Brady POWERMark User manual

User’s Guide
Manuel d’utilisation
Manual de usauario

ii ¡Copyright
Copyright
This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be copied or
reproduced by any means without the prior consent of Brady Worldwide, Inc.
While every precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, Brady assumes no liability
to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions or by statements resulting from
negligence, accident, or any other cause. Brady further assumes no liability arising out of the
application or use of any product or system described, herein; nor any liability for incidental or
consequential damages arising from the use of this document. Brady disclaims all warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Brady reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any product or system herein to
improve reliability, function, or design.
Reproduction of this material, in part or whole, is strictly prohibited without the written
permission of Brady Worldwide, Inc. For more information, contact: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
Signmark® Division, 2221 W. Camden Road, Milwaukee, WI 53209.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to make this guide as accurate and complete as possible. Brady
Worldwide, Inc. is not responsible for labeling inaccuracies and omissions occurring during the
use of this guide.
This manual is proprietary to Brady Worldwide, Inc. and may be revised from time to time without
notice. Brady Worldwide, Inc. disclaims any understanding to provide you with revisions, if any.
All brand or product names referenced in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies or organizations.
© 2007 Brady Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.bradycorp.com

¡iii
System Warranty
This system is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for
a period of 6 months from the date of purchase.
This warranty applies to the original purchaser only. This warranty is void if the system has been
tampered with in any way without the express written consent of Brady Worldwide, Inc.
If the machine requires repair during the warranty period, call 1-800-368-3362 to receive a return
authorization number, then ship the machine back to us in the original container along with a copy
of the sales invoice to Brady Worldwide, Inc. Signmark® Division, 2221 W. Camden Road,
Milwaukee, WI 53209, Attention: Repair. The machine will be returned to you after repair, freight
prepaid by Brady Worldwide, Inc.
IN CANADA call 1-800-263-6179 to receive a return authorization number, then ship the machine
to us in the original container along with a copy of the sales invoice to W. H. Brady, Inc.
Signmark® Division, 56 Leek Cr., Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1H1, Attention: Repair. The machine
will be returned to you after repair, freight prepaid by W. H. Brady, Inc.
Brady Warranty
Our products are sold with the understanding that the buyer will test them in actual use and
determine for him or herself their adaptability to his/her intended uses. Brady warrants to the buyer
that its products are free from defects in material and workmanship, but limits its obligation under
this warranty to replacement of the product shown to Brady’s satisfaction to have been defective at
the time Brady sold it. This warranty does not extend to any persons obtaining the product from
the buyer.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND OF ANY
OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITY ON BRADY’S PART. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BRADY BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, EXPENSE OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE
USE, OR INABILITY TO USE, BRADY’S PRODUCTS.

iv ¡Brady Warranty
FCC Notice - US Only
Warning: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed
and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, it may cause interference to radio
communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of the FCC rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against interference when operating in a commercial environment.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case
required corrective measures will be at the owner’s expense.
The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brady
Worldwide, Inc. could void the user’s authority to use the equipment.
Canada
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Reglement sur le
materialbroilleur du Canada.
Europe
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference, in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

¡v
International Power Cords
Users in countries outside of North America may have to supply their own power cord for
connecting the system to an AC electrical outlet. The table below shows the specifications for the
power cord to be used in various countries:
In this country: Use this power cord:
Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland,
Holland, Switzerland, Austria, Germany,
Italy, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal,
Hungary
Specifications
plug:CEE-7
connector:IEC 320
conductor size:3 x 1.00 mm2
description:H05VVF3G1.0
typ. stranding:32/0.2 mm
current rating:10A
voltage rating:250 VAC
maximum length:less than 3 meters
United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa Specifications
plug:BS 1363A
connector:IEC 320
conductor size:3 x 1.00 mm2
description:H05VVF3G1.0
typ. stranding:32/0.2 mm
current rating:10A
voltage rating:250 VAC
maximum length:less than 3 meters
Australia, New Zealand Specifications
plug:AS 3112-1981
connector:IEC 320
conductor size:3 x 1.00 mm2
description:AS 3191
typ. stranding:32/0.2 mm
current rating:10A
voltage rating:250 VAC
maximum length:less than 3 meters

vi ¡Specifications
Specifications
Model Number
zSign and Label Maker PM3
Physical characteristics
zSize: 12.38 x 19.8 x 19.13 inches (31.45 x 49.73 x 48.59 cm)
zWeight: 45 pounds (20.25 kg)
Environmental characteristics
zAmbient operating temperature: 40°F to 105°F (4°C to 41°C)
zRelative humidity: 20 to 80% (non-condensing)
zStorage requirements: 0°F to 140°F (-18°C to 60°C), relative humidity 10 to 95% (non-
condensing)
Electrical characteristics
zInput current: 2.0 Amps
zInput voltages: 120/230/240 VAC
zInput frequency: 50 to 60 Hz

¡vii
Contents
Chapter 1: System Basics .........................................................1-1
Setting up your system .....................................................1-2
Unpacking and setting up the printer ..................................... 1-2
Inserting and removing tape.................................................. 1-5
Inserting and removing ribbon............................................... 1-8
Using the display screen ................................................. 1-13
The text entry area ..............................................................1-16
The navigation area .............................................................1-16
The preview area.................................................................1-17
The selection window...........................................................1-18
Markers ...............................................................................1-19
System messages................................................................1-20
Using the keyboard ..................................................................1-21
Overtyping and inserting ......................................................1-21
Deleting and clearing ..........................................................1-22
Typing all capital letters .......................................................1-23
Typing special characters.....................................................1-25
Typing accented characters .................................................1-25
Setting system defaults ...........................................................1-26
Checking system status ..........................................................1-29
Chapter 2: Label Creation .........................................................2-1
Creating a basic label ................................................................2-2
Label creation options ...............................................................2-5
How installed ribbons affect label composition .....................2-6
Adding lines, labels and areas to freeform labels ..................2-7
Creating labels with multiple lines ......................................... 2-7
Correcting multiple line problems .......................................... 2-8
Entering multiple labels......................................................... 2-9
Using standard layouts ...........................................................2-11
Entering text in a standard layout.........................................2-12
Using label options in standard layouts.................................2-13
Using specialty applications 15

viii ¡Specifications
Chapter 3: Label Design............................................................3-1
Changing the look of the text ...................................................3-2
Selecting a font..................................................................... 3-2
Changing type size ............................................................... 3-4
Changing type options .......................................................... 3-6
Adding graphics 3-11
Changing the look of the label 3-13
Setting label length..............................................................3-13
Selecting label options.........................................................3-18
Adding frames .....................................................................3-22
Using the date and time option ..............................................3-24
Entering the date and time on a label ...................................3-24
Setting the time ...................................................................3-25
Setting the date ...................................................................3-26
Setting the date/time format .................................................3-27
Creating sequences .................................................................3-28
Working with bar codes ..........................................................3-30
Inserting a bar code on a label.............................................3-31
Selecting bar code options...................................................3-32
Working with supplies................................................................3-1
Chapter 4: Printing ....................................................................4-1
Supply tape .......................................................................... 4-2
Supply ribbon ....................................................................... 4-3
Selecting ribbon type ............................................................ 4-5
Swapping ribbons during printing .......................................... 4-6
Operating the system without supplies installed..................... 4-7
Changing supplies ................................................................ 4-8
Supply storage and handling................................................. 4-8
Printing labels ............................................................................4-9
Printing multiple copies ..........................................................4-11
Changing print density/thermal energy .................................4-12

¡ix
Chapter 5: Label Storage...........................................................5-1
Installing and removing memory cards ...................................5-2
Checking available memory ......................................................5-3
Saving files .................................................................................5-4
Getting saved files .....................................................................5-5
Copying files to or from a memory card ..................................5-7
Printing a list of saved files ......................................................5-9
Deleting saved files .................................................................5-10
Clearing a memory card ..........................................................5-12
Chapter 6: Using the Printer with a PC .....................................6-1
Requirements .............................................................................6-2
Setting up the print driver .........................................................6-3
Installing the print driver........................................................ 6-3
Connecting the system to a PC ............................................. 6-5
Printing from a PC ................................................................ 6-6
Chapter 7: Maintenance ............................................................7-1
Cleaning the system...................................................................7-1
Maintaining the system .............................................................7-2
Signs Application
Hazardous Waste Labels Application
Pipe Markers Application
Symbols Reference

x¡Specifications

¡1-1
Welcome! This user’s guide describes your new labeling system, which lets you create and print
professional-looking labels and signs for use just about anywhere. All you need to do is pop in the
ribbon and tape you want to use, type your text and print! Your label or sign prints on adhesive-
backed tape that can be placed wherever you need clear, easy-to-read labels and signs.
The system is designed to handle a range of tape widths, from 4 to 10 inches (100 to 250 mm), to
provide the versatility you need. In addition, the system can use special ribbons that contain
multiple colors, allowing you to design labels and signs that are truly eye-catching.
To type your labels and signs, you use the standard keyboard attached to the printer. A display
screen on the front of the printer lets you preview what you’ve typed. By just pressing the function
keys on the keyboard, you can easily apply special type effects, change the font, add graphics,
incorporate bar codes—and more! You can even save your labels and signs so that you can print
more copies when you need them by just pressing a few keys.
This user’s guide covers all system features. Follow the steps in this chapter for setting up your
system, and your system will be ready to go in no time. Then move on to Chapter 2, where you’ll
find step-by-step instructions for creating a label. We encourage you to try out the variety of
options described in the remaining chapters and see just what your system can do. Whoever said
work couldn’t be fun!
Chapter1: System Basics

1-2 ¡Setting up your system
Setting up your system
This section describes how to get your system up and running. It includes instructions for
installing or replacing the ribbon and tape supplies.
Unpacking and setting up the printer
Your system is so easy to set up, you’ll be creating labels in just minutes! Follow these steps to get
started:
1) Remove the bag from around the printer.
2) Press the red cover release button and raise the printer cover up and away to the left.
The release button is located on the lower right side of the printer.
3) Remove and discard the foam piece that surrounds the printhead inside the printer.
Printer cover
Cover release button

System Basics ¡1-3
4) Close the printer cover by pressing down on the top right side until you hear it click
into place.
5) Plug the keyboard into the lower right side of the printer as shown above.
6) Plug the power cord into the back of the printer as shown below. Plug the other end of
the cord into an AC power outlet.
Note: Be sure the AC power outlet is located near the printer and is easily
accessible.
Note: Users in countries outside of North America may need to supply their
own power cord to meet the specifications required in individual countries.
For information on power cord requirements, refer to the table on page v in
this guide.
on/off switch
Power plug

1-4 ¡Setting up your system
7) Locate the two sides of the clear ribbon cartridge case. Hold one side in each hand so
that the interlocking pieces on each side are facing each other. Hold the sides together
so that they form an upside-down V. Then fit the interlocking pieces in place and snap
the sides together.
8) Follow the steps in the next two subsections in this chapter to load ribbon and tape in
the printer.
9) To turn on the system’s power, push down on the left side of the power switch (the 1
position). Refer to the illustration in step 6.
When you first turn the system on, an introductory screen displays briefly and then the
Application window appears. The items listed depend on which applications are available in
your system.
Refer to Using the display screen on page 1-13 for details on using the windows and for other
introductory information about the system. Then refer to the remaining chapters in this guide
for details on creating labels and making them look just the way you want!
Note: If supplies are not installed when you turn on the system, the “Unknown supply
type” message appears. Refer to Working with supplies on page 4-1 for details on this
message and how to respond to it. Also note that if the system doesn’t detect a keyboard, it
assumes you want to control it from a PC, and the “On line” message displays. Refer to
Chapter 6, “Using the Printer With a PC,” for details.
Freeform
Signs
Hazardous Waste Labels
Pipe Markers
Application
Press ↑↓, ENTER or SETUP

System Basics ¡1-5
Inserting and removing tape
This section describes how to insert and remove the system’s supply tape. These directions assume
that you are facing the front of the printer (where the display screen is located).
1) Press the red cover release button and raise the printer cover up and away to the left.
The release button is located on the lower right side of the printer, as shown on
page 1-2.
2) If a roll of tape is already installed, remove it.
• Flip the blue memory cell flag counter-clockwise out of the red memory cell holder.
• Rotate the tape roll clockwise until the leading edge of the tape is removed from the tape
feed slot and starts to rewind around the tape roll.
• Grasp the tape spool and pull it toward you, compressing the spring on the near side of the
printer. Whenthe gray taperoll insert is no longer covering the blue drive cone, liftthe tape
spool out of the printer.
3) If you are inserting a new roll of tape, remove the shrinkwrap from it and pull off the
yellow tab. Hold the tape spool you are inserting so that the blue memory cell flag is on
the far side of the roll.
Note: When you open the printer, you’ll see a set of illustrations attached to the inside
of the unit. These illustrations show you how to install the tape (on the right side of the
printer) and the ribbon (on the left side). Illustrations five through seven refer to tape
loading.
Blue memory cell flag
Tape spool

1-6 ¡Setting up your system
4) Place the near end of the gray tape roll insert over the blue drive cone in the lower right
side of the machine. Pull the tape spool toward you, then place the opposite end of the
gray tape roll insert over the blue drive cone on that side.
5) Flip the blue memory cell flag clockwise so that it is seated in the red memory cell
holder.

System Basics ¡1-7
6) Lift and remove the tape wiper from the printer.
If you need to replace the wiper pad, see Cleaning the system on page 7-1.
7) Grasp the leading edge of the tape and guide it over the metal bar and black roller and
into the red tape feed slot. (Note that you may need to first slide the two red tape guides
out of the way.)
A set of arrows marks the tape feed slot. Feed the tape in below those arrows.
8) Slide the two red tape guides towards the tape so they snap into place along each side
of the tape, as shown above.
9) Replace the tape wiper.
10) Close the printer cover by pressing down on the top right side until you hear it click
into place.
Tape wiper
Tape feed slot Metal bar
Black roller
Tape guides

1-8 ¡Setting up your system
Inserting and removing ribbon
This section describes how to insert and remove the system’s supply ribbon. These directions
assume that you are facing the front of the printer (where the display screen is located).
1) If this is the first time you have used the printer, unpack the clear plastic ribboncartridge
case, and remove the wrapping.
2) Press the red cover release button on the printer, and raise the printer cover up and
away to the left.
The release button is located on the lower right side of the printer, as shown on page 1-2.
3) If a ribbon is already installed, remove the ribbon cartridge case from the printer.
• Locate the clear ribbon cartridge case in the upper left side of the printer.
• Flip the blue memory cell flag counter-clockwise out of the red memory cell holder.
• Snap the hook on the memory cell flag to the ribbon cartridge case.
Note: When you open the printer, you’ll see a set of illustrations attached to
the inside of the unit. These illustrations show you how to install the tape (on
the right side of the printer) and the ribbon (on the left side). Illustrations 1-4
refer to ribbon loading.
Memory cell flag
Ribbon cartridge case

System Basics ¡1-9
• Grasp both sides of the ribbon cartridge case and pull it toward you, compressing the spring
on the near side of the printer. When the far side of the gray ribbon roll inserts no longer
cover the blue drive cones, lift the ribbon cartridge case out of the printer.
4) Set the ribbon cartridge case on a flat surface and open the case. If the case contains a
ribbon, lift it out of the case. Place the case so that the white “Flag here” label is on the
far side of the case.
Ribbon wiper is located here
beneath the ribbon cartridge.
“Flag here” label

1-10 ¡Setting up your system
5) If you’re inserting a new ribbon, remove and discard the shrinkwrap.
6) Hold the ribbon cartridge you are inserting so that the blue memory cell flag is on the
far right side of the cartridge. Place the ribbon cartridge into the ribbon cartridge case,
ensuring that the memory cell flag is in the opening indicated by the label.
7) Place the second groove on the ribbon cartridge insert into the edges of the ribbon
cartridge case.