Avery Dennison ALX 92x User manual

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ALX92x
Device description, Operation
Device description ......................................... 2
Operating Parts ......................................... 2
Connections .............................................. 5
Warning notices ........................................ 7
Operator panel .......................................... 8
Operating modes ..................................... 11
Basic operating procedures ........................ 13
Connecting the device ............................. 13
Setting the interface ................................ 14
Offline operation ...................................... 15
Online operation ...................................... 16
Creating a print job .................................. 16
Transferring a print job ............................ 17
Applying CompactFlash cards ................ 18
Setting the realtime clock ........................ 19
Outputting the realtime clock value using
Easy Plug ................................................ 19
The first device test ..................................... 20
Settings for the material type ..................20
Printing the status report ......................... 20

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Device description
Operating Parts
[1] Exterior of the ALX92x.
APre-drilled holes for assembling the applicator
Assembly of the pivot unit for the applicators LTSI, LTP or LTPV
BOperator panel
LCD display; 5 operating keys; on / off button; displays the device operating
status; for defining settings in the parameter menu
CMaterial unwinder
Unwinds the label material
DGuiding rod
Prevents rolls from slipping off the material unwinder and the backing paper
rewinder
A
B
C
D
E
F
GH
I J

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EMaterial dancer arm
Compensates abrupt movements of the label web
FBacking paper rewinder
Rewinds the remaining backing paper
GBacking paper dancer arm
Compensates abrupt movements of the backing paper web
HWindow
For checking the ribbon supply without opening the front cover
IFront hood
Open up to insert ribbon
JPrinthead

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[2] ALX92x operating parts
AInsert diagram
Shows the path of the labelling material and ribbon
BRibbon unwinding mandrel
Holds the new ribbon roll
CRibbon rewinding mandrel
Holds the ribbon core onto which used ribbon is wound
DAdjustment knob for printhead pressure
For adjusting the printhead pressure to suit the material strength / width
EAdjustment wheel for label sensor
Turning the wheel moves the label sensor at right angles across the mate-
rial path
FMaterial guide
Guides the material path from both sides; the material end sensor is locat-
ed on the inner side
A
B
C
D
EF

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Connections
[3] Connections at the ALX92x (RH). Left: ALX92x with the options Applicator Interface (B), Signal Inter-
face (Q), OD-sensor (O), 2nd card slot (N), external operator panel (A).
Right: ALX92x AI Pro with the option Applicator Interface (B).
A(Option) Mini-DIN connector
To connect an external operator panel
B(Option) Applicator Interface (AI)
For controlling nearly arbitrary applicator types
C(Future Option) Connection Rotary Encoder
– For automatic speed adaption
– Is not yet supported
DPower switch
Turns the device on/off. An additional switch is located on the operator
panel
CAUTION! - Additional devices of inadequate quality can damage the
device!
«Connect the device only to devices that fulfil SELV (safety extra-low volta-
ge) circuit requirements acc. to EN60950!
«Only connect OEM accessories.
B
A
C
D
G
H
G
J
K
L
F
M
I
B
ED
E
H
I
JK
L
M
N
O
PP
Q

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EPower socket
Mains connection of the machine
F(ALX92x AI Pro only) Power socket
Mains connection of the Applicator Interface „AI Pro“.
GEthernet interface
To connect to an „Ethernet 10/100 Base T“ network
HStatus-LED/Ethernet
IRS232 interface
For serial transfer of print data
JCentronics interface
For parallel transfer of print data (cable is inclusive)
K2x USB interface type B (device)
To connect devices (e.g. keyboard, scanner)
LUSB interface type A (host)
For transfer of print data
MCard slot
For CompactFlash cards; used for storing fonts, logos, graphics, etc.
N(Option) Second card slot
O(Option) Cable duct for OD control
To connect a photoelectric barrier, which checks the outer diameter of the
label material roll
PCard slot
– For SD/MMC cards
– Is not yet supported
Q(Option) Signal interface USI
– 4 inputs / 8 outputs
– 24V signal voltage

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Warning notices
[4] Warning notice on the ALX92x
The label depicted at [4] warns against the danger of being caught in the mov-
ing parts of the device.
¯Warning labels must be replaced if they are lost or become illegible (part
nr. A5346).
WARNING
!
Keep hands clear
of rollers.
A
53
4
6

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Operator panel
[5] ALX92x operator panel.
Power indicator [5A] Lights up green, when the device is switched on.
Error indicator [5B] Lights up red, when the device is in message mode.
Display [5D] With 32 digits and two lines, the display shows the operating conditions
(modes) for parameters, values, status and errors. You can select the lan-
guage you want to use for the display. Backlighting ensures good legibility.
Button functions The buttons offer a multitude of operating functions. A logical menu structure
is used for operation. The meaning of each button varies according to the op-
erating mode and the menu item. Additionally, special functions have been
programmed for certain button combinations.
Depending on the modes and menu levels, the following functions apply for
each button:
On/Off button [5C] Switches the device on or off. To reach this, hold the button longer than
2 seconds pressed. Precondition: The mains switch must be switched on (po-
sition „I“, see Connections on page 5).
Online button •See [5G]
•For switching between online and offline mode.
•For confirming entries, menu items and messages.
•For selecting print jobs and for entering values in standalone mode.
AB
C
D
E
F
G
H

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Apply button •See [5H]
•Triggers the application process. Requirements:
– Applicator fitted and activated
– Device offline.
•Also for accessing deeper levels within the menu structure and selecting
menu items.
•For decrementing values.
Feed button •See [5F]
•For feeding in material when the device is offline.
•For starting the printing process once the feed has been stopped (in online
mode).
•Also for accessing deeper levels within the menu structure and selecting
menu items.
Increments values.
Prog button •See [5E]
•For accessing the parameter menu when offline.
•For stepping back through the parameter menu and/or exiting it.
•For more detailed descriptions of the button functions, see
–Offline operation on page 15 and
Online operation on page 16
– Topic section Info-Printouts and Parameters 

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Remote operator panel ALX92x Gen. 3 (or higher) machines can be equipped witha remote operator
panel. For this, the machine must provide the appropriate - optional - connec-
tor, see Connections on page 5. The connection can be retrofitted (see serv-
ice manual).
The button functions are the same as those on the standard operator panel.
Exception: The on/off switch is not available at the remote operator panel.
With the remote operator panel connected, both panels are active and show
the same information.
[6] Remote operator panel (article number A8293)
CAUTION!
Manipulating both operator panels simultaneously can cause malfunctions.
«Always use only one operator panel at a time to operate the machine.
(Using both operator panels alternately is admissible).
CAUTION!
If the connection cable is longer than 2.5m, EMC-caused disturbances can
occur.
«Only use the factory-installed cable.
«Don´t extend the cable.

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Operating modes
Offline mode Settings can be made when the device is offline. The offline mode is normally
active when the device is switched on. Print jobs arereceived via the selected
interface but not processed.
No jobs are waiting to be processed:
Toconfigurethe device sothatitgoes directly intoonlinemodewhenswitched
on, set the parameter SYSTEM PARAMETER > Turn-on mode to “Online”.
Online mode In online mode, print jobs are received and processed immediately. Possible
messages:
•No jobs are waiting to be processed:
•The current data transfer to the printer is shown on the display. This is in-
dicated by the dot on the bottom right next to the number of loaded jobs.
Another point on half line height above the first shows the interpreter sta-
tus:
–No point: No data to interpete.
–Solid point: The interpreter is busy (still data left in the spooler).
–Flashing point: The interpreter is waiting for data required to complete
a command (no data in the spooler).
•During printing, the display also shows the number of print jobs read (13)
and the remaining number of labels (25) to be printed in the current job.
•If a print job recognises an endless number of labels to be printed, then the
remaining number for this job is also shown as endless.
¯To stop printing, press the online button.
OFFLINE 0 JOBS
ONLINE 0 JOBS
ONLINE 0: JOBS
ONLINE 13 JOBS
Remainder: 25
ONLINE 13 JOBS
Remainder: endless

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Message mode The device uses status reports to signal an error or a particular operating sta-
tus. This message mode indicates that the device is waiting to quit or for fault
clearance. When quitting, the device switches from message mode to offline
mode (depending on the error and the progress of the last active process).
Messages are made up of the status number and a brief descriptive text:
The status message 5001 (shown above)occurs when for example the device
issetforpunchedlabelmaterial,butcontinuousformmaterial without punches
has been inserted. In this case, the device will continue to feed the material for
a few seconds before it generates an error message.
Status Reports : see topic section „Status Reports“.
Standalone mode In standalone mode, print jobs are not transferred but saved on a plugin card.
They are started directly from the devices operator panel or via a connected
keyboard.
Details about standalone mode: see topic section „Advanced Applications“,
chapter Standalone Operation on page 8.
Status 5001
No gap found

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Basic operating procedures
Connecting the device
1. Ensure that the power switch is set to “0” (off).
2. Connect the device to the mains using the shipped power cable [7B].
¯ALX92xAIPro: Devicemust beconnected tothe mainswith twopower
cables [7B,C].
[7] Sockets for the Centronics cable (A) and power cable (B) on the ALX92x.
3. Usingthedata cablesupplied, connectthe Centronicsinterface [7A]on the
device to the host computer.
4. Turn on the device using the power switch (set to position “1”).
WARNING!
The device operates using mains voltage! Touching electrically live parts
may expose you to hazardous electrical currents and may lead to burns.
«Make sure that the device is switched off before connecting the power
cable.
«Only operate the device using the system voltage indicated on the na-
meplate.
«Only connect the device to a grounded power socket fitted to authori-
sed standards.
«The power cable should be run to the device so that a) nobody will trip
on it, and that b) the power plug can easily be pulled out if necessary.
«The power cable should not be more than 3 meters long.
«To disconnect the device completely, the power cable
(ALX92x AI Pro: both power cables) has/have to be pulled off.
A
B
A
BC

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5. Hold the on / off switch in the operator panel depressed for approx. 2 sec-
onds. The following sequence of messages is displayed:
The boot loader is starting:
Valid firmware recognised, program is starting.
Device type, version number of the machine firmware:
64MB internal RAM
32MB optional RAM on the CompactFlash card – only displayed when a
CompactFlash card is in use.
Offline mode
Online mode. The unit is ready for printing.
¯When the parameter SYSTEM PARAMETER > Turn-on mode is set to “Offline”,
the device switches directly to offline mode when turned on.
¯CAUTION!- Waitat least 10secondsbetween switching thedevice offand
on again, otherwise any modified parameter settings are not saved.
Setting the interface
According to the factory settings, the ALX92x is set for data transfer via Cen-
tronics interface. Print data can also be transferred via the serial interface,
USB or Ethernet interface.
«The interface type is selected with the following parameter:
INTERF. PARAM. > EASYPLUGINTERPR > Interface
¯Youmighthavetoset otherparametersaswell,dependingonthe interface
chosen:
•Settings for the Centronics interface: INTERF. PARAM. > CENTRONICS
•Settings for the serial interface (COM1): INTERF. PARAM. > COM1
•Settings for the Ethernet interface: INTERF. PARAM. > NETWORK PARAM.
Setting parameters : see topic section „Info-Printouts and Parameters“,
chapter “Using the Parameter Menu”.
Data cables : Ordering nubers can be found in the Service Manual, topic sec-
tion „Spare Parts“, chapter „Accessories“.
System start...
System start...
Start user prog
ALX 924
V 5.33
Memory: 64 MB
Flashcard: 32 MB
OFFLINE 0 JOBS
Initialisation
ONLINE 0 JOBS

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Information about using the Ethernet interface can be found in topic section
„Advanced Applications“, chapter Data Transmission with Ethernet on
page 16.
Offline operation
•Switching from offline mode to online mode:
•Switch to online mode when the print job is stopped:
•Slow material and ribbon feed:
•Material travels backwards under the printhead:
•Reset:
•Access the parameter menu:
•Feed material until the next punch is reached or as long as the button is
held down:
•Printhead dot test:
•Standalone operation: Selecting a print job stored on a CF card (e.g., Test-
dat.FOR):
OFFLINE x JOBS ONLINE x JOBS
OFFLINE x JOBS
Stopped xx ONLINE x JOBS Stopped xx
OFFLINE x JOBS OFFLINE x JOBS
feeding…
OFFLINE x JOBS OFFLINE x JOBS
feeding…
OFFLINE x JOBS OFFLINE x JOBS
OFFLINE x JOBS PRINT INFO
OFFLINE x JOBS OFFLINE x JOBS
feeding…
OFFLINE x JOBS OFFLINE x JOBS
Head dot test
ONLINE x JOBS Select File
Testdat.FOR
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG

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Online operation
•Switching to offline mode:
•Setting the print contrast: Press the Feed button to increase and the Cut
button to decrease the print contrast.
•Interrupting the print job: The device will finish printing the current label.
•Switching to offline mode while the print job is stopped:
•Continuing the print job:
•Standalone operation: Selecting a print job stored on a CF card (e.g., Test-
dat.FOR):
Creating a print job
Essentially, there are two ways of creating a print job: Either by using the
ALX92x driver for Windows or by creating a text file with print commands.
Windows printer driver ALX92x printer drivers are available for different versions of Windows. You
can print from nearly every Windows application using the printer drivers.
However, functionality is strongly dependent on the choice of software. Spe-
cial label layout programs are best suited, for example NiceLabel (a demo ver-
sion is included with the ALX92x).
¯The driver’s help function explains how to use the printer driver. The help
function of your Windowsoperating system willtellyou how to installthe driver.
Printer drivers for the different versions of Windows can be found on the Av-
ery Dennison website at http://www.machines.averydennison.com.
Command file You can write a sequence of commands in a text fileand send it to the device.
Todo this, youcan use any texteditor and theMS-DOS Copy command.Easy
Plug provides a special command language to program print jobs. However,
writing a print job in text file format does require some programming knowl-
edge. Furthermore, you will not be able to preview the resulting printout on the
screen. Instead, you haveto run a test print to see a copy of the finishedresult.
ONLINE x JOBS OFFLINE x JOBS
ONLINE x JOBS Print contrast
xxx%
ONLINE X JOBS
Restcount XXX ONLINE X JOBS Stopped XXX a)
a) The message “Stopped xxx” alternates with “Press Feed”.
ONLINE X JOBS
Stopped XXX OFFLINE x JOBS
ONLINE X JOBS
Stopped XXX ONLINE X JOBS Restcount XXX
ONLINE x JOBS Select File
Testdat.FOR
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG
ESC
APPLY ONLINE FEED PROG

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Easy Plug Manual : here you can find a practice example of a print job to-
gether with instructions in the section “Program Example” in topic section
“General, Definitions Commands Overview”.
Transferring a print job
The device can only carry out a print job once this job has been transferred
into the device’s RAM. This can be accomplished in two ways: via a direct
transfer from your computer via a data cable or by saving it to a CompactFlash
(CF) card.
Data cable The print job can be transferred
•via the serial interface,
•via the parallel interface, or
•via the Ethernet connection.
To transfer data via the serial or parallel interface, connect the corresponding
ports on the host computer and the device. Use the DOS window to send the
print job file to the interface:
•Serial interface (COM1): copy testjob.txt com1
•Parallel interface (LPT1): copy testjob.txt lpt1
•USB interface / Ethernet interface:
copy testjob.txt \\computername\sharename.
– Computer name: Name of the computer. You can find this name in
Windows XP under START > SETTINGS > CONTROL PANEL > SYS-
TEM > COMPUTER NAME (e.g. DM-ECH-0990).
– Sharename: Name found under START > SETTINGS > PRINTERS
AND FAXES after right-clicking PROPERTIES > SHARE (in
Windows XP). The share name represents a device connected with a
specific port – the USP port for transfer via USB, the TCP/IP port for
transfer via Ethernet.
A few hints on using the USB or Ethernet interfaces:
¯Themethoddescribed here doesnot workinWindows 98, Windows MEor
Windows NT 4.0.
¯The share name has to comply with the MS-DOS formatting conventions
(no more than 8 characters, no symbols or spaces).
Further information on transferring data per Ethernet can be found at topic
section „Advanced applications“, chapter Data Transmission with Ethernet 
on page 16
¯Before sending a print job from a text program, you need to ensure that the
correct device driver has been installed.
¯Special label layout programs, such as NiceLabel, make this much easier.
These programs also require a driver to be installed.

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Plug-in card You require the following to load a print job from a CF card:
•CF card (copy the print job to the directory \FORMATS)
•CF card reader (to connect to your computer)
A detailed description can be found in topic section „Advanced Applications“,
chapter Selecting files from CF card on page 10.
Applying CompactFlash cards
CF = CompactFlash
[8] Example: A 32MB CF card (T1).
ASlim guide notch
BWide guide notch
CContacts
Suitable CF cards: see Plugin-card manual, topic section „Card types“,
chapter CompactFlash card .
Applying CF cards: see Plugin-card manual, topic section „Application“,
chapter CompactFlash card .
Inserting a CF card 1. Switch off the device. Wait for 5 seconds.
2. Insert the CF card [9A] into the card slot, contact side first. The card’s label
is on the right side.
¯Push the CF card into the slot until the release button [9B] comes out.
¯The differently sized guide notches [8] of the CF card prevent the card
frombeinginserted wrongly.Forthe cardto beinserted correctly,the wider
guide notch needs to be on top.
CAUTION! - Observe the following guidelines to avoid damaging the device
or the CF card.
«Only use CF -cards approved by the manufacturer.
«Always wait at least 5 seconds after switching off the device before remo-
ving or inserting the CF card.
«When inserting or removing the CF card, never use force.
AB
C

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Removing a CF card «Press the release button [9B] to remove the CF card.
[9] Inserting the CF card (A) causes the release button (B) to come out. If the card has been inserted cor-
rectly, it will sit flush with the printer’s back wall (right)
Setting the realtime clock
¯The realtime clock is an optional accessory.
The ALX92x realtime clock can be used, for example, to calculate and print
the expiry date of a perishable product.
This is how you set the realtime clock:
1. Navigate to the SYSTEM PARAMETER > Realtime clock.
dd = day, mm = month, yyyy = year, hh = hour, mm = minute
2. To enter the date and time, Use the Apply button to shift the cursor, the
Feed button to change the parameter, and the Online button to save it.
Setting parameters : see topic section „Info-Printouts and Parameters“,
chapter “Using the Parameter Menu”.
Outputting the realtime clock value using Easy Plug
Use the following Easy Plug commands to output the current realtime clock
value:
•#YC realtime as text
•#YS realtime as barcode
•#DM download month names
Easy-Plug commands: See Easy Plug manual .
Realtime clock
dd.mm.yyyy hh:mm
B
B
A

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The first device test
Settings for the material type
Theparameter settingsdescribedbelowprovidethe devicewiththenecessary
information about the label material used. When printing from a layout pro-
gram, these settings are usually provided automatically by the device driver.
For your first test prints, you need to configure them manually.
Material type The label material is “endless”, which means that it contains no punches/per-
forations, breaks or reflex marks that could be recognised by the punch sen-
sor:
«Set the PRINT PARAMETER > Material Type to “endless”.
The label material contains punches, breaks or reflex marks that can be rec-
ognised by the punch sensor (referred to as “punched” material):
«Set the PRINT PARAMETER > Material Type to “Punched”.
Material length «Set the PRINT PARAMETER > Material Length to the length of the material
(in mm).
Material width «Set the PRINTPARAMETER> MaterialWidth to the width of the material (in mm).
Only for punched/perforated material:
Type of punch Label material with breaks or punches:
«Set the SYSTEM PARAMETER > Light sens. type to “Punched”.
Label material with reflex marks:
«Set the SYSTEM PARAMETER > Light sens. type to “Reflex”.
Setting parameters : see topic section „Info-Printouts and Parameters“,
chapter “Using the Parameter Menu”.
Printing the status report
A status report printout is a perfectly adequate device test. The width of the
status printout can be set to 100mm or 50mm. This should match the width of
the label material used. The length of the printout is 200mm.
100mm width «Navigate to PRINT INFO > Printer status.
The printout that is triggered spans a label length of 2x 200mm, listing all of
the device’s current parameter settings.
50mm width «Set the SYSTEM PARAMETER > Print Info Mode to “Compact right”.
«Navigate to PRINT INFO > Printer Status.
The printout that is triggered contains the same information as the wider print-
out, compressed to a width of 50mm.