Rice Lake SURVIVOR SST3 User Manual

SURVIVOR SST3

Direct Thermal Label Printer

Operation & Service

Manual

109181

Contents

Technical training seminars are available through Rice Lake Weighing Systems.

Course descriptions and dates can be viewed at www.ricelake.com or obtained

by calling 715-234-9171 and asking for the training department.

About This Manual ................................................................................................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 General Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.1.1 Connecting the Interface Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.1.2 Split Communications Cable Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.1.3 Loading Labels into the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1.1.4 Label Peel and Present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1.1.5 Auto Sense Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

1.2 Washdown Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.0 General Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 17

2.1 General Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.2 Cleaning the Printhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.3 Cleaning the Platen Roller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.4 Cleaning the Peel Off Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3.0 Parts Replacement .................................................................................................................... 19

3.1 Printhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.2 Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.3 Printhead Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.4 CPU Board Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

3.5 Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.0 Communications........................................................................................................................ 23

4.1 Parallel Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4.2 Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4.2.1 Setting up the Baud Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4.3 USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4.4 Communicating to RLWS Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4.5 Printer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4.5.1 Serial Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4.5.2 Configuring Label Format in an RLWS Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4.5.3 Gross Weight Label Format Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5.0 Options ....................................................................................................................................... 27

5.1 Heater Kit Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.1.1 Heater Fuse Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

5.1 Wireless Antenna Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

6.0 Specifications............................................................................................................................ 45

SURVIVOR® SST3

Limited Warranty...................................................................................................... 46

Specifications subject to change without notice. January 2010

About This Manual

Warning

Caution

This manual is intended for use by technicians responsible for setting up and servicing the SURVIVOR® SST3 printer. Along with this manual, the Datamax® M ClassTM Mark II Operator’s Manual (RLWS PN 77562) is on a

CD-ROM and accompanies the SST3. It gives an overview of the operation, calibration, and in-depth maintenance of the printer. (The Datamax manual can also be viewed or downloaded at the RLWS web site at

www.ricelake.com.)

The following service procedures are intended to instruct you on how to:

• Understand features and specifications of the SST3.

• Set up communications parameters.

• Perform general printer maintenance.

Great care should be taken when opening and closing the SST3 enclosure to ensure that fingers and cables are not in the way of the enclosure cover.

Some procedures described in this manual require work inside the printer enclosure.

These procedures are to be performed by qualified service personnel only.

Authorized distributors and their employees can view or download this manual from the Rice Lake Weighing Systems distributor web site at: www.ricelake.com.

1.0 Introduction

The SURVIVOR SST3 is a high-performance, high-speed direct thermal and optional thermal transfer industrial washdown label printer.

Features include:

• Print speed of up to 10 inch per second (254 mm/sec).

• Common bar codes are resident in SST3 memory and can be printed with or without adjacent human readable bar code interpretations.

• Character fonts can be printed in any one of four directions and with any one of nine different font sizes. In addition, a resident smooth font, called CG Triumvirate, can be separately selected and contain 10 different font sizes. By using font multiplication, font size expands vertically and horizontally up to 24 times.

• Connects to most computers and controllers through either RS-232, USB or the Centronics parallel interface.

• Optional Ethernet and/or wireless network communication.

• Software-selectable printhead temperature, print speed, slew rates and form dimensions provide the option of storing a wide variety of parameters, thus eliminating the need for manual adjustments. This is especially helpful when using several different types or brands of label stock, or when switching between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing.

• Configurable for “one up” printing mode. With the present sensor installed and enabled, the next label is not printed until the last label printed has been removed from the printer. Quantities of one-at-a-time can be selected.

Introduction 1

1.1 General Setup

Front of unit

Warning

Ethernet Network Cable

USB Cable

Parallel Port Cable

Serial Port Cable

When setting up the SST3 printer, ensure that the unit is firmly placed on a sturdy, horizontal work surface that has sufficient work space around the perimeter of the unit. The unit opens towards the front so adequate space must be made available to allow the user to safely lift the cover of the unit and change out labels as needed. Because the cover opens to the front, counter depth only needs to accommodate the base footprint of the unit. The cover does not rest on counter top when open.

Unit should sit on a sturdy surface when the cover is open to prevent tipping. This could

cause injury to the user.

The unit comes with an eight foot power cord. Use appropriate GFI outlet types for the appropriate environment.

The SST3 printer must be installed near an easily accessible power outlet to allow for quick disconnect in case of emergency.

Since unit will be used around water, use appropriate grounded outlets (GFI). Not doing so could cause injury to the user.

1.1.1 Connecting the Interface Cable

The SST3 can be interfaced to a host device via Ethernet, Parallel, Serial and USB ports. Use the appropriate cable for your application (not included).

2 SST3 Installation Manual

Figure 1-1. Various Types of Interface Cables

Following power up, interface port selection occurs automatically upon detection of valid data. If the incoming

Four nuts

data flow stops and the host timeout period is achieved, partially received formats will be ignored and the port detection process repeated.

Ethernet Connection

The Ethernet interface supports several menu-selectable modes. Depending on the length, the cable should be Category/Type 3 or better. To order, ask for Rice Lake part number 103372. Installation documentation is supplied with the interface option.

Parallel Connection

The parallel interface supports directional communications. Choose and connect cabling as follows:

• For uni-directional communication, use a Centronics IEEE 1284 cable with a 36-pin male connector; or

• For bi-directional communication, use an IEEE 1284 compliant cable with a 36-pin male connector (and supporting host software).

USB Connection

The USB connection cable supports directional communications.

Serial Connection

The serial interface supports RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 communications.

1.1.2 Split Communications Cable Installation

The SST3 printer enclosure comes with a unique cable installation assembly that ensures the interior of the unit stays moisture free even during washdown conditions. The assembly allows the installer to eliminate the need to cut cables and still maintain a watertight barrier. Use the following steps to install your cable of choice through the split communications cable seal.

1. Using a 7/16” socket, remove the four nuts holding the split communications cable plate in place. Take care in removing the nuts as they could slip and fall down between the plate and the printer enclosure. Set the nuts aside.

Figure 1-2. Split Communications Cable Assembly in the SST3 Printer Enclosure

Introduction 3

2. Pull the SST3 enclosure forward so that it hangs slightly off of table edge to allow access to the bottom

Clamp plate

Half clamp plate

Split communications cable main plate

O-ring

Split seal plates

Seal plug

Large & small split seal gromment

Rubber gasket

access hole.

3. Remove split communications cable plates by pushing with fingers up through the bottom access hole from the underside to dislodge the split communications cable plates. Set aside.

Figure 1-3. Remove the Component Parts of the Split Communications Cable Assembly

4. The split communications cable plate is made up of several individual pieces that are shown in Figure 1-4.

4 SST3 Installation Manual

Figure 1-4. Component Pieces

5. Ensure the rubber gasket is seated properly in the SST3 printer enclosure.

Figure 1-5. Rubber Gasket

6. Set the main plate over the four studs with recesses around the four holes located downward and press down.

Note: Ensure that the split communications cable main plate is oriented so that the tapered side is facing up

Ensure that the larger side of the tapered pocket is facing upwards when placing it on the four studs

Note counter bore

as shown in Figure 1-6. An easy way to tell if the main plate is oriented correctly is to note that the four holes on the main plate have counter bores which should face down. Refer to Figure 1-6.

Figure 1-6. Incorrect and Correct Orientation of Main Plate

7. Pass the communications cable through the printer base and main plate. Make sure that the cable end and printer communications socket match correctly.

Figure 1-7. Communications Cable Comes Up Through Bottom of Hole

8. Push the entire SST3 enclosure unit back onto the table or other sturdy work surface.

9. Assemble the split seal plates back together with the cable in between (Figure 1-8, left image).

Note: Run finger across the split seal plates to ensure there is no dirt or oil on the surface prior to joining the two surfaces together.

Note: Make sure the larger diameter hole side is facing upwards as you put the two pieces together.

Figure 1-8. Assemble The Split Seal Plates Together

Introduction 5

10. Place the O-ring over the cable end and into the groove around the split seal plates (Figure 1-8, right image). This will hold the plates together and also offer a watertight barrier.

11. Connect the communications plug to the appropriate connection on the back of the printer.

Figure 1-9. Connect the Communications Cable to the Back of the Printer

12. Carefully push the whole split seal assembly down into the printer enclosure as shown below.

Figure 1-10. Seat the Split Seal Assembly

13. Wrap a split grommet around the cable with the small end of the grommet pointing downwards. Orient the grommet split to a position that is 90 degrees to the split in the split seal insert and press the grommet into the tapered hole in the split seal insert. At this time, position the cable to make a 90 degree bend from the printer.

Figure 1-11. Insert Split Grommet Onto the Split Seal Plates

6 SST3 Installation Manual

14. Place the half clamp plate onto the studs, then place the clamp plate onto the studs with the step fa cing

Half clamp plate

Clamp plate - note the step for the half plate

down and the half plate nesting in the step of the clamp plate.

Figure 1-12. Place Half Clamp Down on Assembly

15. Press the assembly down and partially tighten the four nuts that hold the entire assembly in place. Once all the nuts are started, tighten the nuts in a diagonal sequence until all the nuts are tight using a 7/16” socket and torque wrench. Tighten to 30 in/lb torque.

Warning: Over tightening can break the studs from the base.

Figure 1-13. Tighten Up The Entire Assembly

Figure 1-14. 7/16” Socket and Torque Wrench Used to Tighten Assembly in Figure 1-13

Introduction 7

1.1.3 Loading Labels into the Printer

Open the hinged latches

1. Printhead Latch

2. Media Guide

3. Media Hanger Guide

Use the following steps to load labels into the printer.

1. Make sure printer is sitting on a horizontal surface.

2. Open printer cover by unlocking the hinged latches that are located on both sides of the unit and lifting the cover to the front of the unit

Figure 1-15. Hinged Latch Location

3. Open the media cover and lower the media hanger guide (if equipped) and media guide

4. Press in on the printhead latch and raise the printhead assembly.

8 SST3 Installation Manual

Figure 1-16. Printhead Loading Sequence

5. Slide the roll media onto the media hub or media hanger. If the printer is equipped with a media hanger, raise the media hanger guide. The media hanger guide should be pushed inward so that it is just touching the roll media.

6. Route the media through the printer as shown. Raise the media guide. The media guide s hould be pushed

1. Roll Media

2. Media Hanger Guide

3. Media Sensor

4. Media Guide

1. Printhead Assembly

inward so that it is just touching the edge of the media.

Figure 1-17. Routing Media Through Printer

7. Close the printhead assembly and press down until it locks into place.

8. Close the cover and press the FEED button several times to position the media and ensure proper tracking. If the printer does not correctly sense the top of each label, it may be necessary to calibrate the printer.

Figure 1-18. Printhead Assembly

Introduction 9

Loading Optional Ribbon into the Printer

1. Printhead Latch

Ink Side (CSO ribbon)

Ink Side (CSI ribbon)

1. Make sure printer is sitting on a horizontal surface.

2. Open printer cover by unlocking the hinged latches that are located on both sides of the unit and lifting the cover to the front of the unit.

3. Press in on the printhead latch and raise the printhead assembly.

Figure 1-19. Open Printhead Latch to Load Optional Ribbon

4. Wrap the ribbon around the ribb on hub an d rot ate the ribbon take up shaft several times to take up all the slack and remove any wrinkles in the ribbon.

10 SST3 Installation Manual

Figure 1-20. Wrap Ribbon Around Ribbon Spool

Figure 1-21. Feed Ribbon Through Printer

1. Ribbon Roll

2. Ribbon Supply Hub

3. Ribbon Idler

1. Printhead Assembly

Figure 1-22. Close Printhead Assembly

Figure 1-23. Latch Printhead Assembly

Introduction 11

Figure 1-24. Ribbon Take-up Hub Diagram

1. Ribbon Take-up Hub

12 SST3 Installation Manual

+ 35 hidden pages