CAB a3-2 User manual

Edition 10/04
Thermal-direct Printer / Transfer Printer
/ / /
Operator's Manual

2 cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
copyright by cab / 9008298 / O45 / 1
Angaben zu Lieferumfang, Aussehen, Leistung, Maßen und Gewicht entsprechen unseren Kenntnissen zum Zeitpunkt der
Drucklegung. Änderungen sind vorbehalten.
All specifications about delivery, design, performance and weight are given to the best of our current knowledge and are subject
to change without prior notice.
Gesellschaft für
Computer- und Automations-
Bausteine mbH & Co KG
cab-Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
Postfach 19 04 D-76007 Karlsruhe
Wilhelm-Schickard-Str. 14 D-76131 Karlsruhe
Telefon +49 (0) 721 / 66 26-0
Telefax +49 (0) 721 / 66 26-249
http://www.cabgmbh.com
e-mail : [email protected]

3cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
A3-2 / A3 / A4 / A6
Thermal-direct Printer /
Transfer Printer
Operator's Manual
Thermal-direct Printer /
Transfer Printer
Operator's Manual
All rights reserved, including those of the translations.
No part of this manual nor any translation may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, without the
express written permission of cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG Karlsruhe.
Edition 10/04
Printed in Germany
A3-2 / A3 / A4 / A6

4 cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
A3-2 / A3 / A4 / A6
Table of Contents
Trademarks .................................................................................................................................... 6
A General Guide to the Documentation ........................................................................................ 7
1. Product Description ................................................................................................................ 8
General Information .................................................................................................................. 8
Printer Types ............................................................................................................................. 9
Particular Features A3/200P, A3/300P .................................................................................... 10
Characteristics of the Thermal Printhead ................................................................................ 10
Compliances ............................................................................................................................ 11
Instructions for the Lithium Battery ........................................................................................... 11
Technical Specifications .......................................................................................................... 12
Options ................................................................................................................................... 16
External Media Unwinder/Rewinder .................................................................................. 16
Cutter Unit ........................................................................................................................ 16
Memory Card ................................................................................................................... 16
External Keyboard ............................................................................................................ 17
Interface Extensions ......................................................................................................... 17
Applicator ......................................................................................................................... 17
RFID Read-Write Unit ...................................................................................................... 17
Print Media .............................................................................................................................. 18
Print Media for Direct Thermal Printing ............................................................................. 19
Print Media for Thermal Transfer Printing ......................................................................... 19
Label / Tag Media Specifications ...................................................................................... 20
Transfer Ribbon ................................................................................................................ 21
Software .................................................................................................................................. 22
2. General Safety Instructions .................................................................................................. 23
3. Unpacking .............................................................................................................................. 23
Delivery Contents .................................................................................................................... 23
Removing the Securing Devices ............................................................................................. 24
4. Printer Component Location ................................................................................................ 25
5. Connecting the Printer ......................................................................................................... 31
Connection to Power Supply ................................................................................................... 31
Connection to a Computer ...................................................................................................... 32
Switch on the Printer ............................................................................................................... 33
6. Control Panel ......................................................................................................................... 34
Use of the Control Panel ......................................................................................................... 34
Structure of the Control Panel ................................................................................................. 35
Functions of the Control Panel during Printing ........................................................................ 36
Functions of the Control Panel in the Offline Menu.................................................................. 39
7. Media Loading ....................................................................................................................... 42
General Information ................................................................................................................ 42
Preparation for Tear-Off Mode / Rewind Mode ........................................................................ 43
Loading Labels ........................................................................................................................ 44
Loading Labels from Roll ........................................................................................................44
Adjustment of the Printhead Support ....................................................................................... 49
Loading Fanfold Labels ........................................................................................................... 50
Loading Transfer Ribbon .........................................................................................................52
Adjustment of the Transfer Ribbon .......................................................................................... 54
Table of Contents

5cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
A3-2 / A3 / A4 / A6
8. Printer Configuration ............................................................................................................ 56
Overview ................................................................................................................................. 56
Local Settings ......................................................................................................................... 58
Machine Parameters ............................................................................................................... 60
Print Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 64
Interfaces ................................................................................................................................ 68
Security ................................................................................................................................... 70
9. Test Options .......................................................................................................................... 72
Overview ................................................................................................................................. 72
Short Status ............................................................................................................................ 74
Status Print .............................................................................................................................. 76
Font List .................................................................................................................................. 78
Device List .............................................................................................................................. 80
Printhead Profile ..................................................................................................................... 82
ASCII Dump (Monitor) Mode ................................................................................................... 84
Test Grid ................................................................................................................................. 86
Label Profile ............................................................................................................................ 88
10. Memory Cards ....................................................................................................................... 90
Installation and Removing the Memory Card ........................................................................... 91
Preparing the Memory Card .................................................................................................... 92
Writing to the Memory Card .................................................................................................... 92
Memory Card Options in the Offline Menu............................................................................... 93
Overview .......................................................................................................................... 93
Label from Card ............................................................................................................... 94
Print Directory .................................................................................................................. 95
Copy Memory Card .......................................................................................................... 96
Format Card .....................................................................................................................98
ASCII Dump (Card) .......................................................................................................... 99
11. External Keyboard ............................................................................................................... 100
Connecting the External Keyboard .........................................................................................100
Key Assignment .....................................................................................................................101
Special Key Functions ............................................................................................................ 101
Special Characters Available with an External Keyboard ........................................................ 102
Appendices
Appendix A - Operation in Peel-off Mode .................................................................................. A-1
Components for the Peel-off Mode ......................................................................................... A-1
Preliminary Tests .................................................................................................................... A-2
Present Sensor, Peel-off Adapter, Tamp Applicator ................................................................ A-2
Appendix B - Pin Assignment of the Interface Connectors ..................................................... B-1
Pin Assignment of the RS-232 Interface ................................................................................. B-1
Interface Cable for RS-232 .................................................................................................... B-2
Pin Assignment of the Parallel Interface Connector ................................................................ B-3
Parallel Interface Cable .......................................................................................................... B-3
Table of Contents

6 cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
A3-2 / A3 / A4 / A6
Trademarks
Centronics ® is a registered trademark owned by Centronics Data Computer
Corporation.
Macintosh-Computer is a product of Apple Computer, Inc.
Microsoft ® is a registered trademark owned by Microsoft Corporation.
Bitstream ® is a registered trademark owned by Bitstream Inc.
TrueType  is a registered trademark owned by Apple Computer Inc.
cablabel ® is a registered trademark owned by cab Produkttechnik GmbH &
Co KG.
Table of Contents / Trademarks
Appendix C - Error Messages / Problem Solution .................................................................... C-1
Error Messages ...................................................................................................................... C-1
Recoverable Errors ......................................................................................................... C-1
Non-Recoverable Errors .................................................................................................. C-2
Errors during System Test ............................................................................................... C-2
List of Error Messages..................................................................................................... C-3
Problem Solution .................................................................................................................... C-7
Appendix D - Maintenance / Cleaning ....................................................................................... D-1
General Cleaning ................................................................................................................... D-1
Cleaning the Print Roller ........................................................................................................ D-1
Cleaning the Printhead ........................................................................................................... D-2
Cleaning the Label Edge Sensor A3-2/A3/A4 ......................................................................... D-3
Appendix E - Replacing Assembly Units ................................................................................... E-1
Replacing the Prinhead A3-2/A3/A4 ....................................................................................... E-1
Replacing the Prinhead A6 ..................................................................................................... E-4
Replacing the Print Roller and the Rewind Assist Roller ......................................................... E-6
Appendix F - Firmware Updates ................................................................................................ F-1
General Information ............................................................................................................... F-1
Firmware Update Using the Parallel Interface ........................................................................ F-1
Firmware Update from Memory Card ..................................................................................... F-2
Error Messages During the Firmware Update ........................................................................ F-3
Index
EU - Conformity Declaration

7cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
A3-2 / A3 / A4 / A6
A General Guide to the Documentation
This manual contains the description and usage instructions for the A3-2, A3,
A4 and A6 printers.
For detailed technical information on programming of the A3-2, A3, A4 and A6,
a separate Programming Guide is available on request. For specific
information on maintenance and repair of the printers, separate Service/
Maintenance Manuals are available.
The first few chapters cover general information which is necessary for
unpacking and setup of the printer, including ribbon and media loading.
Chapter 5 covers the connection and usage of optional equipment that may be
attached to the printer.
In the appendices, additional information such as cabling specifications, error
messages and problem resolution, and maintenance/cleaning instructions are
included.
Please take special note of the specifications for suggested print media and
the references to cleaning the printer, to prevent damage, poor quality printing
and avoidable failures of your printer.
Every effort has been made in the creation of this manual to provide as much
information as possible in a form that is both understandable and useful.
We welcome your comments and suggestions regarding additions or
corrections to improve future editions of this manual.
NOTICE !
The figures in this manual normally show the Transfer Printer A4 !
If there are important differences between the printer types you will find a
notice !
A General Guide to the Documentation

8 cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
A3-2 / A3 / A4 / A6
1. Product Description
General Information
A3-2, A3, A4 and A6 are innovative printers which may be used in either direct
thermal or thermal transfer mode. They offer a high resolution with virtually an
unlimited variety of printout designs.
The center mounting plate is made of die-cast aluminum which makes it very
robust and resistant to bending.
By using 32 bit-processors from Motorola and the internal memory of 8 MB
(A3-2, A3) or 16 MB (A4, A6), very long large labels (up to a length of 39 in /
1000 mm) can be printed quickly.
As standard equipment, the printers have a bi-directional parallel and a serial
RS-232-interface. An optional RS-422/485-interface, USB-interface or
ethernet-interface can be installed. The printers auto-sense which interface is
actually used. Furthermore the printers have a keyboard interface to connect a
standard keyboard as well as a bar code scanner. By using a memory card it
is possible to print and to enter variable data without any connection to a
computer.
The ranging power supply (100-240VAC) allows the printers to be used around
the world without re-configuration.
The operation and usage of the printers is simple and comfortable. All printer
settings can be carried out with the Navigator Pad. To ease the operation the
active key is marked in the several operating modes.
The graphic LCD display keeps the operator constantly informed about the
current status of the printer.
The modular design of the printers guarantees efficient service.
A special feature of the A3-2 and A3 printers is the possibility to change
between the 203 dpi-printhead and the 300 dpi-printhead easily, with a
minimum amount of time and effort.
For the printers a wide range of optional accessories like external un- and
rewinders, label/tag cutters, different peel-off modules and a tamp applicator is
available.
1. Product Description

9cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
A3-2 / A3 / A4 / A6
Printer Types
A3-2, A3, A4 and A6 printers are available in different equipment variations: for
tearing-off, internal rewinding or peeling-off the labels. Moreover A3-2, A3 and
A4 printer types with different printhead resolutions are offered.
This results in the following product range :
Basic Devices :
Printer types for tearing-off the labels :
Printhead Transfer Printer Thermal -direct Printer
A3-2 : 203 dpi A3-2/200 A3-2/200
300 dpi A3-2/300 A3-2/300
A3 : 203 dpi A3/200 A3/200
300 dpi A3/300 A3/300
A4 : 300 dpi A4/300 -
600 dpi A4/600 -
A6 : 300 dpi A6/300 A6/300
R-Versions :
Printer types for internal rewinding of the labels with internal rewinder :
Printhead Transfer Printer Thermal -direct Printer
A3-2 : 203 dpi A3-2/200R A3-2/200R
300 dpi A3-2/300R A3-2/300R
A3 : 203 dpi A3/200R A3/200R
300 dpi A3/300R A3/300R
A4 : 300 dpi A4/300R -
600 dpi A4/600R -
P-Versions :
Printer types for peeling-off the labels with internal rewinder and dispense
plate :
Printhead Transfer Printer Thermal -direct Printer
A3-2 : 203 dpi A3-2/200P A3-2/200P
300 dpi A3-2/300P A3-2/300P
A3 : 203 dpi A3/200P A3/200P
300 dpi A3/300P A3/300P
A4 : 300 dpi A4/300P -
600 dpi A4/600P -
A6 : 300 dpi A6/300P A6/300P
1. Product Description

10 cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
A3-2 / A3 / A4 / A6
Particular Features A3/200P, A3/300P
The P-versions of the printers are specificly developed for operation in the
peel-off mode and they are equipped with dispense edge as standard. In the
peel-off mode the labels are removed from the silicon liner immediately after
printing, and then available in a dispense position ready for further processing.
A peel-off module, for example an optional present sensor, which is attached to
the printer by the peripheral connector, indicates the presence of a label, and
pauses the printing process until the label is removed. After taking the label
from the dispense position the next label will be printed. To guarantee a
maximum of reliability in the peel-off mode the printers are additionally
equipped with a pair of rollers to cause the dispense tension.
NOTICE !
In the delivery state, A3 is configured in such a way, that the print speed
in the peel-off mode is limited to maximum 100mm/s. When using
smaller labels or supply rolls with a small outside diameter it is possible
to increase the print speed for the peel-off mode.
We recommend to carry out preliminary tests with speed limitation
switched off (see printer configuration) !
For the other P-version printers there is no limitation of the print speed in the
peel-off mode.
Characteristics of the Thermal Printhead
CAUTION !
The thermal printhead is the most sensitive part of your printer. Please
pay special attention to the following guidelines:
1) The glass cover on the printhead must not be touched with the hand. Also,
do not use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers, etc) to clean the printhead.
2) Ensure that the printhead is properly adjusted at all times.
3) Make sure that there are no high spots or debris on your media to lodge on
or damage the printhead. The label surface must be smooth. Lower grade
direct thermal paper is very rough and will act like sandpaper on the head,
reducing the head's lifetime. Do not use low grade stock.
4) Clean the head at each change of ribbon, or with each new roll of direct
thermal media, with a special cleaning pen, or a cotton swab with isopropyl
alcohol.
5) Print with the lowest possible head temperature to increase the life of the
printhead.
6) When changing the printhead, first turn the power off and disconnect the
power cord. Then, place a clean paper towel or tissue under the head to
provide a clean surface for it to rest on. When removing the head, hold it
on the sides only.
Failure to observe the instructions above can lead to a reduced printhead life.
1. Product Description