Copyright - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Disclaimer- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - End User License Agreement for Microsoft Windows CE„ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Brady Warranty - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FCC Notice-US Only - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The standard keyboard - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-5 System function keys - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-5 Alphabetic and command keys- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-9 Arrow and navigation keypads- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-11 Numeric keypad - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pipe Marker and Right-to-Know exceptions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Choosing a label application - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Choosing a category- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Selecting a template - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Following prompt sequences - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ribbon color- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8-2 Tape color - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8-4 Applying Color to Objects - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -8-5 About the Object Color screen- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8-5 Choosing color on the Monocolor system - -
Printing labels in a file group- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11-7 Checking Supplies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11-10 Checking Size - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11-11 Checking Length - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11-12 Minimum length- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adjusting the Cut Depth - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -B-4 Replacing the Stylus Blade - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -B-7 Cleaning the Stylus - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -B-8 Appendix C Error Messages Error Messages - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -C-2 6
Copyright This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be copied or reproduced by any means without the prior consent of Brady Worldwide, Inc. While every precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, Brady assumes no liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions or by statements resulting from negligence, accident, or any other cause.
End User License Agreement for Microsoft Windows CE© You have acquired a device that includes software licensed by Brady Worldwide, Inc. from Microsoft Licensing or its affiliates (“MS”). Those installed software products of Microsoft origin, as well as associated media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation (“SOFTWARE”) are protected by international intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE is licensed, not sold. All rights reserved.
EXPORT RESTRICTIONS. You acknowledge that SOFTWARE is of US-origin. You agree to comply with all applicable international and national laws that apply to the SOFTWARE, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, as well as end-user, end-use, and country destination restrictions issued by U.S. and other governments. For additional information on exporting the SOFTWARE, see http://www.microsoft.com/exporting/.
FCC Notice-US Only Warning: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, it may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of the FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against interference when operating in a commercial environment.
Specifications Physical characteristics Size: Height 10” Width 16” Depth 11” Weight: approximately 30 pounds Environmental characteristics Operational requirements Ambient operating temperature: 50° F to 105° F (10° C to 41° C) Relative humidity: 20% to 80% (non-condensing) Storage requirements Ambient storage temperature: 0° F to 140° F (-18° C to 60° C) Relative humidity: 10 to 95% (non-condensing) Electrical characteristics Input current: 2.
International Power Cords Users in countries outside of North America may be required to supply their own power cord for connecting the system to an AC electrical outlet. Choose an AC power cord and plug that is suitable for the country in which the equipment is to be installed. The AC power cord and plug must meet all national regulations and requirements for that intended country.
In this country: Use this power cord: Australia, New Zealand Specifications plug: AS 3112-1981 connector: IEC 320 60320 C13 conductor size: 3 x 1.00 mm2 description: AS 3191H05WF3G1.0 typ. stranding: 32/0.2 mm current rating: 10A voltage rating: 250 VAC maximum length: less than 3 meters Italy Specifications plug: CEI 23-16/VII connector: IEC 60 320 C13 conductor size: 3x 1.0 mm2 description: H05VVF3G1.0 typ. stranding: 32/0.
x
Welcome CHAPTER 1 Thank you for purchasing our label maker, which you use to create and print professional-looking labels and signs for use just about anywhere. All you have to do is: z z z Drop in a ribbon cartridge, choosing from a wide range of single-color ribbons, paneled ribbons, and CYMK ribbons for blended colors. Drop in a tape cartridge, choosing tape in widths that range from 1/2 inch to 4 inches, and come in many colors, in many different styles, and in a wide range of materials.
About This Book This manual documents the basic Monocolor printing system, all of whose features are common to all three systems (described in The three printer systems on page 1-3). You’ll also find complete information about the Multicolor system and the Color & Cut system features and special applications in specially-designated sections and chapters.
The three printer systems All three label-printing systems use Microsoft Windows CE© as the basis for the operating system and application. As the user, most of the Windows CE operating system will be invisible to you. You don’t need to use your computer skills to operate this printing system. Hint! You do have the option to connect to a desktop computer to use the system as a peripheral printer or to manage and store files. See CHAPTER 12: Connecting to a PC, beginning on page 12-1, for information.
Specialty applications Your system provides these specialty label applications: z z z z z z z z z Custom, for creating labels you design yourself. QuickText, for creating text-only labels quickly and easily Pipe Marker, with pre-designed layouts for creating standard, roll-form, or symbol and arrow labels for marking pipes. Tags, with pre-designed layouts for creating hazard prevention, maintenance, production, and quality labels you can print on tag label stock.
Contacting Technical Support Please contact Brady Worldwide, Inc., with your questions or concerns. The contact support numbers for each region are listed below. Americas www.bradycorp.com United States 800-643-8766 technical_support @bradycorp.com Canada 888-262-7576 techsuppcanada@bradycorp.com Mexico 0 1-800-112-7239 bradymexico@bradycorp.com Brazil 55 11 3604-7700 brady_service_brazil@bradycorp.com Other (Americas) 414-438-6868 bradyintl@bradycorp.com Europe www.bradyeurope.
United Kingdom +44 1295 228205 tsuk@bradyeurope.com Nordic Region +46 85 90 057 33 tssweden@bradyeurope.com Eastern Europe + 36 23 42 85 26 ts_ece@bradyeurope.com Pacific www.bradyaust.com.au New Zealand 0800 446 269 brady_aust@bradycorp.com Australia 1800 644 834 brady_aust@bradycorp.
CHAPTER 2 Setting Up This chapter tells you how to set up and maintain your label printing system. Topics are: Connecting Peripherals Installing supplies Installing a compact flash memory card Cleaning your system If you plan to connect your printer to a desktop computer, be sure to see Connecting to a PC on page 11-1.
Connecting Peripherals This section describes how to get your system connected and powered up. You should have already unpacked your printer, using the instruction sheet included in the shipping box. You connect your keyboard and your mouse, if you have one, and then the power cord, to begin setting up your system. (The USB connection is discussed in Placing Your System Online on page 11-4.
Step 3: Plug the power cord into the printer as shown in Figure 2-1. Plug the other end of the cord into an AC power outlet. Important! Be sure the AC power outlet is located near the printer and is easily accessible. Installing supplies The next step in setting up your printer is installing a ribbon cartridge and a tape cartridge.
Opening the printer Step 1: To open the printer, squeeze the release bar. Step 2: Raise the printer cover up and away to the right. Cover release bar Figure 2-2. Opening the printer. Make sure all internal packing materials have been removed before you proceed.
Installing a ribbon cartridge Figure 2-3. Installing a ribbon cartridge. Step 1: Hold the ribbon cartridge with the open part of the tab on top and facing you. Step 2: Place the lower cylinder of the cartridge (with the unused ribbon), in the lower slot in the cover, as shown. Step 3: Position the upper cylinder of the cartridge in the upper slot and push gently until the tab clicks in place. Your ribbon is now installed.
Adjusting the ribbon cartridge If a ribbon cartridge has been stored outside the printer, the ribbon between the take-up spool and the wiper may have been exposed to dust. The dust on the ribbon may transfer to the print head causing streaks or scratches on your labels. When a ribbon cartridge has been stored outside the printer, before installing it, you should first advance the ribbon approximately 2 inches (or 250 millimeters) counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 2-4. Figure 2-4.
Installing a tape cartridge There are three simple steps to installing a tape cartridge: (1) adjusting the tape cartridge receptacle to accommodate the width of the tape, (2) dropping in the cartridge, and (3) feeding the tape through the advance rollers. Adjusting the tape receptacle Since the printer accepts tape widths from .5 inches (25 mm) to 4 inches (102 mm), you must use the tape guides to adjust the tape receptacle inside the printer to accommodate the size of the cartridge you are installing.
Figure 2-6. Color-coded measuring guide detail. Step 1: Verify your tape’s size by noting the colored label in the center of the tape cartridge’s handle. For example, if your tape is 4”, you will see a red label in the center of the tape handle. That red label corresponds to the red bar on the colorcoded measuring guide (Figure 2-6). Step 2: Grasp both tape guides. Note: Each tape guide is made up of two parts: a movable lever (1) and sliding tape guide (2) (Figure 2-5).
Inserting the tape cartridge . Figure 2-7. Installing a tape cartridge. Step 4: Hold the tape cartridge by the handle with the feet pointed downward and parallel with the surface the printer is sitting on, as shown in Figure 2-7. Make sure the tape extends through the slot in the cartridge. Step 5: Slowly lower the tape cartridge until the tape roller cylinder ends nest in the circular slots of the tape receptacle.
Advancing the tape Step 6: Advance the tape over the first roller with your hand as shown in Figure 2-8: Figure 2-8. Advancing the tape. 2-10 Step 7: Place the end of the tape between the tape guides as shown above in Figure 2-8. Step 8: Advance the tape only halfway through the guides Step 9: Your tape is now installed. Step 10: As you are positioning the tape, the color-coded measuring guide may become obstructed.
Figure 2-9. Color-coded guide - rear inside view. Figure 2-10. Color-coded guide - rear inside view detail. Closing the printer cover Close the printer cover when you are finished installing the supplies. When the cover closes, your printer reads the memory cells in the ribbon and tape cartridges, and updates the supply attributes - the color choices available, the size parameters and label lengths allowed - that will be applied to the labels you compose.
You’re ready to print! Figure 2-11. The complete label printing system, with optional mouse.
Installing a compact flash memory card Your label printing system has a card slot you can use to attach a compact flash memory card to your system. Memory cards provide additional storage besides your printing system’s internal storage. You can save labels as files in folders to this external memory, then open them and edit or print them, and save them again. The compact flash memory card slot is shown here Figure 2-12. Compact flash memory card slot.
Cleaning your system If you notice streaks or scratches in your labels, it may be time to clean the print head. You can purchase a cleaning kit, which includes: z z A plastic bottle (to contain Isopropyl alcohol, minimum 90% alcohol, You must purchase the alcohol separately.) Two foam tip swabs To clean the print head: Step 1: Turn the printer power off. Step 2: Remove the ribbon cartridge. Step 1: Pour Isopropyl alcohol into the plastic squeeze bottle provided in the cleaning kit.
CHAPTER 3 Starting Up This chapter provides basic reference information about your system components, how to use those components, and how to set your preferences for the system.
Launching Your System When you turn on the power for your system, a decorative screen (also called a “splash screen”) displays briefly while your system powers up. When the system is ready to use, the Main Menu screen displays, providing you with a choice of buttons you use to access system functions, files you may have created, sets of pre-designed template labels, and applications designed for producing specialty labels. The Main Menu This is a sample Main Menu screen: Figure 3-1. The Main Menu screen.
Saved Files, for accessing stored label files you previously saved. (See CHAPTER 9: Working with Files, beginning on page 9-1, for more information.). QuickText, for creating text-only labels quickly and easily. (See Creating QuickText Labels on page 6-5 for more information.) Pipe Marker, with pre-designed layouts for creating standard, roll-form, or symbol and arrow labels for marking pipes.(See Creating Template Labels on page 6-11 for more information.
Note: WHMIS is available on North American systems only. My Templates, where templates that have been downloaded, copied, or moved to a folder using the File Management Utility are stored. This option appears only if you have downloaded templates new to your system. (See Using My Templates on page 9-12 for more information.) The button at the bottom of the screen access system features: Setup, which you choose to set your system preferences.
The standard keyboard The standard PC keyboard provided with your system is divided into four sections for purposes of description in this manual: z z z z System function keys unique to this printing system, page 3-5 Alphabetic keys and functions, page 3-9 Arrow and command keypads, page 3-11 Numeric keypad and functions, page 3-14 System function keys The function keys (or F keys) along the top row of the keyboard perform specific operations.
. TABLE 3-1. System function keys and definitions 3-6 Function Key(s) Description Print F1 Displays the Print screen. File Options F2 Displays the File Options screen, which provides options you use to save, retrieve, or delete files. Label Properties F3 Displays the Label Properties screen, which provides options you use to change default properties settings for your labels. Add Label F4 Creates a new label or begins the prompt sequence for creating a new label.
TABLE 3-1. System function keys and definitions (Continued) Paste F10 Pastes the object in memory into a new location on the label (the standard Microsoft Windows “Paste” function). If nothing has been copied into memory previously, the system beeps. Undo F11 Reverses the previous action. Undo affects the most recent set of editing changes to an object. If the previous action cannot be undone, the system beeps. Undoing the last several actions is possible in some cases, depending on system memory.
TABLE 3-1. System function keys and definitions (Continued) 3-8 Object Properties Alt+F6 Displays the property screen for the selected object. Use the Properties screens to set attributes, such as absolute position, rotation, special text attributes, and so on. If no object is selected, the system beeps. Object Color Alt+F8 Displays the Object Color screen (same effect as selecting the Color toolbar button). If no object is selected, the system beeps.
Alphabetic and command keys The standard key section of the PC keyboard provided with your printing system has both alphabetic character keys and command keys. Note: Blank keys in Figure 3-3 are not operational in this system. Grayed out keys are system function keys, described in System function keys on page 3-5. Figure 3-3. Alphabetic character and command keys TABLE 3-2. Keyboard keys definitions.
TABLE 3-2. Keyboard keys definitions. (Continued) Tab z z z Advances to the next option on a screen. In the Enter Text screen, adds a tab indent in the text entry area. Cycles through multiple objects layered on the display screen. Caps Lock Locks on the uppercase for each alphabetic key. This function is a toggle. If Caps Lock is off, pressing the Caps Lock key turns caps lock on. Pressing it again turns it off. The Caps Lock LED indicates the current caps lock status.
TABLE 3-2. Keyboard keys definitions. (Continued) Space Also called Spacebar. Enters a space character or blank space the size of a single character in text entry fields. Also, with a radio button or checkbox, you can use the Space key as a toggle: if the radio button is active or the checkbox is checked, pressing Space inactivates the button or removes the check, and vice-versa. (Backspace) Deletes the character to the left of the cursor.
Use the arrow and navigation keypads to move around on the screen or to delete an item. Note: Keys shown grayed out are inactive in this system. Figure 3-4. Arrow and navigation keypads. TABLE 3-3. Keypad keys descriptions Key Description Home Used within a text entry field to return the cursor to the left of the first character Delete Within an edit field on a dialog box, deletes the character at the cursor position.
TABLE 3-3. Keypad keys descriptions (Continued) Moves the cursor down one line at a time. In the Editor window and in text entry fields, use to move selected objects one character space at a time in the direction indicated by the arrow, or use with Shift held down to move selected objects at a greater increment. Moves the cursor to the left one character at a time. If the cursor is at the beginning of a line, moves it to the end of the line above.
Numeric keypad Use the numeric keypad as an alternate way to enter numbers and to perform several other commands as well. The LED displays above the numeric keypad light up to indicate the status of the functions named. LED lights (ON and OFF) indicators Figure 3-5. The numeric keypad and LED indicators. TABLE 3-4. Numeric keypad keys definitions 3-14 Key or LED Description Num Lock LED The Num Lock LED indicates the current Num Lock status. When the light is ON, the number keys are active.
TABLE 3-4. Numeric keypad keys definitions (Continued) - (hyphen or minus sign) Types hyphen or minus sign character. Num Lock does not affect this key. Home With Num Lock OFF, when entering text in an entry field, returns the cursor to the beginning of the field, left of the first character. With Num Lock ON, types the number 7. End With Num Lock OFF, when entering text in an entry field, moves the cursor to right of the last character entered. With Num Lock ON, types the number 1.
TABLE 3-4. Numeric keypad keys definitions (Continued) Moves the cursor to the right one character at a time. If the cursor is at the end of a line, moves it to the beginning of the line below. In the Editor window and in text entry fields, use to move selected objects one character space at a time in the direction indicated by the arrow, or use with Shift held down to move selected objects at a greater increment.
Using a mouse on labels You can use any of several methods to select a text object or graphic on a label you are previewing in the Editor window, depending on your preference and the equipment your system offers. To select an item on a label Use the mouse to move the cursor to the item and click the left mouse button. The item is highlighted with selection markers to indicate that it is selected.
Figure 3-6. The Status screen. Hint! You can press the Status key at any time to access the system Status screen. Accessing Online Help You can get help on tasks using either of two methods: z z 3-18 Press the Help key (Alt + F10) on your keyboard at any time to display a brief description of the editing tools. Watch the Status bar at the bottom of the Editor window. It displays information about the task you are currently performing.
CHAPTER 4 Basic Procedures This chapter describes the basic functions of your system and how to use them. Your familiarity with these concepts and processes will simplify your work when you create labels.
Working in the Editor window The Editor window is displayed at the beginning of the label creation process for some labels, during the process and at the end of the process for all labels, and it is displayed again when you open a saved label file for editing. You might think of it as the palette upon which your labels are created and displayed. Toolbar Scroll buttons Preview area Rulers Status bar Figure 4-1.
Inside the Editor window Use these editing and navigation tools within the Editor window, shown in Figure 4-1, to create and to edit labels: z z z z z The preview area The toolbar The rulers The scroll buttons The status bar The preview area When you create a label, you build it by adding objects to it. You view the objects on the Editor window in the Preview area. The system displays the objects in the Preview area, shown in Figure 4-1, as you work.
Hint! When a toolbar button is inactive, it is grayed out, or appears on the screen as dimmer than the others. The Editor window is used for all types of labels you create, but the Editor toolbars vary according to which tools are appropriate for the type of label you are working with. This is a complete list of Editor window tools: Print. Follow the instructions on the Print screen to print your label. See Printing on page 11-1 for details. Zoom In.
Properties Menu. Displays different options that apply to the object selected including: Color, Object Properties, Move to Back, and Move to Front. Color. Lets you choose color for the selected object or change the default color the system uses for drawing new objects. See See CHAPTER 8: Applying Color, beginning on page 8-1 for details. Object Properties. Lists information about the object selected, which can be either text or graphic, including height, width, rotation, and so on.
To continue scrolling in the direction indicated z z Press and hold the scroll button. With the mouse, click on the appropriate scroll button, and hold down the left mouse button to continue to scroll. Ruler functions The horizontal and vertical rulers in the Editor window preview area (shown in Figure 4-1) use the same scale. This means that each increment on the horizontal ruler equals the same increment on the vertical ruler.
As the view zooms out, the magnification level decreases, which means that more of the label is visible, and the tick marks on the rulers appear closer together: 123456 Hint! Here’s a quick way to zoom in or out by 100%: Hold down Shift, then press Zoom in or Zoom out. The status bar The status bar displays a system message related to the task you are performing. Sometimes the messages are instructive, as in Figure 4-1, which tells you how to proceed to create your label.
dotted lines disappear, but the markers always indicate that you have successfully selected the object, as shown here: Increase Size tool Selected object Selection markers Figure 4-3. The Editor window with a graphic selected. For instance, if you want to enlarge the coffee cup graphic in the label in Figure 4-3, you first select the graphic on the label using one of the methods described below, then choose the Increase Size tool.
Deselecting in the Editor window You can deselect an object after you perform an action on a selected object, or if you change your mind before you make changes to the selected item. To remove the selection markers, touch any non-highlighted area of the screen. If you are using a mouse, move the cursor to a non-highlighted area and click the left mouse button to deselect.
By touch: Simply touch the part of the screen you want to activate. By keyboard: Press Tab to move between options or fields. By mouse: Use the mouse to move the cursor to an option or field. Click the left mouse button to choose the option or field. Tabbed entry screens Some entry screens contain additional tabbed screens with related options. Select the tab to get to its options. Touch the scroll arrows to scroll to any additional tab screens. Scroll arrows Tabs Figure 4-4.
Entering information in entry screens You construct your label text in a text entry area on the Enter Text screen, as shown here: Cursor (blinking) Scroll button Refresh Screen button. Use when entered text exceeds the text entry area. Text entry area Scroll button Size adjustment buttons Figure 4-5. The Enter Text screen. You can get to the Enter Text screen by pressing on the keyboard, then selecting Text from the Insert Object screen. (See Adding Objects on page 7-3.
Choosing options You enter your option choices on entry screens via entry fields, option buttons, checkboxes, and other devices, described below. Using entry fields You type information directly into entry fields. Some entry fields are ready for your entry as soon as you navigate to them, while others are associated with other screen elements. The File name field on the Save File screen is an example of an entry field ready to accept your typed text: Entry field Scroll list Scroll buttons Figure 4-6.
you choose the attached radio button. (See Using radio buttons on page 4-15 for more information.) Checkbox Option Buttons Radio buttons Entry fields Figure 4-7. The Advanced print entry screen. Using option buttons Touch an option button to implement the command or function listed on the button. For instance, in Figure 4-7, the File Group button is disabled, but when it is active it takes you to the File Group screen, where you choose a File Group to print.
Using option lists Some fields provide lists of options from which you can choose, such as the Density fields on the screen shown here: Closes the screen without saving your entries. To see an option list, choose the down arrow next to the field. Option list Figure 4-8. The Bar Code screen, Dimensions Tab. To select from an option list, touch the down arrow next to the field to see the list of options. Then select an item on the list.
For example, in Figure 4-7, check the Print Files in Group option checkbox to indicate that you want to print a group of files all at once. Leaving it unchecked indicates that you accept the default status, which is printing a single file. Using radio buttons Radio buttons are empty circles when not in use, and circles with dots inside when activated. Figure 4-7 shows examples of radio buttons. If there are one or more radio button options on a screen, you can activate only one option at a time.
4-16 Working in Entry Screens
CHAPTER 5 Setting Preferences Your label printing system ships with pre-set settings called default system settings. You can customize your system settings to reflect your own preferences. This chapter tells you how to change system settings.
Accessing System Setup When you change the pre-set system settings your system shipped with, you change the default values your system uses to determine how your printer works. The changes you make in the System Setup screens apply to your entire system. Note: Be cautious about changing system settings. Remember that changes you make will apply to your entire printing system.
The System Setup tabs are: • Printing • Localization • Hardware • Other • Text • On Line The Tab arrows indicate the presence or absence of additional tabs. In Figure 5-1, for instance, the Tab arrows indicate that there are additional tabs to be seen when you choose the right Tab arrow, but not if you select the left Tab arrow. 2. Choose a tab to set those options. You’ll find information about setting the tab options in the sections that follow. 3.
Setting Printing Tab Options The Printing options tab is shown in Figure 5-1. You specify your system’s print job defaults on this tab. The options are: 5-4 Supply saver Turns basic multiple-up printing ON or OFF. The default setting is OFF. The Supply saver printing feature saves supplies by arranging labels of the same size together in the print queue.
Overprint Turns overprinting ON and OFF. OFF is the default. Overprint controls the order in which colors are printed on the label so that black prints last. • With Overprint ON, black prints over (on top of) any previously printed colors. This ensures that there will be no gaps between colors and black print areas. However, with Overprint ON, printing may be slower, because the system must analyze the colors in the print job and order them accordingly. You may have to swap ribbons more often as well.
Setting Localization Tab Options Use the options on the Localization tab to set your system’s text language, keyboard language, and the unit of measure used in determining the size of your labels: Figure 5-2. The System Setup Localization tab. Note: 5-6 You must restart your system before Localization preferences that you set take effect. After you make Localization option changes, choose OK, then when the Main Menu screen displays again, turn your printer OFF and ON again.
The options are: Language Sets the language the system uses for the screens, prompts, and messages. Language options available depend on your system: • North American: English (default), French, Spanish • Europe I: English (default), German, French, Dutch • Europe II: Spanish (default), Italian, Portuguese, English • Europe III: Danish (default), Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish Unit of measure Sets the unit of measure used in the system for displaying label length, label width, and so on.
Setting Hardware Tab Options Use the Hardware options tab for settings that affect your system’s hardware. Unavailable on the Monocolor system. Cutter Calibration options appear only on Color & Cut system Figure 5-3. The System Setup Hardware tab. The options are: 5-8 Speaker volume (0-5) Controls the volume of your system sounds. Enter a value from 0-5, where 0 turns your sound off completely. Check Supply Colors When enabled, tells your system to read the current supply cell.
Cutter Calibration: Horizontal (x) Vertical (y) Color & Cut system only. Re-sets the factory-set calibration values for the plotter cutter in your system. Enter positive or negative whole numbers to adjust the horizontal or vertical values by one/one thousandth of an inch for each increment. Note: Use caution when calibrating your plotter cutter. To return to the factory-set values, see the calibration label placed inside your printer at the factory, and reinstate the values shown on that label.
3. Enter a name for the color, up to 32 characters in length. Be sure the name is not already in use in your system. 4. If you change your mind or make a mistake, press Cancel. To save the name you typed, choose OK 5. If the system detects additional missing color names, it prompts you again with the Check Supply Color screen, and repeats the process until you have supplied names for all new colors. When all colors are named, the system displays a message.
The Other tab options are: Snap to grid Check this option to make new objects or objects that you are re-positioning automatically move to vertical and horizontal alignment on the grid. This option is OFF by default. Hint! Display grid Check this to turn the grid lines ON in your display screen. This option is OFF by default. See Displaying the screen grid on page 5-11 for more information. Hint! Line Width Snap to grid helps you align objects precisely.
This is a sample screen with the Display grid option turned on: Figure 5-6. The Editor window with grid enabled. Setting Text Tab Options Set the default text preferences for your system by using the options on the Text tab. Figure 5-7. The System Setup screen Text tab.
Note: Text tab option changes affect only new text objects you create. These settings do not affect objects provided by templates or QuickText labels. The options are: Units Sets the unit of measure used for the type on your labels as: • Points • Inches • mm (Millimeters) The default setting varies by country. Font Sets the default font style. Pull down the list and select a font style.
Free Form Text Object Sets the default for any new free form text object you create. Note: To change this setting for an individual text object, go to the Options tab on the object Text Properties screen. See Setting options on the Options tab on page 7-40 for details. Changing this setting on the Options tab will not affect the setting you have selected here. Text Object With Boundaries Sets the default for any new text object with boundaries you create.
Setting On Line Tab Options Set the default PC connection type settings for your system by using the On Line tab option: Figure 5-8. The System Setup screen On Line tab The Connection Type option sets the port type to be used when connecting to a PC. Choose USB or Serial.
5-16 Setting On Line Tab Options
CHAPTER 6 Working with Labels Working with labels is what your printing system and this manual is really all about. This chapter describes the most important part of that process: how to create labels. You’ll learn how to use the applications this system offers on the Main Menu to create all kinds of labels. You’ll also learn how to change the physical properties of your labels, and how to create and use sets of multiple labels to your advantage.
Creating Custom Labels This procedure shows you how to use the Custom application to create labels that you design, without using pre-designed layouts. You will find information about using pre-designed layouts, called templates, in Creating Template Labelsn page 6-10. To create a Custom label 1. From the Main Menu screen, as shown here, choose Custom. Figure 6-1.
2. On the Custom screen, shown here, choose Create New Label: Figure 6-2. The Custom screen. You’ll see the Editor window: Toolbar Preview area, which displays your work as you create a label. Status bar Figure 6-3. The Editor window. The Editor window is ready to display the label as you create it. Hint! The most typical next step in creating a label would be to add an object. See Working with Objects for instructions.
At this point, the system operates with these defaults: z z The blank label displayed reflects the size and color of the tape installed. If no supply is installed when you launch Custom, the system assumes you are using a white, 4-inch (102 mm) wide tape. The ribbon installed in your printer determines your color choices for the objects you insert on your labels. If no ribbon is installed, the system assumes a black continuous ribbon. See About Color on page 8-2 for more information.
Creating QuickText Labels QuickText helps you create plain text labels very quickly. When you choose QuickText on the Main Menu screen (Figure 6-1), all you have to do to create a label is enter your text. QuickText supports only a single text object on a single label. The system automatically creates the text object when you type the text. The system automatically: z z z z z z z z Sizes the printable area equal to the tape you have installed. Determines the text color by the installed ribbon.
To create a QuickText label 1. Choose QuickText from the Main Menu screen (Figure 6-1). You’ll see the Enter Text screen: Option disabled because QuickText automatically calculates type size Figure 6-4. The QuickText Enter Text screen. 2. Follow the on-screen instructions and type your text. You can change the font or add special characters at any time on this screen, but you cannot change the Type size on this screen.
QuickText formats your label and displays it on the QuickText version of the Editor window:[ QuickText toolbar Figure 6-5. The QuickText Editor window. Once the label shows in the Editor window, you can either print it as is, or edit the text. (See Opening and editing an objectn page 7-31 for instructions for editing text objects.) Note: You may not use Object Properties to change the text object in QuickText labels.
Zoom In. Increases the magnification, making the objects on the label look larger. Does not change the actual size of the printed label, but is used as a viewing aid. See Zooming in and zooming outn page 4-6 for details. Zoom Out. Decreases the magnification, making the objects on the label look smaller. Does not change the actual size of the printed label, but is used as a viewing aid. See Zooming in and zooming outn page 4-6 for details. Undo. Reverses the last action you performed, when possible.
Move to Back. Moves the selected object to the back of any layered objects, so that the other objects obscure or cover up the selected object. Move to Front. Moves the selected object to the front of any layered objects, so that the selected object obscures or covers up any objects behind it. Exit. Returns to the Main Launcher screen. Hint! Press Shift along with Decrease type size or Increase type size to change the type size in larger increments.
Creating Template Labels Your label printing system provides many templates you’ll find useful for creating standardized labels. Templates are pre-designed specialty layouts you use to set up and format a standard label. Creating labels using these layouts is particularly easy.
Pipe Marker and Right-to-Know exceptions The Pipe Marker and Right-to-Know applications contain highly specialized templates created for special situations. Most of you who use these applications are already familiar with the standards and requirements for these types of labels. When you create Pipe Marker and Right-to-Know labels, you follow the general steps listed above, but you will encounter more exceptions to the generic examples with these applications than with other applications.
To choose an application 1. On the Main Menu screen (Figure 6-1), select the application for the label you want to create. You’ll see a version of the Create or Open screen, such as the Safety application version shown here: Figure 6-6. The Create or Open screen, Safety application. You’ll encounter a version of this screen every time you start an application. The screen title varies according to the application chosen, but the options are the same each time you create a new label. 2.
The Template Categories screen is very similar for most applications, but the list of categories varies:. Figure 6-7. The Template Categories screen, Tags application. Exception: Pipe Marker next lists styles on the Pipe Marker Style screen. Right-to-Know next lists formats on the Right-To-Know Format screen. Both Pipe Marker and Right-to-Know also provide the Preferences option on these screens. See Setting Application Preferencesn page 6-33 for information. To choose a template category 1.
Each template listed on the Select Template screen represents a pre-designed layout. Label size shows the output size of the label with default settings Disabled for fixed-size templates Thumbnail representation of the selected template List of templates Figure 6-8. The Select Template screen The content of the Select Template screen depends on the type of label you are creating. z z The Category field reflects the category chosen in the previous screen.
for instance, you’ll be prompted to add a graphic sign header (or signal word) to the top part of the label, and a text object to the bottom part. Using the template shown in Figure 6-8 above, you could create a label that looks like this: Figure 6-9. Sample Signal Word label. To select a template 1. Choose a template from the template list by highlighting it. 2.
Following prompt sequences Each label type that uses pre-designed layouts has prompt sequences unique to its type. These prompts are designed specifically to help you create the content of your label. Depending on the application and template you are using and the label you are creating, you may be prompted for one or more of the items listed below.
Responding to text prompts Figure 6-10 shows a generic version of a text prompt screen: Refresh Screen button. Use if the size of the text entered exceeds the text entry window. Figure 6-10. A text prompt screen. You’ll see a similar text entry prompt screen when you are working with a template that requires you to enter your own text. (You see a similar text entry screen when you create a text object using the Custom application and when you create a QuickText label.
Responding to pick list prompts When the template you are using calls for a certain type of word or phrase, you may see a pick list prompt screen from which you can choose the appropriate word or phrase: Figure 6-11. A pick list prompt screen. You can choose text and you can also go on to create your own word or phrase from this screen. When you choose Next, you have the option to enter your own text phrases.
Responding to graphics prompts Figure 6-12 shows a graphics prompt. For this template sequence, you are being prompted to choose a HazMat graphic: Figure 6-12. A graphics prompt screen. Complete this screen by choosing a graphic from the thumbnails displayed. You can also: z z Use the scroll arrow keys to view additional thumbnails.
z z z Graphics, where you choose one or more graphics from various categories to apply to your Pipe Marker labels Arrows, where you may specify arrow directions for Pipe Marker labels. This feature differs for North American and European standards.
Creating Sets of Labels When you know in advance that you want to print a group of labels all at the same time, you can create the labels as a set. Sets of labels can save you time, such as when you don’t want to supervise a long print job, or when you need to print a number of labels with similar characteristics that won’t require changing supplies. Hint! For best results, before you compose the labels in the set, install the supplies you plan to use to print the label set.
Adding labels to a label set You create labels individually when you are making a set, but after the initial label, you use the Add Label function to create the next label. The system then assumes you are making a set of labels and adjusts the process accordingly, with some differences for custom-created labels and those you create using pre-designed templates. Adding custom labels To create a set of custom labels 1. Create the first label in the set. 2.
5. Repeat the process for as many labels as you need in the set. 6. When the set is complete, choose Print. See Printing labels in a label setn page 11-6 for further instructions. Moving between labels in a label set You can view all labels in a label set sequentially. To move between labels in a set, press the or keys. Each label is displayed in turn in the preview area of the Editor window.
Clearing template labels When you clear template labels, the next label in the set appears. If the label you cleared is the last one in the set, the system displays the Template Categories screen. Then you can either re-start the label creation process, or select Back to return to the Main menu screen. Saving label sets When you save labels you created as a set, the set is saved as a single file. You are prompted to name that file. The system then prompts you to save the file in a file group.
Exception: Some Pipe Marker and Right-to-Know application templates do not allow you to make some changes to labels you create (though sometimes you can make changes using the function, which reruns the prompt sequence). Changing the size of template labels When the Change Size button is enabled on the Select Template screen (as shown in Figure 6-8), you may change the size of the label you are creating, even though it uses a pre-designed template.
With Match tape size enabled, the system calculates the correct label margins for the tape currently installed, and updates the Set width and Set length fields to contain those values You may not make changes in those fields with Match tape size selected. • With Use custom size enabled, you can: Set a custom width. When you choose Set width, the Set length field becomes unavailable (grayed out). or Set the label length. If you choose Set length, the Set width field is unavailable (grayed out). 3.
3. Make your changes, and choose OK. Exception: is not available in the Pipe Marker and Right-toKnow applications. Use , which is described below, instead. For detailed information about editing objects, see Changing Objectsn page 7-31. You can also make some changes to some template labels using
Changing label size and orientation Use the options on the Size tab, shown in Figure 6-14, to change the size of a label and to set print orientation.: Figure 6-14. The Label Properties screen, Size tab. The options are: Match tape width 6-28 Changing Labels Check to set the label size to the maximum that can be printed on the currently installed tape. When this option is checked, the Set custom width field is unavailable (grayed out).
Set custom width Check this option to set a custom label width. Enter the new width in the entry field. The value entered must be less than the maximum printable width appropriate for the installed tape, because unlike the default width, this value indicates the total output width, with no margins applied. This means that the printable area will equal the amount you specify here. (See Checking Sizen page 11-11 for more discussion on this topic.
Set length Choose to set your own length for a label, and to enter the new length in the entry field. Note: The minimum length label you should print is 2 inches or 51 mm. If you set a shorter label length, the printer still delivers a two-inch long label, unless you are printing in Supply Saver mode. See Minimum length on page 11-12 for more information. When Set Length is selected, the Auto calculate length option is unavailable (grayed out).
Adding a label frame You can add a frame around the edge of a label in the shape of a rectangle or a rectangle with rounded corners. This is a sample label with a rounded rectangle frame added: Figure 6-15. A sample label with a frame. You can make the frame line thick or thin, and if you have the Multicolor or Color & Cut system, you can set a color for the line. If you have the Color & Cut system, you can also cut out the label around the frame boundaries.
Use the options on the Label Properties Frame tab to frame a label: Graphic representation of the line width you set Visible only on the Color & Cut system. Other systems automatically Print Figure 6-16. The Label Properties screen, Frame tab. The Frame tab options are: Frame shape Set to select the shape of the label frame. Choices are: z Rectangle (default) z Rounded rectangle Cut out frame If you have the Color & Cut system, check this option to cut the label along the frame boundary.
Line width Use to set a width for the line that composes the frame. The default is 0, which means no line appears on the label. If Cut out frame is enabled, the system ignores the Line width value. Line color Use to access the Object Color screen, which lets you set a line color appropriate for the installed ribbon. See Applying Color to Objectsn page 8-5. OK Choose to signal that your settings are complete. The completed label displays in the Editor window.
Application Preferences tabs are identical to those that appear on the System Setup screen. Important! When you make a change to Application Preferences or System Setup options, that change is in effect for all labels you create from that point on, until you change the settings again. Some templates, particularly those in the Pipe Marker and Right-to-Know applications, contain instructions telling them to override preferences you may try to set.
Hazards List, and Organs list. The options on the Printing tab apply system-wide. The options on the other tabs apply only to Right-to-Know labels. See Setting Right-to-Know preferences on page 6-36. Note that the Application Preferences screen Printing, Other, Text, and On Line tabs offer the same options as the System Setup screen tabs of the same names.
Color Norm, where you choose the appropriate color norm setting for your country and language. Your choices vary according to your location and your organization. For example, your choices in North America are: z z z ANSI/ASME (USA) CAN/CGSB (CANADA) AS1345-1995 (Australia/NZ) Setting Right-to-Know preferences The Right-to-Know Preference tabs are: Printing, which contains the same options as described in Printing Tab Optionsn page 11-19.
CHAPTER 7 Working with Objects When you create a label, you build it by adding objects to it. Objects can include text, variable text, graphics, bar codes, and HotShapes. This chapter describes how to add objects to your labels and how to format them.
About Objects Before you begin this chapter, it’s important to understand the term objects. When you create a label, you build it by creating or adding objects to it. The objects can be made either for printing or for cutting out (if you have the Color & Cut system). It may be useful to think of objects as “containers” that can hold various types of content or data. You decide where to put an object and what to put in the container when you create your labels.
After you have added an object to a label, you can move it around and make changes to it. After the label is complete, you can print it, or if you have the Color & Cut system, you can cut out some object types. Adding Objects You can create objects for a label, such as when you write your own text for a label, and you can insert existing objects on a label, such as when you choose a graphic from the graphics categories to put on your label. In either case, you are adding an object to the label.
The Insert Object screen displays: These options available only on the Color & Cut system. Other systems default to Print object. Figure 7-2. The Insert Object screen. Note that the Insert Object options vary according to your system’s features. The Monocolor and Multicolor systems do not offer the Cut out object option, so Print object is assumed and does not appear on the Insert Object screen.
Adding a text object This procedure creates and adds a text object to your label. To add a text object to a label 1. Choose Text from the Insert Object screen. You’ll see the Enter Text screen. Cursor (blinking) Background reflects color of tape installed. (Text color reflects current drawing color.) Refresh Screen button. Use when entered text exceeds the text entry area. Type size selection buttons Figure 7-3. The Enter Text screen. 2.
Formatting text objects The Enter Text screen provides these options for formatting your text object: Font Lets you choose the style of the characters. See To select a font below. Type size buttons Lets you change the size of the characters. See To change the type size on page 7-7. Special Lets you insert special characters, like accented characters, foreign currency symbols, mathematical symbols, subscripts and superscripts, and more. See Adding special characters to text on page 7-8.
You’ll see the Font screen: Font list varies according to system Displays a preview of the selected font Text formatting options Figure 7-4. The Font screen. The options are: Font Lists the fonts installed on your system. As you select a font, a preview displays in the Font Preview box. B Bolds the selected text. If no text is selected, Bold is applied to the next text you type. I Italicizes the selected text. If no text is selected, Italic is applied to the next text you type.
2. Use the + or - button to increase or decrease the size of the text. The text changes size on the Enter Text screen. Note: The unit of measurement (e.g., points, inches, millimeters) used here is determined by the defaults set in the System Setup screen. See Setting Text Tab Options on page 5-12 for details. 3. When you are satisfied with the type size, press OK. The system takes you back to the Editor window, where you will see changes you made to the label displayed in the preview area.
This example shows some Special Character buttons already personalized. Special Character buttons Figure 7-5. The Special Character screen, customized. To personalize Special Characters buttons 1. On the Enter Text screen (Figure 7-3), choose Special. You’ll see the Special Characters screen. 2. Type a code in the Enter code field. The codes available to you depend on the currently active font. See Appendix A: Special Characters for a list of characters and codes. 3. Choose Add.
To add a special character to label text 1. On the Enter Text screen, position the cursor where you want to insert a special character. 2. Choose Special. You’ll see the Special Character screen. 3. Select a character from the Special Character buttons you previously customized. Or, if the buttons are still blank, enter the code of the character you want in the Enter code field. 4. Choose OK. Hint! You do not have to personalize a Special Characters button to use a special character.
The object that varies with each group of labels is called a variable text object. Variable text can consist of either Sequence (numerical or alphabetical characters sequentially added to a group of labels) or a Text list (such as names of items) data. The first step in creating labels with variable text is to choose a data source for the labels. Choosing a data source From the Insert Object screen (Figure 7-2), select the Variable Text button. The Data Source screen displays. Figure 7-6.
Use the options on the Sequence screen to define a Sequence variable text object or variable bar code object for your labels. Figure 7-7. The Sequence screen. For example, the screen shown above defines a set of ten labels that user Jean Martin plans to use to identify packing boxes. The labels are set to be numbered from 1 to 10, with the text “#” before the sequence, and the text, “Jean Martin” after the sequence.
may no longer be large enough for the entire text string. The text will be cut off on the printed label. The Sequence options are: Starting value Enter the starting value for the sequence in this field. You can enter any number, or a single letter of the alphabet, but you may not mix both letters and numbers in a single sequence. (You may, however, enter alphabetic or symbol characters if the first character entered is a number: for example, 1A, 2%, 3*.) The default value is 1.
Total number Enter the total number of labels you want to produce in this field. The default value is 1. Hint! You can leave this field blank and instead enter the Ending value for labels you want to produce, and the system automatically calculates the Total number for you. Before sequence Enter text that you want to print on all labels in the sequence before the sequence number or letter. Note that text you enter here will be exactly the same on each label.
Hint! Make sure the text object you define is large enough to accommodate all possibilities in your sequence. For instance, in the example above, make sure the object is large enough to accommodate the longest name on your list. To create a Text list 1. Choose Text List on the Data Source screen (Figure 7-6). You’ll see the Text List screen, which you use to enter the list of words you want to use on your labels: Figure 7-9. Text List screen with example. 2.
• To use the list once, then discard it, press OK. • To save your list, press Save List when the list is complete. You’ll see the Save Text List screen. Name your new list in the Enter list name field, then press OK. The Editor window displays, with the first item on your Text list shown on the label. To use saved Text lists You can use a Text list you saved previously to create a new set of labels with the same variable text.
Note: The characters appear horizontally on the screen as you type the text. When you press OK, the vertical attribute is applied and the text appears vertically on the label. The label orientation does not change when you insert a vertical text object. To manually change the label orientation, go to the Label Properties screen. See Changing Label Properties on page 6-27 for details.
The options are: Bar Code The Bar Code dialog box displays with the Content tab activated. Variable Bar Code The Sequence dialog box displays. If you select Bar Code on the Data Source dialog box, the Bar Code dialog box displays where you can specify the content of the bar code. Figure 7-11. The Bar Code screen Content Tab. The Bar Code screen has five tabs. When you add a bar code, you’ll use the Content and Dimension tabs.
Setting bar code content Use the Content tab to set these options: Symbology Select a symbology code from this list box. Symbologies are universal bar code formats. This system supports these symbologies: • Code 128 Auto • Code 39 • Interleaved 2-of-5 Data value Specify a data value for the bar code here. The symbology codes limit the data to a specific number of characters: Symbology Code 128 Auto Code 39 Interleaved 2-of-5 Max.
Setting bar code dimensions Choose the Dimension tab on the Bar Code screen to set bar code measurements: Figure 7-12. The Bar Code screen, Dimensions tab. Use the Dimension tab to set these bar code options: Height Set the bar code height (in the unit of measure specified on the System Setup screen Localization tab) by entering a height or choosing from the options list.
Include check character Check this box if you want to print a check character on the label. Print readable check Check this box if you want to print a check character character on the label in a format people can read. This option is unavailable (and therefore grayed out on your screen) unless you have already checked Include check character. Print readable start/ stop (*) Check this box to indicate whether the start and stop characters (which are asterisks) should appear in human-readable text.
Adding graphics objects You choose graphics from groups of pre-defined graphics supplied with your printing system. The graphics are organized in categories, with the name of the category shown. After you select a graphic category, you’ll see small versions of the graphics on your screen. You can look at all graphics offered in a category, and you can change categories. To add a graphic object 1. Select Graphic on the Insert Object screen (Figure 7-2 on page 7-4).
3. Choose OK. The Graphics screen displays: Figure 7-15. The Graphics screen. Use the arrow buttons to step through thumbnail versions of the graphics offered in the category shown. Each time you press a scroll button, you’ll see six (or fewer, depending on how many graphics are available in the category) new thumbnail graphics. 4. Select the thumbnail button that displays the graphic you want to add to your label. 5. Click OK. The system adds the graphic object to your label.
Adding HotShapes HotShapes are pre-defined designs you can print on your label. If you have the Color & Cut system, your printer can automatically cut out these shapes. See CHAPTER 10: Working with Cut-outs, for more information. To add HotShape objects to your label, select the HotShape option on the Insert Object screen (Figure 7-2 on page 7-4). The HotShape screen displays. Figure 7-16. The Hot Shapes screen. Choose a HotShape by selecting one of the HotShape buttons.
Selecting Objects You must select an object in the Editor window before you can move, resize, copy, or edit it. (See Selecting in the Editor window on page 4-7 for detailed information about selecting text objects using the touch screen, the keyboard, or the mouse.) In brief: To: Do this: Select an object Touch the object Select a different object Touch another object. The new object is selected. Select multiple objects Touch each object while holding down the Shift key.
(Close) buttons in the dialog box title bar, the Tab controls in the property screen dialog boxes, Radio buttons, or Option List items. See Working in Entry Screens on page 4-9 for more information. Selecting a layered object When you have multiple layered objects on a label, it can be difficult to see and select the object of your choice.
OR Click the Move to Front button to move the selected object to the front of any layered objects 4. Move your finger on the screen to take the object to its new location. To move an object by keyboard 1. Select the object. 2. Press an arrow key on the keyboard. 3. Repeat pressing the arrow key or hold it down until the object is where you want it. Each key press moves the object by one-tenth of an inch, so the procedure above works well for moving objects a small amount.
Using Increase Size and Decrease Size The Editor window toolbar provides these two size tools, which increase or decrease the size of the selected object proportionally by 10% of its original size each time you select the tool. z z When you select Increase Size, your selected object becomes 10% larger than its original size. If you repeat Increase Size, your selected object becomes 10% larger than its new size. When you select Decrease Size, your selected object becomes 10% smaller than its original size.
Hint! Scaling is always proportional, which means that it changes the width and height of the object at the exact same rate of change. The shape of the object remains the same, though the size changes. To resize an object using Scale 1. Select the object 2. Press the Scale key on the keyboard. The Scale screen displays. Figure 7-17. The Scale screen. 3. Choose one of the percent buttons. or Enter a percentage in the Percent field.
Scaling text objects Using on text objects is not recommended, as it may result in the text wrapping to more or fewer lines on the label. (Resizing using the Increase/ Decrease Size tools may have the same result.) If the Auto Size Font option on the Options tab of the Text Properties screen is turned on, the text size changes as the object is scaled. See Adding and formatting text objects on page 7-4 for information on Text objects.
The object is pasted in the center of display screen. You can move it to any location on the screen. Use the methods described in Moving Objects on page 7-26. Hint! You can paste multiple instances of an object by repeating Paste or Ctrl+V. Changing Objects You make changes to an object by opening and editing it, or by changing its object properties. Opening and editing an object You must open an object for editing before you can make changes to it. To open an object 1.
To edit an object Use the fields and options on the screen that displays after opening the object, as shown in the table above, to make changes. Changing object properties Instead of manipulating the object you want to change within the Editor window as described in the preceding sections, you can use the options on the Properties screens to reset the properties of the objects. The Properties option let you control the physical properties of your objects, such as height, width, location, and color.
Bar Code objects Bar Code Properties screen, with tabs: General Size and Location Font Placement Options Graphic objects Graphic Properties screen, with tabs: General Size and Location Hot Shape objects HotShape Properties screen, labelled according to the HotShape selected, with tabs: General Size and Location The type of system you have also determines the options offered on each tab.
You’ll see the a Properties screen with tabs and options appropriate to the object selected. This is a sample Text Properties screen: Print object is assumed on Monocolor and Multicolor systems Available on all systems, for all objects. For bar codes, limited to 0 and 90. Available on Color & Cut system only Available on all systems, for all objects Available on all systems, for all objects Figure 7-18. A generic Properties General tab.
The General tab options are: Rotation For all systems. Use the scroll arrows to choose from the list of rotation angles. For example, to rotate an object 45 degrees, choose 45. Note: For bar code objects, the only valid values are 0 and 90 degrees. After rotating an object, you may not set an absolute size for that object. You may, however, use the Increase Size and Decrease Size tools to change the size.
Select color button For all systems. Select to change colors for the object. See Applying Color to Objects on page 85. Note: You may not change the colors of a multicolor graphic object supplied by the system. You may, however, change the entire color of a singlecolor graphic. Setting options on the Size and Location tab The Size and Location tab appears on Properties screens of all object types. Use its options to set the height, width, and location of an object.
2. Press Object Properties to get to the object’s Properties screen. 3. Choose the Size and Location tab. Note: To set height and width for bar code objects, we recommend that you use the options on the Bar Code screen Dimensions tab instead of the Size and Location tab. See Adding bar code objects on page 7-17 for more information. 4. Enter a height in inches or millimeters in the Height field. 5. Enter a width in inches or millimeters in the Width field. 6.
Setting options on the Font tab Use the Font tab to change the font options for the selected text object. The Font tab is included on the Text Properties screen and on the Bar Code Properties screen. Note: Changes you make using the Font tab options apply to the entire text object, and may override formatting changes you previously made to the text characters. Figure 7-20. The Text Properties Font tab. The options are: 7-38 Font Lists the fonts installed on your system.
Setting options on the Placement tab Use the options on the Placement tab to set justification and position for text objects. Figure 7-21. The Text Properties Placement tab. Justification determines the horizontal alignment for a text object in your label.
This sample label demonstrates both justification and position. Left-justified text, top position Centered text, middle position Right-justified text, bottom position Setting options on the Options tab Use the options on the object Text Properties screen’s Options tab to set various text object properties: Figure 7-22. The Text Properties Option tab.
Text object with boundaries Choose to indicate that the text object has set boundaries. This type of text object is the opposite of a free form text object. Expand/Condense text Create text, and then expand and condense text horizontally according to the percentage selected. Applicable percentages are z · 25% z · 50% z · 75% z · 150% z · 200% If you select Free form text object or Text object with boundaries, the percentage combo box will be inactive.
Reverse text colors Choose to reverse the text and background colors on your label. The text assumes the background color, and the background assumes the text color. • Reverse text colors option OFF: • Reverse text colors option ON: Vertical text A B C D E Choose to format the text vertically instead of horizontally on your label.
CHAPTER 8 Applying Color You apply color to your labels in several ways, depending on your system and the supplies you have installed.
About Color You determine the color choices for your labels by the supplies you install. When you compose a label, the system uses the ribbon supply installed in your printer to determine which colors you can select for print colors, and the tape supply to determine the background color. The information your system needs is stored in the memory cell flag located on each ribbon and tape cartridge.
CYMK paneled ribbon, which has cyan, yellow, magenta, and black panels of 8 inches (203 mm) or 16 inches (406 mm). The printer uses all four color panels to produce 23 blended colors on your labels. Only the Multicolor and the Color & Cut systems can use CYMK ribbons. Continuous process color ribbon, which contains cyan, yellow, magenta, and black in a continuous ribbon and produces blended colors. Only the Multicolor and the Color & Cut systems can use Continuous process color ribbons.
In summary, your system and the installed ribbon together determine what kind of color you can apply to objects when composing a label: System: Produces: Monocolor model z single color, using continuous color ribbons or one of the colors in a paneled ribbon Multicolor model z single color, using continuous color ribbons or one of the colors in a paneled ribbon multiple spot colors, using paneled or continuous single color ribbons blended color, using CYMK paneled ribbons or continuous process color r
Applying Color to Objects Your color choices and how you can use color for objects in your labels depend on your system and the ribbon you have installed. z With the Monocolor system, you can change the color of an object from the print color to the background color, and vice-versa. This means, for example, that if you have a red ribbon with a white tape supply, you can: Print the label with the object in red with a white background or Print the label with the object in white with a red background.
Note: You may not change the colors of a multi-color graphic object supplied by the system. You may, however, change the entire color of a single-color graphic. The Object Color screen differs according to your system and the ribbon you have installed. Choosing color on the Monocolor system When you have the Monocolor system, if you select an object and choose the Color option, the Object Color screen displays, similar to the one shown here: Color boxes Figure 8-1.
Choosing color on the Multicolor and Color & Cut systems If you have the Multicolor or the Color & Cut system, the options offered on the Object Color screen also depend on the type of ribbon installed at the time you choose the Color option. Note: The Autocut function cannot be applied in multicolor mode.
The color boxes show the continuous color ribbons available (including the currently installed ribbon). The Current color field shows the color of the currently selected object, or if there is no object selected, the current print color. Important! If you are using a new supply color that you have not yet named, it will not show on this screen. See Naming supply colors on page 5-9 for instructions on how to make your system recognize new colors.
The panel length of the currently installed ribbon is shown at the top of the screen in the Installed Ribbon field. See Checking Length on page 11-12 for information about how panel length affects your label length. With a CYMK ribbon installed The Object Color screen looks like this when you have a CYMK ribbon installed: The 23 color boxes show the blended colors this ribbon can produce. The background color The current media (tape) color Figure 8-4.
8-10 Printing Color
CHAPTER 9 Working with Files This chapter explains how to store labels you create on your system so you can access them another time. You store them as files, and you organize the files in file groups.
About Files and File Groups When you store a label, you name it and save it, and it becomes a file on which you can then perform several operations. (You can also save multiple labels in a single file, such as when you create a label set or when you create labels with variable text. Refer to Creating Sets of Labels on page 6-21 for information on label sets, and to Adding variable text objects on page 7-10 for information on variable text labels.
Saving Labels as Files Every time you create a Custom label or a pre-designed template label, you have the option to save it as a file and to put it in a file group, so you can access it later. Your label file is like a paper document you put in your file cabinet, and file groups are like the file folders in which you put your papers. You can organize similar label files into file groups in the same way as you organize similar paper files into file folders.
To save a label as a file in internal memory 1. With the unsaved label displayed in the Editor window, press . You’ll see the File Options screen: Figure 9-1. The File Options screen. 1. Choose Save File. You’ll see the Save in Group screen: Disabled unless memory card is attached to your system. Figure 9-2. The Save in Group screen.
2. The default group displayed in the New file group field is the name of the application you used to create the file. You have several choices for the New file group field: • Accept the default as the name for the group • Enter a new name. • Choose a name from the list of existing groups. Hint! If your label doesn’t fit into any particular category, you may find it useful to create a general group like “My Saved Files.” 3. Select Next when you have completed the Save in Group screen.
want to keep. If you respond Yes when the system asks you if you really want to replace the old file, the system discards the old saved label and puts the new saved label in its place. You cannot recover the discarded file. 5. Choose OK when you have named your file. The system saves the new file and filename. • If you choose Cancel, no file is created and you’ll see the unsaved file on the Editor window.
Note that existing file groups you previously saved on memory cards are designated with (card) after their names. 4. Choose OK. You’ll see the Save File screen (Figure 9-3). 5. Enter a name for the file in the File name field. 6. Choose OK. The system saves the file and the file group to the memory card. Managing Files You can open, edit, delete, or save the files you create to new groups. Hint! You can also print all or some of the files in a file group at the same time.
Note: When you open a saved file, you should be aware that the label in the file may not match the size and color of currently installed tape. When that is the case, the system displays the label with the characteristics of the current tape. You may still proceed to make changes, print, or perform any operations you can perform in the Editor window. To open a file from the Main Menu screen 1. Choose the Saved Files option.
4. You’ll see the Open File screen: Figure 9-6. The Open File screen. 5. Select the file you want to open on the Select file list. 6. Press OK to open the file. You’ll see the label (or the first label if the file contains a series of labels) from the file you opened displayed in the Editor window. Alternatively, you can: • Choose Cancel to cancel the operation and return to the Main Menu screen. • Chose Back to return to the previous screen. To open a file from the Editor window 1.
2. Choose Open Saved File. If you have an unsaved label currently displayed, the system prompts you to save it or to discard it: Figure 9-7. The Save Changes prompt. (If you choose Yes, you’ll be prompted for File Group and File Name, as described in Saving Labels as Files on page 9-3.) 3. After you deal with any unsaved labels, you’ll see the File Groups screen, shown in Figure 9-5 on page 9-8. 4. Choose the File Group in which the label file is stored, then choose OK.
Deleting files When you delete a label file, the system deletes the file either from the internal storage area or from the memory card, if you have one installed. Note: Use caution when deleting files. Once you delete a file, you cannot recover it. To delete a label file 1. Press on the keyboard. 2. On the File Options screen (shown in Figure 9-1 on page 9-4), choose Delete File. You’ll see the File Groups screen (Figure 9-5 on page 9-8). 3.
Printing Files You can print a single file or you can print an entire file group. For instructions, see Printing a single label on page 11-4, Printing labels in a label set on page 11-6, and Printing labels in a file group on page 11-7. Transferring Files You can transfer templates and other kinds of files from a PC to your standalone system. This is useful in instances where you need to be able to use a file that normally resides on your PC on your printer when it is not connected to a PC.
Accessing template files You can access template files you created, or that you or someone in your organization has downloaded to your system, through My Templates. You may not access the template files supplied with the applications on your system. Note: When you download template files to your system for the first time, you must re-start your system before you can use the My Templates feature. See Managing files and folders on a PC on page 12-10 for instructions. To access My Template files 1.
Changing My Template label size Use the Change Size button on the Select Template screen (Figure 9-9) to customize the size of the label you are creating. Note: This option is applicable only if the template is scalable. Follow the instructions in the section Changing Labels on page 6-24.
CHAPTER 10 Working with Cut-outs If you have the Color & Cut system, read this chapter for information about the cut out functions. (If you have the Monocolor system or the Multicolor system, the information in this chapter is not applicable to your system.) This chapter defines and describes the capabilities of the plotter cutter included in your system.
About Cutting The term “cut” is used in multiple ways in the Color & Cut system. To help you avoid confusion, the terms as used are defined here: Cut The standard Microsoft Windows “Cut” command, which means removing an object from its current location and temporarily storing it for later retrieval. (This term is not used in this chapter.) Cut out The action of cutting out objects or text using the plotter cutter inside your printer. The cutter follows the shape of the object or text.
Important! z z z Objects cannot be both print objects and cut out objects at the same time. See Adding cut out objects - 10-4 for details. Cut out around a cut bounding box you can create for some print objects. A cut bounding box is a border you can set around objects that you want to print AND cut. See To apply a cut bounding box to an object - 10-8 for instructions. Cut out around a frame you add to a label. See To cut around a label frame 10-10 for instructions. Perform weeding on cut out objects.
Also, not all tape supplies are appropriate for cutting. If the cutter cannot use the tape installed in your printer, the Cut out option on the Insert Object screen will be grayed out. Adding cut out objects When you add objects to your label, the Insert Object screen gives you the choice to insert a Print object or a Cut out object, as shown here: Figure 10-1. The Insert Object screen on the Color & Cut system.
2. On the Insert Object screen (Figure 10-1), choose Cut out object. 3. Select the type of object you want to cut out. The type you choose determines the screen you will see next: If you choose: You’ll see: Text object The Enter Text screen (Figure 7-3 on page 75). You can choose from these fonts for cut out text objects: • Arial 65 for BRC • Arial for BRC • Times New Roman for BRC. Only normal text is supported. Cut out text may not be bolded, italicized, or underlined.
Weeding cut out text objects Your Color & Cut system can perform weeding on cut out text objects. Weeding makes it easier for you to strip out waste from around cut text characters. In the weeding process, the cutter cuts a border around a cut out text object. In a text object with multiple lines of text, each line gets its own cut out border. To perform text weeding 1. Create a cut out text object as described in the Cutting out text objects section above. 2.
Cutting out variable text objects You might use variable text cut out objects to create and cut out the labels you create for names in a list of names, or to cut out a series of numbers you want to use for marking items. (See Adding variable text objects on page 7-10 for more information.) To cut out variable text objects 1. After selecting the Cut out object option on the Insert Objects screen, choose Variable text. 2. You’ll see the Data Source screen (shown in Figure 7-6 on page 7-11).
Cutting out HotShape objects HotShapes are especially suited for cutting out. You can cut out stars, circles, arrows, and other shapes. See Adding HotShapes on page 7-24 for information about the HotShapes available on your system. To cut out HotShapes 1. After selecting the Cut out object option on the Insert Objects screen (Figure 10-1 on page 10-4), choose HotShapes. 2. You’ll see the HotShapes screen. Select the HotShape object you want to add as a cut out. 3.
You’ll see the Properties screen appropriate for the type of object you selected. The values in the fields on the Properties screen reflect the current properties of the object selected. Check the Cut bounding box option on the General tab, and choose OK. Your label displays again in the Editor window, with the cut bounding box indicated around the chosen object. Figure 10-3. A sample Editor window with cut bounding box displayed.
Figure 10-4. Minimum cut size message. You can select Yes to continue printing, or No to cancel the job at the offending label. (The printing of all subsequent labels will also be canceled.
2. Choose the Frame tab: The Line width and the Line Color options are not available if Cut out frame is enabled. Figure 10-5. The Label Properties screen, Frame tab., on the Color & Cut system. 3. Select a Frame shape option: Rectangle or Rounded rectangle. 4. Check the Cut out frame option. 5. When you finish setting Label Properties options, click OK. See Adding a label frame - 6-31 for detailed information about the Label Properties options.
1 sets a positive change of .001 inch (.0025 mm) -1 sets a negative change of .001 inch (.0025 mm) 2 sets a positive change of .002 inch (.005 mm) -2 sets a negative change of .002 inches (.005 mm) Where the change occurs depends upon the field you set: In the Horizontal(x) field: • • Positive values adjust the cutter toward the machine. Negative values adjust the cutter toward the leading edge of the tape.
To calibrate the cutter 1. On the Main Menu screen, select Setup. 2. On the System Setup screen, choose the Hardware tab: Figure 10-7. The System Setup Hardware tab Hint! Write down the values (which were individually set at the factory) before you change them, in case you want to restore the defaults. 3. Enter a value in the Horizontal (x) field. The value must be a positive or negative whole number. 4. Enter a value in the Vertical (y) field. The value must be a positive or negative whole number. 5.
Restoring default cutter calibration settings To restore factory set calibration settings, you must re-enter the original values on the Hardware tab. Your system ships with a label inside the printer applied at the factory that lists those values. To restore default calibration settings 1. Locate the factory-installed label on your machine. 2. On the Main Menu screen, select Setup. 3. On the System Setup screen, choose the Hardware tab. 4. Enter the original value in the Horizontal (x) field. 5.
CHAPTER 11 Printing This chapter tells you how to print the labels you create.
Printing Labels Most of the time, printing a label is a very simple process. When you finish creating a label or have opened a saved label, with the label displayed in the Editor window, you press the Print key or choose the Print tool (shown here at the left). You may print a single label or multiple copies of a single label, or all labels in a label set, including variable text labels. You can also use Advanced print features to print partial label sets or file groups.
Single label on a page For most print jobs, one page contains one label. A label may or may not use up an entire page. For example, if the label you create is shorter than the two inch (51mm) minimum page length, the label and page print like this: Your actual label length System shears here A single page Figure 11-1. Sample short label. Note: The label length and shear lines in Figure 11-1 are shown to illustrate the concepts discussed here. Those lines will not display on your screen.
For example, if you submitted a print job for five copies of this label, and the Supply saver option is ON, the output looks like this: First page of print job Final page of print job Figure 11-2. Sample labels with Supply saver option enabled. Printing a single label Printing a single label is a simple two-step process. 1. With the label you want to print displayed in the Editor window, press Print or choose the Print tool on the toolbar. You’ll see the Print screen: Figure 11-3. The Print screen.
2. Choose OK. You’ll see the Preparing to Print screen while the printer processes your label. Figure 11-4. The Preparing to Print screen. The printer prints, shears, and delivers your label. Note: If any label in the print job contains cut text or cut out objects that are smaller than the minimum recommended size, the Cut Items Too Small screen appears. You have the option of continuing to print the label or canceling the print job. (See Minimum cut size on page 10-9.
on a page. See About pages on page 11-2 and Supply saver option on page 11-21 for more information. Printing labels in a label set When you know in advance that you want to print a group of labels all at the same time, you can create a label set. The section Creating Sets of Labels on page 6-22 tells you how to create label sets. (Be sure to note the guidelines to follow when creating the set to assure the print job will go smoothly.
2. Choose the Advanced button. You’ll see the Advanced Print screen: Figure 11-5. The Advanced Print screen for label sets. 3. In the Labels from field, enter the number of the first label in the set you want to print. In the to: field, enter the number of the final label you want to print. 4. Choose OK. You’ll see the Print screen (Figure 11-3) again. 5. Choose OK on the Print screen to start the print job.
Note that some restrictions apply when you print file groups: z z z You may not choose a range of files to print when printing a file group. You must print all files in a file group, or only a single file from the group. Do not mix label application types within file groups. Labels created using the QuickText, Pipe Marker, and Right-to-Know applications will not print with the file group if labels from other applications are included in that group. You may still print those labels individually, of course.
4. Choose the Print files in file group option. (Note that the Special Print options are now grayed out, and the File Group button becomes available.) 5. Choose OK. You’ll see the Print screen (Figure 11-3). 6. Choose OK on the Print screen. You’ll see the Preparing to Print screen (Figure 11-4), where you can track the printer’s progress while it processes and prints the labels and pages in the file group.
3. Choose the file group that contains the files you want to print, then OK. The Advanced Print screen displays again, now with the name of the file group you selected displayed on the screen. File Group name you selected Figure 11-8. The Advanced Print screen for File Group printing. 4. Choose OK. You are returned to the Print screen (Figure 11-3). 5. Choose OK on the Print screen to start the print job.
Checking Size First, the system checks the size of the printable area of the label in the print job against the tape you have installed. The printable area is what is left after the margins are taken into account. Margins vary according to the size of the tape supply. Hint! The view of your label on the display screen is a good representation of how it will print. Correct any size discrepancies before printing to avoid wasting supplies.
Checking Length The system uses the ribbon supply installed in your printer to determine the maximum printable length for a label. When you start a print job, the system checks the length of your label page and compares it against the information it records from your ribbon’s memory cell flag. Important! The view of your label on the display screen is usually a reliable representation of how it will print. You should correct any size discrepancies before printing to avoid wasting supplies.
Note: Because a reliable value for the maximum supported cut length has not been determined, the printer will not perform a check prior to printing, to warn you if the label contains cut objects longer than a specific length. When you create a label with the supply installed that you intend to print with, if the label length is longer than the supported print length of the installed ribbon, you’ll be able to see it on your display screen, as shown in Figure 11-9.
When the printer truncates labels Figure 11-9 is an example of a label with an object placed beyond the label length acceptable to the installed ribbon, where the printer will truncate the label when you print it: Maximum label length RED BLUE GREEN RE This object extends beyond the length limit, so will be truncated as shown. Figure 11-9. Sample of label too long for installed ribbon.
z When you save your label, then retrieve it again with a panel ribbon installed, you will see the actual set label length indicated on the screen. In these cases, when you attempt to print the label, the system displays a Label Too Long message, and you must correct the label before proceeding. Cut out label length The maximum length for cut out labels is 38” or 965 mm. See CHAPTER 10: Working with Cut-outs, beginning on page 10-1, for more information about cut out labels.
makes multiple passes over the ribbon to print those colors on the label. Both the Multicolor and the Color & Cut systems use paneled ribbons. CYMK ribbon, which has cyan, yellow, magenta, and black panels of 8 inches (203 mm) or 16 inches (406 mm). The printer uses all four color panels to produce a range of blended colors on your labels. The Multicolor and the Color & Cut systems can use CYMK ribbons.
In summary, your system and the installed ribbon together determine what kind of color you can produce: System: Produces: Monocolor model z single color Multicolor model z single color multiple spot colors using paneled or continuous single color ribbons blended color, using CYMK ribbons, paneled ribbons, or continuous single color ribbons z z Color & Cut model z z z single color multiple spot colors using paneled or continuous single color ribbons blended color, using CYMK ribbons, paneled ribbo
A series of dots appears on the Color Needed screen to indicate that the system is waiting for input, provided you have not installed a new ribbon (by opening and closing the printer cover), or selected the Continue with Current Ribbon button. The visual indicator appears on all messages where your input is required to continue. (See Visual Indicator and Message Box Buttons on page C-2 for details.
Hint! z z The system does not re-check the memory cell flag at this point to see if you installed the correct tape, but continues the print job with whatever tape is now installed. You may find this useful at times when you want to override the color choice dictated by the template or indicated on the label. When you are printing a custom label, the system always assumes you want to print using the installed tape, and does not check tape color.
Accessing the Printing tab options You can set the Supply saver option and the Overprint option from the Main Menu or, for convenience, from within most applications. z z Use the System Setup screen to set the defaults for your entire system. These settings you choose on the tab screens apply to every label you compose (with the exception of Pipe Marker and Right-to-Know labels). See CHAPTER 5: Setting Preferences, beginning on page 5-1, for more information.
To set print options from within an application From within the Editor window of any application other than QuickText, press the key. Exception: Access the Pipe Marker Preference screen also from the Pipe Marker Style screen. See Setting Pipe Marker preferences on page 6-37. Access the Right-to-Know Preferences screen also from the Rightto-Know Format screen. See Setting Right-to-Know preferences on page 6-38.
Figure 11-11 and Figure 11-12 below illustrate how you can save tape with Supply saver enabled. Figure 11-11 shows your output with Supply saver enabled and an 8” paneled ribbon installed. In this job, you want to print three copies of a single label. The system first checks to see if the labels meet the size criteria. If they do, the system stacks the labels and prints this output: System shears here 8 inches Figure 11-11. Sample output with Supply saver ON.
Figure 11-12 shows that same print job with the Supply saver option disabled. The system prints three consecutive 8” long labels: Figure 11-12. Sample output with Supply saver OFF. Overprint option Overprinting eliminates possible gaps between the color areas and the black areas on your label. Hint! Try your print jobs with Overprint disabled first. If you are unhappy with the results, enable the Overprint option.
z z With Overprint enabled, the system arranges the order in which the colors on your label print so that black prints last and prints over any previously printed colors on objects that overlap. With Overprint disabled, areas where black is to be applied are left blank until black prints. You may see a slight gap between the color areas and the black areas. Important! If you are printing using spot color and your label has colored layers over black background objects, be sure to turn Overprint OFF.
The Preparing to Print screen disappears after the job is completely rasterized. To cancel a print job that continues to print after this dialog box disappears, press Alt+F1 (Cancel Print). Note: Pressing Alt+F1 has the same effect as pressing Cancel on the Preparing to Print screen: printing stops immediately and anything that has printed is ejected and cut off. For multi-pass print jobs, the entire job is ejected and cut off, regardless of where the printer is in the print pass when the job is canceled.
11-26 Canceling a Print Job
CHAPTER 12 Connecting to a PC This chapter provides instructions and tells you how connecting to a PC can be useful.
Working with a PC If you have a PC that meets the system requirements, and has the appropriate software installed, you can connect it to your label printing system. When you connect your label printing system to a PC: z z You can use your label printing system as a peripheral printer for the PC. This means you can use the MarkWare© application running on your PC to make labels and then print them on your label printer.
Setting Up Your System as a Hardware Device Before you can use a PC to print to your label printing system or to transfer files, your label printing system must be set up as a new hardware device. To set up your label printing system as a hardware device 1. Before turning on the power for either your label printing system or your PC, connect one end of the USB cable to the printer and the other end to a USB port on the PC. See Figure 2-2 on page 2-4 for an illustration. 2.
Placing Your System Online Before you place your printing system online, you must reset some system settings. Setting Online Options Use the System Setup screen online tab options to: z Set up the type of connection you want to use: USB or serial. To set Online options 1. On the Main Menu screen, choose Setup: Figure 12-1. The Main Menu screen. You’ll see the System Setup screen (Figure 5-1 on page 5-2).
2. Choose the online tab, shown here: Figure 12-2. The online tab screen. 3. Choose a connection type. If your PC does not have a USB connector, choose serial. Note: 4. You’ll also use the File Management Utility to upgrade the operating system for your printer. Choose OK. You’ll be returned to the Main Menu screen. Connecting your system and a PC In this procedure, you make the actual connection between the PC and your printer. To place your label printing system online 1.
You’ll see the Online Status screen, which displays the connection type and a progress box that indicates you are receiving print data from the PC: Image refreshes to indicate transmission of print data from PC Figure 12-3. The Online Status screen. You can now print to your label printing system from MarkWare or transfer files using the File Management Utility. Note: 12-6 You can press Cancel to stop the data transfer and cancel the print job.
Printing from a PC Before you can use your label printing system as a peripheral printer, you must perform these tasks: 1. Set up your label printing system as a hardware device. Follow the instructions in Setting Up Your System as a Hardware Device on page 12-3. 2. Install the MarkWare© application. Follow the installation instructions found in the MarkWare User’s Guide. 3. Install the appropriate printer driver for your printer. Follow the instructions included with the driver.
Working with the File Management Utility The File Management Utility is an application included with the GlobalMark 2 printer. Use the File Management Utility to do the following: • • • • Note: Transfer files from the PC to GlobalMark 2 Transfer files from the GlobalMark 2 to a PC Manage existing GlobalMark 2 printer files Upgrade existing GlobalMark 2 printer files using an external FTP site or CDROM. File Management Utility can only be used with serial (COM) on Windows NT4.
TABLE 12-1. Source File Types File Type Extension Transfer to (Printing System) Transfer from (PC Location) Graphic Files *.bmp, *.wmf \Graphics\Category name (It is Retrieve files from storage recommended that you create a My locations on your PC Graphics folder in Graphics; however, you can save the graphic in any existing category folder) Cut Out Graphics *.
Note: In order to create a cut out graphic (*.cog), you must open the graphic in a graphic editor and save it as an *.ai file. Then, rename the file with the *.cog extension in Explorer. Installing the File Management Utility To install the File Management Utility, complete the following steps: 1. Insert the GlobalMark 2 Utilities CD-ROM. 2. Select Install File Management Utility. OR If Autorun is disabled, you can begin the installation process manually: 1. Insert the GlobalMark 2 Utilities CD-ROM.
Launching the File Management Utility Once the File Management Utility is installed on your PC, you can launch it by selecting the File Management Utility shortcut or icon (it will then attempt to connect with your computer). Communication Status The File Management Utility’s Main Menu’s screen shows the communication status between the PC and printer: Communication Successful If the Communication Successful message displays, you will be able to work with the File Management Utility.
File Management Utility Main Menu Figure 12-4. File Management Utility main screen The File Management Utility main screen displays the following functions: z z z z Transfer Files to Printer lets you transfer files on your computer’s hard drive to your printer’s internal memory or to its external storage card. Transfer Files from Printer lets you transfer files from either your printer’s internal memory or from its external storage card to your computer’s hard drive.
• • • Transfer Files to Printer Transfer Files from Printer Manage Printer Files 2. Select the Source File Type from the drop-down box. 3. Select the Source to copy, move or delete files. Important! Your label printing system recognizes only files with the file extensions shown in Source File Types on page 12-9. 4.
TABLE 12-2. Error Messages Insufficient Space window Displays if there is not enough memory within the destination to transfer the selected files. Loss of communication window Displays if communication between the attached printer and PC is lost. You will need to exit the utility and follow the steps for connecting again. Verify Valid Destination window Displays if the entered file destination is incorrect. You will need to enter another destination for the files that you have selected.
Upgrading the Operating System Note: The Upgrade Printer Files button will be available but not functional until there is a new product release. You will see the message No updates at this time. When new operating systems for your label printing system are available, if you have access to a PC, it’s simple to upgrade. Note: If you do not have access to a PC, instructions for upgrading will be shipped to you with your upgrade card. To upgrade using the File Management Utility (online) 1.
12-16 Upgrading the Operating System
Special Characters Appendix A The tables that follow provide the symbol, the unicode value, and the decimal value for special characters you can use with your label printing system.
TABLE 1. Special Characters for Arial 65 for BRC, Arial for BRC, and Times New Roman for BRC fonts, listing symbol, unicode value, and decimal value for each.
TABLE 1, CONTINUED Special Characters A-3
TABLE A-4 1, CONTINUED Special Characters
TABLE 1, CONTINUED Special Characters A-5
TABLE 2.
TABLE 2, CONTINUED Special Characters A-7
TABLE A-8 2, CONTINUED Special Characters
TABLE 2, CONTINUED Special Characters A-9
A-10 Special Characters
Cutter Maintenance Appendix B If you have the Color & Cut system, you may need this information. The instructions in this appendix tell you: z z z How to remove and replace your printer’s cutting blade. How to adjust the depth of the cuts on your labels. How to clean the cutting blade.
About the Cutting Mechanism Your plotter cutter consists of a stylus blade in a holder, mounted on a track in your printer. The stylus is moved mechanically across the tape in the design you designate. The stylus consists of the cutting blade and the apparatus that holds the blade in place. It is contained in a holder that fits into the tracking mechanism in your printer. Figure B-2 on page B-4 provides a close-up view of the stylus holder.
Removing the Stylus Holder Follow these instructions to remove the stylus for adjusting, cleaning, or replacing. Step 1: Turn the power off, then open the printer. Step 2: Move the stylus holder mechanism to the center of the track, to make it easier to work with. Step 3: To disengage the stylus holder, turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it, as shown in Figure B-1. Figure B-1. Removing the stylus holder. Step 4: Pull straight up to remove the stylus holder from the tracking mechanism.
Adjusting the Cut Depth You may need to adjust the stylus blade on your cutter when: z z The cuts on your cut out labels are either too deep or too shallow. You install tape supplies of varying thickness. The stylus holder has an adjustment dial you use to change the depth at which the stylus blade cuts the tape. Step 1: Turn the power off, and open the printer. Follow the instructions in the Removing the Stylus Holder section above to remove the stylus holder, shown here: Figure B-2. The stylus holder.
Step 2: Hold the stylus holder as shown here (Figure B-3) to make the adjustment. Figure B-3. Adjusting the Stylus Depth change the diagram. Step 3: Start by turning the adjustment dial slowly. z z Step 4: Turn the dial clockwise to increase the cutting depth. Turn the dial counter-clockwise to decrease the cutting depth. Test the stylus before re-installing it: 1.
2. Holding the stylus holder perpendicular to the surface, glide the stylus nose lightly cross the tape. need diagram with new stylus holder Figure B-4. Testing cutting depth. Note: Apply slight pressure. Make sure the stylus holder is positioned straight vertically. 3. Check the tape to see if the cut is correct. The cut should go through the tape, but leave the backing paper unscored. B-6 Step 5: Make any adjustments required to the stylus depth, then test again.
Replacing the Stylus Blade At some point, especially after prolonged use with specialty tapes, you may have to replace the stylus blade. Step 1: Turn the power off, and open the printer. Follow the instructions in Removing the Stylus Holder on page B-3. Step 2: Holding the stylus holder in both hands as shown below, keep the nose end of the mechanism stable and turn the other end counterclockwise, loosening it until the two parts separate. new diagram Figure B-5. Detaching the stylus.
Step 3: Carefully pull on the blade to remove it, as shown here: new diagram Figure B-6. Removing the blade. CAUTION:Be careful to grasp the blade on the shank, and not on the cutting edge. Step 4: Insert the new blade. Step 5: Reconnect the two parts of the stylus holder: Push the blade holder as far down as possible, then turn it clockwise, until you feel the threads engage. Turn until the stylus protrudes from the opening, as shown in Figure B-2 on page B-4. Step 6: Adjust the blade depth.
Step 1: Turn the power off, and open the printer. Remove the stylus as described in Steps 1 and 2 in Removing the Stylus Holder on page B-3. Step 2: Apply alcohol to the cotton swab, and wipe the stylus blade as shown here: Figure B-7. Cleaning the stylus blade. Step 3: Reconnect the two parts of the stylus holder: Push the blade holder as far down as possible, then turn it clockwise, until you feel the threads engage.
B-10 Cleaning the Stylus
Error Messages Appendix C Error conditions may appear during printing that require some action before you can continue.
Error Messages Note: When an error message appears, it remains on the screen until you correct the error condition. The table below shows the error code reported by the system firmware, the condition that generated that error code, the error message, the user action required to clear the error message, and any additional information. When a print job is canceled because of an error condition, the printer attempts to eject and cut off the unfinished print job (where doing so will not harm the printer).
Code User Action 55 Reload tape correctly. 56 Clean sensor and reload tape. 57 Replace ribbon. 58 Replace ribbon. 59 Replace ribbon. 60 61 Remove ribbon. 62 Install wider ribbon. 63 Install ribbon and close cover or, press Continue with Current Ribbon button. 64 Install ribbon with valid memory cell. 65 Install ribbon with valid memory cell. 66 Install ribbon with valid memory cell. 67 Install ribbon with valid memory cell. 68 Install ribbon with valid memory cell.
Code C-4 Error Messages User Action 84 Replace ribbon. 85 Clean sensor (part of tape guides). 87 Clear tape jam. 88 Clear tape jam. 89 None.
