Astro Machine AstroJet M1 User manual

AstroJet M1
COLOR PAGE
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.
HOWEVER, CERTAIN SAFETY RULES SHOULD BE OBSERVED WHEN
OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 PRINTER.
BEFORE USING THE PRINTER, YOU SHOULD READ THIS MANUAL
CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE 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.
The power cord and power supply supplied with the machine should be plugged into a properly
grounded wall outlet located near the machine and easily accessible. Failure to properly ground the
machine can result in severe personal injury and/or fire.
The power cord and wall plug is 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 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 the equipment, walls or
furniture.
DO NOT remove covers. Covers enclose hazardous parts that should only be accessed by a qualified
service representative. Report any damage of covers 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.
MemjetTM 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
Rear View
Control Panel Button/LED Indicators
1
2
3
Section 2 – Installing the Printer 5
Choose a Location
Unpacking and Setup
Connecting the AstroJet M1
Connecting the Computer
Install the Printer Driver
Install the Service Station
Install the Ink Tanks
Install the Printhead Cartridge
Setting up the Feed
5
5
7
7
8
10
12
14
18
Section 3 – Operating the AstroJet M1 20
Setting Up a Job in MS Word
Printer Driver Properties
General Tab
Layout Tab
Services Tab
Using the M Series Toolbox
20
22
22
23
24
25
Section 4 – Maintenance 28
Replacing the Ink Tanks
Cleaning/Replacing the Printhead Cartridge
Replacing the Service Station
Replacing the Ink Waste Tray
Replacing the Sheet Separators
Jams in the Printer
Cleaning
Shipping or Transporting the Printer
28
30
34
37
37
38
39
41
Section 5 –Troubleshooting 44
The Memjet Printhead
The Printer
44
45
Appendices 46
Appendix A – Specifications
Appendix B – Supplies and Optional Hardware
46
46
Index 47

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ii
NOTES
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SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
1
SECTION 1 – Getting Acquainted
Front View
1. Cancel LED Button – Press this switch to cancel the job being printed.
2. Paper LED Button – Press to stop printing, press to restart printing. Press switch
to continue printing.
3. ON/OFF LED Button -- Use to turn power on or off during idle time and
maintenance.
4. Rear Guide – Holds the media against the Front Plate.
5. Rear Guide Support – Supports the paper/media.
6. Adjustable Media Guide – Adjusts to hold the paper/media against the
Envelope/Paper Register Guide.
7. Envelope/Paper Media Guide – All printing is registered against this guide. It
has adjustable positions for envelopes and paper.
8. Top Cover – Provides access to the Print Engine.
9. Front Cover – Provides access to the Ink Tanks.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
2
Rear View
1.
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 the printer’s electronic
circuits.
2. USB Port Connection – The USB cable attaches to the printer here.
3. Network Connection – The network cable plugs in here.
4. Envelope/Paper Media Guide – All printing is registered against this guide. It
has adjustable positions for envelopes and paper.
5. Adjustable Media Guide – Adjusts to hold the paper/media against the
Envelope/Paper Media Guide.
6. Rear Guide – Holds the paper/media against the Front Plate.
7. Rear Guide Support – Supports the paper/media.
8. Counter – LCD displays number of pieces run for a given job. Reset button
zeros counter.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
3
Control Panel Button/LED Indicators:
The Control Panel has 3 buttons with LED
indicators.
POWER (ON/OFF) – Turns Printer power
ON and OFF. Turn off power for cleaning
and maintenance.
PAPER (STOP JOB/RESUME) – Stops
Paper Feed or Resumes Printing.
Press to Stop Paper Feed
Immediately. Printer will clear media in Printer and stop.
Press to Resume Printing. Restart printing after a paper feed error (such as a paper jam or running
out of paper).
CANCEL (CANCEL JOB) – Cancels a Job.
Press to Cancel a Job. Once the Printer has stopped, pressing this button clears job from printer
and print queue in driver. NOTE: Cancelled Jobs must be reloaded before printing can resume.
PRINTER OPERATION INDICATORS – NORMAL
PRINTER
STATUS
POWER
(ON/OFF)
PAPER
(STOP/RESUME)
CANCEL
(CANCEL JOB)
Power cord
plugged in, Main
Power Switch ON,
Control Panel
Power Switch OFF.
LED OFF
N/A
–
LED OFF
N/A
–
LED OFF
Unit
Powered Up,
No Job Loaded.
LED ON, steady
LED OFF
Press and hold for 3 seconds
to feed single piece at 6
inches/second.
N/A
–
LED OFF
Job Loading
LED ON, steady
LEDs flashing simultaneously ON/OFF once/second.
Printing
LED ON, steady
LEDs flashing alternately ON/OFF
once/seco
nd.
Job Loaded,
Printer Stopped.
LED ON, steady
LED
ON, f
lashing
ON/OFF
once/second.
LED OFF.
Maintenance
Running
LED ON, steady
LEDs flashing simultaneously ON/OFF
once/second
.
Wait until Maintenance stops running.

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
4
PRINTER ERROR INDICATORS
PROBLEM POWER
(ON/OFF)
PAPER
(STOP/RESUME)
CANCEL
(CANCEL JOB)
Paper Feed
Times Out/Out
of Paper
LED ON, steady
LED ON
, flashing about 3
times/second.
LED OFF
ACTION:
Press
PAPER
to pause job. Check/clear paper jams or reload feeder. If OK, press
PAPER to resume printing. If not fixed, press CANCEL to cancel the job.
Sensor(s)
Covered
LED ON, steady
LED ON, steady
LED OFF
ACTION:
Press
PAPER
to pause job. Remove media covering sensor or clean sensor.
If OK,
press PAPER to resume printing. If not fixed, press CANCEL to cancel the job.
Tilt Error
LED ON, steady
LEDs flashing
fast
alternately
ON/OFF about 3 times/second.
ACTION:
Press
PAPER
to stop feed.
Check that Pinter is on a stable, level surface.
If OK,
press PAPER to resume printing. If not fixed, press CANCEL to cancel the job.
Ink Tank
Missing
LED ON, steady
LED OFF
LED ON
, steady.
ACTION:
Press
POWER
to
turn off
Printer.
Install missing Ink Tank(s) (
see Replacing Ink
Tanks in Maintenance)
Other Errors
LED ON, steady
LEDs flashing
fast
simultaneou
sly
ON/OFF about 3 times/second. .
ACTION:
Press
PAPER
to stop feed.
Try to determine and correct the problem. If OK, p
ress
PAPER to resume printing. If not fixed, press CANCEL to cancel the job.
MORE TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDES ON PAGES 43-44.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
5
SECTION 2 – Installing the Printer
Before using the AstroJet M1 printer the following must be done:
Choose a location for the Printer
Unpack and assemble the Printer
Plug in the Printer and connect it to the computer
Install the Printer Driver
Install the Service Station
Install the Ink Tanks
Install the Printhead
Set up the feed on the Printer
Choose a Location
The AstroJet M1 should be placed on a sturdy level worktable or cabinet at least 9 inches from any
walls. Protect the AstroJet M1 from excessive heat, dust, and moisture – avoid placing it in direct
sunlight.
Unpacking and Setup
Remove the Printer and its parts from the carton. Remove all packing tape. The screws that attach the
various parts of the guides to the Printer are under the tape in their respective positions.
Begin by installing the Adjustable Side Guide with two
screws [1]:

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
6
Next install the Envelope/Paper Side Guide using the two
screws [2] provided.
Attach the Rear Paper Support using the knob [3] provided.
NOTE: The two outside holes fit over the socket head
screws.
Install the Back Guide using the thumbscrew and washer
[4] provided. The washer goes between the screw and the
Rear Paper Support.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
7
Connecting the AstroJet M1
Plugging in the Printer
Connect the power cord to the receptacle (1) at the rear of the Printer. The
internal power supply in the Printer is rated 115 to 240VAC, 50/60 Hz.
CAUTION
DO NOT USE AN ADAPTER PLUG OR EXTENSION
CORD TO CONNECT THE PRINTER TO THE WALL
RECEPTACLE.
DO NOT USE OUTLETS CONTROLLED BY WALL
SWITCHES.
DO NOT USE AN OUTLET THAT SHARES THE
SAME CIRCUIT WITH LARGE ELECTRICAL
MACHINES OR APPLIANCES.
Connecting to the Computer
The Printer connects to the computer through the USB port (2). A Network
port (3) is provided when operating in a network environment.
Turning Power On and Off
Powering Up Printer:
1. Press the Main Power Switch on the Rear Panel.
2. Press the Power Button on the Control Panel.
Powering Down Printer:
CAUTION
WHENEVER POWERING DOWN UNIT, ALWAYS:
1. PRESS THE POWER BUTTON ON THE CONTROL PANEL.
2. WAIT FOR THE PRINTER TO STOP PROCESSING.
3. THEN PRESS THE MAIN POWER SWITCH ON THE REAR PANEL.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
8
Install the Printer Driver
1. Make sure the Printer is plugged in and turned OFF.
Disconnect the USB connection if you have plugged it in
already. Install the disk supplied with the Printer in your
CD drive. When the AutoPlay Window opens, click “Run
Setup.exe” to start.
2. The “Install Printer Software” window opens on
the computer screen. Click “Install Printer
Software”.
3. The License Agreement window opens.
Carefully read the “End User Agreement”. If
you agree to the terms, check “I accept…” then
click Next>.
4. After a few moments the “Printer Connections”
window opens. Click "Configure to print using
USB". Then click “Next”.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
9
5. After a few moments the “M Series Driver”
window opens followed by the “Would you like
to install this device software?” window. Click
“Install” and the driver software will load from
the disk.
6. The software will start to download and a second
“Would You Like to Install This Device
Software” opens. Click Install.
7. The “Connect Device Now” window opens.
Switch the Printer on and connect the USB cable.
Don’t click on either button. The software will
then finish installing.
8. The “Finished software installation” window
opens. Do not print a test page since printer is not
set up yet. Do not check the Print Test Page.
Click Next>.
9. The M Series Driver welcome window returns.
Note that you can click on the User’s Guide for
installation, document set up and printer
maintenance, cleaning and troubleshooting
information. If you are connected to the Internet
you can click Website. Click Exit to close the
CD.
10. Restart the computer to complete the installation.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
10
Install the Service Station
The Service Station cleans the Printhead Cartridge of excess ink and debris, keeps the Printhead hydrated
and protected when not in use, captures ink used to keep nozzles clear, and acts as a base to support media
during printing. It fits in the port immediately above the Ink Tank Station.
TURN PRINTER OFF:
PRESS THE POWER BUTTON THE CONTROL PANEL
WAIT FOR THE PRINTER TO STOP PROCESSING
PRESS THE MAIN POWER SWITCH ON THE REAR PANEL
1. Open the Front Cover (hinged at bottom). Remove the Exit Roller Cover by removing the four (4)
screws. Open the Top Cover.
2. Carefully unwrap the Service Station. NOTE:
Loose parts may fall out. Keep wiper roller side
facing up when removing packaging.
CAUTION
Make sure latches on the
Wiper
Roller are fully latched before
installing the Service Station.
3. Slide the Latch open on the Service Station
Circuit Board.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
11
4. [1] Plug the ribbon connector (blue side up) into the
space under the Latch.
[2] Close the Latch.
5. [1] Slide the Service Station into the Service Station port until it touches the bar.
[2] Look down through the Top Cover to make sure Service Station is aligned with the bar.
IMPORTANT! Service Station must be perfectly aligned with bar to prevent misalignment.
6. GENTLY push the Service Station while
turning the large Gear on right side of Print
Engine clockwise. Gear should engage
gear on Service Station and pull it in. Once
the Service Station starts moving, stop
turning the Gear. Powering up the unit will
pull the Service Station the rest of the way
in. NOTE: Make sure the wick hanging
below the Service Station is inside the
plastic trough inside the Ink Tank Station
to prevent ink seepage.
7. Turn power back on by pressing the Main
Power Switch, then pressing the Power Button on the Control Panel.
8. Gently close the Top Cover, replace the Exit Roller Door and close the Front Cover.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
12
Install the Ink Tanks
M Series Printers use a single Printhead Cartridge and five Ink Tanks (two Black, one Cyan, one Magenta,
and one Yellow). Install the Ink Tanks as follows:
1. Open the M Series Toolbox. Go to All Programs, open
the Astro Machine Folder and open the Toolbox. On the
Opening Screen you will see System Status information
in the upper left corner.
2. Open the Front Cover (hinged at bottom).
Open the three Latches [A].
3. Remove the new Tank(s) from packaging.
4. Slide the new Tanks (label up) into their
appropriate color slots [B].
INSTALLATION TIP – Make sure the
Tanks seat properly. Insert the Tank
into the appropriate Ink Station, then
pull the Tank back about an inch and
push forward firmly to insure that the
Ink Nozzles penetrate the seals on the
Tanks.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
13
5. Turn the Printer ON by pressing the Main Power
Switch on the Rear Panel, then pressing Control Panel
Power Button. Watch the Toolbox screen on your
computer; you will see the ink colors fill in as the Tanks
are installed. If the ink color does not fill in after a few
seconds, reinstall the Tank.
6. Close the three Latches. Close the Front Cover.
WARNING
The ink in the Ink Tanks may be harmful
if
swallowed. Keep new and used Tanks out
or reach of children. Discard empty tanks
immediately.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
14
Install the Printhead Cartridge
The Printhead Cartridge is a delicate precision device. Handle with extreme care to avoid damage and
issues that could degrade print quality.
CAUTION
Hold the Printhead Cartridge by the handles ONLY.
DO NOT touch the ink couplings, nozzle surface or electrical contacts.
DO NOT unpack the Printhead Cartridge until the Printer is ready for
installation. Once unwrapped, delay in installing the Printhead can
compromise print quality due to dehydration.
DO NOT place an unwrapped Printhead on any surface before installing.
Protect the Printhead from dust, fibers, dirt and other contaminants at
all times.
1. With the Printer power ON, open the Top
Cover. Press the Printhead Cover Release
Button [1]. The Printer will run a routine, then
the Cover will pop open [2]. NOTE –
Remove the Cap Protectors on the Ink
Nozzles [3]. Be sure to open the Cover fully
to retract the Ink Nozzles.
CAUTION
DO NOT PRY OR MANUALLY LIFT THE PRINTHEAD COVER
OR THE COVER
MAY BREAK. ONLY OPEN THE COVER USING THE RELEASE BUTTONS ON
THE PRINTER OR THE PRINTHEAD RELEASE COMMANDS IN THE
SERVICES TAB OR M SERIES TOOLBOX.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
15
2. Carefully remove the
Printhead Cartridge
from the foil packaging.
[A] Tear at notch or cut
end with scissors.
[B] Remove the
protective plastic cover.
Hold the Printhead by the
handle and unclip the
cover from the Printhead.
[C] Remove protective
strip from the Printhead
Electrical Contacts. DO
NOT allow removed strip
to touch the electrical
contacts.
[D] Remove protective
strip from the Printhead
Nozzles. Hold the
Printhead by the handle
with one hand. Pull the
strip tab with the other hand and slowly peel the strip from the
Printhead. DO NOT pull the strip at any angle less than 45° with the Printhead surface. DO
NOT allow removed strip to touch the Printhead Nozzles.
3. Carefully insert the Cartridge into the compartment at an angle [4], with the Printhead surface
facing down and the Ink Nozzles facing the Ink Hoses. Once it is seated, gently tilt the Cartridge
back until it snaps into an upright position [5]. DO NOT FORCE the Cartridge into position.

SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
16
4. Wet the Printhead Surface. This
ensures that the Printhead will prime
correctly. Open the Top Cover. Release
and lift up the two latches (one on each
side of the Printhead Assembly) at the
same time to raise the Printhead
Assembly. Moisten the Printhead
nozzles using distilled water and a
wet, lint-free cloth. Close and relatch
the Printhead Assembly.
CAUTION
OPERATE AND HOLD ONTO BOTH LATCHES WHEN OPENING AND
CLOSING THE PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT DAMAGE.
DO NOT ALLOW THE ASSEMBLY DROP BY ITSELF TO CLOSE LATCHES.
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE INK LINES, A STOP LIMITS RAISING THE
ASSEMBLY MORE THAN 60°.
5. Close the Printhead Cover [6]. The Printer
will run a start-up routine and priming ink
into the Printhead. This may take a few
minutes. Make sure that ink is flowing
through the hoses.