printer.

2. Install a label cassette. Press firmly to lock the cassette in place. Do not
remove the raised white tab from the cassette. This tab is used to assist with
removal of the cassette from the LS8E printer.

3. Lock the print head latch.

4. Reattach the cassette door.

NOTE: To uninstall a label cassette:

1. Unlock the print head latch.

2. Remove the cassette door.

3. Remove the cassette. Use the white removal tab on the
cassette for assistance.

4. Reattach the cassette door.

Print Head Latch

KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS

10

Setup

Power

Delete

/

Clear

Feed/Backlight

Print

Enter/Rotate

Space/Accent

Shift

Directional Arrows

Numbers

Letters

Size/Length

Insert or Edit Tools

Label Mode/Caps Loc

k

KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS

11

Basic Keyboard Functions

• POWER – Turn printer on or off

• SETUP – Access the Set Up menu

• F1 – Display function key menu

• DELETE – Erase characters and tools

• CLEAR – Clear the entire screen

• FEED – Feed labels

• – Turn the backlight on or off

• PRINT – Print 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

12

SECTION 2

WORKING WITH THE

P

ANTHER

™

LS8E

USING THE PANTHER ™ LS8E

13

The Home Screen

The home screen is where you enter and edits text or place label items known as
tools. The home screen is also where you print labels. The home screen has
several different indicators, including:

INDICATOR ICON DESCRIPTION

Caps Lock

Indicates if caps lock is on or off.

Shift Function

or

Indicates if the shift key has been pressed.

Label Mode

Indicates current label mode.

Text Size

Indicates the text size for the current line.

Text Style

A
B
B

Indicates the text style for the current cursor
position. Available styles include Normal (no
icon), Normal + Underline, Bold, and Bold +
Underline.

Text Line

Indicates the current line.

Page

1:9

Indicates the current page. There are 9 total
pages.

Vertical or
Horizontal Line

Indicates that a label has one or more dividing
lines selected.

Frame

Indicates that a label has a frame selected.

Low Battery

Indicates that battery voltage is low and that
batteries need replacing.

The Tools 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 Tools key.

Tool Icons

The following icons represent the available tools:

- Serialization

- Symbol

- Data List

- Barcode

- Date Stamp

- Time Stamp

CREATING TEXT

14

Creating Text

After turning on the P

ANTHER™ LS8E, 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.

Pressing and holding the

key will delete characters more rapidly. The Clear

function can also be used to delete all text and reset all formats at once.

Text Size

The P

ANTHER™ LS8E has 10 different font sizes available for creating text. The

font sizes range from 4 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

15

Text Style

The P

ANTHER™ LS8E has four different text styles: Normal, Bold, Normal +

Underline, and Bold + Underline. To change the text style, press the STYLE key.
The new text style can be applied to all characters on a label or just to characters
inserted after the change. 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.

NOTE: Vertical justification is not allowed in wire marker mode.

Print Offsets

The printing location of label legends may be adjusted by using the Print Offsets
function. This function is accessed by pressing the

key twice and then
pressing ALIGN. The print offset function has three adjustments: TOP, BOTTOM,
and LEFT. Use the up or down directional arrows to select the adjustment type.
Then use the right or left directional arrows to make the adjustment.

Adjusting the TOP print offset moves the start of a label legend toward or away
from the leading edge of the label. Adjusting the BOTTOM print offset moves the
end of a label legend toward or away from the trailing edge of the label. Adjusting
the LEFT print offset moves the label legend across the width of the label.

CREATING SERIALIZATIONS

16

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

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

17

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:

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:

To change the Collate parameter, press the up or down directional arrow
keys to highlight Collate.

A01 A02 A03 A01 A02 A03

A01 A01 A02 A02 A03 A03

CREATING SERIALIZATIONS

18

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, such as P1™ cassette part number C252X030FJC.

Editing a Serialization

To edit a serialization on the home screen, move the cursor directly to the left of
the serialization so that the icon is highlighted. Press the SHIFT key and then
press the INSERT key. Follow the steps listed above for creating a serialization.

CREATING SYMBOLS

19

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 arro w keys or the PAGE key to search the
symbol library. The PAGE key allows quicker navigation through the symbol
categories. (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. The default size of the symbol is chosen to match the text
size on the current line.

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 so that the icon is highlighted. Press the SHIFT key and then press the
INSERT key.

1. Use the right or left directional arro w keys or the PAGE key to search the
symbol library.

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

20

Currently available symbols and their assigned library numbers are listed below.
Additional symbols may be added to the P

ANTHER™ LS8E 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 42 43 44 45

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

CREATING SYMBOLS

21

64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81

82

CREATING DATA LISTS

22

The Data Tool

The data tool is used to create printable data lists in the PANTHER™ LS8E. 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. Data lists can be created directly on the
LS8E printer or imported from Microsoft Excel. The P

ANTHER™ LS8E stores up to

4 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
working in list, press the F5 key to exit the list. Follow the onscreen
instructions to Save, Discard, or Continue Editing.

5. After making all changes to the data tool options, select Save and Exit and
then 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.

Creating a Data Tool with Microsoft Excel
See page 43 for detailed instructions

Editing a Data Tool

To edit a data tool on the home screen, move the cursor directly to the left of the
data tool so that the icon is highlighted. Press the SHIFT key 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 P

ANTHER™ LS8E 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 ico n

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 so that the icon is highlighted. Press the SHIFT key and then press the
INSERT key.

1. Press the right directional arrow key to input text. Type the text in the text
window. Quickly move to the far right by pressing the SHIFT key and then
the right directional arrow key. 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.

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.

CREATING BAR CODES

24

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 P

ANTHER™ LS8E 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

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 P

ANTHER™ LS8E.

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 so that the icon is highlighted. Press the SHIFT key 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 P

ANTHER™ LS8E.

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 so that the icon is highlighted. Press the SHIFT key and then press the
INSERT key.

NOTE: Date and Time formats can be adjusted in the setup menu.
NOTE: The Date and Time must be set each time the printer is turned

on. If a label contains a Date or Time tool, the LS8 will prompt
the user to change them before the label is printed.

CREATING LINES

26

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.

A01
A02

A01 A02

A01

A01

A01

CREATING LINES

27

6. The Right setting places a line at the far right side of the label.

7. The @ Pages setting places lines bet ween each page of a continuous 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.

NOTE: There are three different styles of lines: Normal, Bold, and

Dashed.

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: Box, Reverse, and Box Off.

The Box 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 Box 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 SHIFT key and then press the LINE key to enter box 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 P

ANTHER™ LS8E 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 or terminal block 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.

USING SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

30

Special Functions

The P

ANTHER™ LS8E has several special functions that may be accessed by

pressing the F keys at the top of the keypad.
The special functions are listed in a menu that appears when pressing F1. The

entire list of special functions includes:

•

F1 – Display or Exit the Special Function (F Key) Menu

• F2 – Store and Recall User Profiles

o There are two user profiles available for storing your favorite settings for

text font size, label rotation, and label mode. Recalling a user profile
saves set up time and increases productivity.

• F3 – Display Label Cassette Information

o Pressing F3 will display the p art number, serial number, and quantity of

labels remaining on the cassette. This information is also displayed
automatically when turning the printer on.

• F4 – Market and Application Based Label Wizard

o This wizard provides a unique time saving method to generate labels

more quickly. It includes market specific application tools for wire/cable
marking, terminal block labeling, network component labeling, and pipe
marking.

o This wizard assists in choosing the required label cassette part number for

each application.

o This wizard introduces ne w label legend creation tools, including a text

table format and TIA compliance guide. See page 55 for a labeling
example using this wizard.

• F5 – DIN Mode for European Terminal Blocks

o DIN terminal block labeling is based on European standards and is

primarily used in European countries. For detailed instructions on using
the DIN mode, refer to the Labeling Exercises section of this manual.

• F6 – Quick Key for Wire Marking

o This function quickly adjusts the LS8E printer settings, including mode,

font size, and rotation, for wire and cable marking applications. This
function is intended for wire and cable marking with continuous vinyl cloth
tape, such as P1™ label cassette part number T100X000CBC-BK. Using
continuous cloth tape for wire and cable marking allows you to select the
exact size of marker that best meets your requirements.

o The LS8E also prints self-laminating wire and cable markers with pre-

defined lengths. Self-laminating labels include a clear, protective layer for
enhanced durability.

SETTING UP THE PANTHER LS8E

AND USING FILE MANAGER

31

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
SETUP key.

Use the setup menu to view or adjust the settings for language, units, bar code
default, contrast, heat, firmware version number, time, date, cut/pause, and
automatic shutoff. Also use the setup menu to access the PC interface mode in
order to import data from a computer, upgrade your printer’s operating system, or
print directly from Panduit Easy-Mark™ Labeling Software.

The available language options in the setup menu are English, French, German,
Italian, Portuguese, Castillian Spanish, and Latin American Spanish

Within the setup menu, scroll up or down using the directional arrows. Select the
setting to adjust by pressing

. Once inside the setting, use the arrow keys to

select a parameter to change. Press

to accept the changes and return to

the main setup menu screen.

Press SETUP to exit from the setup menu with all changes.

SETTING UP THE PANTHER LS8E

AND USING FILE MANAGER

32

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 then
press

.

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 Terminal blocks

Tape Rotates legends 90° clockwise Safety/facility ID, pipe

marking

Strip Repeats legend until label is filled

and copies legend on two sides of
middle perforation

Wire and cable marking

Network Places legends at port locations Data communications

components

Flag Prints legend once at top of label

and then repeats the legend once at
the bottom of label

Wire and cable marking

Vertical Prints legend vertically Safety/facility ID, pipe

marking

NOTE: Another mode for DIN terminal block labeling is accessible by pressing

the F5 key. DIN terminal block labeling is based on European standards
and is primarily used in European countries. For detailed instructions on
using the DIN mode, refer to the Labeling Exercises section of this
manual on page 54.

SETTING UP THE PANTHER LS8E

AND USING FILE MANAGER

33

The P

ANTHER™ LS8E has the ability to store and recall label files. Label

files are stored and recalled within File Manager. Label files are
designated with a .LS8 ending.

To access the File Manager, press the SHIFT key and then press the PAGE key:

1. Use the right or left directional arrow keys to select the desired file. There

are 50 file storage locations in the P

ANTHER™ LS8E.

NOTE: When saving a ne w 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. .

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 labels.

4. Press the

key to complete the selected action.

PANTHERLINK

34

Installing P

ANTHERLINK™

Use the P

ANTHERLINK™ CD to install PANTHERLINK™ software onto a personal

computer. The P

ANTHERLINK™ CD is available with the purchase of LS8E-KIT or

LS8-PCKIT.
Insert the CD into a personal computer. The installation program will begin

automatically. If it does not, then:

1. Click the Start menu button on your computer screen

2. Select Run

3. Select D:

4. Click OK

5. Double click the Setup file.

6. Follow the instructions in the installation wizard in order to complete the
installation process.

P

ANTHERLINK™ Installation Screens

PANTHERLINK

35

Upon completion of the installation process the P

ANTHERLINK™ icon will appear on

the computer desktop.

PANTHERLINK™ desktop icon

PANTHERLINK

36

To use the file transfer or firmware upgrade functions, you must first install the
corresponding drivers on your computer. When using one of the PC interface
functions on the LS8E for the first time, the computer will automatically detect the
LS8E and begin the new hardware installation wizards. Follow the on-screen
instructions to complete the setup and installation.

Installing the PanTherLink Firmware Upgrade Driver

1. After PanTherLink is installed, connect the USB cable provided in the LS8-

PCKIT to the LS8E printer and to your computer.

2. Press and hold the F5 key, then press the POWER button on the LS8E

printer. This will activate the USB upgrade mode.

3. Your computer should automatically recognize the LS8E printer. If your

computer does not automatically activate the ADD HARDWARE WIZARD,
you must manually initiate the ADD HARDWARE WIZARD through the
START, SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL function.

4. In the ADD HARDWARE WIZARD, select the automatic installation option.

5. When requested for the location of the LS8SYS.sys file, browse to the USB

DRIVERS folder on the P

ANTHERLINK™ CD or in the application folder

C:\Program Files\PanTherLink.

6. Select OK after choosing the LS8SYS.sys file.

7. If you get a message indicating that the driver is unsigned, select "Continue

Anyway".

8. Click OK.

9. Click FINISH to complete the installation.

Firmware Upgrade Driver Installation Screens

PANTHERLINK

37

Installing the PanTherLink File Transfer Driver

1. After PanTherLink is installed, connect the USB cable provided in the LS8-

PCKIT to the LS8E printer and to your computer.

2. Power the LS8E printer on.

3. Press the SETUP key.

4. Select PC Interface.

5. Select Files/Printing.

6. Your computer should automatically recognize the LS8 printer. If your

computer does not automatically activate the ADD HARDWARE WIZARD,
you must manually initiate the ADD HARDWARE WIZARD through the
START, SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL.

7. In the ADD HARDWARE WIZARD, select the automatic installation option.

8. When requested for the location of the LS8SYS.sys file, browse to the USB

DRIVERS folder on the PanTherLink CD or in the application folder
C:\Program Files\PanTherLink.

PANTHERLINK

38

9. Select OK after choosing the LS8SYS.sys file.

10. If you get a message indicating that the driver is unsigned, select "Continue

Anyway".

11. Select OK, then FINISH to complete the installation.

NOTE: The file transfer driver installation screens are the same as those

for the firmware upgrade driver above.

Installing the LS8 Printer Driver

1. The LS8 printer driver is used for printing from Panduit Easy-Mark™ Labeling

Software.

2. PanTherLink software must be installed on your computer.

3. Click the Start menu button on your computer.

4. Select Printers and Faxes (or select Control Panel, Printers and Other

Hardware).

5. If you have previously installed the LS8 printer driver, delete it from the

Printers and Faxes menu.

6. Select Add a Printer.

7. Click Next.

8. Select the option for Local Printer, uncheck Automatically Detect and Install.

9. Click Next.

10. In the Select a Printer Port window, select USB001 (Virtual Printer Port for

USB).

NOTE: The USB port number may be different for your computer. This

can be checked within the Printer and Faxes, Server Properties,
Ports tab.

11. Click Next.

12. In the Install Printer Software window, select Have Disk…

13. In the Install from Disk window, select Browse.

14. Go to the file location C:\Program Files\PanTherLink\PrinterDriver.

15. Select OEMPRINT and click Open.

16. Click OK.

17. Click Next.

18. Choose whether to use as a default printer.

19. Select Do not share this printer. Click Next.

20. Select No when asked to print a test page. Click Next.

21. Click Finish

22. If you get a message indicating that the driver is unsigned, select "Continue

Anyway.”

PANTHERLINK

39

23. The LS8 printer driver is now installed.

LS8 Printer Driver Installation Screens

PANTHERLINK

40

PANTHERLINK

41

Using P

ANTHERLINK™

To use P

ANTHERLINK™ software with the PANTHER ™ LS8E printer:

1. Connect the USB cable (included with LS8E-KIT and LS8-PCKIT) to a
personal computer.

2. Connect the USB cable to the P

ANTHER™ LS8E at the USB port.

3. Turn ON the P

ANTHER™ LS8E.

4. Press the SETUP key to access the setup menu.

5. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to highlight PC Interface.

6. Press the

key.

7. Use the up or down directional arrow keys to highlight Files/Printing or
Firmware Upgrade.

8. Press the

key.

9. When choosing Firmware Upgrade, select Yes and then press

.

10. The LS8E is now ready to communicate to a personal computer.

11. Open

PANTHERLINK™ software on a personal computer.

12. Use P

ANTHERLINK™ to transfer label files between the PANTHER™ LS8E and

a computer or to upgrade your LS8E printer.

P

ANTHERLINK™ File Menu Tree Screen

Printing to the LS8E from Easy-Mark™

1. Open Easy-Mark™ labeling software.

2. Select an LS8 label format.

3. Select Label, Modify Label Properties in the toolbar across the top of the

screen.

PANTHERLINK

42

4. Select Next.

5. In the Printer Information field, select Thermal.

6. Click Update.

7. Create your labels.

8. Power the LS8E printer on.

9. Press the SETUP button. Select PC Interface. Select Files/Printing.

10. The LS8E printer is now ready to print from Easy-Mark™.

11. In Easy-Mark™, select File, Print.

12. Select LS8 from the printer list.

13. Click OK

LS8E Printing with Easy-Mark Screens

PANTHERLINK

43

Using the PanTher™ LS8E Hand-Held Thermal Transfer Printer with
Microsoft Excel^

Create the Excel .CSV File

1. Start a new spreadsheet in Excel

2. Enter the legend data within the first 8 columns and 100 rows.
NOTE: Each column (up to 8) of the spreadsheet will be treated as a

line within the label. A blank cell will be treated as a blank line.
A line is limited to 32 characters. A blank row will be treated as a
blank label.

3. Select FILE, then SAVE AS

4. In the SAVE AS window, select the CSV (comma delimited)(*csv) in the

"Save as type:" list.

5. Enter a file name (no more than 8 characters in length), then browse to the

desired folder for saving the file.

6. Click the SAVE button.

7. Select OK for the first warning message.

8. Select YES for the second warning message.

9. The file is now saved.

Excel Screens

PANTHERLINK

44

Convert Excel .CSV File to .DAT File

1. Open PanTherLink software.

2. Select FILE, then "Convert CSV to DAT..."

3. In the Select CSV window, browse to the CSV file created by Excel.

4. Select OPEN. The file name will disappear so that you can rename and save

the file as a .DAT file.

5. In the "Select target DAT file" window, enter a file name for the data file.

6. Browse to the desired folder for saving the data file.

7. Select SA VE.

8. The data file is now created and saved. This file can now be transferred to

the LS8E printer using PanTherLink software.

Excel .CSV File to .DAT File Conversion Screens

PANTHERLINK

45

Transfer .DAT File to LS8E Printer

1. Power LS8E printer on

2. Press the SETUP button. Select PC Interface. Select Files/Printing.

3. The LS8E printer is now ready to send or receive files.

4. Open PanTherLink software on a computer.

5. Select Send a data file to the LS8E printer from the toolbar. The icon shows

“DAT” with an arrow pointing away from a computer.

6. Browse to locate your .DAT file on your computer. Highlight the file and click

Open.

7. Select the file storage location on the printer to send the .DAT file to.

8. Click OK.

9. The file transfer progress bar will appear.

10. Once the Data file transfer successful message appears on you computer,

click OK.

11. The file menu tree on the left side of the PanTherLink screen will update

automatically.

12. Press DEL twice on the LS8E printer to end the PanTherLink session and

return to the SETUP menu.

13. Press SETUP to return to the home screen.

14. To insert the data file into a label, press INSERT and select DATA.

15. Scroll right to select the file to insert.

16. Scroll down to Save and Exit.

17. Press

.

18. The Data tool icon will appear on the LS8E home screen.

19. You are now ready to print your data list created in Microsoft Excel.

PANTHERLINK

46

.DAT File Transfer Screens

PANTHERLINK

47

Upgrading the PanTher™ LS8E Hand-Held Thermal Transfer Printer
Firmware

1. Save the LS8E printer firmware upgrade file to your computer. Choose a

location that will be easy to find.

2. Open PanTherLink software.

3. Select Upgrades the LS8 firmware from the toolbar. The icon shows “BIN”

with an arrow pointing away from a computer.

4. To enter USB upgrade mode on the LS8 printer, hold the F5 button and

power the LS8E printer on.

5. Click OK on your computer.

6. Locate the LS8E firmware upgrade file that you saved to your computer in

step 1.

7. Click Open.

8. The Upgrading Firmware progress bar will appear. The LS8E printer screen

will display Receiving Firmware. The upgrade takes approximately 3 minutes
to complete.

9.

DO NOT INTERRUPT THE UPGRADING PROCESS!

10. Once the Firmware upgrade successful message appears on your computer,

Click OK.

11. The LS8E printer will reboot automatically after the upgrade.

LS8E Printer Firmware Upgrade Screens

PANTHERLINK

48

LABELING EXERCISES

49

Exercise 1

Create basic text on a self-laminating wire/cable label

• Step 1: Insert a self-laminating label cassette such as S100X150VAC

• Step 2: When prompted, select New Blank File. Save previous label if

necessary.

• Step 3: Type 1234

• Step 4: Press PRINT

Results:

Exercise 2
Create basic text on heat shrink tubing

• Step 1: Insert a heat shrink tubing label cassette such as H000X044F1C

• Step 2: When prompted, select New Blank File. Save previous label if

necessary.

• Step 3: Type ABCD

• Step 4: Press PRINT

Results:

1234
1234

Hint: S100X150VAC defaults to 10

point font printed in Wire Marker
Mode.

You can adjust the font size by
pressing the SIZE key.

You can adjust the label mode by
pressing the LABEL key.

ABCD
ABCD
ABCD

Hint: H000X044F1C defaults to 10 point

font printed in Wire Marker Mode with
an “Auto” length setting.

You can adjust the font size by
pressing the SIZE key.

You can adjust the label mode by
pressing the LABEL key. For
example, try Tape Mode.

You can set a fixed tubing length by
using the LENGTH function. For
exam

p

le, enter 200 for 2.00 inches

LABELING EXERCISES

50

Exercise 3

Create basic text on continuous tape

• Step 1: Insert a continuous tape label cassette such as T100X000VUC­BK

• Step 2: When prompted, select New Blank File. Save previous label if
necessary.

• Step 3: Type 220 VOLTS

• Step 4: Press PRINT

Results:

Hint: T100X000VUC-BK defaults to 36 point

font printed in Tape Mode with an
“Auto” length setting.

You can adjust the font size by
pressing the SIZE key.

You can adjust the label mode by
pressing the LABEL key. For
example, try Vertical Mode.

You can set a fixed tape length by
using the LENGTH function.

2
2
0

V

O

L
T
S

Vertical Text

220 VOLTS

LABELING EXERCISES

51

Exercise 4

Create serialized wire markers with heat shrink tubing

• Step 1: Insert a heat shrink tubing label cassette such as H000X044F1C

• Step 2: When prompted, select New Blank File. Save previous label if

necessary.

• Step 3: Type WIRE

• Step 4: Press INSERT key

• Step 5: Press down arrow key once to highlight Serial

• Step 6: Press

• Step 7: Press right arrow key

• Step 8: Type 1 for Start value

• Step 9: Press

• Step 10: Press right arrow key

• Step 11: Type 3 for End value

• Step 12: Press

twice

• Step 13: Press PRINT

Results:

Hint: The Serial tool allows numeric or alphabetic

serializations.
You can choose any increment from 1 to 99,

print multiple copies of a series, and even
collate the copies of the series items.

Heat shrink tubing can be partially cut to create
a strand of individual markers. The Cut/Pause
function in the Setup Menu will pause a print
job between each consecutive label for cutting.

W

IRE1

WIRE1

W

IRE2

WIRE2

W

IRE3

WIRE3

WIRE1

W

IRE1

WIRE2

W

IRE2

WIRE3

W

IRE3

…Using Cut/Pause Function

Heat Shrink Serialization…

LABELING EXERCISES

52

Exercise 5

Create a symbol label on continuous tape

• Step 1: Insert a continuous tape label cassette, such as T100X000VXC­BK

• Step 2: When prompted, select New Blank File. Save previous label if
necessary.

• Step 3: Press SHIFT key and let go

• Step 4: Press A key

• Step 5: Press SPACE

• Step 6: Type CAUTION

• Step 7: Press PRINT

Exercise 6

Create terminal block labels

• Step 1: Insert a terminal block cassette (T024X000FJC-BK,
T031X000FJC-BK, or T038X000FJC-BK)

• Step 2: When prompted, select New Blank File. Save previous label if
necessary.

• Step 3: Enter the terminal spacing (ie. 0.25”)

• Step 4: Change rotation to 0 degrees for all pages. (Press the Shift +

Enter keys and select 0. Press ENTER. Select All Pages. Press
ENTER.)

• Step 5:

o Create text….

 Each terminal has up to 8 lines available. You may

need to increase the terminal space or decrease the
font size to fit additional lines. Up to 9 terminals can be
created in this way.

 Use the Page key to move to the next or to the previous

terminal

o …or create a serialization…

CAUTION

Results:

LABELING EXERCISES

53

 Press the INSERT key, select serial

 Enter start, end, and increment values

 Scroll down or up to Place On…
 Select Place On… Labels (this allows more than 9

terminals in a serialization

o …or create a data list…

 Press the INSERT key, select data
 Select Create/Edit to start a new list or…
 Select Choose File to insert an existing list. Up to 4

unique lists can be stored here.

 Data can be imported from Microsoft Excel (up to 8

columns by 100 rows) using PanTherLink software and
then inserted on a label through the data tool.

 If creating or editing data on the LS8E, use the Page

key to move to the next or to the previous terminal. 8
lines are allowed per terminal. Text for up to 100
terminals can be created in this way.

 Press F5 to exit the data list editor. Press S to save the

list.

 Scroll to Save and Exit
 Press ENTER

• Step 6: Press PRINT

o If you see the Tools too big error, then reduce the font size,

increase terminal space, or check the label rotation.

Hint: You can separate the terminal legends with

lines across the label. To do this, press the
Line key, select @ Pages – Yes. Press Enter.

You can change the terminal spacing by:

• Pressing the Shift + DEL keys, to
Clear All Pages & Format. Then enter

a new terminal space and press the Enter
key.

• …Or by using the LENGTH function.

LABELING EXERCISES

54

Exercise 7

Create DIN terminal block labels

NOTE: DIN terminal block labeling is based on European standards and

is primarily used in European countries. The unit of measure for
length in DIN Mode is millimeters (mm).

• Step 1: Insert a continuous tape cassette, such as T050X000VPC-BK

• Step 2: When prompted, select New Blank File. Save previous label if

necessary.

• Step 3: Press F5 to begin the DIN Mode function.

• Step 4: Enter the Module Size

• Step 5: Enter the Module Span

• Step 6: Create label text or tools

• Step 7: Press PRINT

• Step 8: Repeat steps 4 through 6 until print job is complete

• Step 9: Press DEL at steps 4 or 5 to exit DIN Mode

Exercise 8

Create a faceplate or patch panel label

• Step 1: Insert a network component label, such as C252X030FJC

• Step 2: When prompted, select New Blank File. Save previous label if

necessary.

• Step 3: Enter the number of ports required (ie. 4)

• Step 4: Type “A”

• Step 5: Press the INSERT key and select

Serial

• Step 6: Enter a start value of 01, stop value of 04, and
increment value of 1

• Step 7: Press ENTER

• Step 8: Press PRINT

Results:

Example using T252X030FJC, adhesive polyolefin component label.

A01 A02 A03 A04

LABELING EXERCISES

55

Exercise 9

Create a wire marker using the Application Based Label Wizard.

• Step 1: Turn printer on. (A label cassette does not need to be loaded in
the LS8E printer in order to begin this exercise.)

• Step 2: If prompted, select New Blank File. Save previous label if
necessary

• Step 3: Press F4 to begin Label Wizard. Follow the on screen
instructions.

• Step 4: Select the ECM market by pressing the right arrow key and then
pressing ENTER.

• Step 4: Select WIRE as the application by pressing ENTER.

• Step 5: Select 12-10 as the wire size by pressing the right arrow key and

then pressing ENTER.

• Step 6: Select SELF for self-laminating labels.

THE OPTIMUM LABEL CASSETTE PART NUMBER FOR YOUR

APPLICATION IS NOW DISPLAYED ON SCREEN. INSERT THIS
LABEL CASSETTE INTO THE LS8E PRINTER.

• Step 7: Select SER to create a serialization by pressing the right arrow
key and then pressing ENTER.

• Step 8: Use the right and left arrow keys to select the serialization
parameters (START, END, INCREMENT, ETC.), then press ENTER.

• Step 9: Type the value for each parameter in the on-screen window and
press ENTER to accept each value.

• Step 10: Press Shift and then F10 to save the serialization and exit the
Label Wizard

• Step 11: Press PRINT

Detailed instructions for using the other functions within the Application
Based Label Wizard are included below.

APPLICATION BASED LABEL WIZARD

56

APPLICATION BASED LABEL WIZARD SELECTIONS

Markets:

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturers (Control Panel Builders

and Manufacturing Operations)

ECM: Electrical Construction and Maintenance (Maintenance and

Repair Organizations (MRO), Contractors, and Installers)

NET: Network and Data Communications (Installers and Data

Centers)

OEM/ECM Applications:
WIRE: Wire and Cable Marking

TUBE: Heat Shrink Tubing

TERM: Terminal Block Labeling
PIPE: Pipe Marking

Network Applications:
CABLE: Cable Marking

PATCH: Patch Panel Labeling
BAKB: Backbone Labeling
GND: Ground Labeling
FACE: Faceplate Labeling
FIRE: Firestop Labeling

TIA/EIA-606-A Compliance Tool Applications:
HLINK: Horizontal Link Identifier

FACE: Faceplate Identifier
PATCH: Patch Panel Identifier
PUNCH: Punchdown Block Identifier
TS: Telecommunications Space Identifier
CONN: Connectors
TMGB: Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar
TGB: Telecommunications Grounding Busbar
BBAK: Building Backbone Cable Identifier
BBAKP: Building Backbone Pair or Optical Fiber Identifier
FIRE: Firestop
CBAK: Campus Backbone Cable Identifier
CBAKP: Campus Backbone Pair or Optical Fiber Identifier

APPLICATION BASED LABEL WIZARD

57

Using the Table Entry Tool in the Label Wizard

1. From within the Label Wizard, select TABLE.

2. Use the right and left arrow keys to scroll between the table parameters.

3. Press ENTER to select a parameter. An on-screen window will appear.

4. Type the value for the selected parameter in the on-screen window.

5. Press ENTER.

6. The Table entry layout on the screen indicates the current item number,
the number of copies for the current item, and the current line number
within the item.

7. Press ITM+ to move to the n ext item. Pres s ITM- to move to the previous
item. The maximum number of items (including copies) is 100.

8. Use the up and down arrow keys to change line number. There are 8
lines available for text.

9. The QTY function displays the total number of items (including copies) in
the table.

10. Press Shift and then F10 to save the serialization and exit the Label
Wizard.

11. The TABLE that you have created is stored in a data file. The data tool
appears on the home screen. To edit this file, highlight the icon on the
home screen, press SHIFT, and press the INSERT key.

12. Press F4 to restart the Label Wizard for a new TIA co mpliant labeling
application.

13. The TABLE entry tool in the LS8E printer is similar to the Text/Table label
wizard function within Easy-Mark™ labeling software.

Creating a Serialization in the Label Wizard (see exercise 9 above)

1. From within the Label Wizard, select SER for serialization.

2. Use the right and left arrow keys to scroll between serialization
parameters.

3. Press ENTER to select a parameter. An on-screen window will appear.

4. Type the value for the selected parameter in the on-screen window.

5. Press ENTER.

6. Repeat steps 2-4 for each parameter.

7. Press Shift and then F10 to save the serialization and exit the Label
Wizard.

APPLICATION BASED LABEL WIZARD

58

Using the TIA/EIA-606-A Compliance Tool in the Label Wizard

1. From within the Label Wizard, select TIA for TIA/EIA-606-A.

2. Use the right and left arrow keys to select the required class (class 1,
class 2, class 3, or class 4).

3. Press ENTER.

4. Use the right and left arrow keys to scroll between TIA labeling
applications.

5. Press ENTER for the selected TIA application.

6. Use the right and left arrow keys to scroll within the parameters of each
TIA application.

7. Press ENTER for the selected parameter. An on-screen window will
appear.

8. Type the value for the selected parameter in the on-screen window.

9. Press ENTER.

10. Repeat steps 6-9 for each parameter.

11. Press Shift and then F10 to save the serialization and exit the Label
Wizard.

12. The TIA compliant labels that you have created are stored in a data file.
The data tool appears on the home screen. To edit this file, highlight the
icon on the home screen, press SHIFT, and press the INSERT key.

13. Press F4 to restart the Label Wizard for a new TIA co mpliant labeling
application.

14. The TIA compliance tool in the LS8E printer is similar to the TIA/EIA-606­A label wizard function within Easy-Mark™ labeling software.

PRINTER CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

59

Cleaning the Print head and Drive Roller

The LS8E printer is cleaned using the LS8-CLN cleaning kit.
The print head should be cleaned regularly, and more often in harsh

environments. The print head should be cleaned whenever any irregular printing
results occur. The drive roller should be cleaned whenever foreign matter, such
as dust or adhesive, is present.

1. Turn OFF power to printer.

2. Remove the cassette door.

3. Unlock the print head latch.

4. Remove the label cassette from the printer

5. Rub a cotton swab with cleaning solution along the print head.

6. Repeat until no more residue is picked up by the swab.

PRINTER CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

60

Cleaning the Cutter Blade

The cutter blade should be cleaned when the quality of the cut indicates that the
blade may be dirty.

1. Turn OFF power to printer.

2. Remove the cassette door.

3. Unlock the print head latch.

4. Remove the label cassette from the printer

5. Push the cutter button in so that the cutter blade is exposed through the
media opening (see images below).

6. Clean the front and back sides of the cutter blade with the cotton swab and
cleaning solution.

7. Repeat until no more residue is picked up by the swab.

PRINTER TROUBLESHOOTING

61

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.

• 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.

PRINTING

Not printing.

• Make sure printer:

1. Is turned ON

2. Has label cassette loaded properly.

3. Label media is fed beneath guide arm on
cassette.

4. Print head latch is locked.

5. Has text or tools on the screen to print.

Tools Too Big!

• The items on the home screen are too large for the
printable area. You can:

• Reduce the text size on the home screen

• Reduce the symbol size

• Reduce the bar code size

• Rotate the label

• Use a larger label

Media is not
advancing properly
in the printer.

• Print head latch 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 print head latch

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 print head latch.

PRINTER TROUBLESHOOTING

62

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.

• Print head elements or “dots” are dirty or obstructed.
Clean print head with soft-stemmed swab and
isopropyl alcohol.

LABELS

Labels not
registering

• 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.

Die-cut labels
continue to feed
without stopping.

• Label sensor is dirty or obstructed. Clean sensor
with soft-stemmed swab and isopropyl alcohol or
compressed air.

CUTTER

Cutter does not work

• Make sure that cutter blade and print head are free
of debris or adhesive build-up. See detailed
cleaning instructions for more information.

DISPLAY

Printer powers on
but nothing appears
on the display

• Hold F5 and power the printer on. Reinstall printer
firmware using PanTherLink software and a USB
cable.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

63

1. Question: How do you cut the labels?
Answer: Fully press and then release the cutter button. The cutter

button is located on the top of the LS8E printer adjacent to
the label exit.

2. Question: What is the partial cut function and how is it adjusted?
Answer: Partial cutting enhances productivity and organization by

keeping a strand of labels together for pulling apart at a job
site. The partial cut function leaves a small bit of liner uncut.
The cutter can be adjusted to full or partial cut by turning the
black knob on the cutter button. The molded icons in the
cutter button indicate whether the printer is set to full or partial
cut.

3. Question: Should I remove the white tab from my label cassette?
Answer: No, this tab is meant to remain on the cassette. It is used to

help remove the cassette from your printer.

4. Question: How many files can be stored on the LS8E printer?
Answer: You can store 50 label files and 4 data lists on the LS8E

printer.

5. Question: How much memory does the LS8E printer have?
Answer: The LS8E printer has approximately 192 Kb of memory

available for file storage.

6. Question: Can I use the AC adapter to charge my batteries?
Answer: No, the AC adapter does not charge the batteries in the

printer. If the low battery icon appears on the screen, then
replace the batteries with new ones.

7. Question: What is the print resolution of the LS8E?
Answer: The print resolution of the LS8E is 203 dpi (dots per inch).

8. Question: Where is the LS8E serial number?
Answer: The serial number for your LS8E printer is printed on a label

inside of the battery compartment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

64

9. Question: If my cassette runs out during a print job, after I reinstall

another cassette, will the print job begin where it left off?

Answer: No, the print job will start over. To avoid printing duplicate

labels, you can change the printing parameters, such as the
serialization start or end, before printing.

10. Question: How many label cassettes can you print before needing to

replace the batteries?

Answer: The number of label cassettes that can be printed before

replacing the printer’s batteries depends on the label size,
label material, font size, and number of characters or tools
that you are printing. While the number of cassettes will
vary, you should typically be able to print at least 4 or 5
cassettes before replacing the batteries.

11. Question: Will the cutter blade ever get dull, and if so would the printer

need to be repaired?

Answer: The cutter blade is designed to maintain its sharpness

throughout the life of a printer. The cutter blade should be
cleaned periodically or whenever adhesive build-up appears.
If the cutter blade breaks for any reason, it should be
returned to Panduit for repair.

12. Question: Can I save an Easy-Mark label file to my LS8E printer?
Answer: No, an Easy-Mark file cannot be saved to an LS8E printer.

The Easy-Mark file can be printed on the LS8E, but it should
be saved on a computer.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

65

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

66

Print Method: Thermal transfer
Effective Print Width: 1.00” (25.4 mm)
Print Length: 12.00” (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)
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

European Community Restriction of Hazardous

Substances (RoHS)

European Community Waste Electrical and Electronic

Equipment (WEEE)
Weight 1.76 lbs. (0.80 kg)