AstroJet M1 COLOR PAGE PRINTER OPERATOR MANUAL ASTRO MACHINE CORP. 630 Lively Blvd. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: (847) 364-6363 Fax: (847) 364-9898 www.astromachine.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS THIS EQUIPMENT PRESENTS NO PROBLEM WHEN USED PROPERLY. HOWEVER, CERTAIN SAFETY RULES SHOULD BE OBSERVED WHEN OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 PRINTER. BEFORE USING THE PRINTER, YOU SHOULD READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES, SAFETY WARNINGS, AND INSTRUCTIONS: Keep hands, hair, and clothing clear of rollers and other moving parts. Avoid touching moving parts or materials while the machine is in use.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents SECTION 1 – Getting Acquainted Front View Rear View Control Panel Button/LED Indicators: SECTION 2 – Installing the Printer Contents of Packaging Choose a Location Unpacking and Setup Hydrating the Printhead Cartridge Remove Service Station Transport Tab Assembling the Printer Connecting the Printer Connecting to the Computer Install the Printer Driver Install the Ink Tanks Install the Printhead Cartridge Installing Envelope Printing Attachment Setting up the Feed SEC
TABLE OF CONTENTS NOTES ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
SECTION 1 GETTING ACQUAINTED SECTION 1 – Getting Acquainted Front View 1. Cancel LED Button – Cancels the job being printed. 2. Paper LED Button – Press to stop printing, press to restart printing. Press switch to continue printing. 3. ON/OFF LED Button – Use to turn power ON or OFF during idle time and maintenance. 4. 5. Rear Guide – Holds the media against the Front Plate. Rear Guide Support – Supports the paper/media. 6.
SECTION 1 GETTING ACQUAINTED Rear View 2 1. Main Power Switch, Receptacle and Fuse – Plug in power cord here. Switch turns main power ON/OFF. (Use Control Panel LED Power switch to turn off machine for cleaning and maintenance). Fuse protects the Printer’s electronic circuits. 2. USB Port Connection – The USB cable attaches to the Printer here. 3. Network Connection – The network cable plugs in here. 4. Envelope/Paper Media Guide – All printing is registered against this Guide.
SECTION 1 GETTING ACQUAINTED Control Panel Button/LED Indicators The Control Panel has 3 buttons with LED indicators. POWER (ON/OFF) – Turns Printer power ON and OFF. Turn off power for cleaning and maintenance. PAPER (STOP JOB/RESUME – Stops Paper Feed or Resumes Printing. Press to Stop Paper Feed Immediately. Printer will clear media in Printer and stop. Press to Resume Printing. Restart printing after a paper feed error (such as a paper jam or running out of paper).
SECTION 1 GETTING ACQUAINTED PRINTER ERROR INDICATORS PROBLEM Paper Feed Times Out/Out of Paper POWER (ON/OFF) LED ON, steady PAPER (STOP/RESUME) LED ON, flashing about 3 times/second. CANCEL (CANCEL JOB) LED OFF ACTION: Press PAPER to pause job. Check/clear paper jams or reload Feeder. If OK, press PAPER to resume printing. If not fixed, press CANCEL to cancel the job. Sensor(s) Covered ACTION: LED ON, steady Tilt Error LED ON, steady ACTION: Press PAPER to stop feed.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER SECTION 2 – Installing the Printer Contents of Packaging 1. M1 Printer 2. Ink Tanks – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Black 3. Printhead Cartridge 4. Media Side Guides: Registration (Fixed) and Adjustable – mounting screws attached to Printer 5. Rear Media Support Guide – thumbscrew attached to Printer 6. Media Support Wedges: Narrow and Wide – mounting hardware attached to Rear Media Support Guide 7.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER Hydrating the Printhead Cartridge Before you begin assembling the Printer, it is a good idea to hydrate the Printhead Cartridge. CAUTION Hold the Printhead Cartridge by the handles ONLY. DO NOT touch the ink couplings, nozzle surface or electrical contacts. DO NOT unpack the Printhead Cartridge until the Printer is ready for installation. Once unwrapped, delay in installing the Printhead can compromise print quality due to dehydration.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER Remove Service Station Transport Tab 1. Open the Top Cover. 2. Release the two latches (one on either side of the Print Engine). Open the top half of the Print Engine by lifting both levers at the same time. 3. Pull up on the two tabs to remove the cardboard Transport Tab up from the Service Station. 4. Carefully close and relatch the Upper Print Engine. Then close the Top Cover.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER Next install the Envelope/Paper Side Guide using the two screws [2] provided. Attach the Rear Paper Support using the knob [3] provided. NOTE: The two outside holes fit over the socket head screws. Install the Rear Guide using the thumbscrew and washer [4] provided. The washer goes between the screw and the Rear Paper Support.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER Connecting the Printer Plugging in the Printer Connect the power cord to the receptacle [1] at the rear of the Printer. The internal power supply in the Printer is rated 115 to 240VAC, 50/60 Hz. CAUTION DO NOT USE AN ADAPTER PLUG OR EXTENSION CORD TO CONNECT THE PRINTER TO THE WALL RECEPTACLE. DO NOT USE OUTLETS CONTROLLED BY WALL SWITCHES. DO NOT USE AN OUTLET THAT SHARES THE SAME CIRCUIT WITH LARGE ELECTRICAL MACHINES OR APPLIANCES.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER Install the Printer Driver For the Printer software to operate properly check that the computer system meets these minimum requirements: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7. (Supports 32 and 64 bit systems) You must have administrative privileges on the system. Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. Java version 6 or higher USB 2.0 port (ports will be identified as “USB2” or “Enhanced” in the Device Manager.) Microsoft .NET Framework 3.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER 4. After a few moments the “Printer Connections” window opens. Click “Configure to print using USB”. Then click Next>. 5. After a few moments the “M Series Driver” window opens followed by the “Would you like to install this device software?” window. Click Install and the driver software will load from the disk. 6. The software will start to download and a second “Would You Like to Install This Device Software” opens. Click Install. 7.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER 8. The “Finished software installation” window opens. Do not print a test page since printer is not set up yet. Do not check the Print Test Page. Click Next>. 9. The M Series Driver welcome window returns. Note that you can click on the User’s Guide for installation, document set up and printer maintenance, cleaning and troubleshooting information. If connected to the Internet you can click Website. Click Exit to close the CD. 10.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER 2. Open the Front Cover (hinged at bottom). Open the three Latches [A]. 3. Remove the new Tank(s) from packaging. 4. Slide the new Tanks (label up) into their appropriate color slots [B]. INSTALLATION TIP – Make sure the Tanks seat properly. Insert the Tank into the appropriate Ink Station, then pull the Tank back about an inch and push forward firmly to insure that the Ink Nozzles penetrate the seals on the Tanks. 5.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER Install the Printhead Cartridge The Printhead Cartridge is a delicate precision device. Handle with extreme care to avoid damage and issues that could degrade print quality. CAUTION Hold the Printhead Cartridge by the handles ONLY. DO NOT touch the ink couplings, nozzle surface or electrical contacts. DO NOT unpack the Printhead Cartridge until the Printer is ready for installation.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER 2. Take the Printhead Cartridge you hydrated and set aside earlier, remove the orange cover and proceed to Step 5. Otherwise, follow the Steps below: Carefully remove the Printhead Cartridge from the foil packaging. [A] Tear at notch or cut end with scissors. [B] Remove the protective plastic cover. Hold the Printhead by the handle and unclip the cover from the Printhead. [C] Remove protective strip from the Printhead Electrical Contacts.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER 4. Wet the Printhead Surface. This ensures that the Printhead will prime correctly. Open the Top Cover. Release and lift up the two latches (one on each side of the Printhead Assembly) at the same time to raise the Printhead Assembly. Moisten the Printhead nozzles using distilled water and a wet, lint-free cloth. Close and relatch the Printhead Assembly. CAUTION OPERATE AND HOLD ONTO BOTH LATCHES WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT DAMAGE.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER Installing Envelope Printing Attachment Use this attachment if you are primarily printing envelopes or running large batches of envelopes. The attachment flattens the envelope flap for better print consistency. 1. Open the Top Cover. Press the Printhead Latch Cover Release Button (or click the Printhead Release from the Services Tab or the User Interface screen in the Toolbox.) The Printer pumps any ink in the system back into the Tanks.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER Setting up the Feed The AstroJet M1 Printer is equipped with four Sheet Separators, two Side Guides and a Rear Media Guide. The Sheet Separators are adjusted individually as follows: 18 1. Move the Left-hand Side Guide into position. This Guide has two positions. The position closest to the Side Frame is for 9.5" media and the position closest to the center of the Printer is for printing 8.5" wide media edge to edge. 2.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER 4. Adjust the Right-hand Side Guide so that it is about 1/32-inch from the sides of the media. Tighten the locking knob on the Side Guide. Place a stack of media in the machine. Press and hold the Paper key to feed one piece through the Separator. NOTE: To prevent misfeeds and tearing, keep the Right-hand Side Guide at least 1/8" from the Side Frame. 5. Adjust the Rear Guide Support by using the knob to slide the Guide right and left.
SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER NOTES ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ________________________________
SECTION 3 OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 SECTION 3 – Operating the AstroJet M1 Once the Printer Driver is installed on your computer and the Printhead is primed, you are ready to start printing. Set up your job and send it to the Printer. The Printer will start and print. This rest of this section is divided into two parts: 1. How to set up a job to print from Microsoft Word. 2. Driver properties and the various options available when you run a job.
SECTION 3 OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 Printing a Typical Job on 8.5-inch by 5.5-inch Paper The AstroJet M1 can print edge-to-edge on an 8.5" x 5.5" document. Follow these steps to set up a job: 1. Go to File, then Page Setup and select 0" margins. 2. Select the Paper tab, select Paper Size “Custom size” then set the paper Width to 8.5" and the paper Height to 5.5". Then click OK. 3. The screen at right is an example of a job to be printed.
SECTION 3 OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 Printer Driver Properties The Printer Driver for the AstroJet M1 works the same as any other Printer Driver for Windows. It does have some enhancements to help you maximize the ability of the Printer to print variable addressed pieces quickly and efficiently. Windows XP, Vista: Once the job is set up, click File, then Print. The window on the right will open. Make sure the M Series Driver is the selected Printer. Clicking on Properties opens the “Properties” window.
SECTION 3 OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 Layout Tab Layout allows you change how the document prints without changing the original document. 24 Resizing – Lets you specify the Original Size or Custom Resize: lets you resize the original as a % of normal size. The Printer will print the document in the size you selected regardless of the size of the paper selected. Print on: lets you specify the particular size of paper that you want to print on regardless of the size of the original document.
SECTION 3 OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 Services Tab Services allows you to: Print Configuration Page – Prints out the current configuration of the Printer including current Firmware Version, Network Connection, printer Serial Number and more. Print Sample Page – Prints type and color bands to check print quality. Print Diagnostic Page – Shows basic Printer information, memory, Network Settings, Event Log and RAM partitions.
SECTION 3 OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 Using the Printer Toolbox Once the Printer Driver is installed you have access to the Printer Toolbox. The Toolbox lets you monitor ink usage, perform diagnostic checks, print reports and run maintenance tasks on the Printer from your computer. To open the Toolbox: Click Start from the Windows taskbar, go to All Programs, open the Astro Machine folder, then click on “Toolbox”.
SECTION 3 OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 Cleaning Buttons: Provide 3 levels of cleaning for the Printhead Cartridge. These work the same way as the 3 Maintenance Level Buttons in the Printer Driver: Quick Clean Printhead – Circulates ink, wipes and cleans the Printhead Cartridge. Normal Clean Printhead – Runs cleaning and wiping routine twice for better flushing and cleaning. Full Clean Printhead – Runs the cleaning routine multiple times for the most thorough flushing and cleaning of the Printhead.
SECTION 3 OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 [C] Firmware Download – Get the latest version of firmware for your Printer. How to download new firmware: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. When you are notified that new firmware is available for your Printer, download the *.fbf file and save it to your desktop. Open the Toolbox. On the “User Interface” page, find Firmware Downloads. Click the “Browse” button and find the file you just saved to your desktop. Click “Submit”.
SECTION 3 OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 Network Configuration Permits you to view, enter or change settings to connect the Printer to your network. Network Connection Set Up: 1. The Printer is still connected to the computer via the USB cable. To connect the Printer to a network, open the Toolbox. On the “User Interface” page, click Network Config. 2. The “Network Status and Configuration” page opens. Your IT person can choose the Network Settings box to enter the correct settings for your network. 3.
SECTION 3 OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 Service Menu For authorized personnel only. Provides access to more advanced Printer control and maintenance menus.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE SECTION 4 – Maintenance This section covers how to care for the Ink Tanks, Printhead Cartridge, Service Station, clear paper jams and replace the Sheet Separators. Replacing the Ink Tanks Replace the Ink Tanks when the ink runs out. 1. Open the Printer Toolbox. Go to All Programs, open the Astro Machine Folder and open the Toolbox. On the Opening Screen you will see System Status information in the upper left corner. 2.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE 5. Turn Printer ON with Control Panel Power button. Watch the Toolbox screen on your computer; you will see the ink colors fill in as the Ink Tanks are installed. If the ink color does not fill in after a few seconds, reinstall the Ink Tank. 6. Prime the system by running the Circulate Ink routine from the User Interface window in the Toolbox. 7. Watch the Toolbox screen on your computer again. Notice that some of the information is in red.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE Cleaning/Replacing the Printhead Cartridge Cleaning The Printhead in the AstroJet M1 Printer is cleaned automatically each time the machine is turned on or when the Level 1 Maintenance routine is performed by the operator. This can be found under the Service Tab, Level 1 Maintenance in the Printer Driver. Level 2 and Level 3 Maintenance can be used to more thoroughly clean or clear the Printhead.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE 2. Open the Top Cover. Press the Printhead Cover Release button [1]. The Printer pumps any ink in the system back into the Tanks. Then the Printhead Cover pops open [2]. NOTE: You can perform this same function from your computer by clicking Printhead Release from the Services tab in Print Properties or the User Interface screen in the M Series Toolbox. CAUTION DO NOT PRY OR MANUALLY LIFT THE PRINTHEAD COVER OR THE COVER MAY BREAK.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE WARNING To avoid electrical shock or shorting: Before installing the Printhead, make sure the nozzles are hydrated and the contacts are DRY! 5. Carefully insert the Cartridge into the compartment at an angle [4], with the Printhead surface facing down and the Ink Nozzles facing the Ink Hoses. Once it is seated, gently tilt the Cartridge back until it snaps into an upright position [5]. DO NOT FORCE the Cartridge into position. 6. Wet the Printhead Surface.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE 7. Close the Printhead Cover [6]. The Printer will automatically run a start-up routine and prime the ink into the Printhead. This may take a few minutes. Make sure that ink is flowing through the hoses. If air bubbles appear you may have to tap the lines or run the Circulate Ink routine to clear them. 8. Watch the Toolbox screen on your computer again. Notice that some of the information is in red.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE Replacing the Service Station The Service Station is designed provide a long service life. However, should it need to be replaced, follow these steps. The Service Station is located above the Ink Tank Station. TURN PRINTER POWER OFF. CAUTION WHENEVER POWERING DOWN UNIT, ALWAYS: 1. PRESS THE POWER BUTTON ON THE CONTROL PANEL. 2. WAIT FOR THE PRINTER TO STOP PROCESSING. 3. THEN PRESS THE MAIN POWER SWITCH ON THE REAR PANEL. 1. Open the Front Cover (hinged at bottom).
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE 3. Disconnect the Ribbon Cable. Slide the Latch open on the Service Station Circuit Board to release the Ribbon Cable. Remove the Service Station. 4. Carefully unwrap the new Service Station. NOTE: Loose parts may fall out. Keep roller side facing up when removing packaging. CAUTION Make sure latches on the Wiper Roller are fully latched before installing the Service Station. 5. 38 Slide the Latch open on the Service Station Circuit Board.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE 6. [1] Plug the Ribbon Connector (blue side up) into the space under the Latch. [2] Close the Latch. 7. [1] Slide the Service Station into the Service Station port until it touches the bar. [2] Look down through the Top Cover to make sure Service Station is aligned with the bar. IMPORTANT! Service Station must be perfectly aligned with bar to prevent misalignment and operating problems. 8.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE Replacing the Ink Waste Tray The Ink Waste Tray soaks up any excess ink that may drip from the Print Engine during operation. After a period of time it may become saturated and need replacement. 1. Open Ink Tank Door. 2. Push in on the Tabs to release the Ink Waste Tray and remove it from unit. 3. Replace with a new Ink Waste Tray. Replacing the Sheet Separators The Sheet Separators insure separation of the pieces as they are being fed.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE Jams in the Printer If a jam occurs, STOP the Printer. Some possible causes for jamming are: 1. 2. 3. 4. Feeding more than one piece of media (double-feeding). Damaged media, such as dog-eared (turned down corners). Media that is not stiff enough may not be usable. Media that meets Postal stiffness requirements for automated feeding is acceptable in the AstroJet M1. Envelopes caught under the flap of another envelope or stick to one another.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE Cleaning WARNING THE PRINTER IS A PRECISION MACHINE THAT SHOULD BE CLEANED REGULARLY TO INSURE MANY YEARS OF SERVICE. BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE, DISCONNECT THE MACHINE FROM ITS POWER SOURCE! DO NOT REMOVE SIDE COVERS! HIGH VOLTAGES PRESENT. Clean the Printer regularly to remove accumulated paper dust and ink. Depending on the types of media that are run, paper dust may accumulate inside the Printer and on the Transport. 1.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE Print Engine Areas in the Print Engine can become glazed with a buildup of dust, paper lint and accumulated ink and have to be cleaned regularly. Open the Top Cover and release the two latches on the Printhead Assembly. NOTE: Be careful around ink tray and capping station in the Print Engine area as accumulated ink may splash onto other parts of the Printer. Take care not to damage the PC Boards or electrical wiring.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE Shipping or Transporting the Printer If you have to ship or transport the Printer for any reason, the unit will have to be prepared. Once the Printer is prepared, carefully package the Printer, Printhead Cartridge, Service Station and Ink Tanks in their original packaging. Deprime the System 1. This forces all of the ink to return to the Ink Tanks.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE 2. Make sure the Printhead Cover is fully opened to retract the ink lines. Remove the Printhead Cartridge by tilting it toward the ink lines [3], then carefully lift it out of the Printhead Compartment. 3. Carefully pack the Cartridge using the original packaging. Remove the Service Station 1. Open the Front Cover (hinged at bottom). Remove the Exit Roller Cover by removing the four (4) screws. Open the Top Cover. Release the two latches and open the Clamshell Cover.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE 3. Slide the Service Station out of the Service Station port. NOTE: Do not pull Station all the way out until you disconnect the Ribbon Cable. 4. Disconnect the Ribbon Cable. Slide the Latch open on the Service Station Circuit Board to release the Ribbon Cable. Remove the Service Station. Remove the Ink Tanks 46 1. Turn the Printer OFF with the Control Panel Power Button and open the Front Cover (hinged at bottom).
SECTION 5 TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION 5 – Troubleshooting Guide The following Troubleshooting Guides are provided to assist you in solving any problems that might occur with the AstroJet M1 Printer. We have tried to make them as complete as possible. The best advice we can offer is to make sure that the system is set up properly, plugged in, and that it has an adequate supply of ink before attempting to troubleshoot any problem.
SECTION 5 TROUBLESHOOTING The Printer CONDITION PROBLEM SOLUTION Extra lines; losing data Database problem. Check data in database program. Improper output (address information out of order, misfeeding, etc.) Wrong interface settings. Check software or database on PC. Close the software, then turn Printer OFF and ON. Clean Media Sensor. Static electricity. Dirty Media Sensor. Media jams Double feeding. Media is curled or bent. Media is too thin. Unit not receiving power.
APPENDICES Appendix A – AstroJet M1 Specifications PRINT RESOLUTION Best: 1600 x 1600 DPI Normal: 1600 x 800 DPI SPEED (color or mono) Up to 3600 letter size pages or 9000 envelopes per hour MEDIA SIZE Minimum: 3" x 4.2" (76 mm x 107 mm) Maximum: 9.5" x 17" (241 mm x 431 mm) 8.5" x 17" (215 mm x 431 mm) PRINT AREA INK Minimum: 0.004" (0.102 mm) Maximum: 0.020" (0.5 mm) Water-based ink.
INDEX #10 Envelope Setup 9.
INDEX Supplies Troubleshooting Unpacking Printer Driver General Tab Installing Layout Tab Properties Services Tab Printer Toolbox Diagnostics Ink Usage Network Configuration Service Menu User Interface Using Printhead Cleaning Hydrating Installing Remove/Replace Troubleshooting 49 48 5 23 10 24 23 25 28 28 29 30 26 26 33 6, 15, 34 14 33, 44 47 R Rear Guide Rear Guide Support Rear Paper Support Receptacle, Power Remove/Replace Ink Tanks Ink Waste Tray Printer Jams Printhead Service Station Sheet Separators
NOTES ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ___________
Copyright © 2012 ASTRO MACHINE CORP. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 01/18/2012 Part Number: 200-AJM1, Rev.
