PowerPro II PowerPro II Printer Version IIAa Table of Contents Introduction 3 Printer Installation Overview 4 Quick Setup Directions Installation - Unpacking Installation - Parts Identification Installation - Connecting the Printer PowerPro II Printer Driver Installation Printer Driver Installation for Windows 98 Printer Driver Installation for Windows NT Printer Driver Installation for Windows 2000 Label Software Installation Windows 98: Installation of CD Painter software: Windows 2000: Installati
PowerPro II Maintenance: Printhead 27 Cleaning the Print Head Printhead Replacement Printhead Replacement Procedure Troubleshooting Section 27 29 30 32 Quick Recovery Strategy Test CD Strategy Common Printer Issues Printer is not printing checklist Print Quality Fuzzy prints and smudges Faded prints Horizontal Streaks or Arc shaped Streaks Sticking or Torn Ribbon 32 32 32 33 35 35 35 35 35 CD Positioning Errors 35 CD Printing Techniques Section 36 Please see the following CD Printing Techniqu
PowerPro II Introduction Figure 1: CopyPro PowerPro II CD Printer shown with optional Business Card CD Tray PowerPro II CD Printer The CopyPro PowerPro II CD Printer is a thermal transfer printer capable of printing labels up to 600 dots per inch (DPI) on several types of CD-R, DVD-R or CD-ROM media surfaces, using appropriate wax/resin thermal transfer ribbons.
PowerPro II Printer Installation Overview The PowerPro II User’s Guide, includes: Quick Setup Directions • These are brief instructions for printer and software setup by technical computer users Standard Setup Directions • These are more detailed instructions for printer and software setup by non-technical computer users General information and Appendix follow Setup Directions • Printer maintenance • Ribbon replacement • Optimizing label print quality CopyPro PowerPro II 4
PowerPro II Quick Setup Directions Unpack Printer • Remove Printer from shipping box and foam inserts Printer is shipped with: • • • • Power Cable Data cable Printer Software (CD-ROM disc) Printer is shipped with a black ribbon installed Connect printer to computer and power • • • Data cable is Grey (DB-25 to DB-25 type of cable) that connects to computer’s parallel port Power Cable connects to 110/220 VAC power Note: power supply is auto switching and compatible with 110/220 VAC power Install Printe
PowerPro II Installation - Unpacking Figure 2: PowerPro II, unboxed, but still in protective shipping foam Unpacking • Open the top of the box • Lift the PowerPro II by gripping the underside of the narrow sides of the unit • Set the PowerPro II and foam on a sturdy, flat surface • Support either end of the PowerPro II with an arm and carefully pull the foam off the elevated end.
PowerPro II Installation - Parts Identification You should become familiar with the parts of the printer before attempting to operate it. See the Maintenance section of this manual for help installing printer ribbons.
PowerPro II Installation - Connecting the Printer Power switch Parallel port Power connection Autoloader port Figure 3: PowerPro II data and power connections Connecting the Printer The CopyPro PowerPro II has two main connections for operation: • AC power connection – for 110/220 VAC power • Parallel port connection – DB-25 “straight through” cable Before operating the PowerPro II, make sure these connections have been made: • Plug the supplied power cord into the power connection at rear of t
PowerPro II PowerPro II Printer Driver Installation Figure 4: PowerPro Software CD PowerPro Software The PowerPro II requires: • Printer Driver for Windows 98, NT, or 2000 • PowerPro CD labeling software This software is on the PowerPro Software CD included with printer. Printer Driver The printer driver controls the operation for the PowerPro II. The printer driver must be installed prior to using the PowerPro II for the first time.
PowerPro II Printer Driver Installation for Windows 98 In order to print labels on discs, the PowerPro II printer needs to be connected to a computer that has the PowerPro II printer driver software installed. The printer driver software controls the printer's functions and allows adjusting the print density (darkness or lightness of label), and other printing characteristics.
PowerPro II Printer Driver Installation for Windows NT In order to print labels on discs, the PowerPro II printer needs to be connected to a computer that has the PowerPro II printer driver software installed. The printer driver software controls the printer's functions and allows adjusting the print density (darkness or lightness of label), and other printing characteristics.
PowerPro II Printer Driver Installation for Windows 2000 In order to print labels on discs, the PowerPro II printer needs to be connected to a computer that has the PowerPro II printer driver software installed. The printer driver software controls the printer's functions and allows adjusting the print density (darkness or lightness of label), and other printing characteristics.
PowerPro II Label Software Installation The CopyPro Label Software (named CD Painter) is a graphics program with built-in disc label templates that allow the design and creation of labels to be printed on CD media. The CD Painter software is supplied on the PowerPro Software CD-ROM.
PowerPro II Windows NT: Installation of CD Painter software: • Place PowerPro II Software CD into CD-ROM drive • From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon, • Select Settings • Click on Control Panel • Double Click on Add Remove Program Icon • Select Add New Programs, Follow Prompts • Click Install, Browse for CD-ROM drive • Select CD-ROM drive, Double Click on CD Painter Folder • Select and Double Click on SETUP.
PowerPro II Printer Operation Once the PowerPro II is properly connected to the host computer, printer ribbon installed, and the printer driver and CD Painter software are installed on the host computer, the printer is ready for use.
PowerPro II CD Label Printing Steps Printing a CD Label with CD Painter To begin printing labels on CD media, first follow the Power Up and Loading procedures outlined in the Printer Operation section 1) Select the Print from the File Menu of the CD Painter software 2) Make sure the PowerPro II is selected as the printer to be used.
PowerPro II Control Panel Operation PowerPro II keypad The PowerPro's Control Panel consists of three buttons and status LEDs, which controls the operation of the PowerPro II as described below. TRAY READY PRINT STATUS START Figure 6: PowerPro II Control Panel ACTIVE Tray Button The ‘Tray’ button will extend and retract the CD tray. Use this button for manually opening the CD tray for loading and unloading CD media Print Button The ‘Print’ button is used to reprint the most recent label.
PowerPro II Manual Loading CD Media Prior to loading the CD Before manually loading or unloading discs into the PowerPro II, first make sure the power is on and the ‘Ready’ LED is on. If the CD tray is already extended, a new CD may be placed with the printable side up on the cushioned surface. If the tray is not extended, press the ‘Tray’ button to open it. The printable side of the CD surface is facing up when the stacking ridge near the center edge of the CD is facing down, as shown below.
PowerPro II Printing CD Labels For those new to the PowerPro II CD printer, CopyPro recommends experimenting with a single CD and using a label design that only covers part of the CD (for example a vertical bar). This allows repeated prints on the CD (by rotating the CD) and observing changes made by adjusting the printer driver and label software settings. Many printing issues can be resolved with adjustment of strobe setting, media type, or graphics.
PowerPro II PowerPro printer's multi-tray feature Figure 9: Printer with Standard CD tray installed and Business Card CD tray (Oval type) shown Removable CD Tray System The PowerPro II CD Printer uses different CD trays to handle different shaped CDs and DVD discs.
PowerPro II Changing the CD Tray Tray Release Button Chassis Lock Knob Note: Tray Release Button is located inside printer case Figure 10: PowerPro II Tray Release Button location To Remove CD Tray • Remove top cover • From the Printer’s front control panel: Press Tray button to extend tray • Press Tray Release button (this is a small metal button located near Chassis Release Knob) • Hold CD Tray with left hand and pull outward, while pressing Tray Release button • CD Tray should disengage from
PowerPro II Maintenance: General To keep the PowerPro II functioning at its best, follow these Usage Guidelines: Storage • • Keep the PowerPro II on a flat, stable surface.
PowerPro II Maintenance: Printer Ribbon Installation Printer ribbon: Supply roller Take up roller Figure 11: Direction of ribbon travel shown with arrows Chassis Lock Knob Figure 12: Printer Chassis shown closed and open Installing Print Ribbon The Ribbon Installation procedure is easiest to perform with the CD tray open. It is recommended that the PowerPro II be turned OFF during ribbon installation.
PowerPro II • The supply ribbon roller is placed in slots in the front of the printer • The take up core is placed in slots in central area of the printer • The ribbon is threaded around the chassis and attached to the take up core using the adhesive strip on the end of the ribbon (or adhesive tape).
PowerPro II Printer Ribbon Installation Chart – Part 1 Remove Cover • Locking clips Remove the top cover by carefully lifting and pulling forward. Remove used ribbon from printer Note: Ribbon rollers are held in place by locking clips secured by thumbscrews. Loosen but do not remove thumbscrews to adjust roller clips.
PowerPro II Printer Ribbon Installation Chart – Part 2 Feed ribbon from Supply to Take up Roller • Take end of ribbon from Supply Roller and pull toward the rear of printer • Take ribbon around backside of Take up Roller • Close printer Chassis Note: Check that Chassis Lock knob has slipped into locked position.
PowerPro II Maintenance: Printhead Figure 13: Printer open showing printhead Cleaning the Print Head If the CD prints begin to look smeared or develop vertical streaks, it may be time to clean the print head. The printhead uses a row of heat producing "printing elements" to heat the ribbon to transfer label ink to the disc. Typically the printhead may have a dust particle or possible a melted piece of ribbon adhered to the heating elements.
PowerPro II Chassis Release Button is located inside case Figure 15: Printhead cleaning with ribbon removed Printhead Cleaning Procedure • If tray is in, press Tray Button to extend tray • Remove the top cover by carefully lifting and pulling forward. Set the cover aside. • Open printer chassis by: Pulling chassis release knob and lifting chassis up by chassis handle • Remove Ribbon Supply Roller from printer and place on CD Tray, this will expose the printhead.
PowerPro II Printhead Replacement Figure 16: Printhead partially removed Replacing the Printhead A damaged printhead may leave “white” vertical lines through all labels, requiring replacement of printhead for proper label appearance. If the print head must be replaced, use the following guidelines for replacing the print head. Note: A "dirty" printhead may produce prints similar to a damaged printhead.
PowerPro II Printhead Replacement Procedure Power Connection Print Control Connection Securing Screw Holes Printing element Figure 17: The printhead's printing element is fragile, avoid touching the printing element To replace printhead, you will need the following tools: • Phillips-head screwdriver Important: Always turn power off and unplug printer prior to removing print head.
PowerPro II Printhead Replacement, cont'd.
PowerPro II Troubleshooting Section Quick Recovery Strategy • Clear error condition (if needed, see Error Code Chart at end of this document) • Press “START” key (to reset printer) or power Printer OFF and then back ON • Re-try printing label Test CD Strategy • For testing printer issues, make sure a CD is loaded in printer’s CD Tray • To conserve media, while testing, test print with small label, and rotating the CD after each print, this allows multiple test prints on a CD Common Printer Issues
PowerPro II Troubleshooting Section: Printer is not printing checklist Use list below to determine cause for non-printing printer error. Cables and connections • Check “Status” LED for flashing Error Code (See ERROR CODES Chart below) • Check all power connections, and make sure the printer is ON and “Ready” LED is ON. • Make sure the printer cable is connected to the parallel port on the PowerPro II, and on the printer port of the host computer.
PowerPro II • Proper settings are: • If any of these settings are used, exit the BIOS settings by selecting Exit without saving changes. • Parallel Port Mode setting shows: ECP or EPP • Change to: Normal • Exit the BIOS settings by selecting Exit with saving changes. • Shutdown then re-start computer, then start CD Painter Program and try printing a CD label.
PowerPro II Troubleshooting Section: Print Quality Fuzzy prints and smudges • Make sure the CD print surface is a printable (lacquer or matte) surface. • Check the CD surface for fingerprints, oils, etc. • Clean the printing surface of the CD. • Make sure the print ribbon is a supported ribbon type • Check the CD position. • Check the Printing Alignment in the CD labeling software. Faded prints • Check the Strobe setting (this controls darkness or lightness of print density).
PowerPro II CD Printing Techniques Section The PowerPro CD Printer offers a convenient way to print labels on CDs, this section describes ways to get the best possible printouts within the printer's labeling capabilities. Please see the following CD Printing Techniques Chart for more detailed information on CD Label printing techniques.
PowerPro II PowerPro II CD Media & Ribbon Selection Guide For best results, use the CD Media and Ribbon Section Guide to choose the appropriate CD Media, Ribbon, and Printer Strobe setting for your CD labeling job. Label Project: Label Project: • • Black Text & Graphics Project Printing Tip Color Text & Graphics Ribbon Black or Monocolor Ribbon Full Color Ribbon PowerPro II requires thermal transfer type white coated discs with smooth coating for optimum color results.
PowerPro II Graphics Tips Label Graphics Tips Resolution Set resolution of graphics files for 600 DPI (or 300 DPI) prior to saving graphics. If using Photo or Paint programs, save files as 300 or 600 DPI JPEG files, with images sized for placement on CD. Import graphic file to CD Painter. Set Printer Driver for 300 or 600 DPI mode accordingly prior to printing. Web Graphics Website graphics are typically 72DPI, which means they will shrink in size when brought over to a label file.
PowerPro II Common Label Issues A B C E D F G Figure 20: Area A CD Label Text and Graphics Examples Issue Cause Label is too light or too dark Strobe Setting is either to high or too low. The Strobe Setting controls printhead heat and print density. B Curved marks in graphic C Graphics or text are not printed near CD edge or hub Strobe Setting is too high. Overheated ribbon causing "wrinkle" marks in graphics.
PowerPro II D Jagged or rough looking graphics or text that has been imported from other program or WebPages Low-resolution graphics appear jagged or rough. Graphics resized to larger size lose resolution.
PowerPro II Strobe Setting Examples Strobe Setting Examples 1 Strobe setting is too low • Print is light or no print at all • Shaded graphics light or not printed 2 Strobe setting is correct • Text and graphics are clear • Shaded graphics are clear 3 Strobe setting is too high Case 1 - strobe is set a little too high • 1 2 3 Print and graphics too dark Case 2 - strobe is much too high • Print and graphics very uneven • Ribbon is tearing CopyPro PowerPro II 41
PowerPro II CD Media & Strobe Setting examples Recommended CD media, ribbon type and strobe setting A Sliver CD discs (also called lacquer finish disc) A Recommendations: • Use with black ribbon • Strobe setting: 25 B White Coated CD discs (with smooth surface) B Recommendations: • Use with black ribbon • Strobe setting: 25 • Use with color ribbon • Strobe setting: 45 C White Coated CD discs (with rough surface for use with inkjet type CD printer) C Recommendations: • Not recommended
PowerPro II Printer Driver Settings: Win 98 The key printer driver settings for the PowerPro CD printer are: • Strobe Setting (controls lightness and darkness of label) • Color or Black Ribbon selection (this setting is needs to match the type for ribbon (black or color) ribbon installed in the printer) Strobe Setting Strobe Setting slider bar for manually setting strobe value Strobe Auto checkbox for factory set default Strobe setting.
PowerPro II • If label is too light increase strobe setting by 5 units and re-print, repeat this process until proper print out occurs. Please note: if strobe setting is in above the 15 unit range or higher and print is light, first try a lower strobe setting in the 15 unit range and increase the strobe.
PowerPro II Printer Driver Settings: Win 2000 Strobe and Ribbon Color Settings The key printer driver settings for the PowerPro CD printer are: • Strobe Setting (controls lightness and darkness of label) • Color or Black Ribbon selection (this setting is needs to match the type for ribbon (black or color) ribbon installed in the printer) To adjust Printer Driver settings from Windows 2000: • From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon • Select Settings, Click on Printers • Right Click on PowerPro I
PowerPro II Strobe setting adjustment Ribbon Color Setting, this should match type of ribbon installed in printer Strobe Setting, the higher the value the increases darkness of label • From the Printing Preferences Window • Click on Print Strobe number box • Strobe value maybe set by clicking the Auto check box (recommended) or manually by slider bar selection (for fine tuning the darkness or lightness of print) • For Auto setting: use Auto Checkbox to set Strobe to Auto.
PowerPro II While the value of the Auto Setting is not shown, typically for black ribbon it is 15 and for a color ribbon is 15. • For manually setting the Strobe Setting, use the Slider Bar to adjust strobe over a range of values. In general, the higher strobe setting, results in darker labeling.
PowerPro II Optimizing Color Labels Optimizing Color Labels For full color printing, the PowerPro CD Printer uses a paneled ribbon that includes a Cyan (blue), Magenta (Red), and Yellow panels, commonly referred to as CMY colors. The printer mixes (by dithering) these colors to create the colors on the label. Mixing the CMY panels creates a range of colors. For example, green would be a mix of blue and yellow, and black a mix of all three panels.
PowerPro II In addition to the standard colors, are the basic colors, which provide more color choices, but may appear to print lighter than they appear on-screen. Additional colors Seven basic colors (Note: white is not printed) Preparing Color Graphics for import into the CD Label Program The CD Label Program allows import of several standard graphics files, including versions of BMP, JPG. And TIF file formats.
PowerPro II • In Photo and Paint programs, use the color saturation adjustment (Ex.
PowerPro II CD Printing Techniques Chart Use this chart with example CD Label example (Figure 18) shown on page 39 for recommendations on printing issues. The CD Label example includes several label graphics items representing typical disc label components. These label components are marked as areas A, B, C D, E, F and G on the CD Label example. Area Issue Reason Suggestion Additional tips A With black ribbon: Text created in the CD Painter program does not print clearly Check Strobe setting.
PowerPro II CD Printing Techniques Chart, continued. Use this chart with example CD Label example (Figure 18) shown on page 39 for recommendations on printing issues. The CD Label example includes several label graphics items representing typical disc label components. These label components are marked as areas A, B, C D, E, F and G on the CD Label example.
PowerPro II CD Printing Techniques Chart, continued. Use this chart with example CD Label example (Figure 18) shown on page 39 for recommendations on printing issues. The CD Label example includes several label graphics items representing typical disc label components. These label components are marked as areas A, B, C D, E, F and G on the CD Label example.
PowerPro II CD Printing Techniques Chart, continued. Use this chart with example CD Label example (Figure 18) shown on page 39 for recommendations on printing issues. The CD Label example includes several label graphics items representing typical disc label components. These label components are marked as areas A, B, C D, E, F and G on the CD Label example.
PowerPro II CD Printing Techniques Chart, continued. Use this chart with example CD Label example (Figure 18) shown on page 39 for recommendations on printing issues. The CD Label example includes several label graphics items representing typical disc label components. These label components are marked as areas A, B, C D, E, F and G on the CD Label example. G Vertical “White” line or non printing line” is across disc label Printhead has a particle of ribbon or dust stuck to it.
PowerPro II Thermal Transfer & Inkjet CD Printer Comparison The PowerPro II series of printers use thermal transfer technology to apply resin type ink to the surface of a plastic CD or DVD disc. Thermal transfer printers have a print head that heats portions of a ribbon as disc moves under the printer head, as the disc goes pass the print head the resin type ink cools and adheres to the surface of the disc.
PowerPro II on white coated media Mixed text and color graphic on white coated media Not recommend labeling applications Permanent Labeling of disc Full color photos or graphics covering the entire label area of the disc Thermal Transfer Printer full coverage labels possible but not recommended Disc that will handled in wet or humid conditions (ink will smear) CopyPro PowerPro II 57
PowerPro II Supported Ribbon and Ribbon Specifications The CopyPro PowerPro II supports the following thermal transfer ribbons.
PowerPro II Autoloader Port Connector and Signal information Pin Number Signal Name I/0 Function Logic 1 (5 Volts) Logic 0 1 CPBSY Output Printer Busy Printer Busy Printer Available 2 CTOUT Output Tray Out Tray Extended Tray Retracted 3 CTIN Output Tray In Tray Retracted Tray Extended 4 CCDINTRAY Output CD on Tray CD Present No CD Present 5 P_CCMD Input Print Buffer Command No Action Prints label image in buffer 6 O_CCMD Input Move Tray Command No Action Toggles tra
PowerPro II Error Codes for Status LED The Status LED is located on the front of the printer. Number of Flashes Area to check Action 1 Timeout Power OFF / Power ON printer 2 Ribbon out Install new ribbon, press START 3 No CD 4 Tray error No CD in tray. Place CD in Tray, press START to continue. Press START to home tray 5 Head motor error Power OFF / Power ON printer 6 Memory error 7 Print buffer overflow Memory error detected.
