USER'S MANUAL Thermal Label & Barcode Printer CLP-521
CONTENTS Before Operation Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR EUROPEAN USERS ----------------------------- 4 FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS ----------------------- 4 EMI COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR CANADIAN USERS------------------------ 5 ETAT DE CONFORMITE EMI A L’USAGE DES UTILISATEURS CANADIENS ----- 5 Important Safety Instructions ------------------------------------------------------- 6 Notice ---------------------
INTRODUCTION Thank you very much for purchasing Citizen's compact direct thermal label & barcode printer Model CLP-521 that offers high performance printing at 4 inches per second on 4.1 inch media at very low cost. ❚❚❚ Main Features ❚❚❚ This printer can be used for high-speed high-quality printing thanks to its thermal-transfer system that uses a line thermal head together with its 32 bit RISC CPU and its 'history control IC'.
COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR EUROPEAN USERS CE marking shows conformity to the following criteria and provisions: Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC)/EN60950 EMC Directive (89/336/EEC)/EN55022, EN55024, EN61000-3-2 & EN61000-3-3 FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
EMI COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR CANADIAN USERS This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception.
Important Safety Instructions • Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. • Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. • Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. • Do not use this product near water. • Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
Notice • Before use, be sure to read this manual. And keep it handy for reference when needed. • The contents of this manual may change without prior notice. • Reproduction, transfer, or transmission of the contents of this manual without prior consent is strictly prohibited. • We are not liable for any damage resulting from the use of the information contained herein, regardless of errors, omissions, or misprints.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS which must be strictly observed ! • To prevent personal injury or property damage, the following shall be strictly observed. • The degree of possible injury and damage due to incorrect use or improperly following instructions is described below. Warning Indicates a situation which, if not observed and handled properly, could result in death or serious injury. Caution Indicates a situation which, if not observed and handled properly, could result in injury.
General Precautions Caution • Prior to operation, read the safety instructions carefully and observe them. • Do not drop or put foreign matter such as clips and pins into the printer. This may cause problems. • Be careful when moving or carrying the printer. Dropping the printer may cause injury or property damage. • Make sure if you open the top cover, it is opened all the way. If only partially open, the cover could slam shut, possibly causing injury.
1 Setup Confirmation of Carton Contents Removing the Packing Material The printer is shipped with adhesive tape in place to hold the top cover closed. Simply remove the two pieces of tape on either side of the top cover. Then simply open the cover by lifting up and tipping it backwards. There is another strip of adhesive tape that must be removed which holds the mechanism closed for shipping. Remove the tape and attached paper by carefully peeling from the plastic case.
Setup Part Names and Functions Front View 4 1 2 3 1 Top cover Is opened vertically to place or replace media. 2 Heat discharge vent It allows warm air to vent from the printer. Be sure not to block it with media etc. Operation Panel (p.14) 3 Operation panel This is used to make changes and adjustments to the printer and its configuration. 4 Media window The amount of media remaining can be checked through this window.
1 Setup Part Names and Functions 6 5 7 9 10 8 11 5 Media holder bar The media is supported by the media holder bar when installed in the printer. 6 Media holder guide This guide is moved horizontally to match the media size. The guide can be sliding it from the holder bar. 7 Motor cover It discharges the heat of the media feed motor. Do not cover it with media etc. 8 Front cover It is removed to install optional units such as the peeler or cutter. Media Width Adjustment (p.
Setup Part Names and Functions 17 12 15 14 -1 16 -1 14 -2 13 16 -2 = Thermal head This is the printhead. Avoid touching this with your fingertips and leaving grease or dirt on the printhead surface. ~ Platen Interlocked with the thermal head, it feeds media backwards or forwards. Setting sensor positions (p.23) Sensor Adjustments (p.
1 Setup Part Names and Functions Operation Panel 1 2 3 4 5 7 6 8 LED Functions (p.20) 1 POWER LED This is lit when the printer power is on. (green) 2 PRINT LED This is lit when the printer is able to print. (green) 3 CONDITION LED This is on when selecting settings. (orange) 4 ERROR LED This is lit or flashes when the printer is in an alarm or error status. (red) Normal Operating Mode (p.19) 5 PAUSE key This temporarily stops printing.
Setup Part Names and Functions Rear View 1 2 3 4 5 Serial interface (p.45) 1 Serial interface (RS232C) This receives serial transmission of data from a host computer. Parallel Interface (p.47) 2 Parallel interface (Centronics parallel or IEEE1284) This receives parallel transmission of data from a host computer. USB Interface (p.50) 3 USB interface This receives USB transmission of data from a host computer. Power ON/OFF (p.18) 4 Power switch The is the power switch for the printer.
1 Setup Connection to Power 1. Check that the power switch to the printer is turned OFF. 2. Connect the connector of the power cord to the power cord inlet on the printer. 3. Insert the plug of the power cord in the AC outlet. Power Switch AC Outlet Power Cord Inlet Caution Use an AC outlet that accepts a three-pronged plug. Otherwise, static electricity may be generated and there will be danger of electric shock.
Setup Connection to a Computer This product has three interfaces that can be used to receive printing data: a serial port (RS232C), parallel port (IEEE1284), and a USB port (USB1.1). An optional internal Ethernet or Wireless LAN port can be added by your dealer. With the exception of a wireless LAN connection, an interface cable is necessary to connect the printer to a computer. To connect the cable, proceed as follows: 1. Turn OFF both power switches of the printer and the computer. 2.
2 Printer Operation Power ON/OFF Turning on the power 1. Turn on the power switch on the back of the printer. 2. The POWER and PRINT LED are lit. Operation Panel Power Switch Turning off the power 1. Turn off the power switch on the back of the printer. 2. The POWER and PRINT LED go off.
Printer Operation Normal Operating Mode Menu Setting Mode (p.27) When the power is turned on, the printer enters normal operating mode. The control keys activate the following functions. 1 3 2 4 1 PAUSE key: Temporarily pauses printing • When this key is pushed once, the PRINT LED turns off and the printer temporarily pauses. • When it is pushed during printing, the printer pauses after the label currently being printed is issued.
2 Printer Operation Normal Operating Mode LED Functions In addition to normal operating mode, when an abnormal condition is detected in the printer, an alarm sounds and each LED either lights up or flashes to indicate the type of error. 1 POWER LED 1 It lights up when printer power is turned on. (green) 2 2 PRINT LED 3 This is lit when the printer is able to print. (green) 4 3 CONDITION LED This is on when selecting settings.
Printer Operation Setting the Media Media Sizes The position of label and tag media is sensed by either a transparent sensor or a reflective sensor.
2 Printer Operation Setting the Media Installing the Media 1. Push the large blue-head open lever to release the head unit and sensor arm. It can be opened to the position shown below by lifting the head unit by hand. Large blue-head open lever 2. Firstly, slide the two black plastic parts of the media holder assembly together. Ensure correct alignment of the guide with the bar as it can only be installed in one direction. 3. Slide the roll of media over the media bar.
Printer Operation Setting the Media Sensor Selection Method (Transparent ↔ Reflective) (p.34) Adjusting the Transparent sensor (p.35) 6. Setting sensor positions. When using a transparent sensor Move the bottom sensor close to the center of the width of the media then align the upper sensor marker and the bottom sensor marker. When using media that is 4 inches wide, position the upper sensor and the bottom sensor all the way to the right (head open lever side).
2 Printer Operation Setting the Media 7. Align the media with the left fixed media guide (2 locations), align the right movable media guide with the media width, and lower the sensor arm. Movable media guide Fixed media guide Sensor arm Media thickness Adjustment (p.37) Media Width Adjustment (p.38) 8. Lower and lock the head unit. Align it with the width of the media that has been set, then set the media width and media thickness adjustment dials. See “Chapter 3 Printer Adjustments”.
Printer Operation Mode Settings Operation Panel (P.14) Turning on the power while pressing keys in the following combinations starts various functions. Mode Key operation HEX dump mode Turning power on while pushing the STOP key. Self print mode Turning power on while pushing the FEED key. Menu setting mode Turning power on while pushing the MODE/REPEAT key. HEX Dump Mode When using label media Turn on printer power while pushing the STOP key.
2 Printer Operation Mode Settings Self Print Mode Performing a self test print is an easy way to check on the state of printer setting and printing quality. Install the media as explained in “Installing the Media” and then operate the printer as follows. Setting the Media (P.21) Case of label media Turn on printer power while pushing the FEED key. When the PRINT LED has begun to flash slowly, release the FEED key. After it enters TEST MODE and media has fed, two labels print then printing stops.
Printer Operation Mode Settings Menu Setup Mode If the printer power is turn on while the MODE/REPEAT key is pressed, the printer enters menu setup mode. In this mode, the printer’s configuration can be changed using the VuePrint Menu System. During menu setting mode, the PRINT LED and CONDITION LED are on. Media must be installed in the printer to use the VuePrint menu system.
2 Printer Operation Mode Settings Menu Setting Flow Chart The following is a flow chart showing the CLP-521 VuePrint menu system. Menu Setting Mode (p.27) MODE/REPEAT key + Power on Press FEED key for 3 seconds Example of printing during top menu setting (p.30) EXIT Do you want to reset this printer to factory settings? YES NO NO Example of printing of contents of settings (p.
Printer Operation Mode Settings Operation Panel YES / Select / Save Next Digit NO / Next Item / Change Value Exit to previous menu YES YES YES YES • Sensor Level • Buzzer Select • Metric/Inch • Max Media Length • Settings Lock • Keyboard Lock • Control Code (DMX Mode Only) • Emulation Select EXIT Change Value EXIT Print Darkness Changing the parameter EXIT SAVE SAVE • AutoConfigure • Function Select • Cutter Action • Paper Position • Mode/Repeat Key • RS-232C Baud • RS-232C Parity • RS-232
2 Printer Operation Mode Settings Shown below is a sample menu output from the CLP-521 VuePrint menu system. This particular example is changing the print speed and print darkness then continues through the remainder of the “Print Setup” menu. The actual output from the printer is "vertically reversed" due to the way the printer outputs the menu options. Please look at the example below to see how the output changes. Menu Setting Flow Chart (p.
Printer Operation Mode Settings Menu Setting Flow Chart (p.28) Example of printing of contents of settings Note: Citizen continually enhances its printers with new options and settings based on our customer's requests. Extra or changed menu items may appear on the above print out in some case.
2 Printer Operation Mode Settings Menu Setting Table Page Setup Menu - allows you to change settings related to the media or print quality. System Setup Menu - allows you to change settings for the printer hardware and basic control systems. After Print Menu - changes how the printer reacts after the label has been printed. Interfaces - changes interface parameters such as baud rate.
Printer Operation Mode Settings Top Menu Sub Menu Default Menu Remarks Off ...... Auto configure ineffective. When a peeler unit or auto-cutter is installed but has not been started, it is off and the operation is selected by “Function select”. Interfaces Function Select Off Off Tear Peel On* Cut On* Selects the type of options installed and adjusts the "paper stop" position accordingly. For example, the position where the label stops in "Tear" mode is different to that in "Peel On" mode.
3 Printer Adjustments Sensor Adjustments The sensing level of both the transparent (see thru) and reflective sensors is adjusted separately and independently. Firstly, the sensor type must be selected either using the VuePrint menu system or the Sensor Method Selection shown below. Then the adjustment and calibration of the sensor can be made. Entering Sensor Adjustment Mode 1. Turn on the power while pushing the PAUSE key, FEED key, and STOP key simultaneously. + + Power Switch 2.
Printer Adjustments Sensor Adjustments Media Setting (p.23) Adjusting the Transparent sensor 1. Open the printhead and close the sensor arm, then align the positions of the markers on the upper sensor and the bottom sensor. Upper sensor marker Upper sensor Alignment of markers Bottom sensor Transparent sensor marker Sensor Selection Method (Transparent ↔ Reflective) (p.34) 2. Select the transparent sensor, and open the sensor arm. 3.
3 Printer Adjustments Sensor Adjustments Adjusting the Reflective sensor 1. Open the printhead and the sensor arm, then align the position of the sensor marker of the bottom sensor is at the center of the black mark on the media. 黒線 Black mark Media Bottom sensor Black mark Reflective sensor marker Sensor Selection Method (Transparent ↔ Reflective) (p.34) 2. Select the reflective sensor. 3.
Printer Adjustments Media Thickness Adjustment It is necessary to perform offset adjustment because the head offset varies according to the type of media. The printer can be adjusted easily by rotating the media thickness adjustment dial. If the print quality is poor, adjust the printer with the media thickness adjustment dial. • Head Offset Align the positions of the head and the center of the platen roller to obtain the highest quality printing.
Printer Adjustments Media Setting (p.22) Media Width Adjustment The head pressure varies according to the width of the media being printed. The head pressure balance must be adjusted according to media width so that constant head pressure is applied to the head. With this printer, it can be adjusted easily by turning the media width adjustment dial. If the printing is blurred or lightly printed on one side or the media moves in a zigzag pattern adjust the head pressure balance.
Printer Adjustments Cleaning Wipe off any foreign matter such as media dust, dirt and adhesive substances built up around the prinhead with the head cleaning pen (head cleaner) provided, and use a soft cloth soaked in ethyl alcohol for the platen etc. It is particularly important to clean the printhead after printing on thermal media for long periods, which will guarantee the print quality and extend the life of the printhead. Note: Always use the head cleaner when cleaning the printhead.
4 Troubleshooting This chapter explains corrective actions taken when the printer malfunctions or when an error message is displayed. Items to check when a malfunction occurs When the printer malfunctions during operation, take corrective action with reference to the following table. If the corrective action does not solve the problem, consult with the service personnel at the dealer where you purchased the printer. Connection to Power (p.
Troubleshooting Indication Check Corrective action The printer is not printing neatly. 3) Is the print head dirty? Is a label stuck to the head. 3) If it is dirty, remove the dirt with the attached head cleaner. If a label is stuck to the head, remove it. Note: Do not use a metal object to remove a label stuck to the inside of the printer. (This may damage the print head.) If adhesive label material is stuck to the print head, remove it with a soft cloth soaked in ethyl alcohol.
Appendixes Specifications Item Printing Description Printing method Thermal transfer Resolution Main scanning line density: 203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm) Sub- scanning line density: 203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm) Head 864 dots (effective dots: 832 dots) Max. print width 104 mm 4.1 inch Max. print length 812.8 mm 32 inch Print density Print density is adjustable with software Printing speed Printing speed setting 4, 3 or 2 inches per second.
Appendixes Specifications Item Description Font 1. Seven kinds of fixed pitch font • Overseas, English fonts and European fonts 2. OCR fonts OCR-A, OCR-B 3. Proportional fonts CG Triumvirate smooth font CG Triumvirate Bold smooth font (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48 points) • Character set: Conforms with code page 850 standards 4.
Appendixes Specifications Item Description Environment Operating temperature conditions: Operating temp. 0 to 40°C, humidity 30 to 80%, condensation free (Conditions: ventilation, and natural convection) Storage temperature conditions Temp.
Appendixes Interfaces This printer is connected to a computer and prints according to commands sent from the computer. There are three types of computer interfaces, and these are connected to devices suited to each type of interface. The printer can also be connected to a computer by the optional Ethernet and wireless LAN.
Appendixes Interfaces XON/XOFF Protocol Requirements to output X-ON code • Communication is possible when the power is on. • When the receive buffer has less than 128 byte available, XOFF code is output, then the receive buffer has at least at least 1024 bytes available.
Appendixes Interfaces Parallel Interface Specifications Transmission mode 8-bit parallel data Receive buffer size 16kB Transmission modes Compatible mode It is an asynchronous forward direction of the byte width (from host to printer) channel, and the interface line of the data is operated in accordance with signal line definitions of Centronics. NIBBLE mode Nibble mode is asynchronous reverse channel communication with data transmission controlled by the host computer.
Appendixes Interfaces Parallel port status signals when an error occurs Under the specifications for this bi-directional parallel interface, the parallel port status signals when an error occurs are, as shown below, partially processed differently than with compatible mode used up till now. When both are on in the setting menu, even if a printer error has occurred, the BUSY signal line is not active (“H”).
Appendixes Interfaces [While receiving INIT signal] Min. 10 to 15µsec *Init BUSY *Ack *Fault SELECT Note: If the *Init signal does not have width of 10 to 15µsec or more, it cannot act as an Init signal. If it is lower, the *Init signal is ignored. BUSY starts up when the *Init signal is perceived.
Appendixes Interfaces USB Interface Specifications Standards Complies with Universal Serial Bus Specification Transmission speed Compatible with 12Mbps (full speed) transmission Receive buffer 16kB Connector DUSB DUSB-BRA42-T11(DDK) Signal line and pin arrangement Pin No.
Appendixes Replacing the Interface Board Caution Always turn off the power to the printer before replacing the interface board. Do not pull it out with unnecessary force. This will cause an accident. Replacement Method 1. Remove the screws (2) that anchor the bracket of the interface board then pull the interface board towards you. When you do this, be careful not to perform any unreasonable operations that will damage the connecting cable and do not pull the cable too much.
Appendixes Replacing the Interface Board 3. Insert the interface board into the printer so that the connecting cable does not catch on the printer, then use the screws (2) that you removed to anchor the bracket.
Citizen America Corporation 2102 Alton Parkway, Unit A Irvine, CA 92606 Tel: (949) 428-3700 U.S.A. Citizen Systems Europe GmbH Park House, 643-651 Staines Road Feltham, Middlesex, TW14 8PA United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8893 1900 http://www.citizen-europe.com Mettinger Strasse 11 D-73728 Esslingen Germany Tel: +49 (0) 711 3906 400 Japan CBM Corporation CBM Bldg.
