Amano PIX-55 User manual

PIX-55
Atomic Time Clock
Operation Manual

Proprietary Notice
This document contains proprietary information and such information may not be
reproduced in whole or part without the written permission from Amano
Cincinnati, Inc. 140 Harrison Ave., Roseland, New Jersey 07068.
Amano Cincinnati, Inc. reserves the right to make equipment changes and
improvements, which may not be reflected in this document. Portions of this
document may have been updated to include the latest hardware or firmware
version, if applicable. We recommend that this document be read in its entirety
before any attempt is made to operate the equipment.
Thank You….
For purchasing another fine product from
Amano Cincinnati, Inc.
Important! Do not return this clock to the retailer. If you have
any questions or need assistance, please call us toll free at
1-800-253-9836
Need Ribbons, Keys and Accessories?
Visit
www.amano.com/time
Or call 1-800-253-9836

PIX-55 www.amano.com/time 1-800-253-9836 1
Warranty Notice
Any claim for warranty, express or implied, due to the clock’s failure to properly
receive the radio signal because of interference, whatever the source of this
interference may be, are hereby expressly excluded.
For more information about the WWVB radio signal, actual signal coverage in North
America visit NIST’s website at: http://tf.nist.gov/stations/radioclocks.htm
For actual signal coverage in North America visit:
www.boulder.nist.gov/timefreq/stations/wwvbcoverage.htm
Specifications
Power Requirements
For Clock Input: 16.5 VDC, 60Hz, 0.6A (Max.)
For AC Adapter: 100 VAC ± 10%, 50/60Hz
120 VAC ± 10%, 60Hz
230 VAC ± 10%, 50/60Hz
Battery: Lithium Battery for Memory Backup in case of power
failure (factory installed).
Ambient Temperature: -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F)
Ambient Humidity: 10% to 90% (non-condensing)
Dimensions: 6-11/16"(170 mm) Wide X 6- 7/16”(163 mm) High X
6-5/8"(168 mm) Deep.
Weight:
A
pproximately 3.6 lbs. (1.63 kg)
Environment: Indoor use only; dust-free environment. Keep out of
direct sunlight.
External View Internal View
The PROGRAM button is used to enter and exit the Program Mode.
The CHANGE button is used to change the information on the display.
The ENTER button is used to accept the information shown on the display and
save it in memory.
The HOUR button advances the hour in the display by increments of 1.
The MINUTE button advances the minutes in the display by increments of 1.

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Display View
The LCD Display contains an Ink Capacity gauge. This gauge indicates the
amount of ink remaining in the ribbon cartridge using four bar segments, from E
(Empty) to F (Full).
The PIX-55 calculates the ink capacity of the ribbon cartridge from the number of
imprints made. As the ink capacity decreases, the bars in the gauge will
disappear. When the ribbon capacity drops below 25%, the “E”, “F” and “INK”
characters will blink until the ribbon is replaced and the ink counter is reset.
Removing the Cover and Packing Material
1. Insert the key provided and turn clockwise to unlock the cover.
2. Lift the cover to remove.
3. Remove the spacer between the Ribbon Cartridge and the Printer Carriage.
Making a Test Print
1. Make sure the PIX-55 is plugged in.
2. Insert a piece of paper or time card into the PIX-55. The clock will
automatically print YEAR, MONTH, DATE and TIME with AM or PM.
3. If the imprint is satisfactory, the PIX-55 is ready for use.

PIX-55 www.amano.com/time 1-800-253-9836 3
Setting the Time (If Displayed Time is Incorrect or In
Different Time Zone)
1. Unlock and remove the cover.
2. Press the HOUR advance button until the correct hour appears.
3. Press the MINUTE advance button until the correct minute appears.
Note – You must follow this procedure if you are installing the PIX-55
in a different Time Zone from where it is currently programmed.
Setting the Month and Date
1. Press the PROGRAM button until dA EPI appears,
then release. Next press the ENTER button.
2. Press the CHANGE button until the correct year
appears, then press the ENTER button.
3. Press the CHANGE button until the correct date
appears, then press the ENTER button.
4. Press the CHANGE button until the correct month
appears, then press the ENTER button.
5. The display should now be flashing the correct
month, date and year. Press the ENTER button to
save.
6. Press the PROGRAM button to exit.

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Changing the Print Style
1. Press the PROGRAM
button until dA EPI
appears.
2. Press the CHANGE
button until Prn P4
flashes in the display.
Press the ENTER
button.
3. The display will flash
the current setting.
Press the CHANGE
button until the desired
print style code
appears (see diagram).
4. When the display
flashes the correct
setting, press the
ENTER button and
press the PROGRAM
button to exit.
Changing the Print Direction
1. Press the PROGRAM button until d
dA AE EP
PI I
appears.
2. Press the CHANGE button until 0 hr P5
flashes in the display. Press the ENTER button.
3. Press the CHANGE button until Prdr I 3 flashes
in the display. Press the ENTER button.
4. Press the CHANGE button until the desired
print direction r9h (Right Side) or LEf (Left
Side) flashes in the display, then press the
ENTER button.
5. Press the PROGRAM button to exit.

PIX-55 www.amano.com/time 1-800-253-9836 5
Enabling or Disabling Daylight Saving Time
Note – when this setting is set to ON, the clock’s time will
automatically change for DST. When this setting is set to OFF, the
clock’s time will not change for DST.
(To program the dates for the begin and end DST, refer to the Other Options
Menu sections, below.)
1. Press the PROGRAM button for two seconds, then
press the CHANGE button until dL S P3 flashes in
the display.
2. Press the ENTER button.
3. Press the CHANGE button to alternate between ON
and OFF.
4. When the display flashes the correct setting, press
the ENTER button.
5. When the display flashes dL S P3, press the
PROGRAM button to exit the Program Mode.
Changing the Begin Date for DST: Other Options Menu
Note – the government standard for DST is subject to change. Your
clock is factory set for correct DST based upon when it was
manufactured, but any revision to DST begin or end dates may
require updating the system-set DST calendar.
The steps below change the begin date for DST. Updating the begin date for
DST needs to be done just one time, since the clock’s rolling calendar function
will auto-calculate the begin date for each year thereafter. To change the end
date for DST, refer to the next section.
1. Press the PROGRAM button for two seconds, then the
CHANGE button until 0hr P5 flashes in the display.
2. Press the ENTER button.
3. Press the CHANGE button until bdL 16 (begin Daylight Saving
Time Date) flashes in the display.
4. Press the ENTER button.
5. The display shows the current month, date and year for the
beginning of DST (year 2009 shown). The year flashes,
indicating the year is the first part of the DST Begin Date that
can be adjusted.
6. Press the CHANGE button until the year shows the correct
year for the beginning year for the DST modification.
7. Press ENTER. The date flashes.

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8. Press the CHANGE button until the date shows the correct
date for the beginning date for the DST modification.
9. Press ENTER. The month flashes.
10. Press the CHANGE button until the month shows the correct
month for the beginning month for the DST modification.
11. Press ENTER.
12. When the display flashes the correct selection, press the
ENTER button, then the PROGRAM button, to save changes
and exit the DST function.
Changing the End Date for DST: Other Options Menu
Note – the government standard for DST is subject to change. Your
clock is factory set for correct DST based upon when it was
manufactured, but any revision to DST begin or end dates may
require updating the system-set DST calendar.
The steps below change the end date for DST. Updating the end date for DST
needs to be done just one time, since the clock’s rolling calendar function will
auto-calculate the end date for each year thereafter. To change the begin date
for DST, refer to the previous section.
1. Press the PROGRAM button for two seconds, then the
CHANGE button until 0hr P5 flashes in the display.
2. Press the ENTER button.
3. Press the CHANGE button until EdL 17 (end Daylight Saving
Time Date) flashes in the display.
4. Press the ENTER button.
5. The display shows the current month, date and year for the
end of DST (year 2009 shown). The year flashes, indicating
the year is the first part of the DST End Date that can be
adjusted.
6. Press the CHANGE button until the year shows the correct
year for the beginning year for the DST modification.
7. Press ENTER. The date flashes.
8. Press the CHANGE button until the date shows the correct
date for the beginning date for the DST modification.
9. Press ENTER. The month flashes.
10. Press the CHANGE button until the month shows the correct
month for the beginning month for the DST modification.
11. Press ENTER.
12. When the display flashes the correct selection, press the
ENTER button, then the PROGRAM button, to save changes
and exit the DST function.

PIX-55 www.amano.com/time 1-800-253-9836 7
Enabling or Disabling Auto Print
1. Press the PROGRAM button until dA EPI
appears.
2. Press the CHANGE button until 0hr P5 flashes in
the display. Press the ENTER button.
3. Press the CHANGE button until A Pr I 4 flashes
in the display. Press the ENTER button.
4. Press the CHANGE button until the desired code
appears on the display, then press the Enter
button. The Auto Print codes are as follows:
5. Press the PROGRAM button to exit.
Wall Mounting
Placement considerations:
1. Remove the Cover and then remove the
Back Plate by pressing the tab on the
bottom of the clock as shown in the right-
hand figure.
Code Mode Description
P on Auto
Print
Will automatically print a
single print when media is
inserted.
OFF Manual
Print
Requires you to use the
PRINT button when
printing.
P:5 on DO NOT USE

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2. Using the Back Plate as a template, mark
the lower mounting hole on the wall.
3. Mount the plate using a #10 wood screw
(or equivalent) in the center mounting hole.
4. Level the Back Plate and mark the location
of the two upper mounting holes. Secure to
the wall using #10 wood screws (or
equivalent).
5. Feed the cable of AC Power Adapter
through one of the holes in the Back Plate.
6. Align the clock with the two upper tabs on
the back plate. Tilt the back of the clock
upwards to fully insert the back plate tabs
into the clock. Be careful not to pinch the
power cord with the bracket.
7. Once the tabs are inserted, tilt the clock
back down and push it against the wall.
The tabs will snap into place.
8. Replace the cover and lock it in place using
the supplied key.
Atomic Clock Feature
The Amano atomic clock receives time signals on long
wave radio (60 kHz) from the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) radio station WWVB,
located in Fort Collins, Colorado, which is coupled with
the atomic cesium clock in Boulder. The PIX-55
receives the WWVB time signal via its built-in antenna
system. Your clock will try to find the signal on a daily basis.
The Atomic Time Synchronization Indicator in the LCD
Display indicates the status of the signal. When you first
receive the clock, it may be necessary to adjust the hour and
minute. If your PIX-55 is located in an area that cannot
receive the Atomic time signal, DO NOT be concerned, since
the PIX-55 is able to accurately keep the time using its quartz
mechanism (plus or minus three seconds per week).
Searching
for signal Found signal

PIX-55 www.amano.com/time 1-800-253-9836 9
Please visit to http://tf.nist.gov/stations/radioclocks.htm for more information
about how radio-controlled clocks work, where they work, and what to do when
they don’t work.
Disabling or Enabling the Atomic Clock
By default, the Atomic Clock function is enabled. If you wish to disable the atomic
clock synchronization, or if you wish to re-enable synchronization, please do the
following:
1. Press the PROGRAM button until d
dA A E E
P
PI I appears.
2. Press the CHANGE button until 0 hr P5
flashes in the display. Press the ENTER
button.
3. Press the CHANGE button until dIA9 I 8
flashes in the display. Press the ENTER
button.
4. Press the CHANGE button until CLr d 4
flashes in the display. Press the ENTER
button.
5. Press the CHANGE button until the last
digit of the code is the number 3 (to
disable atomic clock) or the number 4
(to enable atomic clock).
6. Press ENTER to accept the entry. The
display will move to the first digit of the
code (0). Press ENTER to accept it.
When the display flashes the correct
code (03) for disable or (04) for enable,
press ENTER.
7. Press the PROGRAM button to exit.

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Ribbon Cartridge Replacement
Step 1. Insert the clock key (required to unlock the cover),
turn clockwise, lift up the cover (see figure), and
remove for ribbon access. Locate the ribbon
cradle.
Note: You MUST have the key to remove the cover for
ribbon replacement.
Step 2. Pull the two release tabs ("B") upward, and
hold with index and middle fingers (see
figure).
Step 3. While holding the release tabs in an upward
position, grasp the tab on the ribbon cassette,
and pull the ribbon cassette out of the cradle
(see figure).
Note: If the print mechanism is down (a piece of
paper could not be inserted), press the RESET
button to move the carriage up. This will make
the ribbon installation easier.
Step 4. Insert a new ribbon and be sure to mount it
between the ribbon guide and the printer
head as illustrated (see figure and arrows).
The Amano
PIX-55 clock
pictured to the right,
shows a typical
layout with the
ribbon cartridge
installed in the
cradle.

PIX-55 www.amano.com/time 1-800-253-9836 11
Step 5. Turn the knob on the cassette clockwise one turn
to take up any slack in the ribbon (see figure).
Step 6. Reset the INK indicator
by pressing the CHANGE and ENTER buttons at the same time.
Step 7. Stamp a card to check the printing quality and confirm that you have
installed the ribbon properly.
Step 8. Replace the cover (locks automatically).
The Amano Part number for a set of PIX-55 keys is AJR-201150
Note – A key is required to unlock the top cover which allows you
access to the ribbon cartridge for replacement and/or the
programming buttons.
When ordering parts and/or accessories, be sure to include your PIX-55 model
number.
The PIX-55 ribbon cartridge in Black ink is:
Amano Part No. CE-315151 Order now!
The PIX-55 ribbon cartridge in Red ink is:
Amano Part No. YK-629671 Order now!
The PIX-55 ribbon cartridge in Green ink is:
Amano Part No. YK-629771 Order now!
These ribbon cartridges are normally good
for approximately 6000 stamps, but they are
supplied in sealed plastic bags to provide an
average shelf life of 2 plus years.

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Error Messages
In the event of an error, a message will appear in the display. The possible error
messages are listed in the following table along with their probable causes and
solutions.
Note – An error message can be possibly cleared by pressing the
“Reset” button. The Reset button is located on the bottom right back
corner of clock. It is a small button inside the hole (see figure). You
DO NOT have to remove the back plate to press the Reset button.
There is a cutout that allows access to it even if the clock is still
mounted on the wall. However, you will have to remove the top cover
to access the programming buttons should you have to reprogram the
clock due to an error. To remove the cover, insert the key provided
(Amano Part # AJR-201150), turn clockwise and lift to remove.
For error messages Pr E I through Pr E r, unplug the clock before checking to
see that the carriage is not stuck or jammed. Also, check to see that the ribbon
cables are in good condition. After clearing any jams, plug the clock back in.
Contact us at 1-800-253-9836 if you need assistance.
The dL error message signifies that an attempt was made to get into the
Program mode during the Daylight Saving changeover one-hour lockout. Wait
one hour and you will be able to program the clock.
Figure: PIX-55 Bottom View

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Table: Error Messages
Error Message Cause Solution
E r Pr General Print
Error.
Unlock cover and remove. Press the
Reset button (see above figure). If the
error clears, try to stamp a card. If the unit
stamps without having the error message
come up again replace the cover and lock.
The configuration is still programmed in
the clock.
E I Pr Home Sensor
Motor, Carriage
Stuck.
Unlock cover and remove. Set PIX-55 on
side with the ribbon side up. Press the
Reset button to reset the printer carriage
and blow air into the printer platen to
remove or dislodge jammed objects (i.e.,
staples).
E 2 Pr Timing Sensor,
Carriage Stuck.
Unlock cover and remove. Set PIX-55 on
side with the ribbon side up. Press the
Reset button to reset the printer carriage
and blow air into the printer platen to
remove or dislodge jammed objects. If the
error reoccurs, check the wires and cables
to verify all are connected properly.
E 3 Pr / E 4 Pr Home Sensor,
Carriage Stuck.
Unlock cover and remove. Press the
Reset button to reset the printer carriage
and the time should reappear on the
display. Try to stamp a card again so you
can hear the machine attempting to
stamp. If you hear that the assembly
sounds sluggish or drags, Amano
recommends that the frame be re-
lubricated with either silicone or white
lithium grease. See the following figure for
location. (DO NOT use WD-40 as it will
damage the plastic components).
Note – Print errors can be caused by the absence of grease on the
printing carriage mechanism. If this occurs, the carriage mechanism
may not slide smoothly. This movement restriction may cause the
printer to display a print error and stop working. If this occurs, apply
white silicone grease to the horizontal metal plate that the carriage
mechanism slides against (see the following figure).

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Figure: Ribbon Carriage Grease
Should you need further assistance in clearing an error message:
1. Visit our website at: http://www.amano.com/time or
2. Call us at: 1 [phone]
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (EST)
Clearing the Memory on the PIX-55 – “Prt er” Error
Message
Before you begin, press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. The reset
button is located in the back right corner on the bottom of the clock. (Inside an
opening). The time must be visible on the display to be able to program the unit.
1. PressthePROGRAMbuttondownfor2seconds,thenrelease.Your
displaywillread“dAtEP1”
2. PresstheCHANGEbutton4(four)times.Yourdisplaywillread
“OthrP5”
3. PresstheENTERbuttononce.Yourdisplaywillread“Prnt11”
4. PresstheCHANGEbutton7(seven)times.Yourdisplaywillread
“dIA918”
5. PresstheENTERbuttononce.Yourdisplaywillread“SoFt d1”
6. PresstheCHANGEbutton3(three)times.Yourdisplaywillread
“CLrd4”

PIX-55 www.amano.com/time 1-800-253-9836 15
7. PresstheENTERbuttononce.Yourdisplaywillread“00”.Thezero
ontherightshouldbeflashing.
8. PresstheCHANGEbutton2(two)times.Thedisplaywillread“02”.
9. PresstheENTERbuttononce.Theleftzeroshouldnowbeflashing.
10. PresstheCHANGEbutton3(three)times.Thedisplaywillread
“32”.
11. PresstheENTERbutton2(two)times.Thedisplaywillnowread
“dIA9 18”
12. PressthePROGRAMbuttononcetoexitfromprogramming.
The programmable memory in your PIX-55 has now been reset to the factory
default. Please insert a piece of media to conduct a test print. If the error
message does not come back, you can now reprogram your unit to the current
date and time. However, if the error message returns, please call 800-253-9836
for additional assistance.
Cleaning
Do not use any chemical solvents or oils to clean or lubricate your PIX-55. This
will damage your clock. To clean the inside of your clock, simply blow it out with
air.
Resetting Clock After Extended Loss of Power
If there has been a power interruption of duration sufficient to drain the internal
lithium battery, the date setting, the clock setting and the Daylight Saving Time
setting will each need to be reset.

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NOTES

AJR-224503 Copyright © 2009 Amano Cincinnati, Inc. 07/09/0
www.amano.com/time