The use of this information by the recipient or others for purposes other
than the repair, adjustment or operation of Pitney Bowes equipment
may constitute an infringement of patent and/or other intellectual
property rights of Pitney Bowes or others. Pitney Bowes assumes no
responsibility for any such use of the information.
Except as provided in writing, duly signed by an officer of Pitney Bowes,
no license, either express or implied, under any Pitney Bowes or any third
party’s patent, copyright, or other intellectual property rights is granted
by providing this information.
We have made every reasonable effort to assure the accuracy and usefulness of
this manual, however we can not assume responsibility for errors or omissions or
liability for the misuse or misapplication of our products.
Envelope Designer and SmartMailer are registered trademarks of Pitney Bowes,
Inc. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
NOTE: DA500/DA550
The similarity of the DA500 and DA550 printers allows their features and operation
to be documented together. The principle difference in these printers is that the
DA550 is a color printer that uses both a black and color ink cartridge. The DA500
only uses a black ink cartridge.
The photos and illustrations in this document are of the DA550 printer, but representative of each printer.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1, DA500/DA550 Overview
Welcome to the DA500/DA550 ................................... 1-2
Using This Guide......................................................... 1-2
System Requirements................................................. 1-3
Getting Help ................................................................ 1-3
Online Help .............................................................. 1-4
Phone Support ........................................................ 1-4
Before You Call ........................................................ 1-4
The World Wide Web............................................... 1-4
Index to the Contents of this Manual ...................... i-1
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
iii
Table of Contents
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guideiv
Chapter
1
The DA500/
DA550 Printer
Overview
The Pitney Bowes DA500/
DA550 is a versatile, easyto-use desktop printer
designed for addressing
applications.
This chapter explains
what's in this guide, and
tells you how to order supplies and where to get more
information about using
your DA500/DA550.
In this chapter:
Welcome to the DA500/DA550
Ink Jet Printer ......................... 1-2
Using This Guide .................... 1-2
System Requirements ........... 1-3
Getting Help ........................... 1-3
Printer Options ....................... 1-4
Ordering Supplies .................. 1-5
1 • DA500/DA550 Printer - Overview
Welcome to
the DA500/
DA550 Ink Jet
Printer
Using This
Guide
The Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 ink jet printer is a desktop printer used to print addresses, graphics and other
information, in color (DA550), on a wide range of material
of various sizes, construction and composition. With the
DA500/DA550 you can define the font, placement, print
quality and bar code characteristics for your addresses.
This Operator Guide shows you how to:
•Set up the DA500/DA550 printer
•Connect it to your computer
•Define your envelope layout
•Print a test mail piece
•Send a mail job to the printer from your computer
application.
Refer to this guide for information about printer setup,
operation and troubleshooting. It is divided into the following chapters:
Chapter 1, Introduction
Contains an overview of the DA500/DA550 Operator
Guide, information about ordering supplies and a list of
help resources.
Chapter 2, Setting Up the the printer.
Contains instructions for assembling your printer.
Chapter 3, Printer Basics
Explains how to set up your printer to run a job.
Chapter 4, Using the Printer With Your Computer
Contains instructions for installing the printer driver,
selecting the printer from your software program and
sending a mail job from your computer.
Chapter 5, Printer Maintenance
Describes how to keep the printer clean and functioning
properly.
1-2Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
DA500/DA550 Printer - Overview • 1
Using This
Guide
(continued)
System
Requirements
Chapter 6, Troubleshooting
Contains a list of possible problems and their solutions.
Appendix A, Control Panel Menus
Explains the Main Menu and Setup Menu options available on the DA500/DA550 control panel.
Appendix B, Specifications
Provides hardware and material specifications. Your
printer will run at its best when your material conforms to
our specifications.
In order to operate the DA500/DA550 with your computer,
your system must meet the following requirements:
CPUPentium II 233 MHZ or greater
64 MB or more preferred
Operating SystemWindows 98/2000/NT/ME/XP
Parallel CableA parallel cable is supplied with your
printer. If you choose to use another
cable, make sure it isn't any longer
than 10 feet.
Or Serial CableTo use the serial port, a serial cable
of no more than 15 feet in length is
required.
Getting Help
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide1-3
As you use your printer, there may be times when you
need help to solve a specific application problem, or you
may want additional information about printer operation.
Pitney Bowes provides several information resources.
1 • DA500/DA550 Printer - Overview
Getting Help
(continued)
Online Help
The DA500/DA550 Print Driver has a built-in help system.
To get to the driver, click on Properties from Windows
print dialog box. Right-click on items in question for the
"What's This" Help button.
If you're using Pitney Bowes programs such as Envelope
Designer™ or SmartMailer™, press the F1 key while
you're using the program to display information about the
open screen. Select the Help menu to display a list of
topics or search for a term. Refer to the documentation
supplied with these programs for more information.
Phone Support
If you need technical support, call the Pitney Bowes
Customer Care Center at:
1-800-522-0020
Before You Call...
Please see Chapter 6, Troubleshooting, for a description
of common problems and their solutions. If you need to
call, please have the following information at hand:
•Product name: DA500/DA550.
•Serial number: See back of unit.
•Nature of problem: What happens and when does
it happen?
•The steps you've already taken to solve the problem and the results.
The World Wide Web
We encourage you to visit our web site at:
http://www.pb.com/support
1-4Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
DA500/DA550 Printer - Overview • 1
Printer
Options
You'll find the latest information about our products and
services as well as answers to frequently asked technical
questions.
Pitney Bowes offers several very useful options for your
DA500/DA550:
•Envelope Designer™ Plus lets you create a professional looking envelope in a matter of seconds.
You don't have to bother with the print driver or
make manual settings.
•The W853 Ink Dryer helps to eliminate smudging
on difficult materials like glossy stock.
•The W760 Power Stacker holds up to 300 #10
envelopes. It helps maintain a neat stack in ZIP
Code order when you run long jobs.
•SmartMailer software refines and presorts mailing
list entries to enable faster mail delivery at the
lowest possible rates.
Ordering
Supplies
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide1-5
You can order supplies for your DA500/DA550 printer
directly through the Pitney Bowes Supply Line. To place
an order, call:
1-800-243-7824
or, visit the website at:
www.pb.com/supplies
1 • DA500/DA550 Printer - Overview
Ordering
Supplies
(continued)
The following supplies are available for your DA500/
DA550 printer:
•Single Black Ink Cartridge
(order number 711-1)
•Single Color Ink Cartridge (DA550 only)
(order number 660-5)
•4 Pack of Black Ink Cartridges
(order number 660-9)
1-6Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
Chapter
2
Setting Up the
DA500/DA550
Printer
This chapter explains how
to unpack, assemble and
connect your new printer.
In this chapter:
Unpacking the Printer ............ 2-2
Package Contents ................. 2-3
Setting Up the
DA500/DA550 ......................... 2-4
Choosing a Location .............. 2-5
Important Safety Notes ......... 2-5
Assembling the
DA500/DA550 ......................... 2-6
Attaching the Wire Frame ...... 2-7
Installing the Fence ................ 2-8
Positioning the
Output Stacker ....................... 2-9
Connecting the Parallel or
Serial Cable ........................... 2-10
Connecting the Power Cord 2-12
Installing the Ink Jet
Cartridge ............................... 2-13
Removing the Ink Jet
Cartridge ............................... 2-15
2 • Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer
Unpacking
the Printer
As you remove the DA500/DA550 contents from the box,
check the parts against the list on the opposite page.
1
2
34
(Shipped Assembled)
7
65
2-2Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer • 2
Unpacking
the Printer
Package Contents
1. DA500 or DA550 Printer
2. Output Stacker
3. Wire Frame with Feed Ramp, Washer and
Retaining Knob (Input Material Stacker assembled)
4. Long Sliding Fence
5. Power Cord
6. Short Sliding Fence
7. Parallel Cable
Not Shown:
•Printer Driver Software (Envelope Designer
Plus)
•Ink Jet Cartridges (Color - DA550 only, and
Black - both models)
•Quick Setup Instructions
TM
•Printer Operating Guide
•Operator Training Guide
•POSTNET Certificate
•Installation Quality Report
•Operator Safety Tip Card
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide2-3
2 • Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer
Setting Up the
DA500/DA550
The assembled printer should look like the picture below.
The parts you have to put together are identified.
Wireframe
Input Stacker
Feed Ramp
and Lock Knob
Sliding
Fence
Output Stacker
Refer to this picture as you set up your printer. Follow the
steps on pages 2-7 through 2-15. The following product
orientation will be useful in performing these steps:
Front is the area of the printer housing the LCD.
Rear is the area of the printer with the cable
interface panel.
Left side is the input area of the printer.
Right side is the output area of the printer.
2-4Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer • 2
Choosing a
Location for
Your Printer
Important
Safety Notes
Follow these guidelines and safety precautions when
selecting a location for your printer.
•Place the printer on a table or other stable, level
surface within the cable's length (Parallel 10 feet
max. - Serial 15 feet max.) of your computer.
•Allow for adequate space. The DA500/DA550 is
14.7 inches high, 16.2 inches wide and 21.7 inches
deep, without the wire frame input stacker.
•Allow for adequate ventilation around the base and
rear of the printer.
•Protect the printer from heat, dust and moisture.
Avoid placing the printer in direct sunlight.
•To protect against electric shock, plug the machine
into a properly grounded wall outlet. DO NOT use
an adapter plug. Use of an adapter could compromise the ground and cause a possible shock
hazard or damage to the equipment in the event of
a short circuit.
•DO NOT remove the ground pin from the line cord.
•Avoid using outlets controlled by wall switches.
Someone could accidently shut your printer off.
•The power cord wall plug is the primary means of
disconnecting the machine from the AC power.
The wall outlet should be near the machine and
easily accessible.
•DO NOT route the power cord over sharp edges or
trap it between pieces of furniture.
•Insure that there is no strain on the power cord
where it passes between the equipment, walls or
furniture.
•Be certain the area in front of the wall receptacle
into which the machine is plugged is free from
obstruction.
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide2-5
2 • Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer
Important
Safety Notes
Assembling
the DA500/
DA550
•Do not remove covers. The machine covers serve
to enclose hazardous parts. If the machine has
been dropped or has otherwise had the covers
stressed in any way, report it to your Pitney Bowes
Customer Service Representative.• Keep fingers,
loose clothing, jewelry and long hair away from the
moving parts.
•To reduce the risk of fire and/or electrical shock,
do not attempt to disassemble this machine. If
service is required, contact your Pitney Bowes
Customer Service Representative.
•Use only Pitney Bowes approved supplied ink
cartridges and cleaners. Read all instructions
before attempting to operate the equipment.
In addition, follow any specific occupational safety and
health standards for your workplace or area.
Once you've placed the printer in a suitable location,
assemble the printer components in the following order:
NOTE: Do not plug the printer into the power source
until you've completed steps 1-4.
1. Install the wireframe input stacker (page 2-7).
2. Install the sliding fence (page 2-8).
3. Position the output stacker (page 2-9).
4. Connect the parallel or serial cable (page 2-10).*
5. Attach the power cord and turn the printer ON
(page 2-12).
6. Install the ink jet cartridges (page 2-13).
Instructions for installing each of these components
start onthe next page.
* Requires use of a small flat-head screwdriver.
2-6Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer • 2
Assembling
the DA500/
DA550
(continued)
1. Attach the Wire Frame to the Printer.
1. Hook the bottom edge of the wire frame under the
tabs in the frame slide.
2. Rotate the wire frame and insert the curved metal
bar on the bottom of the frame into the height
adjustment slot. See photos below.
Tabs
Height
Adjustment
Slot
Curved
metal Bar
3. Adjust the height of the wireframe so it's positioned at about a 45 degree angle. Turn the lock
knob on the side of the slide clockwise to hold the
wireframe in position.
Wire Frame
Bottom
Edge
Lock
Lever
Lock
Knob
You can adjust both the height and side-to-side
position of the wireframe to accommodate the size
and type of the material you're running. We talk
about this in the next chapter.
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide2-7
2 • Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer
Assembling
the DA500/
DA550
(continued)
2. Install the Sliding Fence
The DA500/DA550 has two fences—a long one and a
short one. Use the short fence when printing material
smaller than a #10 envelope. Use the long fence for larger
material.
Slide the square edge of the sliding fence into the slots on
the frame slide as shown below. The fence fits snugly in
the slots to ensure accurate positioning during operation.
The next chapter explains how to set the fence to the
width of the material you're running.
Sliding Fence
in Position
2-8Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer • 2
Assembling
the DA500/
DA550
(continued)
3. Position the Output Stacker Tray
Printed material is deposited in the output stacker tray.
The tray can stack up to 150 #10 envelopes. Slide it under
the output area of the printer as shown below, then center
it on the output area. Right to left placement of the tray
varies with the size of the media being printed.
Output Stacker
Tray
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide2-9
2 • Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer
Connecting
the DA500/
DA550 to Your
Computer
4. Connecting the Parallel Cable or Serial Cable
Use the parallel cable supplied to connect the DA500/
DA550 to your computer, or use an approved serial cable.
Each end of the parallel cable has a connector. One end is
labelled “Printer” and the other is labelled “Computer.”
1. To connect the Parallel Cable to the printer, align
the end of the cable connector labelled “Printer”
with the parallel port on the interface panel at the
rear of the printer. (See the figure below.) Push the
cable connector into the port.
Serial Port
Parallel Port
Power Switch
Power Receptacle
2. Secure the connector by snapping the two wire
clips over the corresponding tabs on the connector, as shown in the figure below.
2-10Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
Fuse
Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer • 2
3. Align the end of the cable connector labelled
“Computer” with the printer port on your computer, then push the cable connector into the port.
Secure the connection by tightening the screws on
either side of the connector.
4. To connect a Serial Cable to the printer, align the
25 pin male connector end of the cable with the
serial port on the left side of the printer's interface.
Attach the cable to the printer and the computer's
hex jack screws using the thumb screws in the
connectors.
5. Initialize the DA500/DA550's communication port
by sending data to either the parallel or serial port.
When the serial interface is used, the DA500/
DA550 Communications menu settings must be
configured to match the computer settings. Configure the computer to use either the XON/XOFF or
DTR handshaking settings to communicate with
the DA500/DA550 Use the following sub menus to
change the DA500/DA550 serial communications:
A. Baud Rate, B. Parity, C. Word Length and D.
Line Termination.
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide2-11
2 • Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer
Connecting to
Power
Turning On
the DA500/
DA550
5. Connect the Power Cord
1. Connect the female end of the power cord to the
power receptacle in the interface panel. Refer to
the figure on page 2-10.
2. Plug the male end of the power cord into a
grounded outlet. Please review the safety information on pages
2-9 and 2-10.
6. Turn Power ON.
Once you've connected the cable, press the printer’s
power switch to the “|” (ON) position. The switch is located next to the power cord receptacle.
When you turn the printer on:
•The LCD menu shows the "STARTUP" and "INITIALIZING" screens.
•After the print head carriage moves to the right and
parks in the maintenance station, the LCD shows
the "ON LINE" screen.
2-12Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer • 2
Installing and
Removing the
Ink Jet
Cartridges
7. Install the Ink Jet Cartridges (Color & Black).
The printer uses Ink Jet Cartridges for printing. You must
install a black only cartridge (DA500), or a black and a
color cartridge (DA550), before you can print. To begin:
1. With the printer on, press the On Line key until the
display reads OFF LINE.
2. Open the Transport Door of the printer.
3. Press the Cartridge+ key on the control panel to
move the carriage to the middle of the printer.
4. Remove the color (DA550 only) or black cartridge
(both models) from its shipping container by
peeling the top cover off. Be careful not to touch
the copper ribbon.
WARNING! The ink in the cartridge may be
harmful if swallowed. Keep new and used
cartridges out of reach of children. Discard
empty cartridges immediately.
5. Gently remove the tape covering the ink nozzles on
the print cartridge. Be careful not to touch the
copper nozzles.
6. Gently insert the cartridge (color to the right, black
to the left) into the carriage at approximately a 20
degree angle with copper strip to the bottom and
in first.
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide2-13
2 • Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer
Installing and
Removing the
Ink Jet
Cartridges
(continued)
7. Press down on the cartridge until it is seated.
8. Push the cartridge forward (away from you) until it
snaps in place.
Note: The print
cartridge photos
in this section
are of the DA550
printer. The
DA500 has only
one cartridge.
9. Close the Transport Door.
10. The prompt asks about resetting the ink level.
Select "YES" if you have installed a new cartridge.
Otherwise, select "NO".
11. Press Enter. The display returns to the "OFF LINE"
screen.
IMPORTANT: When installing cartridges on the DA550,
please immediately perform the CMYK Printing Alignment procedure found on page 5-4.
2-14Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer • 2
Installing and
Removing the
Ink Jet
Cartridges
(continued)
8. Removing the Ink Jet Cartridges
To remove or replace the ink jet cartridges, follow these
steps:
1. With the printer on, press the On Line key until the
display reads OFF LINE.
2. Open the Transport Door of the printer.
3. Press the Cartridge key on the control panel.
This moves the carriage to the middle of the
printer.
4. To remove the ink jet cartridge (color or black),
place your thumb on the grooved surface and
press down until it pops loose.
5. Lift the print cartridge out of the cradle.
Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide2-15
2 • Setting Up the DA500/DA550 Printer
This page is intentionally blank
2-16Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
Chapter
3
DA500/DA550
Basics
In this chapter you'll learn
about key features of the
DA500/DA550 printer and
how to adjust it to meet the
requirements of your print
jobs.
In this chapter:
Printer Features ..................... 3-2
Set Up the Job ....................... 3-4
Set the Separator Gap ........... 3-7
Center the Wireform .............. 3-9
Set the Feed Angle............... 3-11
Position the Feed Fence ...... 3-12
Load Materials ..................... 3-13
Adjust Feed Ramp ............... 3-14
Adjust Media Thickness
Lever ..................................... 3-15
Adjust Upper Exit Rollers .... 3-16
Print a Test Piece ................. 3-18
3 • DA500/DA550 Basics
Printer
Features
The DA500/DA550 has the following features:
Speed (pieces per hour):up to 10,000 # 10 envelopes,
3 lines, 10 pt, Black
Print QualitiesDraft, Letter, Executive
Internal Fonts:13 (14 including Code 3 of 9
Barcode)
Optional Font Card
Font Point Size:4 to 30
Material Thickness:0.003" to .118"
Speed
Printer speed refers to the number of pieces of mail that
can be processed in an hour. The DA500/DA550 can
process up to 10,000 number 10 envelopes per hour,
depending on the address content and configuration.
Printer speed depends on the number of characters per
line, the number of lines, character size, font, interface,
barcode, material size and graphics.
Print Qualities
The printer has three selectable print qualities: Draft
(fastest speed), Letter (medium speed) and Executive
(slowest speed).
Internal Fonts
A font is a set of characters (letters, numbers and symbols) that use the same typeface. The DA500/DA550 has
thirteen (plus Code 39 barcode) different typefaces:
Courier, Sans Serif, Roman, OCR A, Quincy, Springer,
Hancock, Alpine, Baxter, Marina, Stencil, Windmill, and
Silicon. You can select these fonts from the printer control
panel menus.
If you set up a print job from your computer, you can use
any font that is available from your software application.
3-2Pitney Bowes DA500/DA550 Operator Guide
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