Carl Valentin SPE series User manual

Copyright by Carl Valentin GmbH / 7987005.1216
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.
Due to the constant further development of our devices discrepancies
between manual and device can occur.
Please check www.carl-valentin.de for the latest update.
Trademarks
All named brands or trademarks are registered brands or registered
trademarks of their respective owners and may not be separately
labelled. It must not be concluded from the missing labelling that it is
not a registered brand or a registered trademark.
Carl Valentin print modules comply with the following safety
guidelines:
CE
EG Low-Voltage Directive (73/32/EEC)
EG Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (89/336/EEC)
Carl Valentin GmbH
Postfach 3744
78026 Villingen-Schwenningen
Neckarstraße 78 –86 u. 94
78056 Villingen-Schwenningen
Phone
Fax
[phone]
[phone]
E-Mail
Internet
[e-mail]
www.carl-valentin.de

SPE series
Table of contents
12.16
Operating manual
3
Table of contents
Table of contents.............................................................................. 3
1Important notes ..................................................................... 5
1.1 Intended use............................................................................ 5
1.2Environmentally-friendly disposal............................................ 6
1.3 Connector pin assignment....................................................... 7
2Safety notes........................................................................... 9
2.1 Warnings ............................................................................... 10
2.2 Operating conditions.............................................................. 11
3Technical Data ..................................................................... 15
3.1 Control inputs and outputs (version I) ................................... 18
3.2 Control inputs and outputs (version II) .................................. 22
3.3 Signal diagrams..................................................................... 26
4Installation............................................................................ 27
4.1 Setting up the print module ................................................... 27
4.2 Connecting the print module ................................................. 28
4.3 Switching the print module on and off................................... 28
4.4 Initiation of the print module .................................................. 29
5Loading media ..................................................................... 31
5.1 Loading label roll in peel off mode......................................... 31
5.2 Loading label roll in passing mode........................................ 32
5.3 Loading transfer ribbon ......................................................... 33
6Keyboard.............................................................................. 35
6.1 Keyboard assignment (standard) .......................................... 35
6.2 Keyboard assignment (text entry/customized/memory card) 36
7Function menu..................................................................... 39
7.1 Print settings.......................................................................... 43
7.2 Label layout........................................................................... 44
7.3 Device settings...................................................................... 46
7.4 Dispenser I/O......................................................................... 49
7.5 Remote console..................................................................... 52
7.6 Interface................................................................................. 52
7.7 Emulation............................................................................... 54
7.8 Date & time............................................................................ 55
7.9 Service functions................................................................... 56
7.10 Main menu............................................................................. 59
8Options................................................................................. 61
8.1 Ribbon save........................................................................... 61
8.2 Network ................................................................................. 61
8.3 Scanner ................................................................................. 62
9Memory Card........................................................................ 65
10 Maintenance and cleaning.................................................. 71
10.1 General cleaning ................................................................... 72
10.2 Cleaning the Transfer Ribbon Drawing Roller....................... 72
10.3 Cleaning the print roller ......................................................... 73
10.4 Cleaning the printhead .......................................................... 74
10.5 Cleaning the label photocell .................................................. 75
10.6 Replacing the printhead (general)......................................... 76
10.7 Replacing FlatType printhead ............................................... 77
10.8 Adjusting FlatType printhead................................................. 78
10.9 Replacing CornerType printhead .......................................... 80
10.10 Adjusting CornerType printhead............................................ 81

Table of contents
SPE series
4
Operating manual
12.16
11 Error correction ................................................................... 83
12 Additional information........................................................ 95
12.1 Column printing ..................................................................... 95
12.2 Password............................................................................... 96
12.3 Hotstart.................................................................................. 98
12.4 Backfeed/delay.................................................................... 100
12.5 Transmission photocells...................................................... 102
12.6 Ultrasonic photocell (option)................................................ 103
13 Index ................................................................................... 105

SPE series
Important notes
12.16
Operating manual
5
1 Important notes
The print module can be used in thermal as well as in thermal transfer
applications.
The print module is equipped with 8 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 print module is easy and comfortable. The
device 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 300
mm/s can be achieved. Time-saving update of the firmware is
possible via the interface. The print module can be adapted by the
large selection of options to each function.
As default, print modules of this series are equipped with a parallel
and serial interface. The print module automatically recognizes by
which interface it is controlled.
Time-saving update is possible by interface.
Thanks to the large number of options the print module can be
adapted to each task.
1.1 Intended use
The print module 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 print
module or other property could be damaged while operating the
device.
The print module 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 print module 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
SPE series
6
Operating manual
12.16
1.2 Environmentally-friendly disposal
Manufacturers of B2B equipment are obliged to take back and
dispose of old equipment that was manufactured after 13 August
2005. As a principle, this old equipment may not be delivered to
communal collecting points. It may only be organised, used and
disposed of by the manufacturer. Valentin products accordingly
labelled can therefore be returned to Carl Valentin GmbH.
This way, you can be sure your old equipment will be disposed of
correctly.
Carl Valentin GmbH thereby fulfils all obligations regarding timely
disposal of old equipment and facilitates the smooth reselling of these
products. Please understand that we can only take back equipment
that is sent free of carriage charges.
Further information on the WEEE directive is available on our website
www.carl-valentin.de.

Spectra Serie
Important notes
12.16
Operating manual
7
1.3 Connector pin assignment
Figure 1
1 =
External output 1-4 (Output I)
2 =
External input 1-4 (Input I)
3 =
External output 5-8 (Output II)
4 =
Version I
Version II
SUB-D plug 9-pin
External input 5-8
see chapter 3.1
SUB-D plug 15-pin
External bushing I/O-24
see chapter 3.2
5 =
Centronics interface
6 =
RS-232 interface
7 =
Ethernet interface (option)
8 =
Connecting cable power
9 =
Connecting cable motor
10 =
Connecting cable signal
11 =
Connecting cable sensors
12 =
Power supply
13 =
PS/2 keyboard connection
14 =
USB interface
Control unit

Important notes
SPE series
8
Operating manual
12.16
Figure 2
1 =
Connection for winder
2 =
Motors
3 =
Printhead signal
4 =
Sensors
5 =
Printhead power
Rear panel of
mechanics

SPE series
Safety notes
12.16
Operating manual
9
2 Safety notes
The print module is designed for power supply systems from 230 V.
Connect the print module only to electrical outlets with a ground
contact.
Couple the print module to devices using extra low voltage only.
Before making or undoing connections, switch off all devices involved
(computer, printer, accessories etc.).
Operate the print module in a dry environment only and do not get it
wet (sprayed water, mist etc.).
Do not operate the print module in explosive atmosphere and not in
proximity of high voltage power lines.
Operate the print module only in an environment protected against
abrasive dust, swarf and other similar impurity.
In case of cleaning and maintenance with an open cover, ensure that
clothing, hair, jewellery and similar personal items do not contact the
exposed rotating parts.
NOTICE!
With the open printing unit (due to construction) the requirements
of EN60950-1 regarding fire protection casing are not fulfilled.
These must be ensured by the installation into the end device.
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.

Safety notes
SPE series
10
Operating manual
12.16
The print module must be integrated with the Emergency Stop circuit
when it is incorporated into the overall machine.
All isolating safety equipment must be installed before starting-up the
machine.
DANGER!
Danger to life and limb from power supply!
Do not open the casing.
CAUTION!
Two-pole fuse.
Before opening the housing cover, disconnect the
device from the mains supply and wait approx. 2 - 3
minutes until the power supply unit has discharged.
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.

SPE series
Safety notes
12.16
Operating manual
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 print modules.
Therefore please carefully read these operating conditions.
Shipment and storage of our print modules are only allowed in
original packing.
Installation and initial operation of print module is only allowed if
operating conditions were fulfilled.
Commissioning is prohibited until it can be established that, where
relevant, the machine into which the partly completed machinery is to
be incorporated complies with the provisions of Machinery Directive
2006/42/EC.
Initial operation, programming, operation, cleaning and service of our
print modules are only recommended after careful study of our
manuals.
Operation of print module is only allowed by especially trained
persons.
NOTICE!
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.
The installation place of print module should be even, free of vibration
and currents of air are to be avoided.
The print modules have to be installed to ensure optimal operation
and servicing.
The installation of the power supply to connect our print modules 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 print modules 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.
Conditions for
installation place
Installation of
power supply

Safety notes
SPE series
12
Operating manual
12.16
Power line voltage and power line frequency: See type plate
Allowable tolerance of power line voltage: +6% … −10% of nominal
value
Allowable tolerance of power line frequency: +2% … −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 print modules.
In case of problems please connect capacity-decoupled isolation
transformer or similar interference suppressor in front of our print
modules.
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
NOTICE!
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.
EN 415-2 - Safety of pachaging machines
EN 60204-1:2006 - Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of
machines - Part 1
Technical data of
power supply
Anti-Interference
measures
Stray radiation and
immunity from
disturbance
Machine safety

SPE series
Safety notes
12.16
Operating manual
13
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 … +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 - 3 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. +40
Ambient temperature °C (transport, storage): Min. −25 Max. +60
Relative air humidity % (operation): Max. 80
Relative air humidity % (transport, storage): Max. 80
(bedewing of print modules not allowed)
Connecting lines to
external machines
Installation of
data lines
Air convection
Limit values

Safety notes
SPE series
14
Operating manual
12.16
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 print modules.
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 print modules 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 print modules.
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 print module 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

SPE series
Technical Data
12.16
Operating manual
15
3 Technical Data
SPE
104/8
SPE
106/12
SPE
107/12
SPE
108/12
SPE
160/12
SPE
162/12
Print Resolution
203 dpi
300 dpi
305 dpi
300 dpi
305 dpi
300 dpi
Max. Print Speed
200 mm/s
200 mm/s
300 mm/s
300 mm/s
200 mm/s
150 mm/s
Print Width
104 mm
106,6 mm
106,6 mm
108,4 mm
160 mm
162,2 mm
Passage Width
116 mm
116 mm
116 mm
116 mm
176 mm
176 mm
Printhead
FlatType
FlatType
CornerType
FlatType
CornerType
FlatType
Labels
Adhesive Labels or
Continuous Material
on rolls : paper, cardboard, textile, synthetics
Max. Material Weight
220 g/m² (larger on demand)
Min. Label Width
25 mm
25 mm
25 mm
25 mm
50 mm
50 mm
Min. Label Height
15 mm
15 mm
15 mm
15 mm
15 mm
15 mm
Max. Label Heigh
Standard
Option Ethernet
1900 mm
1700 mm
1200 mm
1100 mm
1200 mm
1100 mm
1200 mm
1100 mm
800 mm
700 mm
800 mm
700 mm
Label Sensor
transmission
Transfer Ribbon
Ink
outside/inside
Max. Roll Diameter
Ø 90 mm
Core Diameter
25,4 mm / 1″
Max. Length
450 m
Max. Width
110 mm
110 mm
110 mm
110 mm
170 mm
170 mm
Dimensions in mm (width x height x depth)
Print Mechanics
H = 300 / D = 245
300 x H x D
300 x H x D
300 x H x D
300 x H x D
360 x H x D
360 x H x D
Control Unit
285x140x360
Weight in kg
Print Mechanics
11
11
11
11
12
12
Control Unit
9
9
9
9
9
9
Electronics
Processor
RISC
RAM
4 MB
Slot
for Compact Flash carte type I
Battery Cache
for Real-Time clock (storage of data with shut-down)
Warning Signal
Acoustic signal when error
Interfaces
Serial
RS-232C (up to 57600 Baud), RS-422 + RS-485 (option)
Parallel
Centronics
USB
1.1
Ethernet
10/100 Base-T (option)
Operating Conditions
Nominal Voltage
Standard: 230 V / 50…60 Hz
Option: 115 V / 50…60 Hz
Max. Power
360 VA
Fuse Values
Standard: 2x T3,15 A 250 V
Option: 2x T5A 250 V
Operating Temperature
5 … 40 °C
Humidity
max. 80% (not condensing)

Technical Data
SPE series
16
Operating manual
12.16
Operation Panel
SPE
104/8
SPE
106/12
SPE
107/12
SPE
108/12
SPE
160/12
SPE
162/12
Keys
Test print, function menu, quantity, CF Card, feed, enter, 4 x cursor
LCD Display
Graphic display 132 x 32 pixel
with green backlight
Settings
Date, time, shift times
11 language settings (others on demand)
Label and device parameters, interfaces, password protection, variables
Monitoring
Stop printing if
End of ribbon, end of labels, printhead open
Status report
Extensive status print with information about settings
e.g. print length counter, runtime counter, photocell interface
and network parameters
Printout of all internal fonts and all supported bar codes
Fonts
Font types
6 Bitmap fonts
8 Vector fonts/TrueType fonts,
6 proportional fonts
Other fonts on demand
Character sets
Windows 1250 up to1257, DOS 437, 850, 852, 857, UTF-8
All West and East European Latin, Cyrillic, Greek and
Arabic (option) characters are supported
Other character sets on demand
Bitmap fonts
Size in width and height 0,8 … 5,6
Zoom 2 … 9
Orientation 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°
Vector fonts/TrueType
fonts
Size in width and height 1 … 99 mm
Variable zoom
Orientation 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°
Font attributes
Depending on character font
bold, italic, inverse, vertical
Font width
Variable
Bar Codes
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 7 Code, PZN 8 Code, UPC-A, UPC-E
2D bar codes
Aztec Code, 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
All bar codes are variable in height, module width and ratio.
Orientation 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°.
Optionally with check digit and human readable line.
Software
Configuration
ConfigTool
Process control
NiceLabel
Label software
Labelstar Office Lite
Labelstar Office
Windows driver
Windows 7®32/64 Bit
Windows 8®32/64 Bit
Windows 8.1®32/64 Bit
Windows 10®32/64 Bit
Windows Server 2008®(R2) 64 Bit
Windows Server 2012®64 Bit
Windows Server 2012®(R2) 64 Bit
Technical modifications are subject to change.

SPE series
Technical Data
12.16
Operating manual
17
Left or right version
Multi-tasking operating system
Double-spaced, multilingual display
2-slot PCMCIA drive
Date / time
IBM keyboard connection
Inputs/outputs
Windows printer driver
Transfer ribbon savings (only 107/12 and 160/12)
Ultrasonic photocell (only 107/12 and 160/12)
Label dispensing unit
Label unwinding unit
Rewinder for supporting paper
Compact Flash Card slot
PCMCIA cards
Compact Flash cards
RS422 interface
RS485 interface
Ethernet interface
Label design software Labelstar Office
Standard equipment
Optional equipment

Technical Data
SPE series
18
Operating manual
12.16
3.1 Control inputs and outputs (version I)
Figure 3
A = External output 1-4 (Output I)
B = External input 1-4 (Input I)
C = External output 5-8 (Output II)
D = External input 5-8 (Input II)
By means of the signal outputs different operating states of the print
module can be queried.
The signal outputs are provided by two 9-pin SUB-D-bushings
(OUTPUT I and OUTPUT II) on the back side of the control unit.
They consist of optocoupler semiconductor sections, which are
connected through and/or blocked according to different operating
states.
The maximum allowable current in a semiconductor section is
lmax = 30 mA.
Output I
Figure 3, A
Figure 4
PIN (bushing)
Output I
Out 1: Error message
Each error status such as ribbon
error is displayed.
Out 2: Print order
The print module was activated by
a print order.
Out 3: Generation
The current label data is processed.
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: Layout print
The content of print memory is
transferred on the printable medium
by means of the printhead.
Plug connection - back
side of control unit
Control outputs

SPE series
Technical Data
12.16
Operating manual
19
Connection of a lamp to a 24V relay by Out 1:
Figure 5
Output II
Figure 3, C
Figure 6
PIN (bushing)
Output II
Out 5: Print-Ready signal
It is indicated if the print module is
ready to process a start impulse. In
contrary to the print order signal, the
generating time is taken into
consideration.
Out 6: Not used
Out 7: Not used
Out 8: Prior warning of transfer
ribbon end
Example

Technical Data
SPE series
20
Operating manual
12.16
By means of the control inputs it is possible to control printing. The
control inputs at Input I are electroplated separated and have to be
provided with an external tension source. The signal level is active
"HIGH".
Input I
Figure 3, B
Figure 7
PIN (pin)
Input I
In 1: Print start
In 2: Not used
In 3: Reset external counter
In 4: Not used
Connection of a switch with 24V voltage supply by In 1:
Figure 8
Control inputs
Example