American Printing House PixBlaster 1-08070-00 User manual

PixBlaster TM
User Guide
Catalog No. 1-08070-00
Copyright © 2020

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PixBlaster User Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction 5
Safety Instructions 5
System Compatibility 6
Getting PixBlaster Ready for Use 7
In the Box 7
Unpacking the Box 7
Setting Up Embosser for Initial Use 9
Powering on the Embosser 9
Connecting to USB, LAN, and Audio Ports 10
Installing the Software 11
Removing the Printer Driver and Devices 14
Setting Printer Properties and Preferences 15
Making Use of the PixBlaster Properties Window 16
Device Settings Tab 16
Service Tab 23
Utilizing the Advanced Printer Configuration 25
Calibration Tab 25
Network Tab 26
Usage Tab 27
Utilizing Printing Preferences Window 28
Layout Tab 29
Paper/Media Tab 31
Tiger Tab 35
Utilizing the Operator Panel 38
Button Functions 39
Operator Panel Menu 40
Receiving Machine Status and Alerts 44

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PixBlaster User Guide
Loading Paper Into the Embosser 46
Inserting Paper into Tractor Mechanism 46
Resolving Paper Jams 46
Utilizing Braille Transcription Software 50
BrailleBlaster 50
Setting up PixBlaster in BrailleBlaster® 51
ViewPlus Tiger Software Suite (TSS) 52
Printing Graphics and Braille 52
Selecting Braille Fonts 53
Creating Braille Math Documents 54
Printing Documents 54
Accessing Training, Maintenance, Support, and Warranty
Information 55
Accessing Training Resources 55
Monitoring Maintenance of Embosser 55
Contacting APH Customer Service 56
Locating Warranty Information 56
Appendices 57
Appendix A: Compliance Statements 57
Appendix B: Embosser Specifications 60
Appendix C: TigerPlus Technology 62
Appendix D: Proper Trademark Notice and Attributions 63

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PixBlaster User Guide
Introduction
Welcome to the APH's PixBlaster™ embosser (Catalog No.
1-08070-00) that provides double-sided embossing for braille
text with capabilities to include single-sided high-quality
tactile graphics.
The PixBlaster embosser uses the standard Windows printer
driver to mix text and graphics in mainstream Windows®
software like Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Use the
computer to adjust settings and preferences. Print documents
exactly as they appear on the screen.
The PixBlaster embosser is compatible with APH’s
BrailleBlaster®, Tiger Software Suite, and third party products
such as Duxbury, Braille2000, and RTFC braille translation
software, which can be used to print braille from braille
notetakers.
Use the Tiger Software Suite (TSS) to take braille translation
and tactile graphics to a new level. The Tiger®Braille
Formatter is a Microsoft add-in that gives you advanced tools
for translation and embossing. Tiger Designer enables basic
editing of documents for quick drawing and braille needs.
Translator serves as a basic translation tool for almost any
Windows software—including PowerPoint®and CorelDRAW®
Graphics Suite 2020.
Updates and additional information can be found on the
APH PixBlaster webpage at https://www.aph.org/product/
pixblaster .
Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT: Please read the safety instructions before
using the embosser. In addition, abide by all warnings and
instructions marked on the embosser itself.

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PixBlaster User Guide
• Do not place the embosser on an unstable surface.
• Do not place the embosser near a radiator or heat source.
• Do not block or cover slots and openings in the
embosser’s cabinet; do not insert objects through slots.
• Use only the type of power source indicated on the
embosser’s label.
• Connect all equipment to properly grounded electrical
outlets.
• Do not use frayed or damaged power cords.
• The use of an extension cord with the embosser is not
recommended.
• Unplug the embosser before cleaning it; only use a damp
cloth to clean it.
• Do not spill liquid into the embosser.
• Except as specifically explained in the user guide, do not
attempt to service the embosser by yourself.
• Only adjust those controls that are covered by the
operating instructions.
• Detach the embosser from the power source and refer to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
• If the power cord or plug is damaged.
• If liquid has entered the embosser.
• If the embosser has been dropped or the cabinet is
damaged.
• If the embosser does not operate properly or exhibits
a distinct change in performance.
System Compatibility
The Windows driver for PixBlaster is compatible with Windows
Vista®through current versions of Windows operating
systems, both 32- and 64-bit systems. The Windows driver

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PixBlaster User Guide
allows printing to PixBlaster from virtually any program
in the Windows operating system. Read more about the
Windows printer driver installation in the section Installing the
Software.
A macOS®10.9 printer driver is also available for the
PixBlaster embosser.
Getting PixBlaster Ready for Use
In the Box
• PixBlaster embosser
• PIXie box (for wireless connectivity)
• PIXie power adapter
• Speaker and USB-A to Mini-B power cord (in separate
box)
• USB-A to USB-B printer cable
• PixBlaster USB flash drive (includes driver, user guide,
and software)
• PIXie USB flash drive (includes PIXie reset file)
• Print and braille versions of the Quick-Start Guide
• Hardcopy tactile graphic/braille samples
Unpacking the Box
1. Remove the embosser and all accessories from the
packaging.
2. Inspect the embosser and the packaging for any damage.
If noticeable damage occurred during shipping, please
report to your APH product supplier immediately.

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PixBlaster User Guide
NOTE: Save the packing material and box. The packing
material must be used to ship the PixBlaster for warranty
maintenance service and to settle any insurance claim.
3. Remove the shipping bolt by opening the top lid of the
embosser and removing the shipping bolt as indicated in
Image 1.
Image 1: Shows the shipping bolt and location
4. Store the shipping bolt in the plastic retaining loops on
the inside frame, indicated in Image 2.
Image 2: Shows proper storage of the shipping bolt

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PixBlaster User Guide
IMPORTANT: Before packing up the PixBlaster embosser
for shipping, please make sure to reinstall the shipping
bolt. You may need to tilt the embosser gently to the side
with the buttons until you hear a sliding sound to allow
complete insertion of the shipping bolt. Screw and tighten
the shipping bolt securely. Replace the tape to hold the lid on
the embosser. Reinsert the PixBlaster into the original plastic
bag and add the side-specific foam end caps to the embosser.
These shipping instructions are mandatory otherwise the
warranty is voided.
Setting Up Embosser for Initial Use
Powering on the Embosser
Facing the back of the embosser, in the lower-right corner,
there is a power module with a power socket, an On/Off
switch, and a compartment holding one fuse (see Image 3).
A sticker above the power module indicates the specific fuse
required for the embosser. If the embosser does not power
on, it may be necessary to replace the fuse.
Image 3: Shows the power module in the back
of the embosser

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PixBlaster User Guide
Insert the power cable plug into the PixBlaster power socket
and the other end into a grounded outlet or a surge protector
(recommended).
The Power switch is labeled with a circle () for Off and a
horizontal bar (—) for On. Press the Power switch to the On
position, which is to the left when facing the embosser from
the front.
Connecting to USB, LAN, and Audio Ports
Facing the front of the embosser, on the right-side panel are
three ports (see Image 4). From right to left they are the LAN
port, the USB port, and the audio jack.
Audio USB LAN
Image 4: Shows three ports on the right-hand side
of the embosser
IMPORTANT: Install the Printer Driver software located on
the PixBlaster flash drive BEFORE connecting PixBlaster to a
computer. See the Installing the Software section.
USB: To connect the embosser for printing, insert the square
end of the USB printer cable into the center (USB) port and
the rectangular end into the host computer USB port.