Rice Lake M-Class Mark II User Manual

Operator’s Manual
Copyright Information:
CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation. CG Times based upon Times New Roman under license from the Monotype Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. All other brand and product names are trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks of their respective companies.
The enclosed Firmware (Software) resident in the Printer is owned by Licensor or its suppliers and is licensed for used only on a single printer in the user’s Trade or Business. The User agrees not to, and not to authorize or permit any other person or party to, duplicate or copy the Firmware or the information contained in the non-volatile or programmable memory. The firmware (Software) is protected by applicable copyright laws and Licensor retains all rights not expressly granted. In no event will Licensor or its suppliers be liable for any damages or loss, including direct, incidental, economic, special, or consequential damages, arising out of the use or inability to use the Firmware (Software).
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Datamax Barcode Products Corporation. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, without the expressed written permission of Datamax Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
© Copyright 2007 by Datamax Corporation
Part Number: 88-2340-01
Revision: B
Important Safety Instructions
This printer has been carefully designed to provide many years of safe, reliable performance. As with all types of electrical equipment, however, there are a few basic precautions you should take to avoid hurting yourself or damaging the device:
• Carefully read the installation and operating instructions provided with your printer.
• Read and follow all warning instruction labels on the printer.
• Place the printer on a flat, firm, solid surface.
• To protect your printer from overheating, make sure all openings on the printer are not blocked.
• Do not place the printer on or near a heat source.
• Do not use your printer near water, or spill liquid into it.
• Be certain that your power source matches the rating listed on your printer. If you are unsure, check with your dealer or with your local power company.
• Do not place the power cord where it will be walked on. If the power cord becomes damaged or frayed replace it immediately.
• Do not insert anything into the ventilation slots or openings on the printer.
• Only qualified, trained service technicians should attempt to repair your printer.
Agency Compliance and Approvals:
UL60950-1; 1 CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-03 1
EN60950-1 (2001) 1 IEC60950-1 (2001) 1
st
Edition, 2006-07-07
st
Edition
st
Edition
st
Edition; 2006-07
As an Energy Star Partner, the manufacturer has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that this product conforms to the following standards or other normative documents:
EMC: EN 55022 (1993) Class B EN 50024 (1998)
Safety: This product complies with the requirements of EN 60950-1, 1
st
Edition
Gost-R
GB4943-2001, GB9254-1998, GB17625-1-2003
s
t
n
e
t
n
o
C
C
C
1 Getting Started
1.1 Introduction.......................................................................1
1.2 Unpacking .........................................................................1
2 Printer Setup
2.1
2.2 Loading Media.................................................................... 5
2.3 Media Sensor Adjustment ....................................................7
2.4 Loading Ribbon ..................................................................8
3 Printer Operation
3.1
3.2 Front Panel (Display Printers)...............................................15
3.3 Windows Driver..................................................................16
3.4 Printer Configuration Utility (DMXConfig) ...............................18
3.5 Media Calibration................................................................19
4 Menu System
4.1
4.2 The User Menu...................................................................24
4.3 The Advanced Menu............................................................24
4.4 The Test Menu ...................................................................25
4.5 Menu Details......................................................................25
n
o
n
o
Printer Connections.............................................................3
Front Panel (Non-Display Printers) ........................................13
Menu System (Display Printers Only).....................................23
t
t
e
e
n
n
t
t
s
s
i
5 Maintenance and Adjustments
Cleaning Intervals...............................................................45
5.1
5.2 Cleaning the Printhead ........................................................46
5.3 Media Width Adjustment......................................................48
5.4 Printhead Burn Line Adjustment............................................49
5.5 Printhead Pressure Adjustment.............................................50
5.6 Printhead Replacement........................................................51
5.7 Darkness Adjustment..........................................................52
5.8 Resetting the Printer ...........................................................53
5.9 Downloading Firmware and Fonts..........................................54
6 Troubleshooting
Problem Resolution .............................................................55
6.1
6.2 Fault and Warning Messages (Display Printers Only) ................ 59
6.3 Hex Dump Mode.................................................................64
Appendix A - Specifications
Appendix B - GPIO Port
Appendix C – Paper Menu Setup (Non-Display Printers)
Warranty Information
ii
G
G
G
1
1
1
1
.
1
1
.
1
1
.
1
Congratulations on your M-Class Mark II printer purchase. The M-Class Mark II printer family, hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’, blends the rugged durability of die-cast construction with state-of-the-art electronics and user-friendly features to redefine the standard in industrial thermal printers. Available in direct and optional thermal transfer configurations, the printers use unique front panel designs to simplify operation, while its USB, RS232 serial, IEEE 1284 compliant parallel, or optional wired and wireless LAN connectivity allows eas y i n t e r fa c in g to any host system.
This manual provides all the information necessary to operate the printer.
To print labels or tags, simply refer to the instructions included with the software you have chosen to create the labels. A Windows™ printer driver can be found on our website (http://www.datamaxcorp.com/) or on the included CD-ROM for printing from common applications. If you wish to write a custom program, a copy of the Class Series Programmer’s Manual can also be found on the CD-ROM.
1
.
2
1
.
2
1
.
2
I
n
t
r
o
d
u
c
c
d
d
c
c
k
u
k
k
u
t
c
t
c
i
n
i
n
i
n
I
n
t
r
I
U
n
n
n
n
o
t
r
o
p
a
p
a
p
a
U
U
e
e
i
o
i
o
t
i
g
g
g
o
t
t
n
n
n
t
t
i
i
n
n
g
g
S
S
t
t
a
a
r
r
t
t
e
e
d
d
d
e
t
r
a
t
S
g
n
i
t
t
e
After removing the printer from the packaging material, check the contents. The following items should be included:
Printer Power Cord CD-ROM and Documentation Any special or additionally purchased items
Additional Requirements
The following items are necessary for generating labels from your printer. Contact your customer support or sales representative for advice on which media and software may best be suited for your application.
Serial, USB or Parallel cable Ethernet cable for optional LAN connectivity Applicable Media
L
Chapter 1 – Getting Started 1
It is a good idea to save all packaging materials in the event that shipping the printer is ever required.
2 Chapter 1 – Getting Started
P
P
P
2
2
2
2
.
1
2
.
1
2
.
1
Power Connection
;
P
r
i
n
t
e
r
P
r
i
n
P
r
i
n
Before connecting the AC Power Cord or interface cables to the printer, ensure the Power On/Off Switch is in the ‘Off’ position.
1. Place the printer on a firm, level surface.
2. Ensure that the Power Switch on the Printer is in the ‘Off’ position.
3. Connect the AC Power Cord to the receptacle on the back of the Printer, and then plug the
AC Power Cord into a properly grounded outlet. (The power supply automatically detects and then adjusts to the applied line voltage; see Appendix A for the acceptable voltage ranges.)
C
t
e
r
C
t
e
r
C
r
r
r
o
o
o
n
n
n
i
i
i
n
n
n
n
n
n
e
c
e
c
e
c
p
u
t
e
S
r
e
t
e
t
e
t
t
i
o
n
s
o
o
n
n
s
s
t
i
t
i
r
r
S
S
e
e
t
t
u
u
p
p
Chapter 2 - Printer Setup 3
Interface Connection
The printer can be connected to the host via the parallel, USB, serial, or optional network interface. The printer will automatically connect to the first port that delivers valid data. Once established, the printer’s power must be cycled ‘Off’ and ‘On’ to change an interface connection.
A couple of Optional Ethernet Print Server (wired and wireless) are available. For information on using these interfaces, refer to the instructions included with the option for proper cabling, setup, and configuration.
The Parallel Connection needs a Centronics IEEE 1284 cable with a 36-pin male connector for unidirectional (forward channel) communications, or an IEEE 1284 Compliant cable for bi-directional communications (forward and reverse channels). Also, for bi-directional communications your host must have supporting software.
The USB Connection needs a USB cable and is supported in Windows systems. Depending upon the operating system of your host computer, installation requirements may differ slightly.
95 and greater operating
The Serial Connection needs a serial interface cable with specific pin-outs for proper communications (part numbers and pin-outs are given, below; contact your reseller to order). The interface supports RS-232C communications via a DB-9 connector. Serial port settings are menu­selectable and must match your host’s serial port settings.
Part # 32-2300-01 Part # 32-2301-01
4 Chapter 2 - Printer Setup
2
.
2
L
o
a
d
i
n
g
M
e
d
i
a
2
.
2
L
o
a
d
i
n
g
M
2
.
2
L
o
a
d
i
n
Load media into the printer as follows:
1. Open the media cover and lower the Media Hub Guide and Media Guide.
2. Press in on the Printhead Latch and raise the Printhead Assembly.
g
M
e
e
d
d
i
a
i
a
Printhead Latch
n
Media Guide
o
Media Hub Guide
p
3. Slide the Roll Media onto the Media Hub and raise the Media Hub Guide. The Media Hub Guide should be pushed inward so that it is just touching the Roll Media.
4. Route the Media through the printer as shown. Raise the Media Guide. The Media Guide should be pushed inward so that it is just touching the edge of the Media.
Roll Media
n
Media Hub Guide
o
Media Sensor
p
Media Guide
q
Chapter 2 - Printer Setup 5
5. Close the Printhead Assembly and press down until it locks into place.
6. Close the cover and press the proper tracking.
FEED
button several times to position the media and ensure
n
Printhead Assembly
If the printer does not correctly sense the top of each label, it may be necessary to calibrate the printer. See section 3.5 Media Calibration.
The printer is factory set to use 4-inch media (and ribbon, if thermal transfer equipped). When using
;
a different width of media/ribbon, please refer to section 5.3.
6 Chapter 2 - Printer Setup
2
.
3
M
e
d
i
a
S
e
n
s
o
r
A
d
j
u
s
t
m
e
n
t
2
.
3
M
e
d
i
a
S
e
n
s
o
r
A
d
j
u
s
t
2
.
3
M
e
d
i
a
S
e
n
s
o
r
A
d
The Media Sensor needs to be positioned so that the printer can detect the presence of media and the top-of-form (except for continuous stock, where the TOF is set through the front panel.
To adjust:
1. With media loaded, as described in Section 2.2, grasp the Slide Tab and move the Sensor
Eye Mark into position over media according to the table below.
2. If loading media, return to the media loading instructions.
Media Sensor Selection and Adjustment Media Type Sensor Eye Mark Position Sensing Required Die-cut Near the middle of the label Gap Notched Centered over the notch Gap Reflective Centered over the black mark Reflective Continuous Near the middle of the media Continuous
m
j
u
s
t
m
e
e
n
n
t
t
Sensor Eye’ Mark
n
Slide Tab
o
Chapter 2 - Printer Setup 7
2
.
4
L
o
a
d
i
n
g
R
i
b
b
o
n
2
.
4
L
o
a
d
i
n
g
R
i
b
2
.
4
L
o
a
d
i
n
g
Ribbon is required with thermal transfer media. It is recommended that the width of the ribbon be slightly wider than the media being used. The printer can use either ribbons with the ‘coating side in’ or
ribbons with the ‘coating side out’. To load:
Using a ribbon that is slightly wider than your media (and liner, if any) will help protect against
;
printhead wear.
1. Open the media cover. Press in on the Printhead Latch and raise the printhead assembly.
b
R
i
b
b
o
o
n
n
Printhead Latch
n
2. Slide the Ribbon Roll onto the Ribbon Supply Hub until it rests against the hub’s flange. Ensure the ribbon unwinds in the correct direction (see Ribbon Routing). The illustrations here depict a ‘Coated Side In’ ribbon.
Ink Side (CSO Ribbon)
n
Ink Side (CSI Ribbon)
o
8 Chapter 2 - Printer Setup
3. Route the ribbon under the Ribbon Idler and then out the front of the printer approximately 12 inches.
Ribbon Roll
n
Ribbon Supply Hub
o
Ribbon Idler
p
4. Close the Printhead Assembly and press down until it locks into place.
Printhead Assembly
n
Chapter 2 - Printer Setup 9
5. Route the ribbon up and then around to the Ribbon Take-Up Hub, winding it several times in a clockwise direction to secure it in place.
Ribbon Take-up Hub
n
6. Close the cover and press the Feed button several times to position the ribbon and ensure proper tracking.
7. The ‘Media Type’ setting within the printer’s setup must be set to ‘Thermal Transfer’ to print using a ribbon. This can be accomplished with the DMXConfig Utility, (see section 3. 4) or on printers equipped with a display - through the printers menu system, (see section 4.5).
10 Chapter 2 - Printer Setup
Ribbon Routing (Coated Side In & Coated Side Out)
Directional Arrows near the Ribbon Supply Hub indicate the correct ribbon route. Ribbon types are
;
available with the ink (coating) layer wound ‘in’ or ‘out’. Ensure the inked side of the ribbon faces the media and NOT
the printhead.
Ribbon Routing Diagrams
(CSI) ‘Coating Side In’ Ribbon Routing
(CSO) ‘Coating Side Out’ Ribbon Routing
Chapter 2 - Printer Setup 11
12 Chapter 2 - Printer Setup
O
r
e
t
n
i
r
P
P
P
3
3
3
3
.
1
3
.
1
3
.
1
The Front Panel consists of three indicator lights and three function buttons. The functions of these lights and controls are listed in the following sections.
Non-display printers can be configured using the DMXConfig Utility (see section 3.4). The printer can also be configured using the Paper Menu Setup, (see Appendix C) for users that do not have a host connection available.
F
r
o
n
t
P
F
r
o
F
n
r
o
n
a
t
P
a
t
P
a
n
n
n
r
r
e
e
e
i
i
l
(
l
(
l
(
n
n
N
o
N
o
N
o
n
n
n
t
t
-
-
-
e
e
D
D
D
r
i
s
p
i
s
p
i
s
p
r
l
a
l
l
a
a
y
y
y
O
O
P
r
P
r
P
r
p
i
n
i
n
i
n
p
p
e
t
t
e
e
t
e
e
e
r
s
r
s
r
s
n
o
i
t
a
r
a
r
a
r
)
)
)
t
t
i
i
o
o
n
n
3.1.1 Lights
(Normal power-up)
Normal Mode
Both the
STOP
ERROR
READY
READY
Solid On: Flashing:
a label is presented to the operator.
Indicates a top of form or mechanical error has occurred
Solid On: Flashing:
and
Indicates the printer is in the ‘Paused’ state
(When using the Peel & Present Option) Indicates
Indicates the printer is on and ready for printing Indicates the printer is receiving data from the host
STOP
Lights will be on during power-up initialization.
Chapter 3 - Printer Operation 13
3.1.2 Buttons
The three buttons,
PAU S E
,
FEED
, and
CANCEL
perform different functions based on the
printer’s operational mode.
Ready Mode Functions
These functions can be performed at any time when the printer is at idle.
Function Button(s) Description
Pause Pause Pauses and un-pauses the printer
Feed / Clear Fault Feed Feeds one label or clears fault condition
Cancels the current batch of labels. Press the
Cancel Cancel
Pause button to print the next batch of labels in
the printers buffer.
Soft Reset
Press and Hold
Pause & Cancel
Resets the printer, see section 5.8
Print Test Label Pause & Feed Prints the Test Label
Print Configuration
Label
Feed & Cancel Produces Database Configuration and Test Label
Print Ethernet Label Pause, Feed & Cancel Prints the printers Ethernet configuration
Quick Calibration Press and Hold Feed Performs a “Quick Calibration”, see section 3.5
Empty Calibration
Press and Hold Pause
& Feed
Performs a “Empty Calibration”, see section 3.5
Delayed Power-up Functions
Turn on the printer, when the three lights turn on press and hold the button sequence. Continue to ho ld the button(s) until the three lights turn off.
Function Button(s) Description
Hex Dump Feed Enters Hex Dump Mode, see section 6.3
Level 1 Reset Pause & Cancel
Level 2 Reset Pause, Feed & Cancel
Resets the printer to a saved configuration file,
see section 5.8.
Resets the printer to the default factory
settings, see section 5.8.
14 Chapter 3 - Printer Operation
3
.
2
F
r
o
n
t
P
a
n
e
l
(
D
i
s
p
l
a
y
P
r
i
n
t
3
.
2
F
r
o
n
t
P
a
n
e
l
(
D
i
s
p
l
a
y
3
.
2
F
r
o
n
t
P
a
n
e
l
(
D
i
s
p
The Control Panel is an event-driven interface composed of a graphic display and keyboard. In addition to providing current printer information, the mode-dependent panel allows the items in the Main Display Area and the keyboard functions to change as operational events require.
P
l
a
y
P
e
r
i
n
t
e
r
i
n
t
e
r
s
)
)
r
s
r
s
)
Icons & Indicators
The icons are graphics that appear in the ‘Printer Status Line’ area of the display. Three LED indicators are located above the display. Both provide real-time operational information as defined below:
Item Definition
A USB Host device (memory drive or keyboard) has been detected RFID is installed A wired LAN connection has been detected A wireless LAN connection has been detected
The printer is receiving data
The printer is stopped or paused
A Fault condition has been detected. For a listing of possible messages, see Section
6.2
Chapter 3 - Printer Operation 15
3
.
3
W
i
n
d
o
w
s
D
r
i
v
e
r
3
.
3
W
i
n
d
o
w
s
D
3
.
3
W
i
n
d
o
w
The Windows driver is located on the Accessories CD-Rom included with your printer. For the latest version please visit our web site at www.datamaxcorp.com
Installing the Windows Driver:
Place the Accessories CD-Rom included with your printer into your computers CD-Rom drive.
Once the CD-Rom starts, select "Install Windows Driver" from the main menu and follow the instructions on the screen to install.
When prompted, select your printer from the list, (i.e. Datamax M-Class MarkII). Continue to follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
s
r
D
r
i
v
e
r
i
v
e
r
.
16 Chapter 3 - Printer Operation
Important Notes:
The Windows driver functions the same as any other Windows printer. A built in help file is available for complete information on all settings, however there are some important settings that should be observed for trouble free printing.
Page Setup Tab: Stock
It is important that the Stock setting matches the size of the label you are using. If you cannot find a match for your label click 'New' and enter the dimensions of your label.
Options Tab: Print Speed & Printhead Temperature
These two settings will have the greatest effect on print quality. Some label stocks will require more heat and slower print speeds to generate a quality image.
The Windows application software used to create the label format will likely have a "Page Setup" screen. This will also need to match the size of the label you are using.
Chapter 3 - Printer Operation 17
3
.
4
P
r
i
n
t
e
r
C
o
n
f
i
g
u
r
a
t
i
o
n
U
t
i
3
.
4
P
r
i
n
t
e
r
C
o
n
f
i
g
u
r
a
t
i
o
3
.
4
P
r
i
n
t
e
r
C
o
n
f
i
g
u
r
DMXConfig (located on the Accessories CD-ROM) is a windows based configuration utility that allows the user to make changes to the existing printer setup via a direct connection to the host computers serial and parallel connection.
DMXConfig Features:
Allows Real-Time Control/Query of Printer Configuration Define and Save Optimal Configurations for Applications Saved Configurations can be Shared with other Printers and Sent via Email Download Files, Formats and Fonts Query Memory Modules
Be sure to use the DMXConfig utility located on the Accessories CD-Rom that is included with your
;
printer. Older versions might not operate correctly with some printers. For the latest version please visit our web site at www.datamaxcorp.com
Once you have installed the DMXConfig utility:
1. Connect the host to the printer with a serial or parallel cable.
2. Turn on the printer.
3. Launch the DMXConfig utility.
4. Query the printer by using the ‘Query Printer’ toolbar button (top­left). This will connect to the printer and get the current printer settings.
5. At this point you may browse the tabs and make any changes necessary to the printer configuration. Once complete, send the new settings to the printer using the ‘Configure Printer’ toolbar button. The example below illustrates changing the Media Type setting to “Thermal Transfer.
6. Select the ‘Media Settings’ tab, in the ‘Media Type’ drop-down box select ‘Thermal Transfer’.
7. Send the settings to the printer using the ‘Configure Printer’ toolbar button.
The printer is now configured to ‘Thermal Transfer’. You may close the DMXConfig utility and begin printing using ribbon.
a
n
t
i
o
n
l
U
t
i
U
t
i
.
(
D
M
X
C
o
n
f
i
g
)
i
t
y
(
D
M
X
C
o
l
i
t
y
(
D
l
i
t
y
M
X
C
o
n
n
f
i
g
)
f
i
g
)
18 Chapter 3 - Printer Operation
3
.
5
M
e
d
i
a
C
a
l
i
b
r
a
t
i
o
n
3
3
.
5
M
e
d
i
a
C
a
l
i
b
r
a
.
5
M
e
d
i
a
C
a
l
i
b
t
r
a
i
o
n
t
i
o
n
3.5.1 Quick Calibration
Quick Calibration should be performed as part of the media loading routine to fine-tune the sensing parameters.
(1) This calibration is not necessary when using continuous stock.
;
(2) Media containing large gaps may require a change in the PAPER OUT DISTANCE before proceeding.
Calibrate the printer as follows:
1. Ensure that the printer is ON and in an idle state (i.e., not off-line) with media loaded, the media sensor adjusted, and the sensor type selected.
2. Press and hold the FEED Key until one label has been output then release the key and wait for the printer to process the data. There are two possible outcomes:
Non-Display Printers:
Upon completion, one of the following lights will flash five times to denote the result of the auto calibration attempt:
STOP
light = Successful calibration.
ERROR
light = Unsuccessful calibration, try again. If the calibration continues to fail
proceed to Section 3.5.2.
Display Printers:
CALIBRATION COMPLETE - will be displayed, and the media will be advanced to the next top of form if calibration was successful; or,
CANNOT CALIBRATE will be displayed if calibration was not successful. In this case, check the hints listed below to help resolve the problem:
Calibration Hints:
WARNING LOW BACKING (display printers only) is a normal message when calibrating die­cut media mounted on a highly translucent liner or notched tag stocks.
If the initial attempt fails, press and hold the FEED Key until two successive label TOFs have been output. If, however, CANNOT CALIBRATE is displayed again, perform the Standard Calibration routine, see section 3.5.2.
3.5.1 Empty Calibration
Empty Calibration calibrates the printer’s media sensor to detect an ‘Out of Stock’ condition. Calibrate the printer as follows:
1. Ensure that the printer is ON and in an idle state (i.e., not off-line) with media removed.
2. Press and hold the Pause & Feed Key for a few seconds.
Chapter 3 - Printer Operation 19
3.5.2 Standard Calibration
The Standard Calibration can be performed using the DMXConfig Utility, (see section 3.4 for more information on DMXConfig) and using the front panel buttons (see Appendix C for more information). On display equipped printers the Standard Calibration routine can also be initiated
via the printer’s menu, see section 4.5. Once you have installed the DMXConfig utility and the printer is properly loaded with media:
1. Connect the host to the printer with a serial or parallel cable.
2. Turn on the printer.
3. Launch the DMXConfig utility.
4. Query the printer by using the ‘Query Printer’ toolbar button (top-left). This will connect to the printer and get the current printer settings.
5. Select the “Sensor Calibration” Tab and then click the “Media Calibration Wizard” button. When prompted click “OK” to start the calibration wizard.
6. The Calibration Wizard will now prompt you to ‘Load Stock’. Be sure the media is properly loaded in the printer. Close the printhead and click “OK”.
20 Chapter 3 - Printer Operation
7. The Calibration Wizard will now prompt you to ‘Load Backing’. Peel off a few labels and position the backing material in the media sensor. Close the printhead and click “OK”.
8. The Calibration Wizard will now prompt you to ‘Remove Stock’. Remove all media and backing from the printer. Close the printhead and click “OK”.
9. The Calibration Wizard will now respond with ‘Passed Calibration’, click “OK” Re­install the media in the printer. Close the printhead and press the Feed button to test the calibration. Each press of the Feed button labels should feed one label.
If the printer was unsuccessful in
calibrating. Retry the procedure beginning at Step 5.
Chapter 3 - Printer Operation 21
22 Chapter 3 - Printer Operation
Loading...
+ 64 hidden pages