Allen-Bradley FAST TRACK User manual

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The Allen Bradley Manual for the FAST TRACKTM Printer
Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Products in the FAST TRACKTM Printer Kit
3. Safety precautions
3.1 Safety instructions
3.2 Precautionary measures
A Working with the FAST TRACKTM Printer
B Handling ink cartridges
C Suitable location for the printer
D Printer media
4. Installation and basic settings of FAST TRACKTM Printer Software
4.1 Installation of the FAST TRACKTM Printer Driver
4.2 Installation of the Status Monitor
4.3 FAST TRACKTM Printer Driver Settings
4.4 Installation of AB-Print Software
4.5 AB-Print Software Settings
5. FAST TRACKTM Printer Operating panel and LED indicators
6. Replacing or installing ink cartridges
7. Error indication
8. Error-related indicators
8.1 Deteriorating print quality
8.2 The print quality remains poor even after cleaning
8.3 Marker Cards are not drawn in/transported through
8.4 Marker Cards are not properly ejected
9. Problems with USB
10. Technical data
11. Warranty

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1. Introduction
Installation instructions
This manual contains important information for the installation and initial start-up procedures for the
FAST TRACKTM Printer. It provides information for setting up the FAST TRACKTM Printer and the
software AB-Print.
Manual
This manual offers information for standard usage of the FAST TRACK TM Printer. In addition, it contains
tips for troubleshooting and information concerning technical data.
For further information, useful tips or the latest drivers, log onto:
http://www.ab.com/industrialcontrols/products
For additional information, you can contact us via e-mail or telephone:
[email protected]ockwell.com
1-440-646-5800
2. Products in the FAST TRACKTM Printer Kit
• FAST TRACKTM Printer (1492-PRTKIT110V or 1492-PRTKIT220V)
• Ink cartridge (1492-PRTINKCART)
• Cleaning cartridge (1492-PRTCLEAN)
• Input and output rails
• Parallel printer cable
• Power cord
• Short guide
• CD ROM for Printer drivers, AB-Print Software and manuals
Important:
The Allen Bradley ink cartridge, Cat. No. 1492-PRTINKCART, is required for initial
commissioning!

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3. Safety precautions
3.1 Safety instructions
• Remove all shipping braces; open the FAST TRACKTM Printer cover and remove the transport
lock from the print head.
• Read the following instructions carefully before starting up the FAST TRACKTM Printer. Observe
the warnings and notices on the FAST TRACKTM at all times.
• Do not block or cover openings in the housing of the FAST TRACKTM Printer.
• Do not insert any objects into these openings.
• Do not spill any fluids onto the “FAST TRACKTM Printer.
• The main voltage must correspond to the system voltage given on the FAST TRACKTM Printer
label.
• Connect the device to a properly earthed socket outlet only. It must not be connected to a socket
outlet already being used by devices that are turned on and off at regular intervals, such as
photocopiers or ventilators.
• Do not connect the FAST TRACKTM Printer to either a switched or a timer-controlled socket
outlet.
• Do not use the computer system close to potential electromagnetic disturbance fields such as
loudspeakers or base transceiver stations for mobile telephones.
• Never use damaged or worn out power cables.
• If you connect the FAST TRACKTM Printer to the power supply via an extension cable, ensure
that the total nominal current of all of the devices connected to the extension cable does not
exceed the ampacity for that extension cable. In addition, you should ensure that the total
nominal current of all the devices plugged into the wall-mounted socket outlet does not exceed
the current carrying capacity for that socket outlet.
• Do not carry out repairs to the device yourself.
• Disconnect the FAST TRACKTM Printer and contact a qualified service engineer if any of the
following occurs:
• The power supply cable or the plug is damaged or worn.
• Fluids have penetrated the FAST TRACKTM Printer.
• The FAST TRACKTM Printer has been dropped or the housing damaged
• The FAST TRACKTM Printer does not operate normally or there are obvious signs of
malfunctions.
Caution: Warning signs to BGV A 8 (VBG 125), German employers liability insurance
regulations, & German standard DIN 4844.
Warning - Mind your hands
Do not reach inside
Warning - Hot surface
Do not touch

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Attention:
Do not open the printers enclosure! Opening the enclosure will cause loss of
any warranty rights and may result in severe injuries.
3.2 Precautionary measures
Observe the following when using the FAST TRACKTM Printer, handling ink cartridges or choosing a
location to install the FAST TRACKTM Printer:
A. Working with the FAST TRACK TM Printer
• Check the wipe and scratch resistance of the ink at regular intervals.
• Do not put your hands inside the FAST TRACK TM Printer, and do not touch the ink cartridge
when the printer is in operation.
• Do not move the print head by hand, as this could damage the FAST TRACKTM Printer.
• Remove your printouts immediately after printing from the output rail of the FAST TRACKTM
Printer.
• Always turn the FAST TRACKTM Printer on/off using the main switch on the operating panel.
• Before transporting the FAST TRACKTM Printer, ensure that the print head is in the home
position (far right-hand side), and ensure that the ink cartridges are seated correctly.
B. Handling ink cartridges
• Keep unused ink cartridges in a cool and dry place.
• Keep ink cartridges out of reach of children. Never allow ink cartridges to fall into the hands of
children. Never allow anyone to drink from them.
• Always handle used ink cartridges with care, because a small amount of ink could remain in the
ink supply outlet. If you get ink on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Consult a
doctor immediately, if after thoroughly rinsing the ink you still feel unwell or have problems with
your vision.
• Do not shake ink cartridges, as this can cause ink to leak.
• Install ink cartridges immediately after removing form the packaging. The print quality can be
impaired if an ink cartridge is left unpacked for any length of time before use.
• Do not use ink cartridges beyond the ‘use by date’ printed on the cartridge packaging. For best
results, the ink in the cartridge should be used within six months of installation.
• Do not dismantle or try to refill ink cartridges. This could result in damage to the print head.
• Before using an ink cartridge that has been stored in a colder place, allow the cartridge to
acclimatize to the room temperature for at least three hours.
• Do not touch the IC chip on the side of the cartridge. This could impair print operations.
Tamper proof label

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• The IC chip in these ink cartridges contains a large amount of cartridge-specific information, for
example, the level of ink remaining in the cartridge, to ensure the trouble-free replacement of
the old ink cartridge with a new one. However, ink is used every time a new ink cartridge is
inserted, because the FAST TRACKTM Printer always carries out a reliability check.
• If you wish to remove an ink cartridge for use at a later date, then you must protect the ink
supply outlet from dust and becoming soiled. Please store the ink cartridge in the same
surroundings as the FAST TRACKTM Printer. Please note that a valve is fitted in the ink supply
outlet, which means that neither a cover nor a lid is required. However, you should always
handle ink cartridges with care, failure to do so could result in a leakage. Never touch the ink
supply outlet of the ink cartridge or the area around it.
• Applicable in Germany: ensure when connecting the FAST TRACKTM Printer to the power
supply that the building installation is fused with an appropriate back-up fuse.
This device is subject to special conditions regarding its connection to the mains supply.
The system impedance at the connecting point of the public supply system must not exceed
(0.14 + i 0.09) Ohm. In all other cases, consult the power supply company before connecting the
device to the public supply system. Please uninstall or deactivate the status monitor if you are
connecting the FAST TRACKTM Printer to a network.
C. Suitable location for the FAST TRACKTM Printer
• Place the FAST TRACKTM Printer on a flat, stable surface larger than base area of the printer.
The FAST TRACKTM Printer will not operate properly if it is on a tilt or at an angle.
• Ensure there is sufficient space to allow the Marker Cards to be ejected without hindrance from
the FAST TRACKTM Printer.
• Avoid installing the FAST TRACKTM Printer in any location where it is subject to rapid changes in
temperature and humidity. Ensure that the FAST TRACKTM Printer is not exposed to direct
sunlight, strong light or excessive heat.
• Avoid locations subject to impact shocks and vibrations.
• Do not install the device in dust-filled surroundings.
• When installing, ensure that the FAST TRACKTM Printer is sufficiently ventilated on all sides.
• Install the FAST TRACKTM Printer near a socket outlet, ensuring that the plug can be easily
removed at all times.
D. Printer media
Use the FAST TRACKTM Printer only for printing Allen Bradley 1492-M…Marker Cards.

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4. Installation and basic settings of FAST TRACKTM Printer Software
4.1 Installation of the FAST TRACKTM Printer Driver
You must have administrator rights to install the printer drivers for the FAST TRACKTM Printer
and the AB-Print Software. Please install under Windows operating systems NT4.0 or Windows
2000 via the set up program ‘Install’. If necessary, please contact your system administrator.
1. Place the CD in the CD-ROM drive, and a window opens automatically. If no window opens, proceed
to item A; Otherwise, proceed to item 2.
If no window opens:
A. Click the My Computer icon on the Desktop
B. Select the CD-ROM drive displaying FAST TRACKTM Printer.
C. Using the mouse, right-click the CD symbol and select open.
D. Double-click the program CDMenuPro.exe to start.

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2. In the window that opens, click the button for your preferred language.
3. Cick on the Printer Driver button.

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4. In the window that opens please click the button for your operating system.
5. The software installation window will open, click Next to start the installation.
6. Follow the instructions on the monitor.

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4.2 Installation of the Status Monitor
The Status Monitor will inform you about the status of the printer, any failures that might occur (e.g.
paper jam) and the current level of all ink cartridges. The screen will appear automatically with every
started print job. In the Utility menu you are able to activate or deactivate the Status Monitor.
To use the Status Monitor you have to install it separately!
Installation under Windows NT
Please do not install the status monitor if you wish to connect the FAST TRACKTM Printertoanetwork.
1. In the window please click the button Status Monitor.
2. The software installation window will open, click Next to start the installation.
3. Follow the instructions on the monitor.
It is possible that the Status Monitor creates problems once it is used in a network. In this case please
uninstall the Status Monitor or deactivate it with the following steps:
• Click Start > Settings > Printer.
• Select the Epson Stylus C62.
• Open Printer settings.
• On the Utility tab, click the Speed and Progress button.
• In the window that opens, clear the Show Progress Meter check box. Click OK to confirm.

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4.3 FAST TRACKTM PrinterDriverSettings
1. Click Start > Settings > Printer to open the printer driver
2. Select the printer driver Epson Stylus C62
3. Select as required:
Windows 95 users: File > Properties > Printer settings
Windows 98 users: File > Properties > Printer settings
Windows 2000 users: File > Printer Preferences
Windows NT users: File > Document name
Then, carry out the following setting adjustments:
Best Photo
Plain Paper

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Click the Settings button, then click continue!
4. Click OK to confirm your selections.
5. Click OK again to close the printer driver.
- Black Ink Only
-EdgeSmoothing
Advanced
Continue

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4.4 Installation of the AB-Print Software
If you already have AB-Print installed on your computer, you do not need re-install it again.
1. Place the CD containing the drivers in to the CD-ROM drive.
2. In the window that opens, click the button with your preferred language and select AB-Print.
3. The installation starts; follow the instructions on the monitor.
4. Close all windows once the installation is completed

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4.5 AB-Print Software Settings
Allen Bradley marker cards are made from polyamide. Polyamide reacts to fluctuations in the climate
conditions (temperature and air humidity), which can result in changes of up to 1% in the dimensions of
the Marker cards. Necessary adjustments can be made in the AB-Print configuration editor.
In order to check the settings, switch off the fusing unit. You can re-use the Marker Card once
you have checked the dimensions; to do so, simply wipe away the markings using a damp cloth.
Launch AB-Print: Click > Start > Programs > AB-Print or click the AB-Print link. To view the value of the
Printer Settings click File > Print > Settings. In this window you can make the necessary changes to the
settings. The values given are intended as a guide only. They vary according to the operating system
used.
Select the printer driver: EPSON Stylus C62 Series
Click accept, and click Cancel to close the other open window.
Ensure that the FAST TRACKTM Printer is connected to your PC and turned on.
Setting the zero reference point in the AB-Print Software
Launch AB-Print: Click > Start > Programs > AB-Print or click the AB-Print link. To view zero reference
point click Options > Edit Marker Card Configurations. In this window you can make the necessary
changes to the settings. The values given are intended as a guide only. They vary according to the
operating system used.

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The graphic displays the Input Screen of the AB-Print Software.
Double-click a strip to select the Marker Cards in the Marker Card Selection window. Please select the
type 1492-M5X5 from the list and click OK to confirm your choice or double-click on 1492-M5X5.
Mark these with the letter X (see example below), and then print these out.

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The images of Marker cards below offer several examples of possible print results of the FAST TRACKTM
Printer.
Compare your Marker card with these images. The system needs to be adjusted if the typeface
printed on the Marker card is misaligned. Determine the deviations and alter the values of the
margin accordingly.
To change the values of the Printer Settings click File > Print > Settings. In this window you can make
the necessary changes to the settings, as described under AB-Print Software Settings on page 13.
Horizontal edge:
Vertical edge:
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A B
CD
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Measure the deviation and reduce the vertical margin
AMeasure the deviation and increase the vertical margin
B
CMeasure the deviation and increase the horizontal margin
DMeasure the deviation and reduce the horizontal margin

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5. Printer Operating Panel
Operating panel
Button 1: Setting the fusing unit power ratio and temperature
This button allows you to adjust the power ratio of the fusing unit to suit different types of markers.
The device is set to 100% power when turned on; the LED for 100% lights up
Press once to set the device to 80% power; the LED for 80% lights up
Press twice to set the device to 60% power; the LED for 60% lights up
Press three times to turn off the fusing unit, for example to adjust the print head.
Press four times to reset the device to 100% power; LED for 100% lights up
Button 2: Replacing the ink cartridge
Manual control of replacing the ink cartridge. Moves the print head into position for replacing the ink
cartridge when empty, and starts the ink carriage change sequence.
Button 3: Maintenance button
Manually cleaning the ink cartridge.
Press and release this button again within 3 seconds to draw paper into or eject paper out of the device.
Press this button to continue the printing process following the error message “Paper Out”, once paper
has been loaded.
Press this button continuously for 3 seconds, when the error indicator LED is not lit up, to initiate the
print head cleaning process.
Press this button to move the print head to the replacement position when the ink cartridge is empty.
Button 4: Reset button
For manually resetting the FAST TRACKTM Printer following a fault. If it is not possible to acknowledge a
fault in the FAST TRACKTM Printer by pressing button 3 or via the status monitor, pressing the reset
button once will reset the printer.
Button 5: On/Off button
Press to turn the printer on or off.
When the printer is on, press this button twice to delete print jobs.
LED 1: Error message (red LED)
There is a fault. The red LED lights up when there is no Marker card is in the printer. Place a Marker
card into the feeder and press the maintenance button to proceed with the printing process.

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It lights up when a Marker card becomes jammed in the printer. Remove all Marker cards from the
feeder, then re-insert correctly. When the LED indicator no longer flashes, turn off the printer and
carefully remove the Marker card from the printer.
It lights up when the black ink cartridge or the clean unit is almost empty.
It lights up when either the black ink cartridge or clean unit is almost empty. Replace either the black ink
cartridge or clean unit as required.
It flashes when the print head moves to the ink-cartridge replacement position. The LED flashes more
quickly when the ‘Clean Unit’ is empty than when the black ink cartridge is empty.
It is also possible to determine the level of ink by the speed at which the error indicator LED flashes
when the print head moves to the cartridge replacement position. Please refer to the table below.
Indicator LED Procedure
Replace the black ink cartridge when the error LED flashes at
the same speed as the indicator LED for the mains switch.
Replace the ‘Clean Unit’ when the error LED flashes twice as
fast as the indicator LED for the mains switch .
Replace the black ink cartridge and the ‘Clean Unit’ when the
error indicator LED lights up continuously.
LED 2: Operation indicator (green LED)
The FAST TRACKTM Printer is ready for operation when the green LED lights up constantly.
It flashes when the printer is receiving data or printing, when an ink cartridge is being replaced or the ink
carriage change sequence is active or the print head is being cleaned.
LED 3: Overheating indicator (red LED)
Indicates that the system is overheating.
LED’s 4-6: Performance indicator
The LED indicates the fusing performance of the system.

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6. Replacing or installing ink cartridges
Ink cartridges are sealed units. Under normal circumstances, ink will not leak out of an ink cartridge.
If you get ink on your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If you get ink in your
eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Installing ink cartridges
1. Press the Replace ink cartridge button.
2. The print head will move to the middle position. Never move the print head manually.
3. Press back the retaining clip of the ink cartridge to be replaced and lift the clamp upwards.
4. Remove the label with the inscription “Entfernen / Remove”.
5. Insert the cartridge into the clamps (the label showing face-up and the chip facing towards the input rail).
6. Carefully press the clamp downwards until it snaps into place.
7. Close the cover of the printer.
8. Press the Replace ink cartridge button.
The ink supply system is then activated; this process can take approximately 1 to 2 minutes. The print
head moves to its home position (far right-hand side), and the operation indicator LED lights up
continuously.
Never turn the printer off when the operation indicator LED is flashing!
When replacing an ink cartridge, always open both ink cartridge lids.
1492-PRTCLEAN
1492-PRTINKCART

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Caution:
• Use only ink cartridges from Allen Bradley, Cat. No. 1492-PRTINKCART or 1492-PRTCLEAN
• Remove used ink cartridges only when you have a replacement available and have prepared
the installation. Otherwise, any ink remaining in the nozzles could dry out.
• Do not refill the ink cartridges. The FAST TRACKTM Printer calculates the remaining level of ink
in the cartridges with the help of the IC chip on side of the ink cartridge. The IC chip does not
recalculate the remaining level of ink when the cartridge is refilled, so that the available amount
of ink does not change.
Note:
You cannot continue with a print job if the ink cartridge is empty. You must replace the empty cartridge
first, before you can proceed with printing.
• Ink is not only expended when printing Marker Cards. It is also used during print head cleaning,
when replacing the ink cartridges as well as during the self-cleaning cycle that takes place every
time the FAST TRACKTM Printer is turned on.
7. Error indication
Error message: LED indicator – Marker Card is not inserted correctly
LED Indicators: The red LED lights up constantly and the green LED flashes.
Remedy: Check if the strip has been correctly inserted or if an unknown print job is active
in the printer driver. Open the printer driver and delete the print job.
Error message: Paper jam
LED indicator: The red LED lights up constantly and the green LED flashes.
Remedy: Settings in the printer driver: The FAST TRACKTM Printer settings are not
correct. (Please see Section 4.1 for Settings)
For more information, please refer to the Short Installation Manual.
If it is not possible to acknowledge a fault in the FAST TRACKTM Printer by pressing button 3 or via the
Status Monitor, pressing the reset button once will reset the printer.
Strip was transported through: If the operator first forgets to insert a Marker Card then inserts one when
the FAST TRACKTM Printer is attempting to draw in a non-existent Marker Card, then it will transport the
Marker Card added later through the device without printing.
If you forget to insert a Marker Card, allow the FAST TRACKTM Printer to continue and issue an error
message, add a Marker Card then acknowledge the error by pressing the maintenance button.
Error message: Ink cartridge not recognised
Remedy: Remove the adhesive labels and check if the cartridge was correctly inserted.
Re-insert the ink cartridge.

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8. Error-related indicators
8.1 Deteriorating print quality
If the printouts appear to be increasingly pale or there are gaps in the printing, it may be appropriate to
clean the print head. This guarantees that the ink is being correctly emitted through the nozzles.
• Right-click the FAST TRACKTM Printer EPSON Stylus C62 then click Properties in the Shortcut
menu.
• In the window that opens, click Printer Settings then click Clean Print Head on the Utility tab.
8.2 The print quality remains poor even after cleaning
Replace the ink cartridge with a new one, and carry out the print head cleaning procedure twice.
Note:
• Black ink is used to clean the print head. Therefore to prevent waste, clean the print head only
when the print quality deteriorates.
• Do not start the print head maintenance function when the printer is printing. This could impair
the quality of the printing.
8.3 Marker Cards are not drawn in or transported through the printer
Check if the strip was pushed up to the feed-in stop position, and if the input rail is correctly mounted.
Ensure that the Marker Cards can move freely on the input rail.
8.4 Marker Cards are not correctly ejected
Check if the output rail was correctly mounted.
9. Problems with USB
Read the information in this section if you have problems operating your FAST TRACKTM Printer via a
USB port. If you terminated the Plug and Play installation procedure for the printer driver before its
completion, it is possible that either the USB-Printer printer driver or the generic FAST TRACKTM Printer
driver was not correctly installed. Follow the steps listed below to check the installation and install the
printer driver again:
1. Turn on the FAST TRACKTM Printer and connect the USB cable to the printer and the computer.
2. Right-click the My Computer symbol on your desktop. Then click Properties.
3. Click the Hardware tab.
If the printer driver was correctly installed, the EPSON USB-Printer is displayed in the Device Manager
menu. If the EPSON USB-Printer is not displayed in the Device Manager menu, click the plus (+)
symbol next to Other Devices to display all installed devices.
If the USB-Printer is displayed under Other Devices, then the USB printer driver was not correctly
installed. If EPSON Stylus C62 is displayed, then the Epson printer driver was not correctly installed.
If neither the USB-Printer nor the EPSON Stylus C62 is displayed under Other Devices, click Refresh
or disconnect then reconnect the USB cable from the FAST TRACKTM Printer.
1. Under Other Devices click USB-Printer or EPSON Stylus C62 then click Remove.ClickOK to confirm.
2. In the window displayed, click OK.ClickOK to close the System Properties dialog box.
3. Turn off the FAST TRACKTM Printer. Restart your computer. Re-install all printer drivers. Observe the
instructions in the Setup Manual.