Terra ALPHA Office One User Manual
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CD/DVD Duplicator and Printer
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User Manual
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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Pic. A 1 – Dimension of the disc
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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