Astro Machine AstroJet L1 User manual

AstroJetTM L1
COLOR LABEL
PRINTER
OPERATOR MANUAL
ASTRO MACHINE CORP.
630 Lively Blvd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.astromachine.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
THIS EQUIPMENT PRESENTS NO PROBLEM WHEN USED PROPERLY. OBSERVE
SAFETY RULES WHEN OPERATING THE L1 PRINTER.
BEFORE USING PRINTER, READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW
RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES, SAFETY WARNINGS, AND INSTRUCTIONS:
Keep hands, hair, and clothing clear of rollers and other moving parts.
Avoid touching moving parts or materials while machine is in use. Before clearing a jam, be sure
machine mechanisms come to a stop.
Always turn machine off before making adjustments, cleaning the machine, or performing any
maintenance covered in this manual.
Power cord and power supply supplied with machine. Plug it into a properly grounded, easily
accessible wall outlet near machine. Failure to properly ground machine can result in severe personal
injury and/or fire.
Power cord and wall plug are primary means of disconnecting machine from power supply.
DO NOT use an adapter plug on line cord or wall outlet.
DO NOT remove ground pin from line cord.
DO NOT route power cord over sharp edges or trap it between furniture.
Avoid using wall outlets that are controlled by wall switches or shared with other equipment.
Make sure there is no strain on power cord caused by jamming it between equipment,
walls or furniture.
DO NOT remove covers. Covers enclose hazardous parts that should only be accessed by a qualified
service representative. Report any cover damage to your service representative.
This machine requires periodic maintenance. Contact your authorized service representative for required
service schedules.
To prevent overheating, do not cover vent openings.
Use this equipment only for its intended purpose.
In addition, follow any specific occupational safety and health standards for your workplace or area.
This manual is intended solely for the use and information of Astro Machine Corp., its designated agents,
customers, and their employees. The information in this guide was obtained from several different
sources that are deemed reliable by all industry standards. To the best of our knowledge, that information
is accurate in all respects. However, neither Astro Machine Corp. nor any of its agents or employees shall
be responsible for any inaccuracies contained herein.
AstroJetTM is a registered trademark of Astro Machine Corp.
Memjet®is a registered trademark.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
SECTION 1 –Getting Acquainted 1
Front View 1
Rear View 2
Print Engine View 3
Print Area View (Under Clamshell) 4
Ink Tank Door View 5
SECTION 2 –Installing Printer 6
Contents of Packaging 6
Choose a Location 6
Unpack and Set-up 6
Attachments 6
Install Ink Drip Tray Assembly 7
Connect Printer 8
Install Printer Driver 9
Install Over USB Connection 9
Install Over Network Connection, Version A 11
Install Over Network Connection, Version B 14
Install Ink Tanks 16
First Time Install Printhead Cartridge 17
Connect Printer to External Device 20
Load Media 20
SECTION 3 –Operating Printer 21
Printer Driver Properties 21
General Tab 22
Layout Tab 23
Color Tab 23
Media Tab 24
Import/Export Tab 26
Using Printer Touchscreen 27
Drop-Down Menu Options 27
Using Printer Toolbox 37
Drop-Down Menu Options 37
Maintenance Drop-Down 49
Service Drop-Down 49
Print Drop-Down 49
Update Firmware using “.bin” Files 50
SECTION 4 –Maintenance 51
Replace Ink Tanks 51
Clean Ink Tank Contacts 52
Clean/Replace Printhead Cartridge 53
Inspect the Service Station 58
Replace Ink Waste Tray 59
Cleaning 60
Shipping or Transporting Printer 62
SECTION 5 –Troubleshooting Guide 64
Memjet®Printhead 64
Printer 65
Errors and Warnings 66

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ii
Appendices 67
Appendix A –Printer Specifications 67
Appendix B –Supplies and Optional Hardware 68
Appendix C –Borderless Printing: Borderless Print vs. Oversize 69
Index 73
Printer Maintenance Schedule 77

TABLE OF CONTENTS
iii
NOTES
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SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
1
SECTION 1 –Getting Acquainted
Front View
1.
Control Panel Touchscreen –Displays Menu and information about Printer status.
Controls Printer functions and set-up.
2.
Top Cover –Provides access to Print Engine, Printhead and Service Station.
3.
ON/OFF LED Button –Turn power ON or OFF during idle time and maintenance.
4.
SD Card USB Port –Use this port to back-up the Printer's SD card to a USB memory
stick including any saved Print Jobs in the Printer Job Library and Printer Debug Logs
for service personnel or archiving. Upload Print Jobs from other sources and printers.
5.
Clamshell –Holds upper section of Print Engine including Printhead and Service
Station. Lifts up to clear media path.
6.
Ink Vapor Exhaust Fan –Draws ink vapor out of the Print Area and away from the
Exit Sensor.
7.
Cutter Assembly –Cuts media after each piece or at end of job.
8.
Fixed and Adjustable Exit Media Guides –Loosen and tighten knob to slide
Adjustable Exit Guide to accommodate different media widths and keep media aligned
as it exits the Printer.
9.
Ink Tank Door –Access to Ink Tanks. When open, disconnects Printer communication
to Ink Tanks and allows safe installation and replacement.
10.
Ink Tanks –Printer has five Ink Tanks: Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, and two Black.
11.
Ink Waste Tray –Catches any waste ink produced by system. Tray is filled with
absorbent material. Pull on tab to remove Tray.
12.
Ink Tank Latches –Used to hold Ink Tanks in slots.
NOTE: Make sure both sides at bottom part of latch are engaged.
13.
Adjustable Media Guide –Adjusts to hold media against Media and Alignment Guides.
14.
Clamshell Latch –Release to raise the Printhead Assembly.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
2
Rear View
1.
Top Cover –Provides access to Print Engine, Printhead and Service Station.
2.
ON/OFF LED Button –Turn power ON or OFF during idle time and maintenance.
3.
Clamshell –Holds upper section of Print Engine including Printhead and Service
Station. Lifts up to clear media path.
4.
Control Panel Touchscreen –Displays Menu and information about Printer
status. Controls Printer functions and setup.
5.
Ink Tank Door –Access to Ink Tanks. When open, a switch disconnects Printer
communication to Ink Tanks and allows safe Ink Tank installation and replacement.
6.
Adjustable Media Guide –Adjusts to hold media against Stationary Media and
Alignment Guides.
7.
Fixed Media Guide –Keeps media aligned as it enters the Printer.
8.
Top Forwarding Wheels Assembly and Forwarding Rollers –Move media
smoothly into the Printer.
9.
Adjustable Media (Entry) Sensor Assembly –Aligns the Media Sensor to
accurately read irregular-shaped media (such as die-cut ovals or circles).
10.
Network Port –Ethernet cable plugs in here.
11.
USB Port –USB cable attaches to Printer here.
12.
Interface Port –Connect an external device.
13.
Main Power Switch, Receptacle and Fuse –Plug in power cord here. Switch
turns main power ON/OFF. (Use Control Panel LED Power switch to turn off
machine for cleaning and maintenance). Fuse protects Printer’s electronic circuits.
14.
Service Port –Provides advanced diagnostic access for service technicians.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
3
Print Engine View
1.
Printhead Latch –When closed, connects Ink Revolver Couplings with Printhead
Cartridge. When opened, retracts Ink Couplings from Printhead Cartridge and
provides access to Printhead Cartridge for cleaning and replacement.
WARNING! Never attempt to open Printhead Latch manually, severe damage will result. Use
the Printhead Release in the Touchscreen "Service" drop-down menu when no ink is in
system. Use System Deprime when ink is in system.
2.
Ink Revolver Couplings –Connect ink hoses to Printhead Cartridge. Printhead
Latch extends and retracts couplings from Printhead.
3.
Printhead Cartridge –Memjet®Printhead produces an 8.5" wide full color print area.
4.
Service Station –Cleans Printhead Cartridge of excess ink and debris, keeps
Printhead hydrated and protected when not in use, captures and removes ink used to
keep nozzles clear, and moves out of the way of the Printhead during printing.
5.
Service Station Inspection Motor –Moves the Service Station in and out from
under the Printhead Assembly for inspection, cleaning or service.
6.
Printhead Assembly Lifter Motor –Lifts and lowers the Printhead Assembly over
the Service Station for Service Station access and Printing.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
4
Print Area View (Under Clamshell)
1.
Forwarding Rollers –Move media into Printer.
2.
Clamshell "Open" Switch –Signals Printer when the Top Assembly Latch is
released and Top Assembly is opened. Shows on Touchscreen display and in
Toolbox System Status icon.
3.
Adjustable Media (Entry) Sensor –Aligns the Media Sensor to accurately read
irregular-shaped media (such as diecut ovals or circles).
4.
Print Platen –Flat surface helps media transport smoothly through Print Area.
5.
Clamshell Latch –Release to raise Top Assembly to clear media jams or for
cleaning and other maintenance.
6.
Transport Rollers –Keep media moving through Print Area.
7.
Ink Drip Cover and Tray –Located under Printhead. Catches any excess ink
coming from Service Station and Printhead.
8.
Encoder Assembly and Guard.
9.
Support Strut –Supports Top Assembly when raised.
10.
Media (Exit) Sensor –Signals Printer that media has exited the Printer.
11.
Ink Vapor Exhaust Fans –Draw ink vapor out of the Print Area and away from the
Exit Sensor.
12.
Exit Starwheel Assembly –Helps media exit smoothly from Printer.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
5
Ink Tank Door View
1.
Print Engine Assembly Latch –Release to raise Printhead Assembly to clear
media jams or for other maintenance.
2.
Ink Tank Latches –Used to hold Ink Tanks in slots.
NOTE: Make sure both sides at bottom part of latch are engaged.
3.
Ink Tanks –Printer has 5 Ink Tanks: Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, and two Black
4.
Ink Waste Tray –Catches any waste ink produced by system. Tray is filled with
absorbent material. Pull on tab to remove Tray.
5.
Ink Tank Disconnect Switch –When Ink Door is opened, Switch shuts down
communication between Printer and Ink Tanks for safe removal and replacement.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
6
SECTION 2 –Installing Printer
Contents of Packaging
1.
L1 Label Printer
2.
Ink Drip Tray Assembly
3.
Five Ink Tanks –Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Black
4.
Printhead Cartridge
5.
AC Power Cord
6.
USB Cable
7.
Operator Manual
8.
Driver Software CD
Before using Label Printer:
Choose a location for Printer
Unpack Printer
Install Ink Drip Tray
Plug in Printer and connect it to computer or network
Install Printer Driver
Install Ink Tanks
Install Printhead
Align Printer with other in-line devices (If used)
Connect external device (Winder, Laminator, Dryer, etc.) to
Printer (If used)
Set up feed on Printer
Choose a Location
Place the Printer on a sturdy level worktable or cabinet at least 9" from any walls. Use a level to make
sure the Printer is level. Protect the Printer from excessive heat, dust, and moisture. Avoid placing the Printer in
direct sunlight.
Unpack and Set-up
Remove Printer and its parts from carton. Remove all packing tape.
Attachments
Install Ink Drip Tray Assembly before operating Printer.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
7
Install Ink Drip Tray Assembly
1. Open Ink Tank Door [A].
2. Release Latch [B] to raise the Clamshell.
3. Insert tabs on Ink Drip Tray into frame
slots [C] as shown.
4. Close Clamshell.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
8
Connect Printer
Plugging in Printer
Plug power cord into receptacle [1] located on the rear panel of the Printer.
Internal power supply in Printer is rated 100 to 240VAC, 50/60 Hz.
CAUTION
DO NOT USE AN ADAPTER PLUGS OR EXTENSION CORDS
TO CONNECT PRINTER TO WALL RECEPTACLE.
DO NOT USE OUTLETS CONTROLLED BY WALL SWITCHES.
DO NOT USE OUTLETS THAT SHARE SAME CIRCUIT WITH
LARGE ELECTRICAL MACHINES OR APPLIANCES.
Connect to Computer
Printer connects to computer through USB Port [2].
Network Port [3] for operating in a network environment.
See “Network Connection Setup”in “Using Control Panel Touchscreen”.
Turning Power ON and OFF
IMPORTANT!
CLOSE ALL COVERS AND DOORS BEFORE STARTING OR
POWERING DOWN THE PRINTER.
IMPORTANT! START ONE PRINTER AT A TIME WHEN SIMILAR
PRINTERS ARE ON THE SAME NETWORK.
Powering Up Printer:
1. Press Main Power Switch on Rear Panel.
2. Press Power Button on Control Panel.
Powering Down Printer:
CAUTION
WHENEVER POWERING DOWN UNIT, ALWAYS:
1. CLOSE ALL COVERS.
2. PRESS POWER BUTTON ON CONTROL PANEL.
3. WAIT FOR PRINTER TO STOP PROCESSING.
4. THEN PRESS MAIN POWER SWITCH ON REAR PANEL.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
9
Install Printer Driver
For Printer software to operate properly, check that computer system meets minimum requirements:
Operating System: Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10 (Desktop Mode only). Windows XP, Windows Vista,
Windows 7. Supports 32 and 64 bit systems. (You must have administrative privileges on system.)
NOTE: Windows 8, 8.1 and Windows 10 will only work in desktop mode. No Windows 8 or 10 metro apps
will be supported (applications that work ONLY in Windows 8 or 10 environments).
Microprocessor: Pentium II, 2 GHz minimum (Pentium Dual Core, 2.5 GHz or better, is optimal)
System memory: 2 GB minimum; or as recommended for your operating system.
Free hard-disk space: At least 10 GB.
Web Browser: Firefox recommended; Chrome, Safari, and Opera also supported.
CD/DVD drive.
USB port (2.0/3.0): (Ports will be identified as “USB” or “Enhanced” in Device Manager)
Microsoft .Net Framework version 3.5 (for 32 bit systems) or Microsoft .Net Framework version 4 (for 64 bit
systems) must be installed. NOTE: Even if a higher .NET Framework version is installed; version 3.5 or 4 must
also be installed, or Toolbox will not open.
IMPORTANT: Before installing Printer software (Toolbox and Driver), temporarily disable all antivirus
programs and firewalls. In addition, you must be logged onto system with full administrative privileges
(admin rights). NOTE: If installing over USB, do not plug in USB cable until prompted.
Install Over USB Connection
This is the procedure for installing the Print Driver over the USB connection. The procedures for installing the Print
Driver over a network connection follow.
1. Check that Printer is plugged in and turned OFF. Disconnect
USB connection if already plugged in.Install disk supplied with
Printer in your CD drive. When AutoPlay Window opens, click
“Run Setup.exe”to start.
2. Install Printer Software. Make sure computer system
meets minimum requirements and you followed other
instructions listed on screen. Click “Install Printer
Software”.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
10
3. License Agreement.
Check “I accept…” then click “Next>”.
4. Printer Connections. Click “Configure to print using
USB”. Then click “Next>”.
5. Installing Printer Software.
Software download begins.
6. Would You Like to Install This Device Software?
Click “Install”.
7. Connect Device Now. Turn Printer ON and connect USB
cable. Don’t click on either button.
Software will finish installing.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
11
8. Finished software installation. Do not check the Print
Test Page as Printer is not set up yet. You can check “Set
this printer as the default printer”at this time.
Click “Finish”.
9. Install Printer Software. Click “Exit”to close CD.
10. Restart computer to complete installation.
Install Over Network Connection, Version A
Use this procedure to install the Print Driver over the Network connection. This procedure works for almost all
networks that allow automatic assignment of the IP address (factory default).
NOTE: Copy the 12-digit Hardware ID number listed on the Printer(s) on the label located below the
Ethernet port so you can identify the Printer(s) in a later step.
1. Check that Printer is plugged in and turned ON. Make sure the
Ethernet (network) cable is plugged into the Ethernet port on
the Printer. Install disk supplied with Printer in your CD drive.
When AutoPlay Window opens, click “Run Setup.exe”to start.
2. Install Printer Software. Make sure computer system
meets minimum requirements and you followed other
instructions listed on screen.
Click “Install Printer Software”.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
12
3. License Agreement.
Check “I accept…” then click “Next>”.
4. Printer Connections. Click “Configure to print using the
Network”. Make sure the Printer is connected to the
Network. Then click “Next>”.
5. Printers Discovered. A list of available Printers opens.
Check the Printer column to verify you have an L-Series
printer. Check the Hardware ID column and match the
number listed to the number you copied previously from
the Printer label. Select that Printer. Click “Next>”.
NOTE: If the Printer does not appear on the list, the IP
address may have to be assigned manually. See “Install
Over Network Connection, Version B”.
6. Installing Printer Software.
Software download begins.
7. Would You Like to Install This Device Software?
Click “Install”.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
13
8. Finished software installation. Do not check the Print
Test Page as Printer is not set up yet. You can check “Set
this printer as the default printer” at this time.
Click “Finish”.
9. Install Printer Software window.
Click “Install Print Software”again to install software
on another Printer, or click “Exit”to close the CD.
Tip: To help distinguish between multiple L-Series Drivers on your system; open the “Printers and Faxes”
(Devices and Printers) folder and rename the Printers. For example, rename a network-configured printer
“L Series (Network-1)” and a USB-configured printer “L Series (USB)”.
To open the “Toolbox” utility over an Ethernet (network) connection:
Click Start, All Programs, Memjet, L-Series Driver, Toolbox.
If more than one copy of the L-Series Driver is installed, you will
have to choose which device you want the Toolbox to connect to.
To help choose the proper device, you can identify the Printer(s)
using the Hardware ID you copied earlier or you can rename the
Printer(s) as outlined in the Tip above.
Example:
L-Series Driver configured for USB: suggested name
“L Series (USB)”
L-Series Driver (Copy 1) configured for Network:
suggested name “L Series (Network-1)”.
L-Series Driver (Copy 2) configured for Network:
suggested name “L Series (Network-2)”.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
14
Install Over Network Connection, Version B
Use this procedure to install the Print Driver over the Network connection on Static IP systems requiring that an IP
address is assigned manually. NOTE: Copy the 12-digit Hardware ID number listed on the Printer(s) on the
label just below Ethernet port so you can identify the Printer(s) in a later step. NOTE: This procedure can
also be performed from the Touchscreen or Toolbox.
1. Touchscreen: In “Menu”,
tap “Service”. On the Service
screen, tap “Network
Config”. The “Network
Config”screen opens.
Uncheck the DHCP button.
You or your IT person can
enter the necessary
information under “Network
Configuration”.
Tap “Submit”.
Toolbox: Install the Printer
Software over a USB
connection using a nearby
computer or laptop. Once the
Driver and Firmware are
installed on the Printer, use
that same computer to open
the Printer Toolbox.
In the “View” drop-down
menu, click “Service
Menus”. When the Diagnostic screen opens, click
the “System Settings” button.
The “System Settings” screen opens. Uncheck the DHCP button. Your IT support person can fill in the
necessary information under “Network Settings” (or you can get it from them.) Click “Submit”.
NOTE: Disconnect the USB from the local computer or laptop. If not using that computer for printing, the
S-Series Software can be uninstalled.
2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port and rerun
the “Install Over Network Connection, Version A”
procedure. The Printer should now appear on the
“Printer s Discovered”window. The Printer can still be
identified by its “Hardware ID”, but the new IP address
entered by your IT support person (or operator) is shown.
Select the desired Printer and click “Next>”. Follow the
remaining steps.