Panduit Viper LS6 Owner's Manual

INDEX

1

Getting Started

Introduction and Safe Operation............................................. 2-3

General Description................................................................ 4-5

Battery Information................................................................. 6-8

Quick Start with Viper™ LS6 .....................................................9

Ribbon Loading & Selection.....................................................10

Label Loading...........................................................................11

Keyboard............................................................................ 12-13

Working with the Viper™ LS6

Using the Viper™ LS6 .......................................................14-16

Tools for Building Labels

Text Tool .......................................................................17

Serialization Tool..................................................... 18-19

Symbol Tool...................................................................20

Line Tool .......................................................................22

Box Tool ........................................................................23

Data Tool................................................................. 24-25

Bar Code Tool.......................................................... 26-27

Date / Time Tool............................................................28

Setting Up the Viper™ LS6................................................ 29-30

Saving Files …………………………………………………… 31-32
Retrieving Files ……………………..……………………… 33-34
Interfacing to a Computer - ViperLink™ ..………………………..35

Cleaning Instructions................................................................36

Troubleshooting.................................................................. 37-41

Warranty Information ….. .........................................................42

General Specifications..............................................................43

Replacement Parts and Accessories........................................44

™

LS6

Operator’s Manual

Panduit Corp.

1819 Atlanta Highway

Cumming, GA 30040

USA

Attention: Labeling Systems Department

Printers & Software – 866-871-4571

www.panduit.com/eg/ls6

email: [e-mail]

LS6-MAN-A

REV. 3 – 12/07/01

INTRODUCTION & SAFE OPERATION

2

The Viper LS6 Hand-Held Printer is the complete printing solution for
Electricians, Assemblers, Maintenance & Repair, Construction, and Network
Communications Personnel. This versatile on-site, on-demand printer
provides users the ability to save, retrieve, and edit custom or serialized
labels for wire and cable marking, component labeling, network labeling, and
facilities identification.

This manual will guide you step by step through the set-up, operation, and
troubleshooting of the Viper™ LS6 Printer. If you have problems not covered
herein, contact your local Panduit Sales Representative or call Panduit
Technical Support at 888-506-5400, ext 7470.

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.

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 the Panduit Corporation.

INTRODUCTION & SAFE OPERATION

3

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 (battery pack and/or AC Adapter).

Printer Power Supply

The Viper LS6 is supplied with a NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery. This
battery is re-chargeable. The life expectancy of the NiMH battery is
approximately 500 charge/discharge cycles. After the NiMH has surpassed its
useful life, it must be disposed of properly. DO NOT PLACE THE SPENT
NiMH BATTERY IN AN UNAPPROVED TRASH RECEPTACLE. All NiMH
batteries should be disposed of according to local rules and regulations. It is
strongly recommended that the NiMH battery be re-cycled per local rules and
regulations.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

4

RS232 Serial

Port

Cutter Knob

LCD Display

PCMCIA Slot
(Future)

AC Adapter Plug

Ribbon

Door

Label Door

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

5

Print Technology

The Viper LS6 prints labels using thermal transfer printing technology. The
print head melts ink contained on a thin web of material, allowing the ink to
transfer to the label material. The print head operates at 203 dots per inch.

Smart Label Roll – See page 11

The Viper LS6 label supplies are wound on a label cartridge that is plugged
into a socket in the printer. The label cartridge is read by the printer operating
system. The operating system AUTOMATICALLY selects the appropriate
printer settings. Also, the operating system will keep track of the number of
labels used from each roll and report the remaining labels to the user unless
labels are manually removed.

Ribbon Cartridge – See page 10

The ribbon material which contains the thermal transfer ink is housed in a
plastic housing to keep it clean, and to allow for easy installation and
replacement.

Battery Pack – See pages 6-6

A 12 volt battery powers the Viper LS6. The battery is a rechargeable NiMH
(Nickel-Metal Hydride) type which offers longer life than an equivalently sized
Ni-Cad (Nickel-Cadmium) battery. Also, NiMH batteries are more
environmentally friendly than Ni-Cad, resulting in less stringent recycling
requirements.

AC Adapter / Battery Charger – See page 6-6

An AC Adapter is included for powering the Viper LS6. The AC adapter is
compatible with international power systems (100 – 240 VAC). The Viper
LS6 includes an internal overnight battery charging circuit. The AC Adapter is
used to power the charging circuit. This circuit is intended to charge a
completely discharged battery pack in less than 15 hours. Contact the factory
for the availability of a fast battery charging accessory.

Label Cutter

A manually operated label cutter is included. The Viper LS6 will
automatically place the printed label in the proper position for cutting.

Carrying Case

A custom carrying case to protect and transport the printer and accessories.

PC Upgrade Kit – See page 34

An upgrade kit consisting of a cable for connection to a personal computer
(PC) and a CD containing the operating system in several languages (contact
factory for availability of languages), and an application program ViperLink .
ViperLink is used to connect the PC and the Viper LS6.

BATTERY INFORMATION

6

A 12 volt NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery comes with the Viper LS6
printer PARTIALLY CHARGED with a recommended 15 HOURS OF
CHARGING PRIOR TO USE. Charging of the Viper LS6 battery should be
accomplished ONLY with Panduit Model LS6 AC Adapter/Battery Chargers
(Part No. LS6-ACS, supplied with printer).

NOTE: The Battery (LS6-BP) should only be removed for replacement or
for replacement of the Lithium Battery. Charging of the battery occurs
while the battery (LS6-BP) is INSIDE the printer.

Charging the Battery

1. Connect AC Adapter

2. Ensure Printer is in On position

3. From the Home Screen Press Quik-Key [B]

4. Battery status of voltage will display

5. At prompt select [Y]es to setup for Charging

6. Insert AC Adapter into connection on the side of the Printer. Press Any

key to continue.

7. Press to end charging. A battery with a usable charge should read

between 12.5 –15 Volts.

• Completely charge the battery pack before use. The operating system

reports the battery voltage and charge status.

• Completely drain the battery pack before charging. The operating system

will warn the user on power up and power down of low battery conditions.

Consult you local guidelines for instructions on proper disposal of spent
battery packs.

BATTERY INFORMATION

7

Battery Removal

1. Remove battery door by using a coin to depress the tab.

2. Remove battery by unplugging and lifting out of battery compartment.

3. Re-install the battery by reversing steps 1 and 2 ensuring that the battery

is firmly plugged into the plug connection on the printer.

Lithium Battery

The ViperTM LS6 uses a Lithium coin-cell battery to preserve the printer
settings and stored files when the main battery pack is removed and the AC
Adapter is not plugged in.

Do not leave the main battery pack out for extended

periods of time, as this will drain the Lithium cell.

Do not remove the Lithium cell as this may result in

a loss of all stored settings and files.

If the printer does not preserve the printer settings and files when both the
battery pack and the AC Adapter are disconnected, then the Lithium cell
should be replaced using the procedure below.

Battery

Door

Battery

Battery

Compartment

Adjustable

Strap

BATTERY INFORMATION

8

Replacing the Lithium Cell

1. Plug-in the AC Adapter to preserve the stored settings and files during the

battery replacement.

2. Remove the main battery pack to gain access to the lithium cell.

3. Peel away the lithium cell warning label to expose the lithium cell in a

plastic holder. Save the warning label.

4. With your finger, firmly push on the circular plastic tab holding the cell in

place to slightly eject the lithium cell from the holder.

5. Noting the polarity markings on the cell, remove the cell and replace it

with a Panasonic CR2032 or equivalent. The cell should snap in-place
when properly installed. This common cell can be found at most office
and computer supply stores.

6. Replace Warning Label over Lithium Battery.

7. Replace the battery pack.

QUICK START WITH THE Viper™ LS6

9

1. Plug in the AC adapter.

2. Install a ribbon cartridge. See Section-Ribbon Cartridge Installation

page 9. NOTE: No ribbon required for Thermal Paper

3. Install a label cartridge – See Section – Label Loading (Page 11) OR

install included thermal paper sample cartridge (1” wide practice media).

4. Turn ON the printer. Press . If low battery message, select [N] to

continue. The following screen will appear:

5. Press [D] for Demonstration. Press at any time to exit.

6. Read Demonstration screens to understand printer operation.

7. Press the button. The following tool selection screen will appear:

8. Select the Icon or press [T] to select a Text Tool.

9. Type in up to 4 lines of up to 16 characters. Example: “PANDUIT”

10. When complete, press the key to return to the HOME Screen.

11. Press the key to print your label.

RIBBON LOADING & SELECTION

10

The Viper™ LS6 uses a cartridge based ribbon (wax or resin) to form legends
on labels. The ribbon is loaded into the printer by the following steps:
Printer must be turned OFF.

1. Open ribbon door on side of printer by pushing on arrow.

2. Rotate ribbon lock knob into open (unlocked) position [Counter
clockwise].

3. Remove slack from ribbon by winding left roller.

4. Insert the ribbon cartridge, the web of the ribbon should slide freely
between the rubber roller and the print head.

5. Turn printer ON .

6. Rotate ribbon lock knob into closed (locked) position –[Clockwise].

7. Close ribbon door on side of printer.

8. Press the key to align the ribbon, by advancing forward an inch
or two. If the label is not installed, you may need to press any key to
stop the feed.

Viper™ LS6 label media ribbon compatibility chart

Label Material Ribbon Required

Vinyl, Self-Laminating LS6-RWBLK
Heat Shrink LS6-RWBLK
Vinyl Tape LS6-RRBLK
Vinyl Cloth LS6-RWBLK
Polyester, Clear LS6-RRBLK or LS6-RRWHT
Polyester, White LS6-RRBLK
Polyolefin LS6-RRBLK
Non-Adhesive Polyester LS6-RRBLK
Paper NONE

LS6-RWBLK – Black Wax LS6-RRBLK – Black Resin
LS6-RRWHT – White Resin

Ribbon
Lock Knob

Ribbon
Cartridge

Ribbon
Door

LABEL LOADING

11

Each roll of labels or tape used in the Viper LS6 is uniquely identified by the
mandrel holding the labels. This allows the operating system to set the printer
for optimum usage of each label. Also, the operating system keeps track of
the remaining labels on each roll. Use the steps 1-5 to load each label roll.

1. Ensure that the printer is in the OFF position . Plug the Label Roll into
the socket as shown above until it is firmly seated.

2. Insert end of label into the label guide path (see yellow arrows). This requires
positioning the label width guide to the proper width. If the width guide is not
locked into a width notch, label recognition failure may occur.

3. Labels should be inserted into the label path until resistance is met – approx. ½”
(requires ribbon knob to be in locked position).

4. Turn the printer ON. Press the key to position the label for printing.

5. You are now ready!

Label Roll
Socket

Label Roll

Width Guide

(Push Down to

Adjust)

Cutter Knob

(Pull Forward for
Cutting)

Label Door

Label
Feed
Path

Mandrel

KEYBOARD

12

Print Key

Enter Key

Shift
Key

Power

On / Off

Directional

Arrows

Space

Key

Label
or
Ribbon
Feed
Key

Tools
Key

Setup /

Escape Key

Delete
Key

KEYBOARD

13

KEY / SYMBOL COMMON FUNCTIONS

POWER

Turns the printer ON, then turns

the printer OFF.
SETUP/
ESCAPE

Activates the Setup Menu for printer

functionality, escape key to back out of

menus .
DELETE Deletes tools or characters.

TOOLS Used for selecting Text, Serial, Symbol,

Line, Box, Data, Barcode, and Date/Time

tools.
FEED

Advances labels in printer, then

reverses feed. Also, functions as the HELP

key.
UP

ARROW

Moves cursor, or tool up, one option or line

at a time.
DOWN

ARROW

Moves cursor, or tool down, one option or

line at a time.
RIGHT

ARROW

Moves cursor, or tool right, one option or

line at a time.
LEFT

ARROW

Moves cursor, or tool left, one option or

character at a time.
PRINTING

Activates printing of label(s),

For multiple Copies of labels

To print the current page.
SPACE Inserts a blank character.

ENTER Completes a selection or moves cursor to

next line.
SHIFT Access alternate functions or characters.

to access characters on the keypad graphic overlay (not shown).

to access lower case alpha characters.
clears all tools or text on the page.
clears all pages.

USING THE Viper ™ LS6

14

The Home Screen

The Home Screen is where the user creates or builds his label. Available
tools are text, serialization, bar code, symbol, line, box, time/date, and Data.
See the tools for building labels below. The Home Screen consists of the
following elements:

Label Preview

The left side of the screen is where the user builds the label by placing tools
in the desired position on the label. Up to 8 tools can be placed on each page
of a label. Up to 8 pages can be defined for each label.

Tool Preview

The right side of the screen shows the contents of the selected tool, and
commonly used key functions.

Label Boundary

The 4 corner symbols on the left side of the screen indicate the boundaries of
the label.

Tool Boundary

A tool is represented by a rectangle. The size of the rectangle indicates the
relative size of the tool to the label size or label print on area.

Tool Tops

The line in the tool rectangle is the tool top, indicating the orientation of the
tool on the label.

Tool Icon

The symbol within the tool rectangle indicates the type of tool.

- For a Text Tool

- For a Serialization Tool

- For a Symbol Tool

- For a Line Tool

- For a Box Tool

- For a Data Tool

- For a Barcode Tool

- For a Date/Time Tool

USING THE Viper ™ LS6

15

Key Mode Indicator

The key mode indicator is located in the lower left corner. The key mode is
indicated as follows:

• Blank for Normal - The character on the key will be selected when
pressed.

• Open Square for Alternate - The next key stroke will select the overlay
character for the key, or the alternate function associated with the key.

• Filled Square for Shift - The next key stroke will select lower/upper case
for an alphabetic character, or select the shift function associated with the
key.

Page Indicator

The row of 8 page indicators are located at the bottom of the screen. The
filled page indicator is the page selected for preview. A line appears in a page
indicator if at least one tool is present on that page.

Text Case Indicator

The current default for the text case is indicated at the lower right corner of
the label preview area.

• Blank indicates upper case

• A filled square indicates lower case

POWER Key

To turn ON the Viper ™ LS6, press and hold the key until a beep is
heard or until activity is seen on the display. To turn the Viper™ LS6 off,

press and release the key, then press and hold the key until a beep
is heard, or until the power down message appears. This method of power
control reduces the chance of accidentally turning off the printer.

SETUP Key

Press and release the key to activate the setup screens. The key
also functions as an ESCAPE key to end a function and return to the previous
function.

DEL Key

The key is used to delete characters or tools. Deleting a tool from a label
removes the tool and places it in a temporary storage location. If desired, the
tool can be restored by ‘pasting’.

USING THE Viper ™ LS6

16

TOOL Key

The key is used to activate the tool selection function. The Viper™ LS6
provides 8 tools for building labels and wire markers; text - ,
serialization - , line - , symbol - , box - , data - , bar code - ,
date/time - . Up to 8 tools can be placed on a page of a label.

FEED Key

The key is used to manually advance the label or ribbon material during
loading, or to reposition the label when desired. It also serves to activate the
HELP topic for the currently active function.

PRINT Key

The key signals the operating system to process and print the currently
active label. Note that a print job can be terminated by pressing and holding
any key.

SHIFT Key

The key is used to select characters from the keypad and graphic
overlay, and to activate Quik-key™ functions. Press and release the key to
sequence through the three key modes – Normal, Alternate, Shift.

ARROW Key

The keys are used to move the selected tool or to move the
cursor when editing text.

Quik-Key ™ Fast Label Formatting system

Commonly used functions can be quickly activated by using Quik-Keys™,
which are 1, 2, or 3 key combinations. Quik-Key™ definitions can be

reviewed by pushing the [Q] at the Home screen.

TEXT TOOL

17

The Text Tool is used to add up to 4 lines of 16 characters each (maximum)
to a label. The following are the steps for building a Text Tool.

Step 1: Press from the home screen .
Step 2: Select from the Tools buttons using the arrow keys, then

or by selecting Quik-KeyTM [T].

Step 3: Enter alphanumeric characters onto the four (4) lines provided.
Step 4: Press when complete or for text options.

For editing text and associated strokes, see KEYBOARD section page 13
TEXT OPTIONS

[S]ize – Size text from 6 point to 192 point
S[t]yle – Text styles available:

[N]ormal
[U]nderline
[R]everse – Reverses text to appear white on black.

[J]ustify – Text justification:

[C]enter
[L]eft
[R]ight

[O]rient – Define text orientation (angle of characters):

[0] 0 deg
[1] 90 deg
[2] 180 deg
[3] 270 deg

TEXT TOOL HELP

Help can be accessed at any time while in the Text Tool by pressing .
Note: If Text Tool is chosen and no characters are entered, the printer default

is to set up a blank tool on the screen.

SERIALIZATION TOOL

18

The Serialization Tool is used to automatically number labels sequentially
either with numeric or alphanumeric characters. Up to four (4) serializations
can be defined for one text string and serializations can be printed as text or
as a bar code. The Serialization Tool is used in the following progression of
steps in building labels:

Step 1: Press from the home screen.
Step 2: Select from the Tools buttons using the

Arrow keys, then , or selecting Quik-Key™ [S].

Step 3: Prompt Screen 1 Lists the following Options:

[A]lpha – Alphanumeric serialization
Num[1] – Single digit numeric serialization
Num[2] – Two digit numeric serialization
Num[3] – Three digit numeric serialization

Select by using Quik-key™ [bracketed] key or .

Step 4: Prompt Screen 2 – Prefix Text

Allows user to define text string to appear before
serialization. Eight (8) characters allowed. Press to

continue.

Step 5: Prompt Screen 3 – Start of serialization

User defines start value for serialization. Press to
continue.

Step 6: Prompt Screen 4 – End of serialization

User defines end value for serialization, alpha or numeric.
Press to continue.

Step 7: Prompt Screen 5 – Increment

User defines incrementing value of serialization.
Example; 1, 2, 3. Press to continue.

SERIALIZATION TOOL

19

Step 8: Prompt Screen 6 – Next serialization / Options

Press [N] for next serialization or to complete and return
to HOME screen. Viper™ allows up to four (4) serializations
per line per tool.

Press [O] for Options – Included options are:

a) Span

[L]ine – Places serialization on the next line of the

same label.

[P]age – Places serialization on the next page of the

eight available pages.

La[b]el – Places serialization on the next

label.

b) Serialize as

[T]ext – Print the serialization as text.
[B]ar Code – Print the serialization as a bar

code, using the default bar code settings.

c) Text Options [S]ize, S[t]yle, [J]ustify, [O]rient – See

Text Tool Page 17

SERIAL TOOL HELP

Help can be accessed at any time while in the Serial Tool by pressing .
Note: If Serial Tool is chosen and no characters are entered, the printer

default is to set up a blank tool on the screen.

SYMBOL TOOL

20

The Symbol Tool is most used for building facility identification markers using
continuous tape. Symbols can also be used on any other labels but their size
will be restricted by the physical size of the labels. The Symbol Tool is used in
the following progression of steps in building labels:

Step 1: Press from the home screen.

Step 2: Select from the Tools buttons using the

Arrow keys and , or selecting Quik-Key™ [Y].

Step 3: Use the Arrow keys to select the desired symbol

or [N] [Symbol #] to select the symbol by number. The Viper ™
LS6 has more than 35 symbols available. The right side of the screen
will display a preview of the symbol. See below for a summary of
symbols.

Step 4: Select [S] to change the size of the symbol – Options include:

[1] Small - .25” tall, [2] Medium - .5” Tall, [3] Large -.75” Tall
[4] Xlarge – 1.0” tall [5] Huge – 1.5” tall

Step 5: Press ENTER to select the symbol and return to the home screen or

press to return to Home Screen.

Step 6: Adjust Placement of tool on screen with .
NOTE: Additional symbols may be added in the future.

SYMBOL TOOL HELP

Help can be accessed at any time while in the Symbol Tool by pressing .
Note: If Symbol Tool is chosen and no symbol is selected, the printer will
select the default symbol [DATA – No. 1] and setup on the screen.

SYMBOL TOOL

21

Available Symbols and their assigned library number are listed below:

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

LINE TOOL

22

The Line Tool is used to display a solid line either horizontally or vertically on
the label. The line can be ¼, ½ or the full length (or width) of the label. The
following are steps to building a Line Tool:

Step 1: Press from the home screen.
Step 2: Select from the Tools buttons using the

Arrow keys and , or selecting Quik-Key™ [L].

Step 3: Prompt Screen 1 – Line

User Defines type of line to be displayed.

[V] – Vertical
[H] – Horizontal

Step 4: Prompt Screen 2 – Size

User defines line to be quarter, half, or full length.

[Q] – ¼ length/width
[H] – ½ length/width
[F] – Full length/width

Step 5: Press to return to Home Screen.
LINE TOOL HELP

Help can be accessed at any time while in the Line Tool by pressing .
Note: If Line Tool is chosen and no selection made, the printer default is to set

up a blank tool on the screen.

BOX TOOL

23

The Box Tool is used to display a box on the label. The box can be ¼, ½, or
full length (or width) of the label. The box can be a frame only, filled, clear, or
reverse. Reverse will invert (white on black) the text or symbols contained
within the borders of the box. The following are steps to building a Box Tool:

Step 1: Press from the home screen .
Step 2: Select from the Tools buttons using the

Arrow keys and , or selecting Quik-Key™ [B].

Step 3: Prompt Screen 1 – Box Style

User defines type of box to be displayed.

[B]ox – Displays box of size specified.
[F]ill – Displays filled box.
[R]everse – Invert objects within the box

boundaries.

[C]lr – Clears objects within the box boundaries.

Step 4: Prompt Screen 2 – Horizontal Size

User defines whether box will be half or full length.

[Q]tr – ¼ size.
[H]alf – ½ size.
[F]ull – Full size.

Repeat for vertical size.

Step 5: Press to return to Home Screen.
EXAMPLE OF REVERSE BOX TOOL:

BOX TOOL HELP

Help can be accessed at any time while in the Box Tool by pressing .
Note: If the Box Tool is chosen and no selections made, the printer default is

to set up a blank tool on the screen.

WARNING

DATA TOOL

24

The Data Tool is used to link a list of label legends to a label. The
Data Tool also defines how to place the label legends on the label. The list
can consist of up to 100 legends, where each legend can be up to 4 lines of
up to 16 characters. The list can be created on the printer, or created on a
PC then downloaded to the printer using the ViperLinkTM software (See page

34). Using a Data Tool, the user need only define 1 label that could print up
to 100 labels.

The Data Tool can also be defined to prompt the user for legend
when the label is printing. This feature allows the user to reserve space on
the label for data that will be entered at a later time.

Step 1: Press from the home screen .

Step 2: Select from the Tools buttons using the Arrow keys and , or

selecting Quik-Key™ [D].

Step 3: Prompt Screen 1 – Data Input

User defines method of data input:

[K]ey – User will be prompted to enter data during printing.
[F]ile – Data is pulled from a file in memory.
[L]ist – Data is pulled from an internal data list built by user.
See Step 8

Press to continue.

Step 4: Prompt Screen 2 – # of Lines 1-4

Defines how many lines (up to 4) the data tool will accept.
Press to continue.

Step 5: Prompt Screen 3 – # of Characters 1-16:

Defines how many characters (up to 16) the data tool will
accept. Press to continue.

Step 6: Prompt Screen 4 – Span

[L]ine – The tool will place each legend on lines of

the same label.

[P]age – The tool will place each legend on pages

of the 8 pages available.

La[b]el – The tool will place each legend on a

different label.

Press to continue.

DATA TOOL

25

Step 7: Prompt Screen 5 – Tool Name

Allows user to give a descriptive name to the tool. Default is
“No Name”. Press to continue.

Step 8: Prompt Screen 6 – Data List

[E]dit – Allows user to create or revise the internal data list.
Press to continue.

Step 9: Prompt Screen 7 – Data Tool Text Options – Press [O] to Edit.

See TEXT TOOL Section Page 17

Step 10: Press or to return to Home menu.
DATA TOOL HELP

Help can be accessed at any time while in the Data Tool by pressing .
Note: If the Data Tool is chosen and no selections are made, the printer

default is to set up a blank tool on the screen.

BAR CODE TOOL

26

The Bar Code Tool can be used for bin labeling or component identification
and can be used in combination with other tools for effective identification of
property or components. The Bar Code Tool can be printed with and without a
checksum or human readable text. The Bar Code Tool can receive data from
the serial port, from the keypad when the Bar Code Tool is created, or from
the keypad when the label is printed (Note- printer prompts user after printing
engaged). The following steps are for building Bar Code Tools:

Step 1: Press from the home screen .

Step 2: Select from the Tools buttons using the

Arrow keys and or selecting Quik-Key™ [C].
Step 3: Prompt Screen 1 – Input Method

The printer automatically defaults to Fixed Text that the user will enter at
prompt screen 2. Selecting [I] to change the input mode yields:

[T]ext – Allows user to type in the bar code data (up to 16 characters)

[K]ey – Operating system will prompt the user to type in the bar

code data after printing is engaged (up to 16 characters)

[S]erial – Operating system will read the bar code data from the serial

port (up to 16 characters) via a computer or a bar code
scanner (not included).

Step 4: Prompt Screen 2 – Text Input

User inputs desired characters (up to 16)
Step 5: Prompt Screen 3 – Options –

Selecting will honor default settings (see below) and complete the tool.
Selecting [O] at this screen will allow change to the bar code default
parameters. The default bar code parameters are determined by the settings
in the [SETUP] menu and noted below:

[S]elect – Choose bar code symbology

[H]uman Readable – [Y]es [N]o (See Note below)

Checksum - – [Y]es [N]o (See Note below)

Narrow Bar – [1] .010” , [2] .015” [3] .020”

Name – A descriptive name for the tool.

Text [O]ptions – See TEXT TOOL Page 17.

Note:
Human Readable – Prints alpha/numeric characters of barcode below the

barcode.
Checksum – Unique Check Digit used in barcode scanner technology to
verify proper read by scanner device.

BAR CODE TOOL

27

SERIALIZED BAR CODES

For serialized bar codes, please see the Section entitled “Serial Tool”. A
serialization is first built and then the options are set to print as a Bar Code.

BAR CODE HELP

Help can be accessed at any time while in the Bar Code Tool by pressing

.
Note: If the Bar Code Tool is chosen and no characters are entered, the
printer default is to set up a blank tool on the screen.

DATE/TIME TOOL

28

The Date/Time Tool allows the user to apply a time stamp to labels. The time
and date applied to the label will be defined per the internal clock of the
Viper™ LS6. Please see section Setting up the Viper™ LS6 page 29.

Setting Time, Date, Alarm on the LS6

1. Press

2. Select [P]rinter

3. Select Ti[m]e

4. Select [T]ime, [D]ate, or [A]larm

5. Enter appropriate information (See Note).

6. Press to accept.

7. Press to return to the HOME Screen

Note: Press [A] or [P] to toggle between a.m. and p.m. for time.

Using the Date/Time Tool

Step 1: Press from the Home screen .

Step 2: Select from the Tools buttons using the

Arrow keys and or selecting Quik-Key™ [M].

Step 3: Prompt Screen 1 – Time or Date

[T]ime – Setup as a Time Tool.
[D]ate – Setup as a Date Tool

Step 4: Prompt Screen 2 – Text or Current Time/Date

[T]ext – Allows fixed text (up to 16 characters) to be entered.
[N]ow – The tool will use the current time/date settings when the label

is printed.

Step 5: Prompt Screen 3 – Text [O]ptions

See TEXT Tool Page 17 for text options available.

Note: If the Date/Time Tool is chosen and no characters are entered, the
printer default is to set up a blank tool on the screen.

SETTING UP THE VIPER™ LS6

29

Activate the setup screens by pressing the key.

The setup screens allow the user to set the default operating parameters for
the printer, and the initial settings for the tools.
Working in the Setup Screens:

• Use the . keys to move the highlighter to the desired topic.

OR….

• Type in the Quik-key™ [bracketed] to select the desired topic or Press

• Use the key to back out of a topic.

• Use the key to view the Help text associated with a topic or sub-

topic.

The following topics and sub-topics are available:

Options File

Text Rotation Clear Memory
Text Size Folder
Text Style File Name
Text Position File Type
Text Characters File Info
Tool Rotation Save a File
Tool Horizontal Position Recall a File
Tool Vertical Position Delete a File

Bar Codes Help

Human Readable Text Show Tool Tops
Checksum Show Tool Icons
X Dimension Help Index
Input Mode Demonstration

SETTING UP THE VIPER™ LS6

30

Mode Printer

Component Automatic Power Down
Wire Marker Contrast
Terminal Peel or Cut Position
Tape Sound Effects
Strip Feed Control
Notches Low Battery Setting

Print Quality Setting
Set Time, Date, and Alarm

Utility Label

Battery Charging Left Margin
Games Right Margin
Calculator Top Margin
Language Bottom Margin
PC Mode Line Spacing
Emulate Heat Setting
Printer Status Label Width
Sensor Sensitivity Label Length

Printable Length
Label Cut Distance

Examples:
Mode:

Options:

SAVING FILES

31

The Viper™ LS6 has the ability to save and retrieve label files and data files.
The operating system uses a portion of memory for a label work area, and
another portion to store the internal data list. The user creates a label in the
label work area. Saving a label file (filename.LS6) stores the contents of the
label work area in to the permanent file storage area of the internal memory.
The user creates or edits the data list in the data list work area. Saving a data
file (filename.DAT) stores the contents of the data list work area into the
permanent file storage area of the internal memory. Retrieving a file places a
copy of a permanently stored file into the appropriate work area.

The file storage area contains 16 folders. Each folder can store up to 16
files. Each file must be given a unique name of up to 8 characters. The
folders allow files to be grouped by name, job, label type, or by some other
scheme.

Saving or retrieving files is completed through the SETUP menu as follows:

Saving a Label

1. Ensure the printer is in On position

2. After label definition has been completed, press to show SETUP

menu

3. Select [F]ile – Activates folder selection prompt:

to scroll Folders

The screen depicts the folder number and folder name. The default
settings for the printer are numeric names for folders 0-15. Step 4
allows the user to change the name of the folder to a relevant title for
label storage identification.

4. Press [N]ame or to accept the indicated folder. Choosing [N]ame

allows the user to enter in up to 8 characters to identify the folder where
you wish to store the label. The LS6 is configured with 16 file folders
numbered from 0 to 15 which can remain numbered or named with an 8
digit alphanumeric/numeric character.

SAVING FILES

32

5. Press after completion of folder name which will activate the file

naming prompt screen

to scroll Files

Select [N]ame to name the label file that has been defined. Use up to 8
characters are allowed for the name.

6. Select [T]ype to select the file type. (Label.LS6) or (Data.DAT).

7. Press to accept.

8. Press [S]ave to save the file

9. Press either to exit file storage or [I]nfo or [C]lear All

10. Pressing [I]nfo will prompt the following screen.

[P]rotect – Toggles between [Yes/No] to define file as Read Only.
[L]ocked – Toggles between [Yes/No] to protect file from deletion.

Warning – Pressing [C]lear All will result in loss of Printer

Memory (Label Files) and is irreversible!

11. Pressing [C]lear All will prompt the user to Format the Printer Memory.

RETRIEVING FILES

33

Retrieving a Label File

1. Press to show SETUP menu

2. Select [F]ile – Activates folder selection prompt:

to scroll Folders

3. Select the folder where the label file is located. Press

4. Select the label file. Press to Accept

to scroll Files

5. Press [L]oad to retrieve the file

NOTE: The LS6 will not allow file loading unless the correct
label part is installed in the printer.

6. Press either to exit file storage to HOME Screen or [I]nfo or [C]lear

All

RETRIEVING FILES

34

7. Pressing [I]nfo will prompt the following screen.

[P]rotect – Toggles between [Yes/No] to define file as Read Only.
[L]ocked – Toggles between [Yes/No] to protect file from deletion.

Warning – Pressing [C]lear All will result in loss of

Printer Memory (Label Files) and is irreversible!

8. Pressing [C]lear All will prompt the user to Format the Printer Memory.

INTERFACING TO A COMPUTER

35

The Viper™ LS6 can be connected to a personal computer (PC) using the
Viper™ LS6 Upgrade Kit (Part No. LS6-PCKIT). The kit contains the
operating system in multiple languages and the ViperLink software
program as well as a serial cable for connecting the Viper™ LS6 to your
personal computer (PC).

See the ViperLink CD (LS6-CD) for installation of the ViperLink software
onto the Personal Computer. Follow the installation wizard to install the
software on your computer. Use the serial cable (Enclosed in LS6-PCKIT) to
connect the Personal Computer (9 Pin Serial Port) to the LS6 (RS232 Port)

Upgrades to the Viper™ LS6 Internal operating system can be downloaded
from the Panduit Internet website. The web address is:

www.panduit.com/eg/ls6

The website also has other pertinent information related to the LS6. It will be
required for the user to download a operating system upgrade via the Panduit
website to his personal computer then use the ViperLink™ software to
upload the revised operating system to the LS6 Printer.

The ViperLink™ software program allows the user to

• Upgrade the operating system

• Copy files from the Viper™ LS6 to the PC

• Copy files from the PC to the Viper™ LS6

• Create / Edit a DATA File

• Retrieve Printer Status Information

The LS6 must first be in PC Mode before attempting the above items. To
engage PC mode on the LS6:

Step 1: With the printer ON and at the HOME screen, press
Step 2: Press [U] for Utility
Step 3: Then press [P] for PC Mode. You are now ready to perform tasks

between your PC and the LS6.

NOTE: The Screen of the LS6 will go blank and flicker when upgrading

Operating system.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

36

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. Open the ribbon lock knob.

3. Remove any label media from print path and remove label cartridge from

printer.

4. Remove the ribbon.

5. Power the printer on .

6. Position ribbon lock knob in locked position.

7. Extend width guide to greatest width.

8. Insert cleaning card (Part No.LS6-CLN) until resistance is met.

9. Press to feed cleaning card completely through printer.

10. Flip cleaning card over and repeat steps 8 & 9 as necessary.

11. If there are large deposits on the drive rollers, soak cotton swab in

Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) and remove deposits from rubber
roller with sweeping motion.

Caution: LS6-CLN (Cleaning Card) Contains Alcohol,

Keep away from flames.

TROUBLESHOOTING

37

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 Service at 866-871-4571.

SYMPTOM ACTION

POWER

Printer does not
power up properly,
and LCD does not
come on.

• To turn printer ON, depress the power button.

• Make sure the battery pack is fully charged.

Charge a drained battery pack for a minimum of
15 hours with LS6-ACS.

• Plug in AC Adapter. Ensure power cord is firmly
seated into adapter.

• Make sure battery pack plug is connected to
printer plug in battery compartment

• Battery pack is worn out or damaged. Try a new
charged battery pack. (LS6-BP).

PRINTING

Not printing.

• Make sure printer:

1. Is turned ON

2. Has ribbon cartridge properly loaded

3. Ribbon cartridge locked in place

4. Label mandrel seated properly

5. Labels positioned in feed mechanism correctly

• Remove ribbon cartridge and clean print
mechanism with provided cleaning card.

Too Big!

• Tool too large for label print on area. Adjust size
of tool or text font size within tool to fit on label.

Media is not
advancing properly
in the printer.

• Ribbon knob not locked. Rotate ribbon knob into
locked position.

• Label jam in printer. Label is caught in print
mechanism.

• To clear jam:

1. Turn printer power OFF.

2. Open label door.

3. Detach any printed labels w/cutter.

4. Open ribbon lock knob.

5. Remove unprinted labels from the printer.

TROUBLESHOOTING

38

SYMPTOM ACTION

PRINTING Continued

6. Carefully remove any labels caught in the
printer.

• Ensure that labels are properly positioned in label
path and that width guides are in contact with both
sides of the label.

• End of label roll reached. Detach end of label roll
from core.

Printed image is
full, but grayish or
“translucent”.

• Print head energy setting is too high. Reduce
energy setting.

• Ribbon and media are incompatible. Test
alternative ribbon or media.

Voids in printed
image: areas where
there is no print.

• Dust on label. Remove dust with compressed air.
Place static tinsel across label unwind.

• Tag or label surface is inconsistent (including
color flood coating). Choose face sheet or flood
coating inks specifically designed for thermal
transfer.

• Ribbon and media are incompatible. Test
alternative ribbon or media.

• Print head elements or “dots” are dirty or
obstructed. Clean print head with pre-saturated
cleaning card (LS6-CLN) or soft-stemmed swab
and isopropyl alcohol.

• Print head elements or “dots” are burned out.
Replace print head.

Repetitive voids in
image.

• Print head elements or “dots” are dirty or
obstructed. Clean print head with pre-saturated
cleaning card (LS6-CLN), or soft-stemmed swab
and isopropyl alcohol.

• Print head elements or “dots” are burned out or
worn down. Replace print head.

TROUBLESHOOTING

39

SYMPTOM ACTION

PRINTING

Streaks or “dead
spots” in printed
image.

• Ribbon is wrinkled. See ribbon wrinkling.

• Poor coating quality on tag or label surface.

Contact media supplier for assistance.

• Clean print head with pre-saturated cleaning card
(LS6-CLN), or soft-stemmed swab and isopropyl
alcohol.

Not printing any
image (or barely
any image).

• Ribbon and media are incompatible. Test
alternative ribbon or media. Alternative ribbons
are wax or resin.

Printer stalls or will
not print.

• Ribbon or media is not loaded properly. Reload
ribbon and media, making sure both pass under
respective sensors.

• Ribbon or media sensors are dirty or obstructed.
Clean sensors with soft-stemmed swabs and
isopropyl alcohol or compressed air.

RIBBON

Ribbon is not
advancing properly.

• Ribbon is not loaded correctly. Load ribbon
properly at side of printer and ensure knob is in
lock position.

Ribbon wrinkling.

• Ribbon not loaded correctly. Remove ribbon, re­insert and lock.

• Ribbon not wound tightly prior to installation.
Remove ribbon, wind take-up until slack
disappears, re-insert ribbon and lock in position.

Printer doesn’t stop
when out of ribbon.

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

Ribbon breaking.

• Ribbon cartridge empty. Replace ribbon
cartridge.

TROUBLESHOOTING

40

SYMPTOM ACTION

LABELS

Labels not
registering

• Make sure that label mandrel is firmly seated in
socket

• Width guide loose. Make sure the width guide is
properly placed and fixed in place. Per specific
label.

• 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
“calibrating”.

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

• Printer is set in “no notches” mode. Change
setting to “notches” mode in label software.

BAR CODES

Character does not
display on screen
when key is
depressed.

• Key is stuck. Make sure no keys are stuck in the
depressed position.

Poor edge
definition (bar
codes and
alphanumerics).

• Print speed is too high. Reduce print speed.

• Ribbon and media are incompatible. Test

alternative ribbon or media.

Bar codes
smearing (bar code
edges “bleeding” or
“feathering”.

• Print head energy setting is too high. Reduce
energy setting until bar edges are clean.

• Print speed is too high. Reduce print speed.

• Rotated (“ladder” style) bar code is being used.

Change label design to include only normal
(“picket fence” style) bar codes.

Bars in bar codes
are too wide or too
narrow resulting in
a poor scan grade.

• Print speed is too high. Reduce print speed.

• Print head energy setting it too high/too low.

Adjust to optimize average bar growth (visually or
with verifier).

Overburn (too much ribbon transfer). Reduce print
head energy setting or use a ribbon with lower
sensitivity (refers to ribbons requiring more energy).

TROUBLESHOOTING

41

SYMPTOM ACTION

BAR CODES Continued

• Bars too thick. Reduce print head energy setting.

Insufficient print
contrast: Bars are
not dark enough,
spaces are not light
enough.

• Print head energy setting is too low. Increase
print head energy setting.

OTHER Continued

Printer Locked Up

With printer OFF, Press and hold [R] and to
RESET the printer.
Note: Saved Label files will NOT be lost during reset.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

42

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

43

Print Method: Thermal transfer or direct thermal
Effective Print Width: 1.89” (48 mm)
Print Length: 20.0” (maximum label length)
Print Resolution: 203 dpi (horizontally and vertically)
Print Speed: Up to 1 ips
Feed Speed: Up to 2 ips
Label Width: 0.24” to 2.0”
Media Length: 3” diameter label roll (internal)
Media Types: Die cut or continuous tapes
Materials: Vinyl self-laminating, flattened heat shrink,

vinyl cloth, polyester, continuous tape, vinyl,

non-adhesive polyester, paper.
Media Cutting: Manually operated cutter
Ribbons: Replaceable cartridges, wax or resin
Keypad: 49 color coded keys with overlay
Display: 128 x 64 dots graphic LCD
LCD Contrast Control: Adjustable via keypad
Operating System: Panduit proprietary – user upgradeable.
User Memory: 128 Kbytes of RAM available for label storage.
Memory Card: Future - PCMCIA Type I and Type II memory cards.
Serial Port: RS-232 Serial Interface for PC hook-up or

bar code scanner.
Battery Pack: 12 VDC, 1200 mAh rechargeable NiMH

(Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery pack.

(Battery life – approx. 1500 TWS-2V labels)
AC Adapter: Universal Input (100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) with

IEC-320-C14 input connector

(accepts international cord sets).

Regulated DC Output 12 VDC, 0 to 1.2 Amp.

Powers the printer’s internal battery charger.

Charging time 15 hours.
Sound Effects: Audio speaker included
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.
Size Height: 6.2” (157.5 mm)

Width: 4.9” (124.5mm)

Length: 13.8” (350.5 mm)
Weight 4.1 lbs. (1.86 kg) - includes battery pack

REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

44

DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER

Wax Ribbon – Black LS6-RWBLK
Resin Ribbon – Black LS6-RRBLK
Resin Ribbon – White LS6-RRWHT
Hybrid Ribbon – Black (Future) LS6-RHBLK
Battery Pack LS6-BP
LS6 ViperLink™ Software w/
Computer Connection Cable

LS6-PCKIT

LS6 AC Adapter/Battery Charger LS6-ACS
Carrying Case LS6-CASE
Cutter Assembly LS6-CUTTER
Cleaning Card (kit – 5 Cards) LS6-CLN
Operator’s Manual LS6-MAN-*
Quickstart Card LS6-QS
Exercise Card LS6-EX

* Insert Language code as applicable:

A - English, D - German, E - Spanish, F- French, I – Italian, J – Japanese,
P- Portugese