Primera LX900 User Manual

071213-511271
User's Manual
© 2013 All rights reserved For the most recent version of this manual please visit http://www.primera.com/manuals.html
Notices: The information in this document is subject to change without notice. NO WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND IS MADE WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. No liability is assumed for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without prior written consent.
Trademark Acknowledgments: Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Printing History
Edition 6.0, #071213, Copyright 2013, All rights reserved.
FCC Compliance Statement: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 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.
For Users in the United States: This product is intended to be supplied by a UL listed Direct Plug-In Power Supply marked "Class 2"or a UL listed ITE Power Supply marked "LPS" with output rated 12VDC, 4.5A or higher. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Use of shielded cables is required to comply with the Class B limits of Part 15 of the FCC Rules. You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate and/or obtain warranty service for this equipment.
For Users in Canada: This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise for digital apparatus set out on 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 B prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.
Product Disposal Do not dispose of the printer or supplies in the same manner as normal household waste. Consult your local authorities for disposal and recycling options.
Battery Notice
This product contains Perchlorate material. Special handling may apply. For more information, go to http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/
CAUTION! TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THE UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE EXTERIOR PANELS. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. OPERATE THE UNIT WITH ONLY THE PROPER ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS AS LABELED ON THE PRINTER AND AC ADAPTER.
CAUTION! USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION.
CAUTION RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.
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Table of Contents

Section 1: Getting Started ...............................................................................1
A. Choosing a Good Location ................................................................1
B. Unpacking and Inspection ................................................................2
C. Identifying the Parts ...........................................................................3
D. Computer Specifications ....................................................................4
Section 2: Label Stock .....................................................................................5
A. Label and Roll Specifications ............................................................ 5
B. Installing Label Stock .........................................................................8
C. Adjusting the Label Stock TOF (Top of Form) Sensor ................11
D. Set the Stock Sensor Mode ..............................................................12
E. Set the Output Mode ........................................................................14
Section 3: Status Monitor (PTStatus) ......................................................... 16
A. Monitoring Ink Levels .....................................................................17
B. Print Head Life Gauge .....................................................................18
C. Using the Cost Estimator .................................................................18
D. Replacing Ink Cartridges/Low Ink Warning ...............................19
Section 4: Printing from a PC ...................................................................... 22
A. Using BarTender
B. Add Text, Barcodes and Graphics to a BarTender Label ............27
C. Printing from BarTender ..................................................................28
D. Printing from Other Programs .......................................................29
E. Adjusting Print Alignment .............................................................. 30
F. Creating a Full Bleed Print ..............................................................32
G. Printer Driver Settings ..................................................................... 33
Section 5: Printing from a Mac .................................................................... 38
A. Printer Utility Settings (Color Label 900 Utility) .........................38
B. Printing from Swift Publisher .........................................................44
C. Printing from Adobe Illustrator .....................................................46
D. Printing from Adobe Acrobat Reader ............................................50
E. Create a Custom Label Size ............................................................52
F. Adjusting Print Alignment .............................................................. 53
G. Creating a Full Bleed Print .............................................................. 56
............................................................................ 22
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Section 6: Troubleshooting and Maintenance ..........................................57
A. Solving Print Alignment Problems ................................................ 57
B. Solving Print Quality Problems ......................................................59
C. Color Matching and Design Tips ...................................................61
D. Create a Support Report ..................................................................64
E. Cleaning the Printer ......................................................................... 64
F. Cleaning the Print Head .................................................................. 64
G. Replacing the Print Head ................................................................68
H. Interpreting the Printer ’s Indicator Lights ...................................71
I. Technical Support .............................................................................71
Section 7: Technical Specifications .............................................................72
Index .................................................................................................................73
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Section 1: Getting Started

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THANK YOU…
...for choosing an LX900 Color Label Printer. The LX900 Printer will print razor-sharp text and barcodes, vibrant colors, and even stunning photo-realistic photographs directly onto rolls of labels, card stock and a variety of other approved media.
This User's Manual is your complete step-by-step guide to quickly and easily setting up and printing with your new Color Label Printer!

A. CHOOSING A GOOD LOCATION

Place the printer on a flat surface in a location with
adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat build up.
Do not place the printer near heat sources such as radiators
or air ducts, or in a place subject to direct sun light, excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.
Allow for adequate clearance in front of the printer to
accommodate the printed label stock as it is leaving the printer to avoid the possibility of binding or jamming of the label stock.
Allow for adequate overhead and left side clearance for
opening the top cover to allow easy access to the label stock and ink cartridge. The Printer will require 9.5 inches (24 cm) of additional space on the left side to completely open the cover (Total = 26.75" or 68 cm). The Printer will require an additional 15.9 inches (40.4 cm) of overhead space to open the cover (Total = 25" or 63.5 cm).
Getting Started 1

B. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

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While unpacking your printer, inspect the carton to ensure that no damage has occurred during shipping. Make sure that all supplied accessories are included with your unit. The following items are included in the supply box:
 Power Adapter  Separate Power Cord  USB Cable  Software Installer CD  Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black Ink Cartridges  Warranty Statement and Registration Card  This Manual and other Printed Information
The following items are inside the printer supply roll area:
Replaceable Print head  Starter Roll of High Gloss Label Stock
Save the carton and packing materials. They will come in handy when transporting the printer.
2 Getting Started

C. IDENTIFYING THE PARTS

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This illustration shows the front of the printer with its control buttons and LED indicator lights.
Top Cover
Pause Button
Power LED
Load/Feed Button
Ink Low LED Unload Button
The Pause Button pauses the printer AFTER the printing of the current label has finished to allow for loading of label stock and ink cartridge.
The Power LED indicates that the printer is on and ready to receive print jobs.
The Load/Feed Button is pressed in order to load label stock if the printer does not automatically detect the stock. When stock is loaded each press of the button will cause one label to be fed from the printer.
The Ink Low LED will illuminate when a cartridge has 10% or less of its ink remaining.
The Unload Button will unload the installed label stock by reversing it through the printer. Make sure to tear off the printed labels before pressing the Unload Button.
The Label Tear Bar is a serrated edge for conveniently tearing your finished labels from the printer. The printer comes with a white tear bar guard. For smoother label feeding, leave the guard in place during printing. When you are ready to tear off a label, remove the guard, tear off the label and replace it.
Pause LED
Label Tear Bar
Getting Started 3
This illustration shows the input ports and power switch found
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on the rear panel of the printer.
USB Port
Auxilary Port
Power Input Port
This illustration shows the interior of the printer.
Fixed Throat Guide
Movable Throat Guide
Sensor Position Adjustment

D. COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS

Power Switch
Roll Stop
Roll Arm
Roll Guide
Recommended PC Specifications
For optimal printing speed you must have a PC with the following recommended specifications:
• Pentium Dual Core Processor
• 2 GB of RAM
• 10 GB of Free Hard Drive Space
4 Getting Started

Section 2: Label Stock

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A. LABEL AND ROLL SPECIFICATIONS

A wide variety of label stock can be used in the Printer. Refer to the specifications and settings in the following sections before ordering custom stock from Primera or any stock from another company.
Important! Test all custom made label stock with the intended printer before ordering large quantities! Primera will only assume responsibility for custom label stock ordered from Primera.
Label Sensing Methods
Method 1: Label
Gap Sensing
Method 2: Thru-Hole
Sensing
Method 3: Reflective/Black
Mark Sensing
(Black Mark must be printed
on back side of label stock)
Label Width
Liner Width
Distance from edge of Media
Width of Opening
Distance from edge of Media
to edge of Label
Gap Between Labels
Label Height
Black Mark
Width
Note: See table below for Max and Min values in inches and mm..
Label Stock 5
Max Min
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Label width 8.25" (209mm) 0.75" (19mm)
Liner/media width 8.375" (212mm) 1.5" (38mm)
Label height/length 17" (431mm) 0.5" (13mm)
Gap between labels 10" (253mm) 0.10 (2.5mm)
Width of thru-hole 0.5" (12.65mm) 0.25" (6.325mm) opening
Distance from edge of 2.25" (57mm) 0.20" (5.06mm) media to edge of thru-hole
Reflective/Black N/A 0.1" (2.54mm) Mark Width*
Max Outer Diameter (OD) 6.0"(152.4mm) N/A
Inner Core Diameter (ID) 3.0" (76.2mm) 3.0" (76.2mm)
Total Thickness .0010” N/A (Liner + Label)** (10 mil)
Distance from edge of Printer driver assumes 2 mm gap. media to edge of label However, this is adjustable via the left margin offset.
* The Reflective/Black Mark should be opaque to infrared light. The mark should be between the labels. The end of the mark should correspond with the beginning of the label.
** This is the recommended maximum. There are two factors that determine whether the printer will accept any particular stock thickness.
1. The ability for the printer to pull the paper through the print area.
2. The ability for the sensor to read through the backing if the sensor is set to die-cut.
If you are printing in continuous or reflective label sensing mode number 2 does not apply. The fact that the printer must read through the backing in die-cut mode will limit the thickness much more than the printers ability to pull the paper through the print area. However, if you adjust opacity level of the liner enough to allow the label to be seen by the stock sensor, the thickness will only be limited by the printers ability to pull it through the printer area. For these reasons the weight or thickness of the liner is a variable that can not easily be defined. Primera recommends and uses 40# liner with all label stock.
It is important to test all label stock with the intended printer before ordering large quantities!
6 Label Stock
Roll Specifications
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Label Side Out
Roll O.D.
Core I.D.
Core O.D.
Note on Label Orientation: If you are using an applicator
to apply your labels, be sure to order label stock with the correct orientation for your applicator. For example most applicators will apply the side of the label first, so you will want to print the labels sideways.
Label Stock
3” 6”
Label Stock 7

B. INSTALLING LABEL STOCK

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The following steps will guide you through loading label stock in your printer:
Make sure power is connected and printer is on.
1. Open the Top Cover.
Lift Here
2. Lower the Roll Guide and pull it outward to make room for your label stock.
8 Label Stock
3. Remove any shipping tape from your label stock roll to
DO NOT PINCH
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ensure that it can unroll freely, making certain that no adhesive portion is exposed. It is important to note that any exposed adhesive surface can attach itself the inner workings of the print mechanism and cause a media jam.
4. Place your roll of label stock on the Roll Arm and push it inward until it touches the Roll Stop.
Roll Stop
Roll Guide
Roll Arm
5. Flip up the Roll Guide and slide it inward until it touches the label stock. The Roll Guide will automatically pull back slightly to the correct position. There should be approximately a 1mm gap between the roll guide and the roll.
Important Note: Be aware that some label stock may have a core that
is slightly too large for the roll or the labels may have wrapped unevenly causing some to stick out beyond the edge of the core. Both of these issues can cause feeding problems.
Label Stock 9
6. Pull the Movable Throat Guide outward to make room for
DO NOT PINCH
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the label stock.
7. Place the leading edge of the label stock under
Label Stock
the "label stock" symbols on the Throat Guides. The label stock should be placed far enough into the throat of the printer to correctly position the Movable Throat Guide but not yet into the printer itself.
Movable Throat Guide
Fixed Throat Guide
8. Slide the Movable Throat Guide inward until it almost touches the label stock.
Important Note: The label stock should be close enough to the Fixed and
Movable Thoat Guides to provide proper guidance but not close enough to pinch the label stock. (0-1 mm gap on either side) If the label stock is pinched by the guides, poor print quality or feeding problems could result.
9. Feed the label stock further into the printer until it senses the label and automatically feeds it through the printer. If the printer fails to feed the label stock, press the Load/ Feed button on the front panel while continuing to guide the label stock into the printer. If the printer does not automatically grab and feed the stock or continues to feed the stock without stopping check the Stock Sensor position or mode (Section 2C or 2D).
10 Label Stock
C. ADJUSTING THE LABEL STOCK TOF (TOP OF FORM)
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SENSOR
If you are using label stock other than standard square / rectangular diecut labels such as circular die-cut labels or through-hole stock use the instructions below to adjust the position of the label stock sensor. The sensor can be adjusted using the slide bar on the inside of the printer. Below the slide bar is a measurement which represents the distance between the edge of the label stock and the sensor. Measure the distance from the edge of the label stock to the correct position on the stock. Set the sensor to this measurement.
Important Note: You must adjust the Stock Sensor before loading
nonstandard label stock.
in.
0.5
mm
12.7
Label Stock Sensor Slide
1.0 1.5
25.4 38.1
2.0
50.8
Circular Labels
If you are using Circular Labels you must adjust the Stock sensor to correspond with the very top of the label where the circles are closest together. If the sensor is too far to the right or the left the printer will still sense the label but the image may be offset downward because the printer will start printing at the wrong position. If you are using stock that has multiple labels across make sure the sensor corresponds to a place on the stock that has a label and not a vertical gap.
Label Stock 11
The sensor can only be moved a maximum of 2.3 inches
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from the left side of the printable area. This means that the maximum diameter circular label that can be printed is 4.6 inches. For circular labels larger than 4.6 inches in diameter, you must have a black mark printed on the back of the label stock. This means that you must change the Stock Sensor Mode to Reflective. The printer will now look for the black mark representing the beginning of the next label instead of the diecut. For more information on changing the Stock Sensor Mode see Section 2D.
1/2”
Center of Hole
Through-Hole Labels Circular Labels
Set Sensor Bar to 1 1/8" for 2" circular label (1/8" liner edge gap).
Center
of Circle
1 1/8”
Through-Hole Labels
If you are using card stock or label stock that has a hole punch or a notch to identify a transition from backing to label, you can adjust the Stock Sensor to position it over the identifying mark.

D. SET THE STOCK SENSOR MODE

The stock sensor mode refers to the method the printer will use to detect the print starting position for each label. To adjust the stock sensor mode, open the PTStatus program. PTStatus automatically installs with your printer driver and can be accessed through the printer driver or as program that is accessible in the same manner as all other programs.
Important Note: Set the Stock Sensor Mode BEFORE loading label stock!
12 Label Stock
1. Connect the printer via USB and turn on the power. The
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Stock Sensor Mode setting is stored on printer main board so you will not be able to access it unless the printer is turned on and properly communicating with the computer.
2. Go to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTStatus.
3. Click on the Alignment Tab (3rd tab from top).
4. Click on the Stock Sensor Mode button.
5. Select the Stock Sensor Mode by clicking on the graphic that most closely corresponds to the stock you intend to install.
There are three sensor modes:
Die Cut (Default). If you are using standard die-cut labels that look similar to the graphic use this setting regardless of the size of the label. Also, use this setting for Through-hole label material where a hole is punched through each label or a notch is cut in the side.
Reflective. Use Reflective for label material where a black pre-printed line (black mark) on the back of the label stock indicates the break between labels. Black marks are required on clear label stock rolls, or label where the label waste matrix (waste) is left on the liner. Black marks can also be used for irregular shaped labels, circles larger than 4.6 inches or on any stock where the print starting position can not be sensed using the label itself.
Label Stock 13
Continuous. (Sensor off) If you have continuous stock with no
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die-cut, reflective mark or holes, set the sensor type to Continuous. This will turn off the stock sensor. In this mode there is no way to set the print starting position. The printer will simply start printing the first label and print each subsequent label immediately after that previous one. To produce a gap between prints simply add the desired amount of white space to the end of the label being printed.
Important Note: You must also set the Stock Sensor Position (Section 2C)
so that the sensor is sensing the correct point on the label stock.
E: SET THE OUTPUT MODE
Toggle the Output Mode to set whether or not the last label printed will be presented or left inside the printer. To adjust the output mode, open the PTStatus program. PTStatus automatically installs with your printer driver and can be accessed through the printer driver or as program that is accessible in the same manner as all other programs.
1. Connect the printer via USB and turn on the power. The Output Mode Setting is stored on printer main board so you will not be able to access it unless the printer is turned on and properly communicating with the computer.
2. Go to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTStatus.
3. Click on the Alignment Tab (3rd tab from top).
4. Click on the Output Mode button.
5. Select the Output Mode by clicking on the corresponding graphic.
14 Label Stock
There are two different output modes:
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Present labels - Yes (Default). This setting will cause the printer to feed the last label printed forward so that it and the previously printed labels can be torn off using the tear bar. If no other jobs are sent to the printer within one second after the last label has printed, the last printed label will present for tear off.
Present labels - No (Use with Rewinder). In this mode the label stock does not move after the last label is printed. This means that part of the last label printed is still in the printer. This should be used only if you have a label rewinder attached. To retrieve the final label you must press the Load/Feed button on the printer control panel.
Label Stock 15

Section 3: Status Monitor (PTStatus)

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PTStatus or Status Monitor is used to interact with the printer for gathering ink levels, maintenance, alignment, cost calculation and several other functions.
PTStatus automatically installs with your printer driver and can be accessed through the printer driver preferences or as a program on your Windows start menu.
1. Connect the printer via USB and turn on the power. The Status Monitor accesses most of the information it uses from the printer itself so the printer must be turned on and communicating for the program to open.
2. Go to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTPStatus Once open, the Status Monitor consist of four tabs that are arranged on the left side of the window. Each tab opens a screen that has various similar functions. The tabs will only be displayed if the printer is idle (not printing).
Ink Tab (First Tab). Displays ink levels, Print head life,
pauses or cancels a job, displays print counter.
Cartridge Utilities Tab (Second Tab). Aligns Print Head,
Cleans Print Head and Changes the Cartridges.
Alignment Tab (Third Tab). Adjust vertical and
horizontal print alignment, Changes the Stock Sensor Mode and toggles the Output Mode.
Cost Tab (Fourth Tab). Calculates cost per label based
on last label printed.
In addition to these functions you can also click the "i" icon to access the Primera Knowledgebase, contact tech support, gather version information or set applications options.
16 Status Monitor (PTStatus)
A: MONITORING INK LEVELS
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Ink levels can be monitored at any time by using the Status Monitor. Immediately after printing starts the Status Monitor will display the ink levels in the lower right corner of your screen.
The print status will also be displayed on the top bar. At any time you may click the double up arrows to expand the window to standard mode. Click the double down arrows to revert to the smaller mode.
In the standard mode, the ink percentages and print head life will be displayed, along with four tabs and the Print Counter. The tabs will only be displayed if the printer is idle (not printing).
Note: If you are using multiple printers, an instance of the Status Monitor
will open for each printer. If the Status Monitor is in small mode, each instance will automatically tile justified to the bottom right portion of the screen. The title of each instance will correspond to the printer name as shown in the Windows printer list.
Status Monitor (PTStatus) 17

B. PRINT HEAD LIFE GAUGE

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Print Head life remaining is displayed in the status monitor. Hover your mouse over the icon to display more information.
Print Head Life is calculated by tracking the number of cartridges used in the print head. A print head is considered to be at zero life remaining after 26 black or 32 combined color cartridges. Print heads may still be used after there is zero life remaining. However, it could fail at any moment. Therefore, it is recommended that users purchase a back up print head at approximately 10% life remaining.
Note: If the print head life indicator is not displayed click the refresh button
next to the Magenta ink display.

C. USING THE COST ESTIMATOR

The cost estimator is found on the last tab of the Status Monitor. The Status Monitor automatically opens as soon as you begin printing. However, you can also access it at any time as long as the printer is turned on and communicating by going to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTStatus.
18 Status Monitor (PTStatus)
Ink cost is automatically and continuously calculated based
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on the black and color cartridge costs entered. Only the last printed label cost is displayed. For reference, the print file and date of last print is displayed at the top of the window.
Adjust the cartridge costs according to the actual price paid
for them. The estimate does not take currency into account so you can assume that whatever value you entered is displayed in your currency.
Save a screen capture of the cost by clicking the disk icon.  Print a screen capture of the cost by clicking the printer
icon.
Important Note: The cost per label represents the average cost per label
over an entire run of labels. This means that the per label cost will decrease and become more accurate as the number of labels printed increases. This is because the ink that is used for beginning and periodic cartridge maintenance is divided into a larger number of labels.

D. REPLACING INK CARTRIDGES / LOW INK WARNING

You can replace cartridges at any time or wait for the Low Ink Warning to prompt you to replace cartridges. Low Ink Warnings occur at the following levels:
10% - If any cartridge is lower than 10% at the beginning of
a job you will be prompted to change that cartridge. At this point you can change or ignore.
0% - If any cartridge reaches 0% during a job you will be
prompted to change that cartridge. At this point you can change or ignore. Under normal circumstances this will be your first warning. The 10% warning is only triggered at the start of a job.
-10% - If at any point any cartridge is -10% you will be
prompted to change that cartridge. You must change the cartridge to continue.
Status Monitor (PTStatus) 19
To change a cartridge, follow this procedure:
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1. Press Pause and Load/Feed simultaneously -OR- click the Change Cartridge button on the second tab of the Status Monitor. The head carriage will move to the center of the print area for easy access.
2. Remove the cartridge by pressing the corresponding colored tab on the back of the print head. The cartridge will pop up slightly.
3. Remove the cartridge.
20 Status Monitor (PTStatus)
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