Carl Valentin Vario II series User manual

Operating manual
Label printer
Vario II series
December 2011

Copyright by Carl Valentin GmbH / 7955003.1211
Information on the scope of delivery, appearance, performance,
dimensions and weight reflect our knowledge at the time of printing.
We reserve the rights to make modifications.
All rights, including those regarding the translation, are reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced in any form (print,
photocopy or any other method) or edited, copied or distributed
electronically without written permission from Carl Valentin GmbH.
Carl Valentin label printers comply with the following safety guidelines:
CE
EG Low-Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC)
EG Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (89/336/EEC)
Carl Valentin GmbH
Postfach 3744
D-78026 Villingen-Schwenningen
Neckarstraße 78-82+94
D-78056 Villingen-Schwenningen
Phone:
[phone]
Fax:
[phone]
E-mail:
[e-mail]
www.valentin-carl.de

Vario II series
Table of contents
12.11
Operating manual
3
Table of contents
Table of contents.............................................................................. 3
1Important notes ..................................................................... 5
1.1 Intended use............................................................................ 5
1.2 Environmentally-friendly disposal............................................ 6
1.3 Connector pin assignment (printer rear).................................. 6
2Safety notes........................................................................... 7
2.1 Warnings ................................................................................. 7
2.2 Operating conditions................................................................ 8
3Technical data...................................................................... 13
3.1 Control inputs and outputs (option I)..................................... 16
3.2 Control inputs and outputs (option II).................................... 18
3.3 Plug & Play............................................................................ 19
4Installation............................................................................ 21
4.1 Setting up the label printer .................................................... 21
4.2 Connecting the label printer .................................................. 22
4.3 Switching the label printer on and off .................................... 22
4.4 Initiation of the label printer ................................................... 23
5Loading media..................................................................... 25
5.1 Loading media....................................................................... 25
5.2 Loading transfer ribbon ......................................................... 29
6Foil keyboard....................................................................... 31
6.1 Keyboard assignment (standard).......................................... 31
6.2 Keyboard assignment (text entry/customized)...................... 32
7Label creation ...................................................................... 35
7.1 Bitmap fonts........................................................................... 35
7.2 Vektor fonts ........................................................................... 37
7.3 1D bar codes ......................................................................... 39
7.4 2D Barcodes.......................................................................... 42
7.5 Rectangle .............................................................................. 51
7.6 Line graphic........................................................................... 52
8Function menu..................................................................... 55
8.1 Menu structure....................................................................... 55
8.2 Printer parameter................................................................... 58
8.3 Label measurement............................................................... 58
8.4 Printer initialisation ................................................................ 59
8.5 Print mode ............................................................................. 61
8.6 Serial interface 1.................................................................... 64
8.7 Serial interface 2.................................................................... 64
8.8 Parallele interface.................................................................. 65
8.9 Start/stop sign........................................................................ 65
8.10 Paper counter........................................................................ 65
8.11 Date & time............................................................................ 66
8.12 Password protection.............................................................. 67
8.13 Service functions ................................................................... 67
8.14 Print examples....................................................................... 71
8.15 Remote console..................................................................... 71
8.16 Emulation............................................................................... 72
8.17 Main menu............................................................................. 73

Table of contents
Vario II series
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Operating manual
12.11
9Options................................................................................. 75
9.1 Cutter..................................................................................... 75
9.2 Dispenser .............................................................................. 76
9.3 Network ................................................................................. 77
9.4 RFID ...................................................................................... 78
9.5 Scanner ................................................................................. 81
9.6 Memory Card......................................................................... 83
10 Maintenance and cleaning.................................................. 89
10.1 General cleaning ................................................................... 90
10.2 Cleaning the printer roller...................................................... 90
10.3 Cleaning the printhead .......................................................... 91
10.4 Cleaning the label photocell .................................................. 92
10.5 Replacing the printhead (general)......................................... 93
10.6 Replacing printhead............................................................... 94
10.7 Adjusting printhead................................................................ 95
11 Error correction ................................................................... 97
12 Additional information...................................................... 107
12.1Column printing ................................................................... 107
12.2 Password............................................................................. 108
12.3 Hotstart................................................................................ 110
12.4 Backfeed/delay.................................................................... 112
12.5 Photocells............................................................................ 114
13 Index ................................................................................... 115

Vario II series
Important notes
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Operating manual
5
1 Important notes
The label printer can be used in thermal as well as in thermal transfer
applications.
The label printer is equipped with 6 vector, 6 bitmap and 6
proportional fonts. It can be printed inverse, in italic format or 90
degrees turned fonts.
The handling of our durable label printer is easy and comfortable. The
printer settings are made with the keys of the foil keyboard. At each
time the two-line display shows the current status.
By the use of a 32 Bit processor and a large main memory of 4MB
also for large labels (optional up to a length of 3000 mm) a large print
is possible.
An enormously high print quality is obtained by most modern
printhead technology.
By a new-developed electronics a maximum print speed of up to 200
mm/s can be achieved. Time-saving update of the printer software is
possible via the interface. The label printer can be adapted by the
large selection of options to each function.
As default, printers of this series are equipped with a parallel and
serial interface. The label printer automatically recognizes by which
interface it is controlled.
Time-saving printer update is possible by interface.
Thanks to the large number of options the label printer can be
adapted to each task.
1.1 Intended use
The label printer is a state-of-the-art device which complies with the
recognized safety-related rules and regulations. Despite this, a danger
to life and limb of the user or third parties could arise and the label
printer or other property could be damaged while operating the device.
The label printer may only be used while in proper working order and
for the intended purpose. Users must be safe, aware of potential
dangers and must comply with the operating instructions. Faults, in
particular those which affect safety, must be remedied immediately.
The label printer is solely intended to print suitable media which have
been approved by the manufacturer. Any other or additional use is not
intended. The manufacturer/supplier is not liable for damage resulting
from misuse. Any misuse is at your own risk.
Intended used includes heeding the operating manual, including the
maintenance recommendations/regulations specified by the
manufacturer.

Important notes
Vario II series
6
Operating manual
12.11
1.2 Environmentally-friendly disposal
Manufacturers of B2B equipments are obliged to take-back and
dispose old equipment which was manufactured after 13 August 2005.
In principle, these old equipments may not be delivered to communal
collecting points. They may only be organised used and disposed by
the manufacturer. Valentin products accordingly labelled can therefore
in future be returned to Carl Valentin GmbH.
Thereupon old equipment is professionally disposed.
Thereby Carl Valentin GmbH observes all obligations in the context of
old equipment disposal in time and makes therewith the smooth
selling of products furthermore possible. Please understand that we
can only take-back equipment that is send free of carriage charges.
Further information is available from WEEE directive or our web site.
1.3 Connector pin assignment (printer rear)
1
USB interface
2
PCMCIA card slot A
(option)
3
PCMCIA card slot B
(option)
4
Serial interface RS-232
5
Connection for winder
6
Serial interface RS
422/485 (option)
7
Connection for PC
keyboard
8
External input (option)
9
Parallel interface for
Centronics
10
External output (option)
11
Connection for Ethernet
10/100 (option)
12
Fan
13
Power supply
Figure 1

Vario II series
Safety notes
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7
2 Safety notes
The label printer is designed for power supply systems from 230V.
Connect the label printer only to electrical outlets with a ground
contact.
Couple the label printer to devices using extra low voltage only.
Before making or undoing connections, switch off all devices involved
(computer, printer, accessories etc.).
Operate the label printer in a dry environment only and do not get it
wet (sprayed water, mist etc.).
If the label printer is operated with the cover open, ensure that
clothing, hair, jewellery and similar personal items do not contact the
exposed rotating parts.
The print unit can get hot during printing. Do not touch the printhead
during operation. Cool down the print unit before changing material,
removal or adjustment.
Carry out only the actions described in these operating instructions.
Any work beyond this may only be performed by the manufacturer or
upon agreement with the manufacturer.
Unauthorized interference with electronic modules or their software
can cause malfunctions.
Other unauthorized work or modifications to the direct print module
can endanger operational safety.
Always have service work done in a qualified workshop, where the
personnel have the technical knowledge and tools required to do the
necessary work.
There are warning stickers on the direct print modules that draw your
attention to dangers. Therefore the warning stickers are not to be
removed as then you and others cannot be aware of dangers and may
be injured.
DANGER!
Danger of life by explosion!
⇒Use nonconducting tools.
2.1 Warnings
Warnings are presented with three signal words for the different levels
of danger.
DANGER identifies an extraordinarily great and immediate danger
which could lead to serious injury or even death.
WARNING identifies a possible danger would could lead to serious
bodily injury or even death if sufficient precautions are not taken.
CAUTION indicates a potentially dangerous situation which could lead
to moderate or light bodily injury or damage to property.

Safety notes
Vario II series
8
Operating manual
12.11
2.2 Operating conditions
Before initial operation and during operation these operating
conditions have to be observed to guarantee save and interference-
free service of our printers.
Therefore please carefully read these operating conditions.
Shipment and storage of our printers are only allowed in original
packing.
Installation and initial operation of printer is only allowed if operating
conditions were fulfilled.
Initial operation, programming, operation, cleaning and service of our
printers are only recommended after careful study of our manuals.
Operation of printer is only allowed by especially trained persons.
Perform trainings regularly.
Content of the training are chapter 2.2 (Operating conditions),
chapter 5 (Loading media) and chapter 10 (Maintenance and
cleaning).
These indications are also valid for someone else's equipment
supplied by us.
Only use original spare and exchange parts.
Please contact the manufacturer with respect to spare/wear parts.
CPU of printer is equipped with a lithium battery (type CR 2032) for
which the battery regulation is to apply. This regulation plans that
unloaded batteries have to be given to used battery collecting
containers of trade and public carries. In case that batteries were not
completely discharged you have to make arrangements for short-
circuits. At a shutdown of printer the battery has to be disposed in
either case separately from printer.
DANGER!
Danger of life by explosion!
⇒Use nonconducting tools.
The installation place of printer should be even, free of vibration and
currents of air are to be avoided.
The printers have to be installed to ensure optimal operation and
servicing.
Instructions for
lithium battery
Conditions for
installation place

Vario II series
Safety notes
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Operating manual
9
The installation of the power supply to connect our printers has to be
effected according to the international rules and regulations,
especially the recommendations of one of the three following
commissions:
•International Electronic Commission (IEC)
•European Committee for Electro technical Standardisation
(CENELEC)
•Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE)
Our printers are constructed according to VDE and have to be
connected to a grounded conductor. The power supply has to be
equipped with a grounded conductor to eliminate internal interfering
voltage.
Power line voltage and power line frequency: See type plate
Allowable tolerance of power line voltage: +6% to −10% of nominal
value
Allowable tolerance of power line frequency: +2% to −2% of nominal
value
Allowable distortion factor of power line voltage: <=5%
In case your net is infected (e.g. by using thyristor controlled
machines) anti-interference measures have to be taken. You can use
one of the following possibilities:
•Provide separate power supply to our printers.
•In case of problems please connect capacity-decoupled isolation
transformer or similar interference suppressor in front of our
printers.
Emitted interference according to EN 61000-6-4: 08-2002
•Interference voltage to wires according to EN 55022: 09-2003
•Interference field power according to EN 55022: 09-2003
Immunity to interference according to EN 61000-6-2: 03-2006
•Stray radiation against discharge of static electricity according to
EN 61000-4-2: 12-2001
•Electromagnetic fields according to EN 61000-4-3: 11-2003
•Fast transient burst according to EN 61000-4-4: 07-2005
•Surge according to EN 61000-4-5: 12-2001
•High-frequency tension according to EN 61000-4-6: 12-2001
•Voltage interruption and voltage drop according to EN 61000-4-
11: 02-2005
This is a machine of type A. This machine can cause
interferences in residential areas; in this case it can be required
from operator to accomplish appropriate measures and be
responsible for it.
Installation of
power supply
Technical data of
power supply
Anti-Interference
measures
Stray radiation and
immunity from
disturbance

Safety notes
Vario II series
10
Operating manual
12.11
All connecting lines have to be guided in shielded lines. Shielding has
to be connected on both sides to the corner shell.
It is not allowed to guide lines parallel to power lines. If a parallel
guiding cannot be avoided a distance of at least 0.5 m has to be
observed.
Temperature of lines between: −15 to +80 °C.
It is only allowed to connect devices which fulfil the request 'Safety
Extra Low Voltage' (SELV). These are generally devices which are
checked corresponding to EN 60950.
The data cables must be completely protected and provide with metal
or metallised connector housings. Shielded cables and connectors are
necessary, in order to avoid radiant emittance and receipt of electrical
disturbances.
Allowable lines
Shielded line:
4 x 2 x 0,14 mm² ( 4 x 2 x AWG 26)
6 x 2 x 0,14 mm² ( 6 x 2 x AWG 26)
12 x 2 x 0,14 mm² (12 x 2 x AWG 26)
Sending and receiving lines have to be twisted in pairs.
Maximum line length:
with interface V 24 (RS-232C) - 3 m (with
shielding)
with Centronics - 3 m (with shielding)
with USB - 5 m
with Ethernet - 100 m
To avoid inadmissible heating, free air convection has to be ensured.
Protection according IP: 20
Ambient temperature °C (operation): Min. +5 Max. +45
Ambient temperature °C (storage): Min. −20 Max. +60
Relative air humidity % (operation): Max. 80
Relative air humidity % (storage): Max. 80
(bedewing of printers not allowed)
Connecting lines to
external machines
Installation of
data lines
Air convection
Limit values

Vario II series
Safety notes
12.11
Operating manual
11
We do not take any responsibility for damage caused by:
•Ignoring our operating conditions and operating manual.
•Incorrect electric installation of environment.
•Building alterations of our printers.
•Incorrect programming and operation.
•Not performed data protection.
•Using of not original spare parts and accessories.
•Natural wear and tear.
When (re)installing or programming our printers please control the
new settings by test running and test printing. Herewith you avoid
faulty results, reports and evaluation.
Only specially trained staff is allowed to operate the printers.
Control the correct handling of our products and repeat training.
We do not guarantee that all features described in this manual exist in
all models. Caused by our efforts to continue further development and
improvement, technical data might change without notice.
By further developments or regulations of the country illustrations and
examples shown in the manual can be different from the delivered
model.
Please pay attention to the information about admissible print media
and the notes to the printer maintenance, in order to avoid damages
or premature wear.
We endeavoured to write this manual in an understandable form to
give and you as much as possible information. If you have any queries
or if you discover errors, please inform us to give us the possibility to
correct and improve our manual.
Guarantee

Vario II series
Technical data
12.11
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13
3 Technical data
Print
Passage width
110 mm
Min. label width
15 mm
Min. label height
6 mm
Max. label height
Standard
2800 mm
Option Ethernet
2500 mm
Print width
104 mm
Label material
max. 220 gr/m² (others on demand)
Resolution
203 dpi
Print speed
max. 200 mm/s
Printhead
Flat Type
Built-in fonts
Vector fonts
6 free scaleable BITSTREAM® fonts
Bitmap fonts
6
Proportional fonts
6
Font height
min. 1 mm - max. 99 mm
1D bar codes
CODABAR, Code 128, Code 2/5 interleaved, Code 39, Code 39
extended, Code 93, EAN 13, EAN 8, EAN ADD ON, GS1-128,
Identcode, ITF 14, Leitcode, Pharmacode, PZN Code, UPC-A, UPC-E
2D bar codes
CODABLOCK F, DataMatrix, GS1 DataMatrix, MAXICODE,
PDF 417, QR Code
Composite bar codes
GS1 DataBar Expanded, GS1 DataBar Limited, GS1 DataBar
Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Stacked, GS1 DataBar Stacked
Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Truncated
Interface
Serial: RS-232C (up to 57600 bauds), RS-422 + RS-485 (option)
Parallel: Centronics
USB: 1.1
Ethernet: 10/100 Base-T (option)
Labels
Roll diameter
internal unwinder: max. 200 mm
internal rewinder: max. 100 mm
Core diameter
40 mm / 75 mm (option)
Label sensor
Standard
Transmission
Option
Reflexion bottom + top
Transfer ribbon
Core diameter
25,4 mm / 1"
Length
max. 300 m
Dimensions
width x height x depth
230 x 310 x 450
Weight
16 kg
Connection values
Nominal voltage
Standard
230 V / 50-60 Hz −Fuse: 1 AT
Option
115 V / 50-60 Hz −Fuse: 2 AT
Power consumption
max. 150 VA
Operating conditions
Temperature
5-35 °C
Relative humidity
max. 80% (non-condensing)
Vario II 104/8

Technical data
Vario II series
14
Operating manual
12.11
Print
Passage width
110 mm
Min. label width
15 mm
Min. label height
6 mm
Max. label height
Standard
1200 mm
Option Ethernet
1100 mm
Print width
106,6 mm
Label material
max. 220 gr/m² (others on demand)
Resolution
304 dpi
Print speed
max. 200 mm/s
Printhead
Flat Type
Built-in fonts
Vector fonts
6 free scaleable BITSTREAM® fonts
Bitmap fonts
6
Proportional fonts
6
Font height
min. 1 mm - max. 99 mm
1D bar codes
CODABAR, Code 128, Code 2/5 interleaved, Code 39, Code 39
extended, Code 93, EAN 13, EAN 8, EAN ADD ON, GS1-128,
Identcode, ITF 14, Leitcode, Pharmacode, PZN Code, UPC-A, UPC-E
2D bar codes
CODABLOCK F, DataMatrix, GS1 DataMatrix, MAXICODE,
PDF 417, QR Code
Composite bar codes
GS1 DataBar Expanded, GS1 DataBar Limited, GS1 DataBar
Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Stacked, GS1 DataBar Stacked
Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Truncated
Interface
Serial: RS-232C (up to 57600 bauds), RS-422 + RS-485 (option)
Parallel: Centronics
USB: 1.1
Ethernet: 10/100 Base-T (option)
Lables
Roll diameter
internal unwinder: max. 200 mm
internal rewinder: max. 100 mm
Core diameter
40 mm / 75 mm (option)
Label sensor
Standard
Transmission
Option
Reflexion bottom + top
Transfer ribbon
Core diameter
25,4 mm / 1"
Length
max. 300 m
Dimensions
width x height x depth (mm)
230 x 310 x 450
Weight
16 kg
Connection values
Nominal voltage
Standard
230 V / 50-60 Hz −Fuse: 1 AT
Option
115 V / 50-60 Hz −Fuse: 2 AT
Power consumption
max. 150 VA
Operating conditions
Temperature
5-35 °C
Relative humidity
max. 80% (non-condensing)
Vario II 107/12

Vario II series
Technical data
12.11
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15
•Date / time
•integrated unwinder
(max. outside diameter 200 mm / 8"
•integrated rewinder
(max. outside diameter 100 mm)
•IBM keyboard connection
•Thermal and thermal transfer version
•Label photocell
(transmission and reflexion from bottom)
•Windows printer driver
•Tear-off edge
•Cutting unit
•Dispensing unit
•Alphanumeric keyboard
(German, English, French, Spanish)
•External unwinder PA50
(max. outside diameter 300 mm)
•External rewinder PR45
(max. outside diameter 270 mm)
•Memory card slot
•PCMCIA cards: 256 KB, 512 KB, 1 MB, 2 MB
•RS422 interface
•RS485 interface
•Ethernet interface
•I/O board
•Label creation software Labelstar PLUS
Standard equipment
Optional equipment

Technical data
Vario II series
16
Operating manual
12.11
3.1 Control inputs and outputs (option I)
Via signal outputs various operating modes of the printer can be
demanded.
The signal outputs are made available vial two 9-pin D-Sub-sockets
(Output 1) at the rear of the Control Unit. They consist of opto-
integrator semiconductor lines which are switched through res.
blocked out corresponding to the different operating modes.
In case a control output is active, then the corresponding output is to
strain with a maximum current of 30mA.
Figure 2
PIN
(socket)
Output I
Out 1: Error message
Each error status such as ribbon error is displayed.
Out 2: Print order
The printer was activated with a print order. Now print
start by IN1 is possible.
Out 3: Label generation
The printer is filled with current label data.
In case in dispensing mode either dispensing photocell
or dispensing photocell continuous is selected it is
indicated if a label is under photocell and ready to pick
up.
Out 4: Single print
The contents of printer memory is printed to the
corresponding medium by printhead.
Control outputs

Vario II series
Technical data
12.11
Operating manual
17
Via the control input the print start signal is lead to the control unit.
The control input is electroplated separated and has to be provided
with an external tension source. The signal level is active "HIGH".
Figure 3
PIN
Input I
In 1: Print start
In 2: Not used
In 3: Not used
In 4: Not used
Control inputs

Technical data
Vario II series
18
Operating manual
12.11
3.2 Control inputs and outputs (option II)
For special applications, an I/O plate with 24 V supply and special
options is available.
Back view of I/O connector.
Output I is identical to option I.
The I/O-24 connector is 15-pole and provides user-sided 24 V for pins
5 and 10 for supplying the sensors (max. 200 mA).
Pin 1, 6 and 11 are equipped with GND. In case of using I/O-24
signals, exist no galvanic separation.
The other connection possibilities of I/O-24 connector can be noticed
from the below switching examples.

Vario II series
Technical data
12.11
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19
3.3 Plug & Play
Plug & Play capable printers can be recognised automatically at
parallel ports, USB-IEEE 1394- or infra-red connections but the last
both are not important for our printers.
The following table shows the Plug & Play capability of the different
operating systems.
Port
Windows
95
98
Me
NT4
2000
XP
LPT
Support
Recognition
by
Boot procedure,
device manager
Installation
USB
Support
s.b.
Recognition
by
Hot Plug
& Play
s.b.
Hot Plug &
Play
The table above shows that USB provides the recognition during the
connection in current operating mode, the so-called Hot-Plug & Play.
The following possibilities exist for parallel port:
•Windows 95 / 98 / Me
Printers are recognised during the start procedure by Windows or
by the search for new hardware by means of the hardware wizard.
•Windows 2000 / XP
Printers can be recognised during the start procedure by Windows
or by the search for new hardware by means of the hardware
wizard or, if the option 'Automatic recognition and installation of
Plug & Play printers' is set in the printer installation wizard. For
Windows XP the Hot Plug & Play when switching on the printer is
obviously possible.
Windows NT 4.0 does not support USB devices. However, some
distributors offer drivers that support USB (without Plug & Play).
Such a driver which suits to our printer is offered from
BSQUARE.
For more information, visit their web side: www.bsquare.com or
contact
BSQUARE Headquarters (USA)
888-820-4500
sales @bsquare.com
BSQUARE (Europe)
[phone]
[e-mail]