Astro Machine AstroJet M1C User manual

AstroJet™ M1C
HIGH SPEED COLOR
LABEL AND TAG
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 M1C LABEL 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 the machine is in use. Before clearing a jam, be
sure machine mechanisms come to a stop.
Always turn off the machine before making adjustments, cleaning the machine, or performing
any maintenance covered in this manual.
Power cord and power supply supplied with the machine should be plugged into a properly
grounded, easily accessible wall outlet located near the machine. Failure to properly ground the
machine can result in severe personal injury and/or fire.
Power cord and wall plug are the primary means of disconnecting the machine from the
power supply.
DO NOT use an adapter plug on the line cord or wall outlet.
DO NOT remove the ground pin from the line cord.
DO NOT route the 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 the power cord caused by jamming 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 the 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
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 –Getting Acquainted 1
Front View 1
Rear View 2
Print Engine View 3
Ink Tank View 4
UW-1C Unwinder/Roll Feeder (Optional) 5
RW-1C Winder (Optional) 6
Control Panel Button/LED Indicators: 7
Printer Default Printing Modes 9
SECTION 2 –Installing Printer 10
Contents of Packaging 10
Choose a Location 10
Unpacking and Setup 10
Remove Service Station Transport Tab 11
Install Printer/Winder Spacer Plate (Optional Winder): 12
Connecting the Printer 12
Install Printer Driver 13
Install Ink Tanks 15
Install Printhead Cartridge 17
Removing Media Guide 20
Aligning Printer with UW-1C Unwinder and RW-1C Winder 21
Connecting Printer to Optional Unwinder and Winder 23
Loading Labels 24
SECTION 3 –Operating Printer 28
Printer Driver Properties 28
Using Printer Toolbox 32
Updating Firmware 38
SECTION 4 - Maintenance 39
Replacing Ink Tanks 39
Cleaning Ink Tank Contacts 40
Cleaning/Replacing Printhead Cartridge 42
Replacing Ink Waste Tray 52
Removing Jams in Printer 52
Cleaning 53
Shipping or Transporting M1C Printer 55
SECTION 5 –Troubleshooting Guide 58
Memjet Printhead 58
Printer 59
Appendices 60
Appendix A –M1C Specifications 60
Appendix B –Supplies and Optional Hardware 60
Appendix C –Borderless Printing: Overspray vs. Oversize 61
Index 65
Printer Maintenance Schedule 68

ii
NOTES
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SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
1
SECTION 1 –Getting Acquainted
Front View
1.
Top Cover –Provides access to the Print Engine.
2.
Front Cover –Provides access to the Ink Tanks and Service Station.
3.
Winder Interface Connection –Winder Interface Cable plugs in here.
4.
Service Port –Provides advanced diagnostic access for service technicians.
5.
Unwinder Interface Connection –Unwinder Interface Cable plugs in here.
6.
USB Port Connection –Attach USB cable to the Printer here.
7.
Network Connection –Attach network cable here.
8.
Main Power Switch, Receptacle and Fuse –Receptacle: Power cord plugs in
here. Power Switch: Turns main power ON/OFF. (Use Control Panel LED Power
switch to turn machine OFF for cleaning and maintenance). Fuse: Protects the
Printer’s electronic circuits.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
2
Rear View
1.
ON/OFF LED Button –Use to turn power ON or OFF during idle time and
maintenance.
2.
Print/Pause LED Button –Press to stop printing, press to restart printing. Press
switch to continue printing.
3.
Cancel/Cut LED Button –Press this switch to cancel the job being printed. Also
activates the cutter to cut labels or roll at the point desired.
4.
Adjustable Media Guide –Adjusts to hold paper/media against Alignment Guides.
5.
Top Center Chamber Assembly (Brush Assembly) –Keeps media flat as it
feeds into the Printer. Brushes remove debris and reduce static. Lift Assembly to
load or clear media.

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 Printhead Release function in the Toolbox utility on your PC.
2.
Ink Revolver Couplings –Connect ink hoses to Printhead Cartridge. Printhead Latch
extends and retracts the couplings from the Printhead.
3.
Printhead Cartridge –Memjet®Printhead produces an 8.5" wide full color print area.
4.
Clamshell Latches –Lift both latches at the same time to open the top half of the Print
Engine. DO NOT open while the Printer is operating. DO NOT lift the assembly more
than 60 degrees. DO NOT let the assembly drop, close it gently.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
4
Ink Tank View
1.
Cutting Blade Assembly –Cuts the media after each piece or at the end of a job.
2.
Ink Tank Latches –Hold Ink Tanks in place.
3.
Ink Tank Dock –Holds the 5 Ink Tanks. (Ink Tanks shown installed).
4.
Ink Waste Tray –Absorbs excess ink and drips that may occur during Printer
operation and maintenance. Release Tabs located on both sides.
5.
Service Station Dock –Service Station is located here. Service Station keeps
Printhead clean and hydrated during operation and maintenance cycles.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
5
UW-1C Unwinder/Roll Feeder (Optional)
1.
Speed Control –Turn clockwise to speed up, counterclockwise to slow down.
2.
AUTO/Manual Mode Switch –Use to set Unwinder in Automatic or Manual Mode.
3.
Fuse –Unwinder fuse is located here.
4.
Hub Assembly –Reversible to fit 1-1/2" and 3" cores.
5.
Spindle Lock –Holds Label Roll on Spindle.
6.
Label Roll Spindle –Holds Label Roll.
7.
Label Tension Guide Shaft –Spring-loaded shaft controls starting and stopping as
tension is maintained or released by media.
8.
24V, 2.5A External Power Connector*–For connecting printers or equipment other
than the M1C.
NOTE: External power supply must be a UL Listed power supply.
*Requires disconnecting wire from Unwinder circuit board and connecting wire from
External Power Connector.
9.
Unwinder Interconnect Cord –Connects Feeder/Unwinder to Printer.
10.
Alignment Notch –Fits over Alignment Screw on Printer to keep Printer and
Unwinder aligned.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
6
RW-1C Winder (Optional)
1.
Speed Control –Turn clockwise to speed up, counterclockwise to slow down.
2.
ON/OFF Switch –Use to turn Winder power ON or OFF.
3.
Fuse –Winder fuse is located here.
4.
Hub Assembly/Guide –Fits 3" cores.
5.
Spindle Lock/Guide –Holds Label Roll in place on Spindle.
6.
Label Roll Spindle –Used to wind Printed Labels around an empty core.
7.
Label Tension Arm –Spring-loaded shaft controls starting and stopping as tension
is maintained or released by media.
8.
Adjustable Media Guide Ring –Slides to fit width of media exiting Printer.
9.
Winder Alignment Notch –Aligns with notch on Spacer Plate mounted on Printer.
Plate is then attached to Winder to keep Printer and Winder properly aligned and
spaced apart.
10.
Tension Control Selector –Increases or decreases spring tension on the Label
Tension Arm to accommodate different media widths.
11.
24V, 2.5A External Power Connector* –For connecting printers or equipment other
than the Label Printer.
NOTE: External power supply must be a UL Listed power supply.
*Requires disconnecting wire from Winder circuit board and connecting wire from
External Power Connector.
12.
Winder Interconnect Cord –Connects Winder to Printer.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
7
Control Panel Button/LED Indicators:
3 Control Panel buttons with LED indicators.
POWER (ON/OFF) –Turns Printer power
ON and OFF. Turns off power for cleaning
and maintenance.
PRINT/PAUSE (PAUSE JOB/RESUME) –
Temporarily stops Feed or Resumes Printing.
Press to Pause Job Temporarily.
Printer finishes printing media in progress, then stops and holds. Press once to pause jobs for up to
30 seconds to clear jams or other quick maintenance. (Does not cap printhead).
Press to Resume Printing. Restart printing after a feed error (media jams or out of labels).
CANCEL/CUT (CANCEL JOB) –Stops a Job indefinitely (for maintenance or problems that take longer
to resolve.) Caps Printhead to prevent dehydration and damage. Also Cancels a Job or Cuts the media.
Press to Stop Media Feeding. Press a second time to cancel the job.
NOTE: Cancelled Jobs must be reloaded before printing can resume.
Press to Cut the Roll. Once the job is finished, pressing this button advances the last printed label
to the cutter, cuts the roll and retracts the media to the start position.
LED Sequence
Printer Status
Recommended
Control Panel Options
Power cord plugged
in, Power Switch
ON/OFF
 - Power Up
 - Inactive
 - Inactive
Normal operation:
Downloading
firmware.
Power up.
Power down.
Wait for process to
finish.
 - Inactive
 - Inactive
 - Inactive
Unit powered up.
No job loaded.
Power down.
Load media.
 - Power Down
 - Load media
 - Inactive
Media loaded,
No job pending
Load job or forward
media to attach to
Winder reel (when
loading roll-to-roll)
 - Power Down
 - 3 sec –Forward
media to Winder
 - 3 sec –Retracts
media

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
8
LED Sequence
Printer Status
Recommended
Control Panel Options
Busy Signal:
Maintenance
running
Job loading
Wait for process
to finish.
 - Inactive
 - Inactive
 - Inactive
Job submitted,
printing
Wait for process to
finish.
Power down.
Pause: Printer stops
& holds. (Printhead
not capped.)
Cancel: Forwards,
cuts last label,
retracts to start
position. (Printhead
capped.)
 - Power Down
 - Pause Printing
 - Pause Printing,
Cancel Job
Paused, job pending
Print/Resume:
Press to resume
printing.
Cancel/Cut:
Press to cancel job.
 - Power Down
 - Resume printing
 - Cancel Job
EOR –End of Roll
(Paper Out)
Load new media.
 - Power Down
 - Reload media
 - Cancel Job
Hardware Error:
Tilt Error
Door Open
Service Station Error
Ink Valve Error
Lifter Motor Error
Find and fix error(s).
 - Power Down
 - Clear Error,
Resume Job
 - Clear Error,
Cancel Job
IDS Error:
Ink Out
Ink Tank missing
Printhead missing
Replace Ink Tank(s)
and/or Printhead.
Reseat Ink Tank(s)
and/or Printhead.
Press “Refresh Ink
Tanks” or “Circulate”
in Toolbox.
 - Power Down
 - Clear Error,
Resume Job
 - Clear Error,
Cancel Job
Any other errors
Find and fix error(s)
 - Power Down
 - Pause Printing
 - Pause Printing

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
9
Printer Default Printing Modes
Printer has three default Printing Modes “Roll-to-Roll”, “Roll-to-Cut”, and “Fanfold”. What is connected
or disconnected from the Printer determines what mode the Printer will operate in and disables or enables
the automatic function of the Cutter.
NOTE: These defaults will override any presets built into the job being run. Before starting to print a
job make sure the Printer, Unwinder and Winder are set up correctly for that particular job.
PRINT MODE
UNWINDER
WINDER
CUTTER
Roll-to-Roll
Powered
ON/Connected to
Printer
Powered
ON/Connected to
Printer
Disabled. (Still cuts manually by
pressing 'CANCEL' button.)
Roll-to-Cut
Powered
ON/Connected to
Printer
Powered OFF or
Disconnected from
Printer
Enabled for automatic cutting
Fanfold
Powered OFF or
Disconnected from
Printer
Powered OFF or
Disconnected from
Printer
Enabled for automatic cutting
See Section 2 –Installing the Printer, “Loading Labels”for how to load Roll and Fanfold Labels

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
10
SECTION 2 –Installing Printer
Contents of Packaging
1.
M1C Printer
2.
UW-1C Unwinder (Optional)
3.
RW-1C Winder (Optional)
Includes Printer/Winder Spacer Plate, 2 shims
4.
Ink Tanks –Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Black
5.
Printhead
6.
Adjustable Media Guide
7.
AC Power Cord
8.
USB Cable
9.
Operator Manual
10.
Driver Software CD
Before using Printer:
Choose a location for Printer (plus optional UW-1C Unwinder and RW-1C Winder if used)
Unpack Printer (plus optional UW-1C Unwinder and RW-1C Winder if used)
Pull Transport Tab from Service Station and remove Shipping Tape
Install Printer/Winder Spacer Plate on Printer (if RW-1C Winder used)
Plug in Printer and connect it to the computer
Install Printer Driver
Install Ink Tanks
Install Printhead
Align Printer with UW-1C Unwinder and RW-1C Winder (If used)
Connect UW-1C Unwinder and RW-1C Winder to Printer (If used)
Load Labels (Roll or Fanfold) and Set Up the Feed on Printer
Choose a Location
Printer should be placed on a sturdy level worktable or cabinet at least 9 inches from any walls. Use
Bubble Gauge mounted on Print Engine (or a small level) to make sure Printer is level. Surface should
be large enough to accommodate Printer, and UW-1C Unwinder and RW-1C Winder if used, in a line
together. Protect Printer and optional Unwinder/Winder from excessive heat, dust, and moisture. Avoid
placing it in direct sunlight.
Unpacking and Setup
Remove Printer, and optional UW-1C Unwinder and RW-1C Winder if used, and all parts from
cartons. Remove all packing tape.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
11
Remove Service Station Transport Tab
1. Open Top Cover.
2. Release two latches (one on either side of Print
Engine). Open top half of Clamshell by lifting both
levers at the same time.
CAUTION
HOLD ONTO BOTH LATCHES WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING
PRINT ENGINE CLAMSHELL COVER TO PREVENT DAMAGE.
DO NOT ALLOW CLAMSHELL TO DROP OR SLAM CLOSED.
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO INK LINES, A STOP LIMITS RAISING
CLAMSHELL MORE THAN 60°.
3. Remove cardboard Transport Tab [A] from
Service Station.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
12
Install Printer/Winder Spacer Plate (Optional Winder):
1. Remove all four Printer feet.
NOTE: To prevent ink from
spilling or leaking, lift Printer
only as high as needed to
remove/replace feet. Move
Printer to edge of bench or table
to remove feet.
2. Install long edge of Spacer Plate
under Exit End of Printer. Reinstall
2 feet to secure Plate to Printer.
3. Install 1 washer/spacer on both of the remaining 2 feet and reinstall on Printer. (This will keep the
Printer level.) See “Position the Winder”in “Aligning the Unwinder and Winder”.
Connecting the Printer
Plugging in Printer
Plug power cord into receptacle [1] on the non-operator side of the Label Printer. Internal
power supply in the Printer is rated 115 to 240VAC, 50/60 Hz.
CAUTION
DO NOT USE ADAPTER PLUGS OR EXTENSION CORDS TO
CONNECT THE LABEL PRINTER TO THE WALL RECEPTACLE.
DO NOT USE OUTLETS CONTROLLED BY WALL SWITCHES.
DO NOT USE OUTLETS THAT SHARE THE SAME CIRCUIT WITH
LARGE ELECTRICAL MACHINES OR APPLIANCES.
Connecting to Computer
Label Printer connects to the computer through the USB port [3]. A Network port [2] is
provided when operating in a network environment. Unwinder Interconnect port [4] is
located just below the USB port.
Turning Power ON and OFF
Powering Up Printer:
1. Press Main Power Switch on Side Panel.
2. Press Power Button on Control Panel.
Powering Down Printer:
CAUTION
WHENEVER POWERING DOWN UNIT, ALWAYS:
1. PRESS POWER BUTTON ON CONTROL PANEL.
2. WAIT FOR PRINTER TO STOP PROCESSING.
3. THEN PRESS MAIN POWER SWITCH ON SIDE PANEL.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
13
Install Printer Driver
For Printer software to operate properly check that computer system meets these minimum requirements:
Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1.
Supports 32 and 64 bit systems. (You must have administrative privileges on the system.)
NOTE: Windows 8 and 8.1 will only work in desktop mode. No Windows 8 metro apps will be
supported (applications that work in a Windows 8 only environment).
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 2.0 port (ports identified as “USB2” or “Enhanced” in the 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 you have a higher .NET Framework version
installed; version 3.5 or 4 must also be installed, or the Toolbox will not open.
IMPORTANT: Before installing Printer software (Toolbox and Driver), you should temporarily disable
all antivirus programs and firewalls. In addition, you must be logged onto the system with full
administrative privileges (admin rights).
NOTE: If installing over USB, do not plug in the USB cable until prompted.
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 to download driver.
Install Printer Software. Click
“Install Printer Software”to start.
2. License Agreement. Check “I
accept…” then click “Next>”.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
14
3. Printer Connections. Click “Configure
to print using USB”. Click “Next>”.
4. Installing Printer Software.
5. Connect Device Now.
Switch Printer ON and connect USB
cable. Don’t click on either button.
Software will then finish installing.
6. Finished software installation. Do not
check Print Test Page as Printer is not set
up yet. You can also set the printer to be
the default printer. To complete process,
restart computer. Click “Reboot”.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
15
Install Ink Tanks
Printer uses one Printhead Cartridge and five Ink Tanks (two Black, one Cyan, one Magenta, and one
Yellow). Install Ink Tanks as follows:
1. Open Printer Toolbox. Go to Start
Menu and open the “Toolbox”.
System Status information appears in
upper left corner of User Interface
window. Note that the “CKMYK”
boxes are empty.
2. Click “Replace Ink Tanks”.
This disconnects Printer
communication with the Ink Tanks
and allows safe installation and
replacement. Once “Confirm” screen
displays, it is safe to install Ink Tanks.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT press
“Continue”until after you have
installed the Ink Tank(s) and closed
the Ink Tank Latches.
3. Open Front Cover (hinged at bottom).
Open three Latches [A].
4. Remove new Ink Tank(s) from packaging.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING PRINTER
16
5. Insert new Ink Tanks (labels up) into
appropriate color slots [B].
Close the three Latches.
INSTALLATION TIP: Make sure Ink
Tanks seat properly. Insert Ink Tank
into appropriate Ink Station, then pull
Ink Tank back about an inch and push
forward firmly to insure that Ink
Nozzles penetrate seals on Ink Tanks.
6. Click “Continue”on Confirm screen,
then “Refresh Ink Levels”on User
Interface screen. Ink colors fill in as
Ink Tanks are installed. If ink colors do
not fill in after a few seconds, click
“Replace Ink Tanks” again and
reinstall Ink Tank(s).
7. Close Front Cover.
WARNING!
Ink in Ink Tanks may be harmful if swallowed. Keep new and used Ink Tanks
out of reach of children. Discard empty Ink Tanks immediately.