Phoenix Contact THERMOFOX User Manual

Operating the THERMOFOX
thermal transfer printer

User manual

User manual

Operating the THERMOFOX thermal transfer printer

Designation:

Revision:

Order No.:

This user manual is valid for:

Designation Version Order No.
THERMOFOX 0803984
THERMOFOX SET 0803986

UM EN THERMOFOX

01

–

2016-08-

05

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

THERMOFOX

Please observe the following notes

Explanation of symbols used and signal words

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety measures that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.

There are three different categories of personal injury that are indicated with a sig­nal word.

DANGER This indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result

WARNING This indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could re-

CAUTION This indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could re-

This symbol together with the signal word NOTE and the accompanying text alert
the reader to a situation which may cause damage or malfunction to the device,
hardware/software, or surrounding property.

This symbol and the accompanying text provide the reader with additional infor­mation or refer to detailed sources of information.

in death or serious injury.

sult in death or serious injury.

sult in minor or moderate injury.

How to contact us

Internet

Up-to-date information on Phoenix Contact products and our General Terms and
Conditions can be found on the Internet at:

phoenixcontact.com

Make sure you always use the latest documentation. It can be downloaded at:

phoenixcontact.net/products

Subsidiaries

If there are any problems that cannot be solved using the documentation, please
contact your Phoenix Contact subsidiary. Subsidiary contact information is avail­able at:

phoenixcontact.com

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

4

Published by

PHOENIX CONTACT GmbH & Co. KG
Flachsmarktstraße 8
32825 Blomberg
GERMANY

Should you have any suggestions or recommendations for improvement of
the contents and layout of our user manual, please send your comments to:

[e-mail]

General Terms and Conditions of Use for technical documentation

Phoenix Contact reserves the right to alter, correct, and/or improve the technical documentation
and the products described in the technical documentation at its own discretion and without giv­ing prior notice, insofar as this is reasonable for the user. The same applies to any changes that
serve the purpose of technical progress.
The receipt of technical documentation (in particular user documentation) does not constitute any
further duty on the part of Phoenix Contact to furnish information on modifications to products
and/or technical documentation. You are responsible for verifying the suitability and intended use
of the products in your specific application, in particular with regard to observing the applicable
standards and regulations. All information made available in the technical data is supplied without
any accompanying guarantee, whether expressly mentioned, implied or tacitly assumed.
In general, the provisions of the current General Terms and Conditions of Phoenix Contact apply
exclusively, in particular as concerns any warranty liability.
This user manual, including all illustrations contained herein, is copyright protected. Any changes
to the contents or the publication of extracts of this document is prohibited.
Phoenix Contact reserves the right to register its own intellectual property rights for the product
identifications of Phoenix Contact products that are used here. Registration of such intellectual
property rights by third parties is prohibited.
Other product identifications may be afforded legal protection, even where they may not be indi­cated as such.

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 5

THERMOFOX

Table of contents

1 For your safety ............................................................................................................7

1.1 Field of application.......................................................................7

1.2 Safety notes.................................................................................7

2 Starting up the printer .................................................................................................8

2.1 Checking the scope of supply......................................................8

2.2 Overview of the device ................................................................9

2.3 Connecting the power supply ....................................................10

2.4 Inserting the material cartridge ..................................................11

2.5 Switching on the device.............................................................11

3 Operating elements ..................................................................................................12

3.1 Display.......................................................................................14

3.2 Menu .........................................................................................16

4.1 Creating the marking on the display...........................................24

4.2 Creating the marking on the PC.................................................33

5.1 Cleaning ....................................................................................34

5.2 Troubleshooting.........................................................................36

5.3 Repairs ......................................................................................40

5.4 Firmware update........................................................................40

5.5 Disposal.....................................................................................40

6.1 Technical data ...........................................................................41

6.2 Ordering data for accessories....................................................42

6.3 Overview of the symbols............................................................43

6.4 Approvals ..................................................................................46

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For your safety

1 For your safety

1.1 Field of application

The THERMOFOX is a portable thermal transfer printer for industrial use. The
thermal transfer printer prints self-adhesive and non-adhesive labels and heat­shrinkable tubes for marking electrical components. The THERMOFOX uses spe­cial material cartridges that contain the material as well as the corresponding ink
ribbon. Only use material cartridges that are provided for the THERMOFOX by
Phoenix Contact.

1.2 Safety notes

Risk to operational reliability

Incorrect operation or modifications to the device can endanger your safety or
damage the printer. Do not repair the product yourself. If the device is defective,
please contact Phoenix Contact.

Explosion hazard, fire hazard, and health hazard if batteries are used incor­rectly

– Only use dry batteries in a proper condition.
– Never damage the batteries (e.g., by throwing, pressing on the battery or using

– Pay attention to the correct polarity when inserting the batteries.
– Only charge the battery in the THERMOFOX or in the designated charger

– Temperature range when charging the battery: 0°C ... 45°C
– Store the battery separately in a dry and cool place.

sharp objects). Never expose the batteries to high levels of heat (e.g., caused
by fire or sunlight). Never let the batteries come in contact with moisture or salt
water.

(THERMOFOX/CHARGER, 0805012). Do not use any other chargers, e.g.,
cigarette lighter socket in the car.

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THERMOFOX

Damage to the device

– Do not operate the printer near high-voltage lines.
– Only operate the printer in a dry location protected from spray.
– Protect the printer and printing materials from humidity, moisture, and dirt.
– Only connect the printer to systems that have a protective extra low voltage.
– To operate the printer with connection to a mains power supply, only use the

2 Starting up the printer

2.1 Checking the scope of supply

THERMOFOX

– Printer
– Brief instructions

THERMOFOX SET

– Printer
– Battery (THERMOFOX/ACCU, 0805009)
– Wide range power supply unit with four adapters for different sockets

– USB cable
– Two material cartridges

– DVD with driver and CLIP PROJECT Marking software. The DVD also con-

– User manual

provided wide range power supply unit (THERMOFOX/ADAPTER, 0805010).

(THERMOFOX/ADAPTER, 0805010)

– Vinyl polymer, 18 mm, white (MM-EMLF (EX18)R C1 WH/BK, 0803939)
– Polyamide, 18 mm, white (MM-EMLC (EX18)R C1 WH/BK, 0803936)

tains this user manual in several languages.

Unpacking

• Check the printer for transport damage.

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8

Starting up the printer

2.2 Overview of the device

K

P

$

U

.

Q

V

F

,

A

W

/a

T

Z

H

E

R

M

O

F

OX

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i

g

h

t

ON/OFF

File

Fe

1

A/A

4

Date

A/A

7

5

Time

Te

p

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a

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9

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2

Figure 2-1 Overview

1 Socket for USB connection
2 Socket for power supply unit
3 Cutter for continuous media
4 Compartment for material cartridge
5 Battery compartment

3

5

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 9

THERMOFOX

2.3 Connecting the power supply

The THERMOFOX can be supplied with power in different ways.
– Batteries (6x AA alkaline)
– AC wide range power supply unit (THERMOFOX/ADAPTER, 0805010)
– Battery (THERMOFOX/ACCU, 0805009)

If the THERMOFOX is connected to the power supply via the power supply unit, the
battery in the THERMOFOX is automatically charged. The battery can also be
charged using an external charger (THERMOFOX/CHARGER, 0805012).

Connecting the power supply unit

The THERMOFOX is designed for power grids from 100 to 240 V AC. Only con­nect the THERMOFOX to sockets with a ground conductor contact.

Only use the provided wide range power supply unit
(THERMOFOX/ADAPTER, 0805010).

B

Figure 2-2 Mains connection

• Slightly tilt the relevant adapter and place it onto the front side of the power
supply unit and press the adapter down. To remove the adapter, pull the slider
on the base element in the direction of the cable.

• Insert the connecting cable of the power supply unit in the socket of the printer.

• Connect the power supply unit to a grounded socket with a ground conductor

contact.

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10

A

Starting up the printer

2.4 Inserting the material cartridge

Figure 2-3 Replacing the material cartridge

• Keeping the material cartridge straight, insert it into the compartment from
above so that it engages with a click.

Make sure that the material end is in the output tray.

• To remove the material cartridge, pull it upward while keeping it straight.

NOTE: Damage to the printer and material cartridge

If the printer is not going to be used for a prolonged period of time, remove the
material cartridge from the printer.

2.5 Switching on the device

• Switch on the printer using the green key.

• Press the green key until the display lights up.

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 11

ON/OFF

ON/OFF

THERMOFOX

3 Operating elements

File2A/A3AA/

1

A/A5A/A6A/A

4

Date8Time

7

Tem­plate

A

F

K

P

U

F

Light

ON/OFF

0

@

B

(

G

L

$

Q

.

V

A/a

THERMOFOX

Light

ON/OFF

File2A/A3AA/

1

A/A5A/A6A/A

4

Date8Time

Preview

Feed

Copies

Menu

Print

9

Clear

B

Del./Back

A

+

-

=

*

C

D

E

_

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Char.

Symbol

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7

Tem ­plate

A

F

K

P

U

F

0

@

B

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L

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Q

.

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A/a

Preview

Feed

Copies

Menu

Print

9

Clear

B

Del./Back

A

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M

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Char.

Symbol

Figure 3-1 Operating elements

Operating elements
Green keys

ON/OFF

F

On/off switch

Function key; uses the assignment labeled green when pressing a key (e.g., @
instead of A)

Black keys Function key pressed

Light

Feed

Preview

Menu

Display lighting –

Material advance –

Preview of the print result –

Call menu

–

In a values selection, the value is accepted
and you are returned to the input screen

Copies

Print

Start printing Multiple copy

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12

Operating elements

Operating elements
Turquoise keys Function key pressed

Tem­plate

B

A

Selection of templates –

Changes the text alignment (horizontal/verti­cal)

Confirm entry, new line (up to six lines are

–

–

possible)

Clear

Del./Back

In the menu: back to the previous level
On the input screen: delete previous charac-

On the input screen: delete en­tire contents

ter

A/a

Switches between upper case and lower
case letters

–

Space –

Char.

Symbol

Selection of symbols Selection of special characters,

e.g., â, È, ï, Ĉ

Gray keys Function key pressed
Num-

bers

Entering numbers 0 – 9 1 = file

2 = font size
3 = narrow
4 = bold
5 = italic
6 = underline
7 = date
8 = time

Letters Letters A - Z Selects the assignment labeled

green

Arrow

Line change, navigating in the menu

keys

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 13

THERMOFOX

3.1 Display

The first line in the display shows the settings selected.

Examples of the first line in the display

     

 “F” indicates that the green function key has been pressed. The function key

is used to switch to the assignment labeled green when pressing a key (e.g., @
instead of A).

 Indicates whether upper case or lower case letters are used. Can be switched

using the turquoise key.

A/a

F

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14

Operating elements

Examples of the first line in the display

     

 Indicates the selected line height in mm. The “A” stands for “auto”. The line height

is adjusted according to the space available.
Can be switched using number key “2” if the function key has been activated si-

multaneously. To set the desired height in mm, press number key “2” several
times (Auto Size, 2 mm ... 22 mm).

 Text alignment in both directions (horizontal or vertical as well as right-aligned,

left-aligned or centered)
The turquoise button can be used to switch between text alignments. The text

B
A

alignment switches in the following order:

1. horizontal – centered

2. vertical – centered

3. horizontal – right-aligned

4. vertical – right-aligned

5. horizontal – left-aligned

6. vertical – left-aligned

1. ...

 Text format (bold, italic, narrow, underline). Can be switched using the number

keys if the function key has been activated simultaneously.
3 = narrow, 4 = bold, 5 = italic, 6 = underline

 Print layouts for specific requirements (e.g., for terminal blocks or cables)

– Rows of labels with a fixed width (“Mod”, see Section 4.1.5)
– Cable marking (“CWr”, see Section 4.1.6)
– Cable flags (“CFL”, see Section 4.1.7)

 State of power supply

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 15

THERMOFOX

3.2 Menu

Use the arrow keys to navigate through the menu. Press the  key to select an entry

Clear

Del./Back

and to go back.

Changing the language

The menu is set to English by default. To change the language, proceed as follows:

• Press the black key.

• Select “A. Setup”. Press the key.

• Select “1. Language”. Press the key.

• Select a language.

• Press the key to select an entry. Go back with or key.

Table 3-1 Menu

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description

1. File 1. Save Save marking

2. Load Load stored marking (1 to 20 files)

3. Print Print stored marking

4. Delete Delete stored marking

2. Font 1. Size Auto Size Font is adjusted according to

2. Style 1. Bold Bold ABC

Menu

Clear

Del./Back

Menu

space available

2 mm ... 22 mm Font size in mm ABC

2. Italic Italic ABC

3. Narrow Narrow

4. Underline Underline ABC

5. Mirror Mirrored

ABC

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Operating elements

Table 3-1 Menu [...]

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description

3. Symbol Punctuation Punctuation marks ! " #
General symbols General symbols § © ®
Units Units $ £ ¢
Electr. General Electrical symbols 8 6 
Electr. Comp. Electrical components

Home Electrics Home electrics
Safety Signs Safety symbols
Superscript Superscript characters

Subscript Subscript characters 

 - +

Arrows Arrows   
Greek Upper Case Greek upper case letters ΑΒΓΔ
Greek Lower Case Greek lower case letters αβγδ
Mathematical Mathematical symbols   

4. Orienta-

tion

1. Horizontal Horizontal text alignment ABC

2. Vertical Vertical text alignment

ABC

5. Align-

ment

1. Left Left-aligned text ABC

2. Center Centered text ABC

3. Right Right-aligned text ABC

- +

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 17

THERMOFOX

Table 3-1 Menu [...]

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description

6. Frame 1. No Frame No frame

2. Dotted Frame, dashed line

3. Thin Frame, thin line

4. Medium Frame, standard line

5. Thick Frame, thick line

7. Margin 1. Least

2. Small 2 mm

3. Medium 5 mm

Width from right and left
margin

1 mm

4. Large 10 mm

5. Text-equal All margins are adjusted evenly ac-

cording to the text size

6. User Set Set fixed width from right and left

margin (1 mm ... 400 mm)

8. Length 1. Auto Length The length of the printed text de-

pends on the marking and the mar­gin set

2. User Set Set fixed length (4 mm ... 400 mm)

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Operating elements

Table 3-1 Menu [...]

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description

9. Template 1. Normal Empty template

2. Barcode Barcode

Type

Code 39,
Code 128,
Interleaved

You can implement Micro-QR­Code, DataMatrix and PDF417 via
CLIP PROJECT

2/5,
Codabar,
EAN-8,
EAN-13,
EAN-128,
UPC-A

Width Small, Me-

Barcode width

dium,
Large

Display
Text

Check

No, Yes The text encrypted in the barcode

is displayed below the barcode.

No, Yes A check digit is added, if required

Code

3. Sequence StaVal Start value of a sequence of num-

bers (2 = 2, 3 ...)

IncVal Increment of a sequence of num-

bers (2 = 2, 4, 6...)

EndVal Final value of a sequence of num-

bers (5 = ... 3, 4, 5)

Prefix Prefix of a sequence of numbers

(-X = -X1, -X2...)

Suffix Suffix of a sequence of numbers

(-X = 1-X, 2-X...)

Copies Repetitions (2 = 1, 1, 2, 2...)

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THERMOFOX

Table 3-1 Menu [...]

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description

9. Template 4. Module Total Number of modules,

[1 ... 64] one line, [1 ... 32] two lines

Pitch Width for each module, pitch
Factor Factor for the width

SepLine Dotted,

Separator line

Thin, Me­dium,
Thick, Off

Orient. Hor., Ver. Text alignment of the module: hori-

zontal or vertical

5. Cable Wrap Horizon-

tal

Auto
Length

Length of the cable marking is ad­justed according to space avail­able

User Set User-defined length of the cable

marking (4 mm ... 400 mm)

Vertical Diameter Diameter of the cable

(4 mm ... 100 mm)

Cross sec­tion

Cross section of the cable
(0.25 mm²/AWG 22 ...
50 mm²/AWG 0)

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Operating elements

Table 3-1 Menu [...]

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description

9. Template 6. Cable Flag Orient. Hor., Ver. Text alignment of the cable flag

Wrap
Length

Diameter Diameter of the cable

(4 mm ... 100 mm)

Cross sec­tion

Cross section of the cable
(0.25 mm²/AWG 22 ...
50 mm²/AWG 0)

Flag
Length

Auto
Length,

Length of the cable flag: automatic
or user-defined 4 mm ... 400 mm

User Set

Center
Line

Off, Dotted,
Thin, Me-

Center line as folding guide

dium, Thick

A. Setup 1. Language English

Languages for the menu

German
French
Spanish
Italian
Czech
Dutch
Hungarian
Polish
Portuguese
Turkish
Korean
Japanese

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 21

THERMOFOX

Table 3-1 Menu [...]

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description
A. Setup 2. Unit mm, inch Units in millimeters or inches

3. Feed Length Cur. Feed length. Default: 10 mm

Max. Maximum 400 mm
Min. Minimum 4 mm

4. Display
Light

Always On The display lighting will remain

switched on

Set Time Cur. The display lighting is switched off

after a specific time. Default: 15 s

Max. Maximum 600 s
Min. Minimum 15 s

5. Auto Off Always On The device will remain switched on

Set Time Cur. The device is switched off after a

specific time. Default: 1 min

Max. Maximum 60 min
Min. Minimum 1 min

6. Information Model Device type

Firmware Firmware version
Serial Number Serial number
Cartridge Type Type of the inserted material car-

tridge

Remain Length The remaining material length (es-

timated)

Battery Status Charging status of the battery

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22

Operating elements

Table 3-1 Menu [...]

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description

0. Setup 7. Date Year Specify the current date

Month

Day
Date Format Format: day (dd), month (mm), and

year (yyyy)
Example:
dd/mm/yyyy  23/06/1977
yyyy-mm-dd  1977-06-23

8. Time Hour Specify the current time.

Minute

Second
Time Format 24 hour format: hh:mm:ss 

13:24:59
12 hour format: hh:mm:ss am/pm

 01:24:59 pm

9. Reset All Reset to default values

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 23

THERMOFOX

4 Creating the marking

4.1 Creating the marking on the display

4.1.1 Entering and formatting text

Example 1

1

A/a

abc

A@B+C

-

1

A/a

ABC

A@B+C

-

Figure 4-1 Switching between upper case and lower case letters

Example 2

abc

1

A@B+C

-

1

@+-

F

+

A@B+C

-

Figure 4-2 Using the alternative key assignment

Example 3

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

1

1

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

2

2

B
A

Copies

Print

+ =

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

1

1

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

2

2

B
A

Copies

Print

+ =

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

Figure 4-3 Changing the text alignment

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

24

Operating elements

Example 4

-W1 . 3

1

-W1 . 3

2

A/A2A/A

A/A

+

F

2

...

2

Figure 4-4 Changing font size

Example 5

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

1

1

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

2

2

Copies

Print

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

1

1

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

2

2

Copies

Print

+ =

Menu

6. Frame

+ =

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

3. Thin

Clear

Del./Back

2...22 mm

-W1 . 3

-W1 . 3

Figure 4-5 Inserting a frame around the text

You can set fixed values, e.g., a fixed width for the margin or a fixed length for the
label. To ensure dimension accuracy the printer transports a little piece of mate­rial before printing. The printer requests that you cut off this piece before printing.

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 25

THERMOFOX

4.1.2 Inserting symbols

• Press the turquoise key.

• Select a category using the arrow keys.

• Press the key to select an entry. Go back with .

• Choose a symbol with the arrow keys. A selected symbol has a black back-

• Once you have selected a symbol, press the black key.

An overview of all the symbols available can be found under “Overview of the sym­bols” on page 43.

Char.

Symbol

Punctuation marks
General symbols
Units
Electrical general
Electrical components
Home electrics
Safety symbols
Superscript characters
Subscript characters
Arrows
Greek upper case letters
Greek lower case letters
Mathematical symbols

Clear

Del./Back

ground.

Menu

The symbol is accepted and you are returned to the input screen.

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

26

Operating elements

4.1.3 Inserting barcode

You can arrange for labels to be marked with a barcode. Move the cursor to the po­sition at which the sequence is to be located.

If you select this template, the entered marking will be deleted. First create the
template and than enter the marking.

• Press the turquoise key.

• Select “2. Barcode” . Press the key.

• Select the required settings (see below).

• Press the key to select an entry. Go back with or key.

Selection Possible entry Example
Barcode Type You can implement

Micro-QR-Code,
DataMatrix and
PDF417 via
CLIP PROJECT

Width Barcode width [Small, Medium,

Display Text The text encrypted in

the barcode is dis­played below the
barcode

Check Code A check digit is

added, if required

“Bar.” is displayed on the input screen.

Tem -

plate

Clear

Del./Back

[Code 39, Code 128,
Interleaved 2/5,
Codabar, EAN-8,
EAN-13, EAN-128,
UPC-A]

Large]
[No, Yes]

[No, Yes]

Menu

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THERMOFOX

4.1.4 Numbering labels automatically

You can arrange for labels to be marked with continuous numbers or letters. Move
the cursor to the position at which the sequence is to be located.

• Press the turquoise key.

• Select “3. Sequence” . Press the key.

• Select the required settings (see below).

• Press the key to select an entry. Go back with or key.

Selection Possible entry Example
StaVal Start value [1 ... 99, aa ... zz,

IncVal Increment [1 ... x] 2 = 2, 4, 6, 8 ... 98
EndVal Final value [1 ... 99, aa ... zz,

Prefix Prefix [max. 20 characters] -X = -X1,- X2, -X3,...
Suffix Suffix Y = 1Y, 2Y, 3Y ...
Copies Number of repeti-

tions for each value

“Seq.” is displayed on the input screen.

Tem -

plate

Clear

Del./Back

Menu

9 = 9, 10, 11 ... 99

AA ... ZZ]

40 = ... 38, 39, 40

AA ... ZZ]

[1 ... 99] 3 = 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2

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Operating elements

4.1.5 Creating label modules with a fixed width

To label electronic modules, such as terminal blocks or fuses, one label can be
printed for all modules. A width (“Pitch”) can be determined for each module.

If you select this template, the entered marking will be deleted. First create the
template and than enter the marking.

• Press the turquoise key.

• Select “4. Module” . Press the key.

• Select the required settings (see page 30).

• Press the key to select an entry. Go back with or key.

• „Mod“ appears on the screen.

• Use the arrow keys to select a module and add your marking. If you create

three module e.g. „Page01“, „Page02“, „Page03“.

• To leave the „Module“ template, press the green function key + .

Example 1

Total 123
Pitch + Factor 1 x

SepLine Medium
Orient. Horizontal

Example 2

Total 1234
Pitch + Factor 1 x 8.5 mm
SepLine Thick
Orient. Vertical

Tem -

plate

F1

230 V

17.5 mm

L1

L2

Clear

Del./Back

F2-4

400 V

3 x 17.5 mm 1 x

N

L3

Menu

F

Clear

Del./Back

F5

230 V

17.5 mm

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 29

THERMOFOX

Selection Possible entry Example
Total Number of modules [1 ... 64] one line,

[1 ... 32] two lines

Pitch Width for each mod-

ule

[4 ... 1000.0 in steps
of 0.1 mm, mm or

12 = 12 modules
next to each other

10.1 = 10.1 mm wide
modules

inches]

Factor Factor for the width [1 ... 9, in steps of

2.5 = width x 2.5

0.5], factor for the
width

SepLine Separator line [Dotted, Thin, Me-

dium, Thick, Off]

Orient. Text alignment of the

[Hor., Ver.]

module

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

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Operating elements

4.1.6 Creating cable marking

When marking cables or conductors, it may be useful to attach a marking that is
readable around the cable.

Figure 4-6 Cable marking

If you select this template, the entered marking will be deleted. First create the
template and than enter the marking.

• Press the turquoise key.

Tem -

plate

• Select “5. Cable Wrap” . Press the key.

• Select the required settings (see below).

Clear

• Press the key to select an entry. Go back with or key.

Del./Back

Menu

• You can select measurements with the arrow keys. Some measurements can
also be entered directly by using the number keys.

The following settings can be made:

Selection Possible entry Example

5. Cable Wrap Horizontal text align-

ment
Vertical text align-

ment

[Auto Length, User
Set]

[Diameter, Cross
section]

-W1.3

-W1.3

-W1.3

-W1.3

When using horizontal text alignment, the optimum width of the label can be de­termined automatically or you can specify a fixed width.

When using vertical text alignment, enter the diameter or the cross section of the
cable. The printer then determines the optimum length.

-W1.3

-W1.3

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4.1.7 Creating cable flags

For large-area marking of cables, cable flags can be used. To do so, enter the
marking for the front side. The back side is printed automatically with the same
marking.

Figure 4-7 Example of a cable flag

If you select this template, the entered marking will be deleted. First create the
template and than enter the marking.

-W1.3 -W1.3 -W1.3

• Press the turquoise key.

Tem -

plate

• Select “6. Cable Flag” . Press the key.

• Select the required settings (see below).

Clear

• Press the key to select an entry. Go back with or key.

Del./Back

Menu

• You can select measurements with the arrow keys. Some measurements can
also be entered directly by using the number keys.

The following settings can be made:

Selection Possible entry Example
Orient. Text alignment [Hor., Ver.]
Wrap Length Diameter or cross

section of the cable

Flag Length Length of the cable

flag

[Diameter, Cross
section]

[Auto Length, User
Set]

-W1-3

Center Line Center line [Off, Dotted, Thin,

Medium, Thick]

Enter the diameter or the cross section of the cable. The printer then determines
the optimum length. Alternatively, you can specify a fixed length for the flag.

-W1-3

Length

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

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Operating elements

4.2 Creating the marking on the PC

CLIP PROJECT Marking can be used to create markings on a PC which are tai­lored to the Phoenix Contact marking material.

Select the THERMOFOX as the printer. You will be provided with a template list of
materials that are suitable for this printer.

The CLIP PROJECT Marking software is supplied with the printer. The marking
software is also available for download at

Connecting to a computer via USB

NOTE: Errors during operation due to insufficient or missing shielding

Make sure that all connecting cables connected to the printer are shielded.

A printer driver must be installed if a USB interface is to be used for connection.
You will find the printer driver on the DVD-ROM that is supplied with the printer or
on the Internet at

• Switch on the PC.

• Exit all programs that are currently running.

• Switch on the THERMOFOX.

• Connect the PC to the THERMOFOX using the supplied USB cable.

• Insert the DVD containing the driver software. The Windows installation wizard

is started automatically.

• Follow the on-screen instructions.

Following successful installation, an icon for the THERMOFOX appears in the Win­dows “Devices and Printers” system folder

Then set up the THERMOFOX in CLIP PROJECT Marking.
Add the THERMOFOX as a printer. For instructions, please refer to the quick start

guide, Part 01 on the basics of CLIP PROJECT Marking. The quick start guide can
be downloaded at

phoenixcontact.net/qr/5146040.

phoenixcontact.net/qr/0803984.

phoenixcontact.net/qr/5146040.

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THERMOFOX

5 Maintenance and troubleshooting

5.1 Cleaning

5.1.1 Cleaning the printer

NOTE: Damage to the printer due to abrasive cleaning agents

Do not use abrasive cleaners or aggressive solvents for cleaning the outer sur­faces.

• Remove dust and paper fluff in the printing area with a soft brush.

• Clean the outer surfaces with a damp cloth. Use an all-purpose cleaner for

heavier contamination.

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5.1.2 Cleaning the print head and print roller

During printing, substances may be deposited on the print head or print roller. It is
important to clean the print head and print roller regularly. This keeps the printing
quality at the same level and the service life is increased.

NOTE: Damage to the print head

Do not touch the protective glass of the print head with your fingers or sharp ob­jects. Do not use sharp or hard objects to clean the print head.

1

Figure 5-1 Print head (1) and print roller (2)

• Open the cover of the material cartridge and remove the material cartridge.

• Clean the print head line and print roller with a felt stick (e.g., CLEANING

STICK, 5146697) soaked in isopropyl alcohol.

• Allow the print head to dry for two to three minutes.

2

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5.2 Troubleshooting

Table 5-1 Troubleshooting

Problem Possible cause Remedy

Print image is blurred or
missing in places

Material is not supplied The material is not pulled out

Material is supplied but not
printed

Printer too loud Material cartridge is not in-

Printer prints slowly Printing speed is automati-

Print head or print roller is
dirty

The tension of the ink ribbon
is too low

far enough from the material
cartridge

Material is stuck in the printer Carefully remove the mate-

Material cartridge is empty Insert new material cartridge

Compartment for material
cartridge is open

Ink ribbon is torn Insert new material cartridge

serted correctly
Material cartridge is defec-

tive
Compartment for material

cartridge is open

cally set

Clean the print head and
print roller (see 5.1.2)

To increase the tension of
the material, turn the ink rib­bon coil

Unwind the material approx.
5 mm off the material car­tridge. To increase the ten­sion of the material, turn the
ink ribbon coil

rial from the printer. Cut off
damaged material. Unwind
the material approx. 5 mm off
the material cartridge. To in­crease the tension of the ma­terial, turn the ink ribbon coil

(see 2.4)
Close compartment

(see 2.4)
Insert material cartridge cor-

rectly (see 2.4)
Insert new material cartridge

(see 2.4)
Close compartment

If the battery charge is too
low the printing speed is re­duced. This ensures a high­quality print

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

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Operating elements

Table 5-1 Troubleshooting

Problem Possible cause Remedy

The printer cannot be
switched on

Batteries are empty Change batteries
Batteries are inserted incor-

Insert batteries correctly

rectly
Rechargeable battery is

Recharge battery

empty
Rechargeable battery is in-

serted incorrectly

Insert rechargeable battery
correctly

No power supply Connect the power supply

unit

Printer switches off automat­ically

Auto off function is activated Check menu entry (see “A.

Setup, 5. Auto Off”)

Battery is not charged Battery is inserted incorrectly Insert battery correctly

No power supply Connect the power supply

unit

Rechargeable battery is de­fective

Dispose of battery properly
and insert new battery

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THERMOFOX

Table 5-1 Troubleshooting

Problem Possible cause Remedy

Display lighting switches off
automatically

Auto off function of the dis­play lighting activated

Check menu entry (see “A.
Setup, 4. Display Light”)

No input possible General system error Switch device off and on.

Disconnect the device from
power supply. Remove bat­teries. Insert new ones

Cutting is stiff Type of material being used Some materials have a

higher material thickness.
These materials need more
cutting force than other ma­terials

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

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Operating elements

5.2.1 Error messages

Table 5-2 Error messages

Error message Possible cause Remedy
“Cutter Error” Cutter was used while printer was

printing. Printing is interrupted.

Press any key (except or

Light

)

“End of Tape” Material cartridge is empty Insert new material cartridge
“Input Too Long” The limit on the number of char-

acters that can be printed has

Reduce number of characters or
increase label length

been reached

“No Cartridge“ No material cartridge inserted Insert the material cartridge
“No Lines Left” The limit on the number of lines

that can be printed on has been

Reduce number of lines or use
wider material

reached

“No Tape” Material cartridge not found Insert new material cartridge
“Please Cut” Printer is waiting for the material

to be cut

Activate the cutter. Press any key
to continue

“Press Any Key” Printer is awaiting input Press any key (except or

Light

)

ON/OFF

ON/OFF

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THERMOFOX

5.3 Repairs

WARNING: Risk to operational reliability

Incorrect operation or modifications to the device can endanger your safety or
damage the printer. Do not repair the product yourself. If the device is defective,
please contact Phoenix Contact.

5.4 Firmware update

To benefit from updates or extended functions, a firmware update and a firmware
update tool can be downloaded at

5.5 Disposal

The device contains valuable recyclable materials, which should be utilized.
Dispose of the printer separately from other waste, i.e., via an appropriate collec-

tion site.

Dispose of the battery separately from other waste, i.e., via an appropriate col­lection site.

phoenixcontact.net/qr/0803984.

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

40

Operating elements

6 Appendix

6.1 Technical data

Technical data

Resolution 203 dpi
Print mode Thermal transfer
Print speed 12 mm/s
Print length 4 mm ... 2200 mm
Print width, maximum 24 mm
Interfaces USB
Display and operation 2.5'' LCD display, ABC keyboard
Voltage 100 V AC ... 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power 36 W, maximum
Temperature

Operation
Storage
Transport

Humidity

Operation
Storage

Transport
Approvals CE, UL, FCC-B, ICES
Approval for Canada as per ICES-003 CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
Dimensions (H x D x W) 230 mm x 98 mm x 69 mm
Weight 656 g

+5°C ... +40°C

-18°C ... +60°C

-25°C ... +60°C

10 % ... 90 %
5 % ... 90 %
5 % ... 95 %

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 41

THERMOFOX

6.2 Ordering data for accessories

Accessories
Description Type
Battery, to supply the THERMOFOX

with power
Charger, for charging the

THERMOFOX/ACCU
Wide range power supply unit, with

four socket adapters
Transport case, for transporting the

THERMOFOX

Bag, for transporting the THERMOFOX THERMOFOX/BAG 0805003 1
Belt clip, for fastening on a belt THERMOFOX/BELT CLIP 0805004 1
Magnet, for fastening on e.g. control cab-

inet

THERMOFOX/ACCU 0805009 1

THERMOFOX/CHARGER 0805012 1

THERMOFOX/ADAPTER 0805010 1

THERMOFOX/CASE 0805002 1

THERMOFOX/MAGNET
HOLDER

Order No.Pcs./Pkt.

0805008 1

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

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Operating elements

6.3 Overview of the symbols

Table 6-1 Overview of the symbols

Category Symbols

Punctua­tion

General
symbols

Units

Electr. Gen­eral

Electr.
Comp.

Home Elec­trics

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 43

THERMOFOX

Table 6-1 Overview of the symbols

Category Symbols

Safety
Signs

Superscript

Subscript

Arrows

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

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Operating elements

Table 6-1 Overview of the symbols

Category Symbols

Greek
Upper Case

Greek
Lower Case

Mathemati­cal

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 45

THERMOFOX

6.4 Approvals

6.4.1 FCC

The printer complies with the requirements of FCC Part 15 (B) Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that

may cause undesired operation.

6.4.2 UL

WARNING: Hazardous moving parts

Keep fingers and other body parts away.

PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01

46