A
L
P
H
A
L
P
CD/DVD Duplicator and Printer
A
H
A
User Manual
Offffiiccee
O
O
O
nee
n
ver. 1.07
Content
1 Basic Explanations..........................................................................................3
1.1 Handling a CD/DVD....................................................................................3
1.2 Different CD/DVD formats...........................................................................3
1.2.1 Audio CD.............................................................................................3
1.2.2 CD-ROM..............................................................................................3
1.2.3 CD-R....................................................................................................3
1.2.4 DVD/ DVD-R........................................................................................4
1.2.5 Structure of a disc................................................................................4
1.2.6 Recording methods of a CD-R.............................................................4
1.3 What media use..........................................................................................4
1.3.1 Dimensions of the disc.........................................................................4
1.3.2 Description of the discs........................................................................6
1.3.3 Important dimensions...........................................................................7
1.3.4 Detail of picking disc by head...............................................................8
1.3.5 Recording speed..................................................................................9
1.4 Legal instruction..........................................................................................9
2 Introduction....................................................................................................10
2.1 Features....................................................................................................10
2.2 Overview of operation...............................................................................10
2.3 Hardware requirements.............................................................................10
2.4 Software....................................................................................................10
3 Unpacking.......................................................................................................11
3.1 First check the content of the package:.....................................................11
3.2 Follow these directions:.............................................................................11
4 Installation......................................................................................................12
4.1 Installation and safety instructions............................................................12
4.2 Installation of the system...........................................................................12
4.2.1 Identifying the parts............................................................................12
4.2.2 Connecting the Alpha cables.............................................................14
4.2.3 Description of the control panel..........................................................15
Installation of duplicator Alpha.............................................................................16
4.2.3 Driver Installation...............................................................................16
4.2.4 Printer Driver Installation....................................................................16
4.2.5 Installation the software.....................................................................24
4.2.6 Uninstalling........................................................................................24
4.3 Description................................................................................................26
4.3.1 Printer Properties...............................................................................27
4.3.2 Maintenance Dialog...........................................................................31
4.3.3 How to set print quality and mode......................................................35
5 Calibration......................................................................................................37
5.1 Calibration check.......................................................................................37
5.1.1 Running the calibration......................................................................37
5.1.2 Calibrate Bin 1 - Bin 5........................................................................38
5.1.3 Calibrate Printer.................................................................................38
5.1.4 Calibrate recorder..............................................................................38
5.1.5 Calibrate Head...................................................................................38
5.1.6 Upgrade firmware..............................................................................39
6 Maintenance and Cleaning............................................................................40
1
6.1 Lubrication of Shafts.................................................................................40
6.2 Maintenance CDP Ink Fleece...................................................................40
6.2.1 Required Parts and Tools..................................................................40
6.2.2 Description of Ink Fleece Replacement.............................................40
6.3 Maintaining the Alpha Body......................................................................44
6.3.1 Alpha Exterior....................................................................................44
6.3.2 Alpha Interior......................................................................................44
6.3.3 Printer Cradle Bar..............................................................................44
6.3.4 Handling and Storage........................................................................44
6.3.5 Head service......................................................................................44
7 Production......................................................................................................45
7.1 Autoloader Bin Mode.................................................................................45
7.1.1 Standard input and output bin............................................................45
7.1.2 Sequential control of bins...................................................................45
7.1.3 Individual bin mode control................................................................46
7.1.4 Individual bin mode control................................................................46
7.2 Alpha and another devices........................................................................46
7.3 Optimal working........................................................................................46
8 System setting................................................................................................47
9 Operation........................................................................................................47
9.1 Read in existing CDs/DVDs......................................................................47
9.2 Create a Print File.....................................................................................48
9.3 Record the CD/DVD Image to CD/DVD....................................................48
9.4 Changing an Ink Cartridge........................................................................49
10 Technical specification..................................................................................50
11 Warnings and notes.......................................................................................51
12 Contacts..........................................................................................................52
2
1 Basic Explanations
1.1 Handling a CD/DVD
• Avoid finger prints by taking the CD/DVD on its edge.
• Clean CDs/DVDs with tepid Water. Do not use strong detergent because it
can destroy the surface.
• Wipe off CDs/DVDs from inside to outside. Never wipe in circles because of
scratches. Radial scratches can be better balanced.
• Never use a ball pen for writing on a CD-R/DVD-R.
• Keep CD-Rs/DVD-Rs in dark and not too hot (maximally room temperature).
1.2 Different CD/DVD formats
Original CDs had been developed for storing music. New CD formats were
developed so that the high storage capacity can be used for other data. DVD is the
next generation of an optical disc format and provides higher capacities.
1.2.1 Audio CD
1980 the companies Sony and Philips defined all necessary details for building
Audio CDs. This standard was published in a red covered book so it is called Red
Book Standard.
1.2.2 CD-ROM
The Yellow Book published 1983 by Sony and Panasonic defines the standard for
CD-ROMs. The CD-ROM (Compact Disc - Read Only Memory) is a non-volatile
optical disc. The standard CD-ROM can hold 650 - 70MB of data.
This mechanism needs a part of memory, so that just about 650 Megabyte can be
used for user data. A CD-ROM is not recordable. Existing data can just be read.
1.2.3 CD-R
Based on Yellow Book the Orange Book creates the standard for recordable CDs.
The CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) is also called CD-WO (Compact Disc-Write
Once). The data is stored permanently and can be read whenever you want but they
cannot be deleted.
3
1.2.4 DVD/ DVD-R
The DVD has significantly more storage capacity than the CD-ROM (4,7 GB/side &
layer) and can be used for all kinds of data (video, audio, data etc.). The DVD-R or
DVD+R is like the CD-R a write once media. The data can be recorded once, can be
read whenever you want but cannot be deleted.
1.2.5 Structure of a disc
There are CD-Rs with different colouring (gold, green, blue, silver). These colours
are caused by the layer of organic dye. This dye is located between a layer of
polycarbonate and a metal reflector, which is usually made of gold or silver. The dye
is very sensitive, because it is just protected by the reflector layer and a thin
protective layer. This creates a higher sensitivity to the upper side as to the
underside of a CD-R.
Recording pits are burned in the dye, which changes the reflection factor at this
place. The laser can recognize these differences and read the stored data this way.
If the dye or the reflector layer is damaged the CD-R is not recordable.
Like a record CD-Rs are written to spirally except that CD-Rs are recorded from
inside to outside. The track pitch amounts to 1,6 µm and every track has a width of
0,6 µm. The overall length of the track is 7 km.
1.2.6 Recording methods of a CD-R
• Single session: - -The CD-R is produced at one working cycle. The final table of
contents (TOC) is written. Every audio CD is a single session CD.
• Multi session: - -The CD-R is produced in several working cycles. In every
session the user data are written first. After that the session is locked, that means
writing the TOC and linking the separate data blocks. CD-Rs recorded with multi
session method cannot be read by an audio CD player because of the missing
final TOC of Red Book Standard.
1.3 What media use
For trouble free using the autoloader you must pay attention to the used CD and
DVD discs. It is very important using CD and DVD media with right dimensions.
1.3.1 Dimensions of the disc
Standard CD and DVD discs have an outer diameter of 120 mm. There is the 15
mm hole in the centre of the disc. CD and DVD discs are made from a 1.2 mm thick
disc of polycarbonate. Next picture Pic. A 1 shows dimensions and tolerances of the
CD and DVD discs.
4
Pic. A 1 – Dimension of the disc
5
1.3.2 Description of the discs
Compact discs are made from a 1.2 mm thick disc of polycarbonate plastic coated
with a much thinner layer of super purity aluminium layer which is protected by a film
of lacquer or printable surface. The dye is located between polycarbonate and
aluminium layer. See Pic. A 2.
1 - Inner hole
2 - Polycarbonate disc
3 - Under ring
4 - Upper ring
5 - Dye
6 - Reflection layer
7 - Protective layer
Pic. A 2 – Description of the disc
6
1.3.3 Important dimensions
These are the most important dimensions:
A - Radius of the inner hole
B - Width of the under ring
C - High of the under ring
D - Thickness of the disc
E - Width of the upper ring
F - Depth of the upper ring
G -Centre line of the under ring
Pic. A 3 – The most important dimensions of the disc
General dimensions:
• Disc diameter 120 mm + 0,3 / - 0.1 mm
• Disc thickness (pos. E) 1.2 mm, ± 0.05 mm
• Disc hole (pos. A), 15 mm ± 0.1 mm
• High of the under ring (pos. D) minimal value is 0.2 mm. This is the most
important dimension. On this proportion depends correct work of the autoloader
head. See Pic.A12.
• Centre lines of the upper ring and under ring (pos. H). They mustn't be in axis.
Typical width: H => ± 0.5F. This is the most important proportion too. See Pic. A
3.
7
Following pictures show pile of the CD or DVD disc:
Pic. A 4 Pic. A 5
1.3.4 Detail of picking disc by head
Following pictures show detail pick CD and DVD disc by head of the autoloader.
See the method how the head takes disc.
Pic. A 6 Pic. A 7
Pic. A 8 Pic. A 9
The Pic. A 6 and Pic. A 8 show pick one disc by head. The Pic. A 7 and Pic. A 9
show pick two discs by head. In this case they can glued-up and head can't takes no
one disc.
8
1.3.5 Recording speed
Maximal recording speed isn't restricted. But IG-Alliance recommends to all their
customers maximal speed 32x for data and 16x for audio. Please setup recording
speed manually according used media. This is because of many incidents of destroy
CD during the full speed recording on fast drives (48x and 52x) and because of
quality of recorded discs. If you set some speed and CD or DVD is recorded by
lower speed, it can be caused by insensitivity of your media and your recorder.
1.4 Legal instruction
Copying of copy-protected CDs or DVDs with non-standard formats or CD-Rs/DVDRs with other programs and data without a valid licence is illegal. Please pay
attention to any Copyrights being in force, either for standard or custom CD-Rs and
DVD-Rs. IG-Alliance does not take any liability when the user of this duplication
equipment violates any law or Copyrights. The user must check and obey the
applicable laws and copyrights.
9
2 Introduction
2.1 Features
The Alpha is a desktop disc publishing system with integrated CD/DVD recorder and
6 colour Ink-Jet printer, all connected to the computer via only one USB cable.
2.2 Overview of operation
The Alpha allows you to record your own CDs/DVDs. You can determine on the
contents and label by yourself.
With the help of the delivered software a CD/DVD image is created in the computer.
This image contains the tree and all data you want to record. The lasers in the Alpha
recorder burns the data transmitted by the computer on CD-R or DVD-R. After
starting the recording the Alpha runs automatically. CDs or DVDs are taken and put
in the recorder, are recorded and gathered from the recorder for passing on to the
printer or putting them in the output bin. Faulty CDs/DVDs are recognized and
sorted out. Input bins load up to 120 blank CD-R’s / DVD-R’s at one time.
2.3 Hardware requirements
Min. PC requirements: Processor Pentium 1GHz, 256 MB RAM, USB 2.0 OS:
Win2000 or XP
The manufacturer recommends connect the duplicator to the
Uninterrupted Power System (UPS) with at least 1100VA. (Value
1100VA assure that the duplicator will finish started action when power
is cut off)
2.4 Software
At present the CD Disc Manager is available for the Alpha automatic duplicator. It
consists of several modules.
• CD Disc Manager - controls the Alpha duplicator
• CD Xpress - CD / DVD mastering
• Label Designer -Graphics software to design the CD/DVD surface picture
You can find information for using this software by their appropriate User’s Manuals.
10
3 Unpacking
3.1 First check the content of the package:
1. Alpha
2. Ink cartridge Tricolor No. 257
3. Ink cartridge Photo No. 258
4. Power cord
5. USB cable
6. CD with Nero Software key
7. CD with User manual and SW
8. Output Test CD
3.2 Follow these directions:
1. Unpack the Alpha from the box
2. Unpack the ink cartridges from the box
3. Remove the protective materials
4. Put the Alpha on the horizontal desk and let it acclimate
5. Plug in the USB cable (from Alpha to computer)
6. Plug in the power cord
7. Switch on the main switch (situated near by power cord)
8. Open the cover
9. Insert cartridges into the Alpha according to the cartridge No. on the carriage
(see chapter 8.4)
10. Press shortly button 5 (Power Switch – on) on the control panel for switch-on
Remark: The cartridges are coded. It means you can use only ink
cartridges modified for CD printer 5000 Pro - see label on the
cartridge. These cartridges you can buy only by your supplier.
11
Installation
This chapter describes the installation of the Alpha duplicator. If you are in doubt of
what to do, please contact your local dealer or IG-Alliance
3.3 Installation and safety instructions
The system should be used in a closed room with a temperature of 15°C-30°C and
humidity of 15% - 85% none condensing. Set the Alpha on a horizontal and stable
surface. Around the Alpha duplicator must be 20 cm free space for guaranteeing
fast intervention on the power switch and good ventilation. Do not switch off the
Alpha duplicator while running. Wait about 15 seconds after powering down before
switching on again.
3.4 Installation of the system
3.4.1 Identifying the parts
This illustration shows the Alpha, its buttons, LED’s, input /output and reject bin and
other components. An ink-jet CD/DVD printer is inside the unit. You must pay
attention to the information how to install the system.
. 1
Fig. 1 a – Front view
12
1 - Carousel with 5 bins
2 - Head
3 - Recorder
4 - Printer cartridges
5 - Printer tray
Fig. 1 b - Front view
1 2 3 4 5
Fig. 1 c - Back view
1 - USB port
2 - LED indicators
• Red - Power
• Green - Communication
3 - Power port
4 - Power switch
5 - Type label
13
The Recorder is where the duplicator loads discs as they are recorded one-by-one.
The Robotic Arm transports discs from the bins to the recorder and printer.
The Carousel moves bins.
The Status LED indicates operation and error conditions (Error handling for detailed
explanation of the Status LED conditions).
The Input Bins (for the blank discs) are marked with colour labels and numbers
(See Chapter 3.4.1.1).
The Output Bins (for finished discs) are marked with colour label and numbers.
The Reject bin collects error disks.
The USB - this port is used to control the Alpha action.
The Power Port is for the connection to your 110/230V power source.
3.4.1.1 Marking bins - default settings
Bin 1 - light green - input bin for CD
Bin 2 - dark green - output bin for CD
Bin 3 - light blue - input bin for DVD
Bin 4 - dark blue - output bin for DVD
Bin 5 - red - reject bin
3.4.2 Connecting the Alpha cables
The fig. 2 shows the connecting of the Alpha duplicator. Follow these directions:
1. Put the Alpha duplicator on the desk.
2. Connect the USB cable. One end is connected to the USB port at the rear of
the Alpha - pos. 1. and the other to the PC
3. Apply a power cord to the power port of the Alpha duplicator- pos. 3.
4. If the cables are connected and cartridges are in the printer push the Power
Switch on button.
14
4.2.3 Description of the control panel
Fig. 2 – Control panel
1, Alpha Office One Control Panel
2. Power Switch - on LED
It lights when Alpha is on
3. Rotate Carousel Button
Press it shortly for the carousel rotation
Press it 2s for the initialisation of loader
4, Loader Switch - on LED
Exchange of INK cartridges LED
It blinks during the cartridges exchange procedure
5. Power Switch - on
Press shortly for switch-on and 2s for switch-off
6. Exchange of INK cartridges Button
Press this button to start ink cartridges exchange and than on the end again
7. Printer Cartridge Status LED
It blinks when a cartridge needs to be replaced
8. Resume Button
Press it for 2 seconds for eject or closing the printer tray
9. Printer tray Status LED
It lights - if you are pressing the Resume Button
It blinks - if the printer tray is moving or
if there is no CD/DVD medium in the printer tray
after starting the print job. In this case insert medium and
press the Resume Button
10. Cancel Button
The current print job is aborted by pressing the Cancel Button
15
Installation of duplicator Alpha
Fig.
3 –
The main installation window
• Insert the installation CD in CD/DVD
recorder
• Installation starts automatically (if not run
start.exe)
• Information for installation of duplicator
are described in the main installation
window (see picture on the right)
3.4.3 Driver Installation
Installation of drivers for USB – serial port converter, USB – port and CD/DVD
recorder runs automatically.
3.4.4 Printer Driver Installation
3.4.4.1 First Installation (Plug & Play)
Connect the Alpha to the power supply.
Switch-on is not necessary since the personal computer recognizes the printer also
in idle status. The printer is based on the CDP 5000.Pro printer and uses the same
driver.
Connect the printer with an USB cable to the PC.
The Plug & Play function recognizes now automatically that a new printer is
connected and starts the installation routine.
Set the options like they are
set in the screen shot on the
left.
With the button „Browse“, you
can set the path to the
installation file called
„lsf5600k.inf”.
Again, click „Next“ to continue.
16
Completing the Found New
without any doubt.
Hardware Wizard and starting
the installation, by pressing the
button „Finish“.
This dialog field informs you that
the driver is not registered officially
with the manufacturer of the
operating system.
It does not state, however,
anything about the quality of the
driver.
You can be sure, that the driver is
programmed and tested with the
latest programs and tools.
You can continue the installation
Please wait until the driver is
installed and all files were copied.
This can take some minutes.
Remark: To the end of the installation the personal computer must be
restarted!
17
3.4.4.2 Manual Installation
Please open the dialog „Printers
and Faxes“.
Run the „Add Printer
Wizard“ by pressing the
button „Add a printer“.
18
Click “Next” to continue
.
Select the option „Local printer
attached to this computer“ and
press the „Next“ button to continue.
Select a free USB Port.
19
Again, click „Next“ to continue.
Press the button „Have Disk...“.to
select the path to the installation file
Search the path by clicking
on the button „Browse...“.
20
Select the drive.
Select the path.
Select the installation file.
21
Press “OK” to continue.
To continue the installation press
“Next”.
It is not necessary to print a
test page.
22
In this dialog, you can change the
name of the printer and you can
set the printer as default.
We recommend to use the
suggested name ALPHA.
Complete the Add Printer Wizard
and start the installation by
pressing the button „Finish“.
This dialog field informs you
that the driver is not registered
officially with the manufacturer
of the operating system.
It does not state, however,
anything about the quality of
the driver.
You can be sure, that the
driver is programmed and
tested with the latest
programs and tools.
23
Please wait until the driver is
installed and all files were
copied.
This can take some minutes.
To the end of the installation the personal computer must be restarted!
3.4.5 Installation the software
• Choose button “Software” in the main installation window to install Disc
Manager, Nero OEM and Calibration needful for control the Alpha duplicator.
• You can install Acrobat Reader needful for reading the detailed Alpha manual
and Disc Manager Manual from the CD (here is all detailed information).
• You can open manuals for control and operating the duplicator from the
installation main installation window (“Alpha Manual” and “Disc Manager
Manual”).
3.4.6 Uninstalling
In order to uninstall the printer driver,
the personal computer must be restarted first of all.
This is necessary so that all files which are used by the old printer driver are not
blocked by other applications or by the operating system.
Blocked files can not be removed during the uninstallation.
This may cause problems in the case of a later reinstallation.
All programs must be closed before uninstall of the printer driver.
1) Deleting the CD Printer 5000 Pro Recorder printer symbol in the printer status
monitor.
2) To delete the CD Printer 5000 Pro Recorder driver files, run the program
“O2uninst.exe” from the directory „C:\Windows\System32\” and follow the
instructions
24
Start the uninstalling by
pressing the “OK” button.
If no problems occur during the
installation, you get this
Information dialog.
The uninstalling is finished after
the restart of the Personal
Computer.
This window comes up,
when some files could not
be deleted by the
Uninstaller.
Please restart the
Personal Computer and
run this uninstaller
application again.
Remark: To the end of the uninstalling the personal computer must be
restarted!
25
3.5 Description
The printer software, which is called printer driver, sends the printing requests from
the different applications to the printer.
Many options are possible to modify the printing data which will be sent to the
printer.
To achieve best results, it is necessary to make some tests with different options.
The printing driver software consists from well known MS Windows functions and
some special functions in the Maintenance dialog.
CD PRINTER 5000 PRO
Properties.
Dialog „General“
With the button „Printing
Preference“ you can reach
the special printer
properties.
Dialog „Advanced“
If the CDP will be driven in an
CD/DVD autoloader
environment, the option „Print
directly to the printer“
should be selected.
This setting enables an optimal
coordination between printer
and autoloader software.
26
3.5.1 Printer Properties
The current settings will be
saved with the option „Print
Task Quick Sets”.
The CDP supports 120 mm *
120 mm CD and DVD
formats.
Smaller media is possible with
proper templates and settings.
The possible print modes
„Standard, Premium and
Photo“, and also the possible
print qualities „Normal, Best
und Maximum dpi“ will be
The button „hp Digital Photography“ opens a further dialog for modifying the color.
The yellow CD in the dialog is only an optical hint for the current settings.
explained in the chapter „How
to set print quality and mode“
The dialog „hp Digital
Photography“ enables the
possibility to optimise the
photo printing.
27
In the „Basics“ dialog, you can set
the number of copies and enable
the print preview.
If the CDP is driven by an
autoloader, you have to disable
the print preview and the number
of copies has to be 1.
Otherwise, the printer is not able
to work automatically.
The „Advanced Features“ allows
you to set the ink volume and the
dry time.
These settings are depending
very much on the chosen print
quality and mode.
The option „Low Memory Mode“
is normally not necessary.
The „Colour“ dialog is the main
dialog to modify the colour
settings.
The colour options will be
explained later in this manual.
In this dialog is also the
possibility to change the
„Saturation, Brightness, Colour
tone and Colour space”.
28
This setting forces the printer
chapter “
How to set print quality
to print in Greyscale.
To print without colour and
photo pen, you can set the
option „Black Print Cartridge
Only“.
This setting is not possible with
the print mode “Photo“.
Look for information in the
This dialog allows you to fit
the print image onto the
different possible media
sizes.
29
The dialog Maintenance
helps you to set and check the
physical options of the CDP
5000 Pro and will be explained
in the next chapter.
Version number of the driver
30
3.5.2 Maintenance Dialog
This dialog box helps you to set and check the physical options of the CD PRINTER
5000 Pro.
Each option of this dialog will be explained separately.
The tray of the CD PRINTER 5000 PRO RECORDER can be
opened and closed with this two buttons
Is the printer busy or in an error state, these buttons and the black
switch are disabled.
31
30 40 50
30 40 50
This group of functions allows the calibrating
of the printer.
Pressing the button „Print Calibration File“
generates a special print image, which will be
used to calibrate and centre the printout.
Decrease
Top Margin
verringern
Decrease
Left Margin
verringern
50 40 30
50 40 30
50 50
40 40
30 30
30 30
40 40
50 50
100 Steps = 1 mm
100 Schritte = 1mm
Increase
Left Margin
vergrößern
Increase
Top Margin
vergrößern
These print image shows the
values how much the
printing is away from the
centre of the printer tray.
A distance from 1 mm
equals a value of 100 steps.
Put the values into the „Left Margin“ and „ Right Margin“ fields and save them by
pressing the „Save Margins“ button.
In this area is shown the
ink level and the life time
of the cartridges.
Note: The ink level is calculated by the driver and depends on the print image, print
mode and quality.
This calculated value is stored inside the printer memory.
The actual ink level inside the cartridge may vary from this calculated value.
32
This area is used for the cartridge alignment.
Press the button „Print Alignment File“ to print
a special print image, which shows you the
alignment plot.
Choose the values, where the lines are
straight, write values into the proper fields and
press the button „Save Alignment“ to store the
value inside the printer memory.
Depending on the installed cartridges, the
alignment plot and alignment dialog looks
We recommend to do an alignment print after every changed cartridge.
Use these buttons to clean the cartridges.
After changing a cartridge, you can
refresh the Maintenance tab.
The button “Show LOG File” brings the
printer LOG file onto the screen.
33
This setting allows you to set a level which
stops the printing if the calculated ink level is
less.
There are 4 different settings available.
Early: Stop printing, when the ink level is less than 10 %.
Normal: Stop printing, when the ink level is less than 0 %.
Late: Stop printing, when the cartridge is definitely out of ink.
Never: Do not stop printing. (Do not care about the ink level)
Note: The ink level is calculated by the driver and depends on the print image, print
mode and quality.
This calculated value is stored inside the printer memory.
The actual ink level inside the cartridge may vary from this calculated value.
If the level is reached, a little Dialog Box appears on the screen.
The user has to click on the “OK” button to print further on.
After pressing “OK”, the printing process is going on.
It is up to the user, to stop the automated process now, or not.
The default value is „Early”, but our experience shows us that the setting “Normal” is
a good choice.
But this depends on the print image and has to be checked before.
Select „Never“, if the duplication software takes care about the ink level.
Use this option to print existing print files.
34
3.5.3 How to set print quality and mode
Highest resolution for
Highest resolution for
Mode:
Standard
Quality:
Normal
(fast printing)
Best
Maximum dpi.
(Printing is
optimised up to
4800 * 1200 dpi)
Notes for the print mode „Photo“
- In Photo mode you can use the special Photo cartridge instead of the black
cartridge, because the printer does not use the black cartridge in „Photo“ mode.
- If you do not use a Photo cartridge, you can use the colour cartridge without any
other cartridge. It is not necessary to use two cartridges.
- If the print image contains photos and graphics, you should use always the
„Photo“ mode.
- If the print image has an unicoloured background, you should also use the
„Photo“ mode.
Simple Text
and
Test printings
Text and simple
Graphics
simple
Text and Graphics
Premium Photo
(In this mode, the printer
does not use the black
cartridge.)
Text and Graphics Simple Photos
Demanding
Text and Graphics
Photos and
unicoloured
backgrounds
Highest resolution for
demanding
Text and Graphics
Photos and
unicoloured
backgrounds.
35
For printing in
Greyscale, you have
to set “Premium” or
“Standard” mode,
because „Photo“
mode does not
support printing in
greyscale.
You have to activate
the greyscale printing
in the Colour
Options.
You can force the
printer to use the
black cartridge only,
when you select it in
the Colour options.
You can use the ODP with only one cartridge.
If you do so, you are able to remove the other cartridge completely out of the printer.
Removing the unused cartridge will save ink during the cleaning cycle.
For example, you can remove the colour cartridge if you are printing greyscale with
the selected option „Black Print Cartridge Only“.
If you are printing in Photo mode only with the colour cartridge, you can remove the
black one.
36
4 Calibration
4.1 Calibration check
• Connect the USB cable. One end is connected to the USB port at the rear of the
Alpha and the other to the PC’s USB port. Connect power cord to the power port
on the rear side. Turn on Alpha and PC.
• For calibration you need to start the calibration program from enclosed UM and
SW CD. The calibration software is a utility which allows the user to adjust all
mechanical positions. The most precise adjusting of all positions is the best way
to have least problems with the loader functionality. So run the calibration after
loader installation and also always when you see the positions are not set
exactly.
Remark: Before you will run the calibration, you have to close the Disc
Manager!!!
4.1.1 Running the calibration
To start the calibration program click on icon Calibration (it was installed by
choosing “Software” – see chapter 4.3.3).
At first select the PC COM port connected to the Alpha.
Fig. 4 – COM setting Confirm the setting With OK Fig. 5 – Main Windows appears
Main Menu - Menu offers these possibilities:
Loader Reset - Carousel will turn to the home position
Default Values - All settings will be set to original position from manufacture
Demo Mode - Alpha starts the loop to pick up the disc from input bin and
transport it into the recorder, printer and output bin
Printer test - The head pick up the disc from the bin, put it on the printer tray
Printer starts print selected print job
Help - Short characteristics of calibration software
About - Information about author
37
4.1.2 Calibrate Bin 1 - Bin 5
Fig. 6 – Calibrate Bin Fig. 7 – Bin Calibration
Carousel moves to the selected bin. Put disc on the head and adjust the position of
disc to the middle of bin with help of steps left and right and set bottom position with
the keys up and down. Press OK key to save the adjustment.
4.1.3 Calibrate Printer
Click on the printer button in the main window. The tray
moves out from the printer. Put disc on the head and set
the bottom position. Press OK key to save the adjustment.
For the middle position adjustments unloose four screws
and adjust the position of pointer plate mechanically.
Fig. 8 – Printer Calibration
4.1.4 Calibrate recorder
Click on the recorder button in the main window. The tray
moves out from the recorder. Put disc on the head and set
the bottom position. Press OK key to save the adjustment.
For the middle position adjustment unloose two screws
and adjust the position of recorder holder mechanically.
Fig. 9 – Recorder Calibratrion
4.1.5 Calibrate Head
The point of this adjustment is to find the
proper distance between the head and
CD after the sensor reaction. If you
increase the value, the head goes closer
to the CD. If the value is too big, the CD
is pressed by the head and the tray can
be bent down. If exist problems with
picking CD because the head doesn't go
to the CD close enough, increase the
Fig. 10 – Head Calibration
value by the missing distance. Standard
value is between 5 – 7mm.
38
4.1.6 Upgrade firmware
Upgrade firmware is possible only
after the agreement with supplier.
Firmware of duplicator hasn’t to be
changed generally.
Please read this chapter carefully
before upgrade firmware to avoid
damages. If you are in doubt of what
to do, please contact your local
dealer.
By the installation was installed the software for firmware upgrade.
With help of this utility you can upgrade the firmware of the duplicator loader to the
newest one.
Press software “flasher” located in Start menu:
Start→Programs→Alpha Calibration→flasher
In flasher’s window (see Picture) choose COM port connected to Alpha, type the
path to new firmware. Then select Flash and the firmware will be uploaded.
Fig. 11 – Upgrade firmware
Remark: Be very careful during uploading to provide uninterruptible
power and connection. Interruption of connection or power during
programming can cause the loader will not work without servicing.
The manufacturer recommends connect the duplicator to the
Uninterrupted Power System (UPS) with at least 1100VA. (Value
1100VA assures that the duplicator will finish started action when
power is cut off).
Remark: All detailed information is located in electronic forms in
manuals on CD.
39
5 Maintenance and Cleaning
5.1 Lubrication of Shafts
Because of dirt and remains of ink it’s necessary to clean and lubricate the shafts of
the tray frequently.
Open the front cover. Put tone drop of oil onto the shafts (left and right, inner and
outer position). Make sure that no oil is spilled into the printer!
Ask the service department fort he right lubricant.
5.2 Maintenance CDP Ink Fleece
5.2.1 Required Parts and Tools
Screw driver
Tweezers
Gloves
Insert for ink-jet head clean Part-No.: 37-9006-01
To make sure, that the printer will work without problems, the ink fleece should be
replaced after 12 used cartridges.
Remark: Before shipping the printer, you must replace the ink fleece!!!
5.2.2 Description of Ink Fleece Replacement
Connect the Alpha to the
power and switch on.
After initialisation press the Ink
button on the panel.
Wait while the cleaning station
releases the cartridges.
40
Small ink fleece cover
Move the cartridges carefully to
the left.
Now you can see the ink fleece
at the bottom.
Now, you can see the clamping
mechanism.
Clamper
41
Lift up the small cover, by
releasing the bails.
Lift the cover up to the topmost
position.
Now, remove the ink fleece with
the tweezers.
42
Put the new fleece under the
service station.
Finally, press the INK button again
and wait until the printer has
finished the initialisation.
Please wait, this can take some
minutes.
When the Exchange of ink
cartridges LED stops flashing, the
initialisation has finished.
43
5.3 Maintaining the Alpha Body
Clean the case of the Alpha duplicator with a soft, fluff free, light damp cloth. Do not
use detergent because it can damage the varnish. Take care that no liquid drops
into the Alpha duplicator.
Before cleaning the printer, make sure that:
1. The Alpha duplicator is turned off
2. The power cord is removed
3. The CD/DVD media are removed
5.3.1 Alpha Exterior
Follow these guidelines when cleaning the outside of the device:
Use distilled water only. Do not use household cleaners or detergents.
Use a soft, damp cloth to remove dust, smudges, stains, and spilled
ink from the exterior of the printer case.
5.3.2 Alpha Interior
Caution! Do not clean the Alpha’s interior. Keep all liquids out of the
interior.
5.3.3 Printer Cradle Bar
Do not lubricate the bar on which the print cradle moves. It is normal to
hear noise when the printer is new.
5.3.4 Handling and Storage
Handle and store the Alpha in an upright, level position for maximum
performance and reliability.
5.3.5 Head service
Plastic head - this head doesn’t need servicing.
44
6 Production
1 5 4 3
2 3
6.1 Autoloader Bin Mode
In Alpha you can use 3 modes of bins setting:
1. Standard input and output bin
2. Sequential bins control
3. Individual bin mode control
If you want change the mode, you must
mark Enable autoloader in
“Configuration” window after starting
the Disc Manager.
Remark: Bin 5 (red) is every time set as reject bin – you can’t change it.
6.1.1 Standard input and output bin
Bin 1 - light green - input bin for CD
Bin 2 - dark green - output bin for CD
Bin 3 - light blue - input bin for DVD
Bin 4 - dark blue - output bin for DVD
Bin 5 - red - reject bin
6.1.2 Sequential control of bins
This mode is offering 3 input bins and 1 output bin. If the input bin becomes empty,
this bin will be later used as output bin in the next sequence. So Alpha can make
much more CDs / DVDs without changing discs. The system input – output bins you
can see on the picture.
Before you are starting the job, input the discs into bins 1, 2, 3. Bin 4 must be free.
When the job is ending, bins 1, 2, 4 are full, bin 3 is free.
2
45
6.1.3 Individual bin mode control
6.1.4 Individual bin mode control
In this mode you can set input and output bins as you need.
For example:
1. Job: IN – 2 OUT – 1
2. Job: IN – 3 OUT – 4
3. Job: IN – 2 OUT – 4
Remark: In one job you can set only one input bin and one output bin.
Don’t mix the input and output bins!
Bin 5 is always the reject bin.
6.2 Alpha and another devices
The Disc Manager is taking 100% power of CPU. So don’t connect other USB
devices to PC in time, when Alpha is working. This action could make error in Alpha
working.
6.3 Optimal working
For the optimal working it is better first to burn and then to print. In the oposit
situation (first printing, than burning) the ink on the disc is not dry. In the recorder it
can damage the picture on the disc. (If you want to burn on the disc, the ink must to
be dry!!!)
46
7 System setting
The settings explained in this chapter are needed for unproblematic working with the
Alpha duplicator.
8 Operation
This chapter describes the daily handling with the Alpha. You switch on the Alpha
duplicator. After start open the case. Put the empty CD-Rs/DVD-Rs with the
recording side downwards to the input bins. Do not load and unload CD-Rs/DVD-Rs
while the Alpha is working. Otherwise system errors may happen.
8.1 Read in existing CDs/DVDs
An existing CD/DVD that should be duplicated is named Master CD/DVD.
1. Put the Master CD/DVD into the recorder.
2. Start Disc Manager by clicking on desktop icon or clicking at menu
Start/Programs/DiscManager.
3. If you want to create a CD/DVD image of the Master CD/DVD, click at Image
Read button on the Toolbar.
4. Type path and file name.
5. Select the drive that you want to use for reading the CD/DVD.
6. Press Start button to read image. Press OK to confirm. With this the complete
CD/DVD is read into hard disc (recognizable at the file extension *.xmd).
For more information see Disc Manager User’s Manual.
47
8.2 Create a Print File
In the print file you define the layout of your self produced CD/DVD. It must be
created before you start recording. You can use an usual graphic program as Label
Designer, Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, etc.
1. Start the graphics program.
2. Open a model (e.g. backup023103.cdr) and edit it under your needs.
3. After editing you do not print the graphic directly to the printer but to a file. Select
print to file and enter the file name and path.
Of course you can create print files without templates. But it’s important to set the
paper size to 120 x 120 mm. You should draw subsidiary lines two circles
representing the CD/DVD. The outer circle should have a diameter of 118 mm, the
inner one of 38, 36 or 18 mm for standard printable media (120 mm).
8.3 Record the CD/DVD Image to CD/DVD
You must have a finished CD/DVD image (recognizable at the file extension *.nrg or
*.iso) on hard disc.
1. Start Disc Manager
2. Create new job to the list with File/Job Editor/Add. Enter the Job Name, mark
Recording. Browse and select Image source file. If you will print, mark Printing
and select Label print file too. Close Job Editor.
-A Job is the order for Disc Manager to produce a number of special CDs/DVDs.
All specifications needed to produce are in the CD/DVD image. The print file must
be specified in this menu too.
3. Insert a new job to the Job Scheduler. Click to Add and select Job, type Number
of Copy. Click to OK.
4. Click on the Start button - job is running.
Pay attention to the software manual too. You will find more detailed information
about operating.
48
8.4 Changing an Ink Cartridge
A. Make sure the Power light is ON.
B. Press the INK cartridge exchange button. This cause unlocking of cartridges.
INK cartridge LED starts flashing.
Exchange of INK cartridge LED
Exchange of INK cartridge button
1. Cartridges are unlocked.
2. Lift up the ink cartridge clamps.
3. Take the cartridge by carefully drawing at the forward end.
4. Take a new ink cartridge out of the packing and remove the adhesive tape from
the print head.
5. Place the cartridges gently into their holders, with the contact field backward. Do
not press down on the cartridges.
6. Press the ink cartridge clamps down, until they lock in place.
C. Press the INK cartridge exchange button again. The printer will lock the
cartridges, the LED switches off.
49
9 Technical specification
Disc Capacity 150 discs
5 Bins (30 each)
Able to configure input/output bins
Reject Bin 30 CD
Configuration 1 Recorder CD/DVD
6-Colour Thermal Inkjet Printer with 4800 dpi
Supported Client Operating System
OS Windows 2000, XP
Min PC Requirements 1,6 GHz, 512 MB RAM, USB 2.0
OS: Windows 2000 / XP
Software Disc Manager
Label Designer
Nero
Interface USB 2.0
Dimension h x w x d
456 x 240 x 453 mm
Weight
20 kg
Power 110 - 230 V AC
50 – 60 Hz
Consumption
Max. 200 W
Conditions Operational Storage
Temperature 15 to 30 °C -15 to 35 °C
Humidity 15 to 80 % 15 to 90 %
50
10 Warnings and notes
• Requirement for switching off
Electric outlet has to be near the duplicator and it has to be accessible.
• If the power cable of the duplicator is damaged, it has to be replaced by
service engineer with a view of keep from the dangerous situation.
• Filter pad has to be changed after each 30,000 printed discs.
For changing the filter pad contact please your provider or service centre.
• Switching on by special condition
printer is without the ink cartridges and CD is on the tray inside the printer
or empty tray is in the backstop position
1. switch on
2. LED 7 is blinking because no cartridges are installed, carousel starts rotation
3. wait until the LED 4 starts slowly blinking (cca 45s)
4. push the Exchange cartridge button 6
5. the LED 4 starts very fast blinking
6. insert cartridges
7. push the Exchange cartridge button 6 again
8. LED 4 changes the blinking frequency
9. wait until the printer is ready (cca 1 min)
10. carousel starts rotation and loader unloads the CD into the reject bin.
LED 4 is lighting, Alpha is ready.
51
11 Contacts
Manufacturer
+ : TERRA computer systems
Olomoucká 81
627 00 Brno
Czech republic
( : +420 548 523 811
É : +420 548 423 810
@ : info@terra.cz
WWW : www.terra.cz
Sale and service
+ : LSK Data Systems GmbH
Benzstrasse 21
D-64807 Dieburg
Germany
( : +49 6071 9852 0
É : +49 6071 9852 52
@ : info@lsk.de
WWW : www.lsk.de
52
Loading...