labelstation pro manual 200 and 300 august 2008

© Advanced Labelling Limited July 2008

- 1 - LabelStation Pro Series Set Up Manual July 2008

LabelStation Pro200/300 User Guide



Contents 1. GETTING STARTED

1.1. Unpacking your LabelStation Pro Series 1.2. Equipment Checklist

1.3. Getting to Know your LabelStation Pro Series

1.3.1. LabelStation Pro Series Printer External View • Fig.1. Top Front View

1.3.2. LabelStation Pro Series Printer External Rear View • Fig.2. External Rear View

1.3.3. LabelStation Pro Series Printer External Label Roll Mount • Fig.3. External Label Roll Mount

2. SETTING UP YOUR LABELSTATION PRO SERIES

2.1. LabelStation Pro Series to PC Connection • Fig.4. Attach power supply to printer

2.2. Loading the Print Ribbon 2.2.1. Installing the Print Ribbon into the LabelStation Pro Series printer

• Fig.5. Ribbon Installation 1 • Fig.6. Ribbon Installation 2

2.3. Loading Label Stock

• Fig.7. Label Roll Installation • Fig.8. Pull the lever to open the cover • Fig.9. Correct Label Installation

2.3.1. Using the External Roll Holder • Fig.10. Attaching the External Roll Holder • Fig.11. External Roll Mount Label Installation 1 • Fig.12. External Roll Mount Label Installation 2

2.3.2. Loading Labels with the Cutter Unit Attached (optional) • Fig.13. Label Installation in Cutter Mode • Fig.14. Complete Label Installation in Cutter Mode

2.3.3. Closing the Top Cover 2.3.3.1. To Open

• Fig.15. Top Cover Support is fixed at Position 2

2.3.3.2. To Close • Fig.16. Top Cover is fully open & ready to close • Fig.17. Use both hands to close the Top Cover

2.4. Printing from Windows Software 3. LABELSTATION PRO SERIES SPECIFICATIONS

3.1. Power On Utilities 3.1.1. Ribbon Sensor Calibration 3.1.2. Gap Sensor Calibration Utility 3.1.3. Self Test Printout 3.1.4. Dump Mode 3.1.5. Printer Initialisation

3.2. Maintenance

3.2.1. Cleaning



3.3. Troubleshooting 3.3.1. LED Status

3.3.1.1. No Power 3.3.1.2. The Printer is on and ready to use 3.3.1.3. The Printer is paused 3.3.1.4. The Printer is out of labels or ribbons or the printer setting is not correct.

3.3.2. Print Quality 3.3.2.1. Continuous feeding labels 3.3.2.2. No print on the label 3.3.2.3. Poor print quality

3.4. LED & Button Operation

3.4.1. LED 3.4.2. Button Operation

3.5. Specifications and Warranties

3.5.1. Printer Specifications 3.5.2. Label Stock Specifications 3.5.3. Ribbon Stock Specifications 3.5.4. Options

3.6. Compliances

3.7. Warranty Information

3.7.1. Thermal Print Head 3.7.2. Warranty Service Procedures 3.7.3. General Warranty Provision 3.7.4. Limitation of Liability



1. GETTING STARTED

1.1. Unpacking your LabelStation Pro Series The printer has been specially packaged to withstand damage in the shipping process. However, upon receiving the LabelStation Pro Series printer, carefully inspect the package and the device. In case of evident damage, contact Advanced Labelling Systems directly to specify the nature and extent of the damage. Please retain the packaging materials in case you need to reship the printer.

1.2. Equipment Checklist

• LabelStation Pro Series printer • Ribbon paper core • Ribbon supply/rewind spindle (2 pcs.) • Label supply roll spindle (1 inch diameter core) • Auto Switching Power supply • Power cord • Parallel interface cable • USB cable • Installation guide • Label design software CD-ROM

If any parts are missing, please contact the customer service department of Advanced Labelling Systems – 01202 683212 Separately purchased items may also be included, please check these items against your order or delivery note. These additional items may include:

• Continuous Rolls, Die Cut Labels, Cable Markers • External Label Roll Holder • Print Ribbon (this is usually fitted to your printer prior to dispatch). • Memory module • Cutter Unit (this is usually fitted to your printer prior to dispatch). • Portable mini keyboard • LabelStation Pro Series Industrial Symbols CD-ROM



1.3. Getting to Know your LabelStation Pro Series This section shows the various parts of the LabelStation Pro Series printer. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with these parts.

1.3.1. LabelStation Pro Series Printer External View

Fig. 1. Top front view

1.3.2. LabelStation Pro Series Printer External Rear View

1. USB Interface

2. Parallel Interface

3. RS-232 DB-9 Interface

4. Power Jack

5. Power Switch

6. Rear Paper Guide

Fig. 2. External Rear View

1. Clear Window 2. Ribbon Access Window 3. LED indicator 4. Feed Button 5. Printer Top Cover 6. Cover release button

6.



1.3.3. LabelStation Pro Series External Label Roll Mount (optional) This is used when a larger diameter roll of labels or heat shrink tubing is being used (in excess of 100mm). The label mount sits behind the printer and the labels feed through a slot in the back of the printer. This is an optional extra.

Fig. 3. External label roll mount



2. SETTING UP YOUR LABELSTATION PRO SERIES

2.1. LabelStation Pro Series to PC Connection.

• Place the printer on a flat, secure surface. • Make sure the power switch is off. • Connect the printer to the computer with the Centronics Parallel or USB cable

PLEASE NOTE IF USING USB FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE YELLOW LABEL ON THE TOP OF THE PRINTER. • Plug the power cord into the power supply connector at the rear of the printer, and then

plug into the mains.

Fig.4. Attach power supply to printer

2.2. Loading the Print Ribbon The printer automatically detects if a ribbon is installed after power on and will switch to thermal transfer or direct thermal printing mode. If printer does not detect the ribbon, the motor that drives the ribbon rewind spindle will be turned off. If the ribbon is installed, but the printer is not winding it on, please refer to the ribbon calibration procedure to calibrate the ribbon sensor sensitivity. (Chapter 5.1.1. Ribbon Sensor Calibration)

2.2.1. Installing the Print Ribbon into the LabelStation Pro Series printer.

• Push down on the ribbon access window to unlock and open the cover. • Place a paper core onto the front ribbon rewind spindle. • Mount this empty spindle on the front hub. • Install a ribbon on the back ribbon supply spindle. • Mount the ribbon supply spindle on the rear hub. • Attach the ribbon leader to the ribbon rewind paper core. • Rotate the ribbon rewind paper core until the ribbon leader is thoroughly, firmly

encompassed by the black section of the ribbon.

Mains Power

PlugPower Switch

Power supplyPower Cable

USB

Centronics Parallel

RS-232



• Close the ribbon access window.



Fig.5. Ribbon Installation 1

Fig.6. Ribbon Installation 2

Ribbon Access Window

Paper Core

Ribbon Spindle

Back Hub

Front Hub

Ribbon Rewind Paper Core

Rear Hub

Ribbon Leader

Ribbon Supply Spindle



2.3. Loading Label Stock

• Turn off the printer and open the printer cover

If your label core is 1 inch, remove the 1.5” core adapter from the fixed tab. If label width is 4 inch wide, two fixing tabs are not required.

• Slide the label supply roll spindle through the core of a label roll and attach the fixing tabs onto the spindle.

Fig. 7. Label Roll Installation

• Open the printer’s top cover by releasing the green top cover open levers located on each side of the printer and lifting the top cover. A top cover support at the rear of the printer will hold the printer top cover open.

• Place the loaded label spindle onto the center of the paper roll mount. • Feed the labels, printing side face up, through the Teflon bar and the paper guide and pass

over the platen. • Adjust the green paper guides to slightly touch the edges of the label backing paper. • To close the printer top cover, lift the cover to the ultimate open angle then use both

hands to close the cover gently. Close the printer top cover slowly and make sure the cover locks latch securely.

1.5” Core Adaptor

Printing Side Face Up

Label Roll

Fixed Tab

1” Label Spindle

Fig. 8 Pull the lever to open the cover



Make sure hands are not placed in the printer when closing the top cover. Do not free fall the top cover. Failure to securely close and lock the cover will result in poor print quality.

Fig. 9. Correct Label installation

2.3.1. Using the External Roll Holder (Optional)

Fig.10. Attaching the External Roll Holder

• Attach an external roll holder to the bottom of the printer by lining up the notches on the holder to the holes on the base of the printer

• Open the printer top cover by pushing forward the top cover open levers. • The top cover support will hold the printer top cover. • Install a roll of labels (loaded onto the label spindle) on the external paper roll mount. • Feed the labels through the external label feed opening through the rear paper guide.

Printer Top Cover

Teflon Bar

Support Bar

Paper Roll Mount

Top Cover Open Lever

Paper Guide



Fig. 11. External Roll Mount Label Installation 1

• Feed the labels, printing side face up, through the paper guide and pass over the platen.

• Adjust the paper guides by removing them left or right to fit the paper width. • Close the printer top cover by lifting up the support and close the printer top slowly.

Fig. 12. External Roll Mount Label Installation 2

PLEASE NOTE WHEN YOU ARE USING HORTICULTURAL LABELS MAKE SURE THE LABELS ARE INSTALLED IN THE PRINTER SO THE

LABELS ARE COMING OFF THE BASE OF THE ROLL NOT OFF THE TOP.

THIS IS THE OPPOSITE OF THE DIAGRAM ON THE BASE

External Roll Holder

External Label Feed Opening

Rear Paper Guide

Front Paper Guides

PlatenTop Cover Support



2.3.2. Loading Labels with the Cutter Unit Attached (Optional)

• Insert the label spindle into your label roll (as section 2.3.) • Open the printer top. • Install the label roll on the paper roll mount. • Feed the labels, printing side face up, through the paper guide and pass over the

platen. • Lead the labels through the cutter paper opening. • Adjust the paper guides by moving left or right to fit the labels width.

Fig.13. Label installation in cutter mode • Close the top cover by lifting up the top cover support and close the top cover slowly

Fig.14. Complete label installation in cutter mode

Paper Guide

Cutter

Platen

Top Cover Support

Top Cover



2.3.3. Closing the Top Cover Please take care when opening or closing the printer’s top cover by carefully following these instructions.

2.3.3.1. To Open

• When facing the front of the printer pull the cover release levers on both sides of printer towards you.

• Lift up the top gradually. • There are two stop positions for the top cover. Position 1 and 2 are indicated on

the label below.

To hold the cover open at position 1, you must lift the cover higher than the stopping point at position 1 and gently lower the cover to stopping point 1. Do not let the cover free fall!

• Fully open the top cover and gently lower it to stop position 2.

Fig. 15. Top cover support is fixed at position 2 2.3.3.2. To Close

• To close the cover, lift up the top cover to the ultimate angle then close the top

cover gently and it will be kept at a stop position between 1 and 2 for a while. • Use both hands to gently push down the top cover to close it and make sure the

cover is latched on both sides.

Fig.16. Top cover is fully open and ready to close



Fig.17. Use both hands to close the top cover

Do not place your hands between top cover and lower cover when closing the top cover! Do not force the cover! If you are not sure if top cover is fixed at stop position, please do not push top cover to close it or the top cover will be damaged.



3. LABELSTATION PRO SERIES SPECIFICATIONS

3.1. Power On Utilities There are three power-on utilities to set up and test printer hardware. These utilities are activated by pressing FEED button and by turning on the printer power simultaneously.

3.1.1. Ribbon Sensor Calibration Please follow the steps below to calibrate the ribbon sensor.

1. Turn off the power. 2. Press and hold the FEED button then turn on printer power. 3. Release the button when LED turns red (but within the 5 flashes).

The LED color will be changed as following pattern.

Orange � Red (5 flashes) � Orange (5 flashes) � Green (5 flashes) � Solid green

This will tell the printer to check if there is a ribbon loaded.

3.1.2. Gap Sensor Calibration Utility Gap/black mark sensor sensitivity should be calibrated at the following conditions:

• A brand new printer • Change of label stock. • Printer initialization.

The printer will remember the sensor setting in the last print job - Please follow the steps below to calibrate the sensor.

1. Turn off the power. 2. Press and hold the FEED button then turn on printer power. 3. Release the button when LED turns orange (within in the 5 flashes)

The LED color will be changed as following pattern:

Orange � Red (5 flashes) � Orange (5 flashes) � Green (5 flashes) � Solid green The printer performs the following items:

• Calibrate label pitch • Print out thermal print head check pattern • Print out the internal settings • Enter dump mode

Reset the printer by turning the POWER switch off and on.



3.1.3. Self Test Printout The Self-test printout can be used to check if there is any dot damage on the heater element, printer configurations and available memory space.

Following the check pattern, the printer prints internal settings as listed below: • Printer model and firmware version • Firmware Checksum • Mileage • Serial port setting • Country code setting • Print speed setting (inch/sec) • Print darkness • Label size setting (inch) • Gap distance (inch) • Gap/black mark sensor sensitivity • Number of Download Files • Total and available Memory space

3.1.4. Dump Mode

After the self-test, the printer enters the dump mode. In this mode, any characters sent from the host computer will be printed in two columns, as shown.

The characters received will be shown in the first column, and their corresponding hexadecimal values, in the second. This is often helpful to users for the verification of programming commands or debugging of printer programs.



• Reset the printer by turning the POWER switch off and on. 3.1.5. Printer Initialization

Printer initialization is used to clear DRAM and restore printer settings to defaults. The only one exception is ribbon sensitivity, which will not be restored to default. Printer initialization is activated by the following procedures.

1. Turn off printer power. 2. Press the FEED button and then turn on power. The LED will become red, orange, green

with 5 blinking (around 5 seconds) for each colour. 3. Release the FEED button when LED becomes green (within the 5 flashes)

The LED color will be changed as following pattern: Orange � Red (5 flashes) � Orange (5 flashes) � Green (5 flashes) � Solid green

Printer configuration will be restore to defaults as below after initialization.

Parameter Default setting Speed 127 mm/sec (5 ips) Density 7 Label Width 4.25” (108.0 mm) Label Height 2.5” (63.4 mm) Sensor Type Gap sensor Gap Setting 0.12” (3.0 mm) Print Direction 0 Reference Point 0,0 (upper left corner) Offset 0 Tear Mode On Peel off Mode Off Cutter Mode Off Serial Port Settings 9600 bps, none parity,

8 data bits, 1 stop bit Code Page 850 Country Code 001 Clear Flash Memory No

Note: When printer initialization is done, please calibrate the gap sensor again – see 5.1.2 Gap Sensor Calibration Utility.



3.2. Maintenance 3.2.1. Cleaning

Use one or more of the following supplies that meets your needs:

• Cleaning pens. • Cleaning swabs • Lint-free cloth.

The cleaning process is described as following

Printer Part Method Printer Head Let the print head to cool for one minute.

Use a cleaning pen to swab the print elements. Platen Roller Rotate the platen roller and wipe it thoroughly

with 70% alcohol and a cleaning swab, or lint-free cloth.

Exterior Wipe it with water-dampened cloth. Interior Brush or air blow

3.3. Troubleshooting This section lists the common problems you may encounter when operating the LabelStation Pro Series printer. Also, it provides solutions.

3.3.1. LED Status

LED Status/Colour Printer Status Solution Number Off Off 5.3.1.1. Solid Green On 5.3.1.2. Green flashing Pause 5.3.1.3. Red flashing Stopped 5.3.1.4.

3.3.1.1. No power. • Turn on the power switch. • Check if the green LED is lit on power supply. If it is not lit on, power supply is

broken. • Check both power connections from the power cord to the power supply and from

the power supply to the printer power jack.

3.3.1.2. The printer is on and ready to use. • No action necessary.

3.3.1.3. The printer is paused. • Press the feed button to resume printing.



3.3.1.4. The printer is out of labels or ribbon or the printer setting is not

correct • Out of label or ribbon

o Load a roll of label and follow the instructions in 2.3. Loading the Paper then press the feed button to resume printing.

o Load a roll of ribbon and follow the instructions in 2.2.Loading the Ribbon then press the feed button to resume printing.

• Printer setting is not correct. o Initialize the printer by following the instructions in “Power on Utility”. o Label Setup is not correct.

3.3.2. Print Quality

3.3.2.1. Continuous feeding labels • The printer setting may go wrong. Please do the Initialization and Gap/Black Mark

Calibration. 3.3.2.2. No print on the label • Is the label or ribbon loaded correctly?

o Follow the instructions in 2.3. Loading the Paper or 2.3. Loading the Ribbon. • Does the ribbon run out?

o Follow the instructions in 2.2. Loading the Ribbon. 3.3.2.3. Poor print quality • Top cover is not closed properly. Close the top cover completely and make sure the

right side and left side levers are latched to top cover properly. • Clean the thermal print head. • Check the ribbon is fitted correctly. • Adjust the print density setting. • Ribbon and paper media are not compatible.

If the printer still does not function after all suggested solutions have been invoked, please contact Advanced Labelling Systems on 01202 683212. Emailed requests for support should be directed to [email protected] Our technical support is available to you during working hours, please call with any problems you may have. Tech Support Line – 01202 683212



3.4. LED & BUTTON OPERATION 3.4.1. LED

LED Colour Description

Green This indicates that the power is on and the device is ready to use.

Orange This indicates that the system is detecting the paper and ribbon status

Red This indicates a printing error, such as paper empty, ribbon empty, or cover opened etc.

3.4.2. Button Operation

Feed Press the button when the LED is green. • It feeds the label to the beginning of the

next label. Pause Press the feed button during printing

• The printing job is suspended. Ribbon Sensor Calibration

Turn off the power switch. Hold on the button then turn on the power switch. Release the button when LED becomes red and flashing. (Any red will do during the 5 flashes). • It will calibrate the ribbon sensor sensitivity.

Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration, Label Length Measurement, Self Test and Enter Dump Mode

Turn off the power switch Hold down the button then turn on the power switch. Release the button when LED becomes orange and flashing. (Any orange will do during the 5 flashes ). • It calibrates the sensor and measures the

label length and prints internal settings then enter the dump mode.

REMEMBER to turn the power off and on again to clear dump mode.

Printer Initialization

Turn off the power switch. Hold down the button then turn on the power switch. Release the button when LED turns green after 5 orange flashes. (Any green will do during the 5 flashes).

• Always do gap/black mark sensor calibration after printer initialization.



3.5. SPECIFICATIONS AND WARRANTIES

3.5.1. Printer Specifications

Item LabelStation Pro Series Mechanism Resolution Max. Print Width Max. Print Length Ribbon Capacity Printing Speed Peeler function Printing Method

203 dpi. 108 mm. 1000 mm ( 39” ). 300 meter with 1” core. (Max. OD 67 mm) 2, 3, 4 and 5 ips. 2, 3 ips Direct thermal and thermal transfer printing

Enclosure Structure Dimension Operation Panel

Double-walled plastic. 314mm(L) x 213mm(W) x 188mm(H) One push switch, and one indicator LED (Green, Orange, Red colours).

Hardware Sensor

Memory Interface

Power

Transmissive sensor (offset 6 mm from liner edge). Reflective sensor (position adjustable). Head open micro switch. Ribbon end sensor 1M byte Flash memory 2M bytes DRAM RS-232C (max baud rate, 19,200 bps). USB: V1.1. Centronics. AC input: 100-240V universal auto switching power supply. DC output: 24V 3.75A. Note: Use only the LabelStation Pro Series power supply; failure to do so could cause serious damage to the LabelStation Pro Series printer.

Firmware Font Type Rotation Barcode Format

Command Set

8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts, and 1 true type font.0, 90,180 and 270 degrees. 1D Bar code Code 39, Code 93, Code 128UCC, Code128 subsets, A.B.C, Codabar, Interleave 2 of 5, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN and UPC2(5) digits add-on, MSI, PLESSEY, POSTNET, CPOST 2D Bar code PDF-417, Maxicode, and DataMatrix. TSPL2

Environment Operation Storage

Temperature: 5°C ~ 40°C. Relative Humidity: 25% ~ 85% (Non condensing) Temperature: -40°C ~ 60°C. Relative Humidity: 10% ~ 90% (Non Condensing)



3.5.2. Label Stock Specifications LabelStation Pro Series is capable of printing on a wide range of media. Refer to the supplies price list for specifications of compatible label media.

Item Specification Type Label (Continuous, Die-cut, Fan-fold). Wound Type Outside wound. Width 20mm ~ 112mm (0.78” ~ 4.4”). Length 10mm ~ 1000mm (0.4” ~ 39”).

25.4mm ~ 1000mm (1” ~ 39”). (For cutter) Thickness 0.06mm ~ 0.19mm. (2.3~7.4 mil), max. 150g/m2 Roll Diameter 5”. Roll Core Diameter 25.4mm ~ 76.2mm (1” ~ 3”). Gap Height 2mm min Black Mark Height 2mm min Black Mark Width 8mm min.

3.5.3. Ribbon Specifications Our print ribbons have been designed for optimum print performance with our range of label media. As a guide Industrial Print Ribbons are long life & highly durable when used with the appropriate media. General Purpose Print Ribbons are ideal for paper labels and printing on polyesters or vinyl’s where no long-term performance is required. We cannot guarantee the performance the LabelStation Pro Series System with non-approved supplies.

Item Specification Type Wax, Wax / Resin, Resin. Core Diameter 1". Width Max 110mm. Capacity 300m with 1" core. Wound Type Outside wound.

3.5.4. Options A number of different options may be added to the LabelStation Pro Series printer for even greater convenience and versatility. The available options include: • Industrial Graphics CD-ROM • Cutter for guillotining labels or sign vinyl’s • Portable LCD keyboard



3.6. Compliance’s CE Class B: EMI: EN 50081-1:1998->EN55022:1998, EN 61000-3-2:2000

EN61000-4-3:1998 EMS: EN55024:1998

FCC Part 15, Class B UL, CUL, C-Tick: Class B AS/ NZS 3584: 1997 TÜV-GS: EN60950: 2000

3.7. Warranty Information Advanced Labelling Systems warrants to the customer, that under normal use and service, the LabelStation Pro Series printer (with the exception of the print head) purchased hereunder shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year, from the date of shipment by Advanced Labelling Systems. Expendable items or parts such as labels & ribbons are not covered by this warranty. This warranty does not cover equipment or parts, which have been misused, altered, neglected, carelessly handled, or used for purposes other than those for which the printer was manufactured. This warranty also does not cover loss, damages resulting from accident, or damages resulting from unauthorised service.

3.7.1. Thermal Print Head The warranty of the thermal print head is limited to ninety days (90) from the date of shipment to buyer. The warranty does not cover thermal print heads, which have been misused, altered, neglected, handled carelessly, or damaged due to improper cleaning or unauthorised repairs.

3.7.2. Warranty Service Procedures If a defect should occur during the warranty period, the defective unit must be returned, freight and insurance prepaid, in a suitable protective shipping container to Advanced Labelling Systems. Include a contact name, action required and a detailed description of the problem and examples when possible. Advanced Labelling Systems shall not be responsible for any loss or damages incurred during shipping or any loss due to the printer being unavailable for use.

3.7.3. General Warranty Provisions Advanced Labelling Systems makes no warranty as to the design, capability, capacity, or suitability of any of its hardware, supplies or software. Software is licensed on an “as is” basis without warranty. Except and to the extent expressly provided in this warranty and in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular product. Purchaser shall be solely responsible for the selection, use, efficiency and suitability of Advanced Labelling Systems products.

3.7.4. Limitation of Liability In no event shall Advanced Labelling Systems be liable to the purchaser for any indirect, special, or consequential damages or lost profits arising out of or relating to Advanced Labelling Systems products, or if the performance or a breach thereof, even if Advanced Labelling Systems has been advised of the possibility thereof. Advanced Labelling Systems liability, if any, to the purchaser or to the customers of purchaser hereunder shall in no event exceed the total amounts paid to Advanced Labelling Systems hereunder by the purchaser for a defective product. In no event shall Advanced Labelling Systems be liable to the purchaser for any damages resulting from or related to any failure or delay of Advanced Labelling Systems in the delivery or installation of the computer hardware, supplies, or software in the performance of any services. The remedies set forth here are the sole and exclusive remedies available to any person for any damages of any kind and nature including incidental, consequential, or special, whether arising from warranty (including implied warranties), contract, negligence, tort or otherwise. In the event that any implied warranties (including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) are found to exist, such warranties are limited in duration to the period of the warranties.

labelstation pro manual 200 and 300 august 2008

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