Citizen CLP-8301 User manual

QUICK-START
G UIDE
This Quick-Start Guide covers basic
operation. For detailed operating
instructions, please see the User’s
Manual supplied with the printer.
ThermalLabel&BarcodePrinter
CLP-8301
For the safe operation of your printer, please read the following important operation and safety instructions
carefully. Failuretoobservetheseprecautionscanresultinpersonalinjuryor property damage or, in extreme
situation,serious injury or death.
1. Readall of these instructions and save them for later reference.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3. Unplugthis product from thewall outlet before cleaning. Donotuse liquid or aerosolcleaners, thinner,
trichloroethylene,benzine, ketone or similar chemicals. Instead use a dampclothfor cleaning, when
theprinter is disconnected from the mains supply.
4. Donot use this product near water orwhere a chemical reaction can occur suchasin a laboratory or
wherethereisalotofoil,dust,saltorironparticles.
5. Donot place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. The product may fall, causing serious
damageto the product and people around it.
6. Slots and openings on the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation.
7. Toensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating,donotblock or cover
theseopenings. The openings should never beblockedby placing the product onabed, sofa, rug or
othersimilar surface. This product shouldneverbe placed near or overa radiator or heat source. This
productshouldnot be placed in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
8. Thisproduct should be operatedfrom the type of powersourceindicated on the marking label. Ifyou
are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
9. Thisproduct is equippedwitha three-pronged plug,aplug having a thirdgrounding pin. This plug will
onlyfit into agrounding-typepower outlet. This is asafetyfeature. If you are unabletoinsert the plug
into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purposeof the grounding-type plug.
10. Donotallowanythingtorestonthepower cord. Do not locate this product where the cord will be
walked on. Do not pull on the power cord or data cables or keep them under tension.
11. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total of the ampere ratings on the
productsplugged into the extensioncorddo not exceed theextension cord ampere rating. Also, make
surethat the total of all products plugged intothewall outlet does not exceed 7.5 amperes for 220/
240V outlet and 15 amperes for a 120Voutlet.
12. Neverpush objects of any kindinto this product through cabinet slotsas they may touch dangerous
voltagepoints or short out parts that could result inarisk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid
of any kind on the product.
13. Except as explained elsewhere in this manual, don’t attempt to service or disassemble this product
yourself. Openingand removing those covers that are marked“DoNot Remove” may expose you to
dangerousvoltage points orother risks. Refer allservicing on thosecompartmentsto service personnel.
14. The mains plug on this equipment must be used to disconnect mains power. Please ensure that the
socketoutlet is installed near the equipmentandshall be easily accessible.
15. Unplugthis product from the wall outlet and refer servicingtoqualified service personnel under the
followingconditions:
a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
b. Ifliquid, aerosol chemicals or other chemicals have been spilled intothe product.
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water or excessive humidity.
d. If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of other
controlsmay result indamageand will often requireextensive work by aqualified technician to restore
the product to normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or knocked or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.
16. Discardor safely store theplastic packing bag. This bag shouldbe kept away fromchildren. Ifthe bag
ispulled over child’s head, it may cause suffocation.
17. Make sure if you open the top cover, it is opened all the way. If only partially open, the cover could
slamshut, possibly causinginjury.
18. When the cover is open, be careful of the corners of cover. They could cause injury.
19. Do not open the printer during printing.
20. Operate the control panel properly. A careless, rough handling may cause problems or malfunction.
Donot use such sharp-edged tool as a ballpoint for operation.
21. Ifa problem occurs during printing,stop the printer immediately andunplug the power cord fromthe
outlet.
22. Thecontentsof this manual may be changed without prior notice.
23. Reproduction,transfer, or transmission of thecontents of this manual without priorconsent is strictly
prohibited.
24. Weare not liable foranydamage resulting from theuse of the informationcontainedherein, regardless
oferrors, omissions, or misprints.
25. Weare not liableforany problems resultingfromthe use ofoptionalproducts and consumablesupplies
other than the designated products contained herein.
26. We are not liable for any damage caused by user’s erroneous use of the printer and inadequate
environment.
27. Data residing in the printer is temporary. Therefore, all data will be lost if power is lost. We are not
liablefor any damage or loss of profitscaused by data loss due to failures,repairs,inspections, etc.
28. Pleasecontact us if there are any mistakes orambiguitieswithin this manual.
29. Ifthere are missing or incorrectly collated pages in this manual, contact us to obtain a new manual.
30. Trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies and products are included in this manual.
Citizenacknowledges all trademarks.
COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR EUROPEAN USERS
CE marking shows conformity to the following criteria and provisions:
LowVoltage Directive (73/23/EEC)/EN60950
EMCDirective (89/336/EEC)/EN55022, EN55024, EN61000-3-2 & EN61000-3-3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Removing Adhesive Tapes
a. The printer is shipped with adhesive tape in place to hold
the top cover closed. Simply remove the two pieces of
tape on either side of the top cover. Then open the top
cover by lifting up and tipping it backwards.
b. Thereare twopieces oftape onthe rightside ofthe printer
preventing the head release levers from being pressed.
Carefully remove these pieces of tape.
c. Lastly, there is another strip of adhesive tape holding the
mechanism closed for shipping. Remove the tape and
attached paper by carefully peeling from the case. A piece
of paper is also inside the mechanism to protect the
printhead.
Connection to Power
a. Ensure the power switch is turned OFF.
b. Connect the power cord supplied to the printer’s power cord inlet.
c. Insert the plug of the power cord in the AC outlet.
d. Turn the power switch on and the LCD panel on the front of the
printer will display “Power On” and, after a few seconds of testing,
it will display “Ready”.
Connection to a Computer
This product has two interfaces as standard that can be used to receive printing data: a serial
port(RS232C) and a parallelport. Anoptional internal Ethernet (LAN)port,an internal Wireless
LANport or enhanced “1284” parallel port can be added by yourdealer. Withthe exception of
awireless LAN connection, an interface cable is necessary to connect the printertoa computer.
a. With the power turned off, connect one end of the interface cable
to the interface connector on the back of the printer and secure it
with locks or locking screws, where available.
b. Connect the other end of the interface cable to the interface
connector on the computer and secure it with locks or locking
screws, where available.
Caution Usean AC outlet thatacceptsa three-pronged plug.
Otherwise, static electricity may be generated and
there will be danger of electric shock.
3Connection
2Remove Packing
Power Switch
Power Cord Inlet
PC card socket
(notusually
installed)
Mediaviewing
window
Embossedpattern
to make opening
easier
Front of printer
SerialPort
Parallel port (or
network card
option)
Blankingplate
Congratulations....
On your choice of a Citizen CLP 8301 label printer.
Pleasetake a moment to read this Quick Start Guidewhichwill familiarise yourself with the
printerand its operation. Theprinter is a sophisticatedbut easy-to-use label printerfeaturing
simplemedia loading, quick connection anda powerful LCD configuration system.
We will guide you through unpacking of the printer from its carton, connection to your
computer system and installation of the media including a quick self-test of the printer to
ensure it is working.
Safety
Butfirst, please carefully readthe safety instructions includedinthis Quick Start Guideand in
moredetail in the user manual. Failureto observe the safety precautionscouldcause serious
injury or damage to both you and your property.
Unpacking Your Printer
Carefully openthe carton and lift out the upper foam damper containing the accessories.
Withtwo hands and, ifnecessary with someone else’sassistance, lift the printeroutof the box
holdingthe bottom of theprinterfirmly. Ensure there is spacetoset the printer down before
you lift it from the packing. Keep the carton, packing materials and printer mechanism
travellingtape for future shipment.
Insome cases, yoursupplier or Citizenmayhave added extraitems required for yourparticular
installation such as additional CD-ROM, cable or manuals. Instructions for each of these
itemswill be included within theindividualpackages.
Ifyou have any questions,orif you find anyof the items are missing,please initially refer back
toyour supplier. Otherwise, contact detailsfor our offices areshown on the backpage of this
QuickStart Guide.
1Read This First!
Carton Contents - Accessories
Windows®Driver Installation
Ifyou are using Windows®98, NT4, 2000,XPor 2003 or any newerversionsof Windows®, the
latestprinter drivers will usually besuppliedon CD in the boxby your dealer. If the drivers are
notincluded with the printer, youcandownload the latest version free-of-chargefrom our web
site,details of which are on the back of this Quick Start Guide.
Under the latest versions of Windows®, the computer will often automatically detect the
presence of the printer. Therefore it is advisable to download the drivers from our web site
beforeinstalling theprinterso the filesare ready forinstallation. Follow any on-screeninstruction
andalsoinstructionssuppliedwithanyadditionalCD-ROMorfloppydisk included with your
printer.
Your supplier will assist you with the correct drivers and software which are compatible with
your particular computer system if you are not using Windows®. Windows®is a trademark of
Microsoft®Corporation.
ForFurther Information ...
For further information and more detailed instructions on the use of
your new printer, please refer to the complete user manual accompanying
your printer.
Alternatively, please contact one of our local sales offices:
Citizen Systems Europe GmbH
Mettinger Strasse 11
D-73728 Esslingen
Germany
Tel: [phone]
http://www.citizen-europe.com
Citizen Systems Europe UK
Park House, 643-651 Staines Road
Feltham, Middlesex, TW14 8PA
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
http://www.citizen-europe.com
Citizen America Corporation
2102 Alton Parkway, Unit A
Irvine, CA 92606. U.S.A.
Tel: [phone]
http://www.citizen-america.com
Ribbonbobbins
(2pieces)
Sampleribbon
Cardboardcore
Power cord
UserManual
Samplemedia
Head
cleaningpen
Mediaholder disks
(2pieces)
Mediaholder shaft
Upperfoam damper including
accessories,detailed above
Printer
Lower foam damper
(Thisdoes not need to be
removed from the carton)
Carton

a. Put both media holder disks on the
mediaholder shafttomake themedia
holder assembly
Adjust both disks according to the
width of the roll media so that they
arethe same distancefrom thecenter
of the media holder shaft and inside
the media core.
b. Insertthe mediaholderassembly into
the media core.
c. Load the media into the printer by
referring to the diagrams and the
following steps.
d. Open the top cover all the way until
it stops.
e. Unlock the printhead assembly by
pushing the printhead release lever
and raise it until it stops and stands
upright. At the same time unlock the
transparent sensor guide by pushing
the transparent sensor guide release
lever and raise it until it stops.
f. Unlock the media guide lock screw
and move both side media guides to
their maximum outward position.
g..Installthe rollof mediaby placingthe
4Media(Paper)Installation
media holder shaft onto the round notches
onthe mediaguides andmedia holdershaft
supporting plates.
h. Move both media guides using both hands
so that they come into contact with the
edges of the roll. There should be no space
between media guides and media.
i. Lockthe media guideswith themedia guide
lock screw turned clockwise.
j.Route the roll media over the platen out
to the front of the printer.
k.Firstlowerthe transparentsensorguide and
push down gently to lock. Then lower the
printhead assembly fully and push down
firmlyon the topedgeby theribbonholders
to lock in place.
l.The roll media is now loaded. Lastly close
the top cover.
Paper path for
outsidewound media
Paper path for
insidewound media
The printer’s media and ribbon are aligned
centrally within the printer’s mechanism. The
media (paper) is automatically aligned
centrally by the media guides. To align
the ribbon with the media being used, adjust
the flange as follows:
a. First turn the Lock Nut on the ribbon
bobbin anti-clockwise, then turn the
Ribbon Positioning Nut anti-clockwise to
move the Flange towards the center of the
ribbonbobbin and toalign it withthe edge
of the media being used.
b. Referring to the scale on the top of the
mechanism, adjust the flange so that the
ribbon is put in the center of the media.
The value of half the ribbon width being
used is the actual value on the scale.
c. Check to see that the ribbon is positioned
properlyand fix theribbon positioningnut
by turning the lock nut clockwise. Repeat
the procedure for the second bobbin.
d. With the two bobbins adjusted, insert one
of them into the supply (unused) ribbon
coreand the otherinto thetake-up(used)
cardboard tube.
e. Unstick the end of the ribbon and use the
adhesive end of the ribbon to stick it to
the takeup core. Then slowly wind some
ribbon on to the take-up core until the
ribbon is secure.
5RibbonInstallation
f. Unlock the printhead assembly by
pushingdown the printheadreleaselever
and raise it until it stops and stands
upright.
g. Hold both bobbins with a length of
about 300 mm (1 ft) of unwound ribbon
betweenthe bobbins.Theleft handgrips
the ribbon supply bobbin and the right
hand grips the takeup bobbin.
h. Carefully wrap the unwould ribbon
aroundthe printheadtryingto avoidany
wrinkles.
i. Then insert the bobbins in to the drive
gears on the ribbon drive mechanism.
j. Remove any slack and wrinkles by
turning the knob of the ribbon takeup
bobbin clockwise. Do not be afraid to
‘waste’ a little extra ribbon hear to
ensure the ribbon is seated correctly
and wrinkle-free.
k. Lower the printhead assembly with
ribbonand pushdownfirmly tolock. The
ribbon is now loaded. Lastly close the
top cover.
Remember to use Citizen’s thermal transfer
ribbons for the best print quality, reliability
and to maintain your printer’s warranty.
Holdthis with
the left hand
Holdthis with
the right hand
Ribbondrive gears
Your printer can produce a number of test reports
and configuration prints. This is to show you that
it is operating correctly and that the internal
settings are set correctly.
This section will also introduce you to the
printer’s control panel. The control panel has
manyoptions and isextremely sophisticated giving
thepowerandability neededonahigh-performance
printer like yours.
However, in many cases, you will only need the
more basic features explained here. Full details of
the complete menu system are shown in the user
manual.
To create a self-test or configuration print, first
load the paper media and ribbon in to the printer
as explained in sections 4 and 5.
a. The switch on the printer. The LCD will display
a number of messages whilst the printer is
starting.
b. If everything is working
correctly, the printer will
display “READY”. If an error
6Creating a Test and Configuration Print
message is displayed, you should consult your
dealerfor further informationand advise onwhat
to do.
c. Press the key to
display the first menu. It will say
Page Setup. Menu’s with an
asterisk (*) before each item are
referred to as “group menus”.
They are the top level menus.
d. Press the key to show
the next Group Menu. After
pressing the key a number of
times, you will see the display
saying ‘Test Mode’.
e. Press the key to enter
the test mode menu and to
display the first option available.
The display should show ‘Print
Pattern’.
f. Press the key again to
display the possible test patterns
available. The first one will say
‘Current Settings’.
* Page
Setup
* Test
Mode
Print
Pattern
Current
Settings
Pattern
Sample
Printing
READY
Machine
Info
Thicker media or card
Not for wider or narrower media
If the media you are using is thicker (like a card or
tag, for example) you will need to adjust the
Printhead Adjustment Lever to a higher value to
get a good print quality.
Fornormal paper and labels ,the printeris adjusted
at the factory to the “0” position.
For medium thickness card, move the adjuster to
the “5” position. For very thick (stiff) card, move
the adjuster to the “10” position.
To change the adjuster:
a. Unscrew the small black adjuster release screw.
b. Slide the printhead adjustment lever to the
required position.
c. Re-tighten the black adjuster screw.
d. Ensure the black adjuster screw is tightened
firmly to avoid it moving in operation.
7Adjustingthe Printerfor Specialist Media
Specialist Ribbons
Also including narrow-width ribbons
If you are using a specialist ribbon or one that is
less than the full width of the printer, it may be
neccessary to adjust the ribbon tension to avoid
ribbon wrinkle and “Ribbon Out” errors.
a. Insert a coin in to the slot on the ribbon drive
cover as shown below. This stops the white
plastic gear from rotating.
b. With a ribbon bobbin inserted in to the rear
holder, turn the bobbin clockwise or anti-
clockwise to get the correct setting on the
ribbon drive indicator.
The indicator is the left edge of the white plastic
gear visible through the slot in the cover.
c. For narrow media, or if you are getting false
“Ribbon Out” errors on the control panel,
adjust the settings towards ‘0’.
It may be necessary to adjust the “Ribbon Torque”
of the destination ribbon. This is done with a
control panel setting, explained in the full user
manual.
Media Sensor Adjustment
For unusual shaped media, tags, etc.
a. Unlockthe printheadassembly andsensor guide
as described in section 4e
b. For black mark
sensing, move
the lower media
sensor so that
the ‘R’ mark is in
themiddle of the
black mark on
the media.
c. Forpunchedhole
or notched tag,
move the lower
media sensor so
that the ‘T’ mark
is aligned with
the hole or notch in the media.
d. Read and note the value on the scale on the
media guide plate pointing the ‘T’ mark (not
the ‘R’ mark, even if you are using black mark
sensing)
e. Lowerthe transparent sensorguide arm fullyand
push it down gently to lock.
f. Move the ‘T’ pointer of the upper sensor to the
same scale position as the lower sensor position
noted previously.
g.The media sensor adjustments are now
completed. Lastlylower andclose theprinthead
assembly and top cover.
g. Press to change from
‘Current Settings’ to ‘Pattern
Sample’. If you miss the option,
just keep pressing the
key and you get back
to it once more.
h. When you have selected the
‘Pattern sample’, press
the key. The printer
will say ‘Printing’ and the test
pattern should be produced.
i. Once this is done, you can
press to return to the
previous menu. You can now
make other test prints if you
require, such as ‘Machine Info’
or ‘Current Settings’.
j. If you press several
times, you will return to the
Ready screen.
The full control panel menu system has many
options. Full details on how to modify and change
them are given in the user manual.
READY
Mediaholder disks
Centre
Mediaholder disks
Rollof media
Mediaholder
assembly
Transparent
sensorguide
release
Print head release
Mediaguide
lockscrew
Mediaguides
Ribbonbobbin
Lock Nut
RibbonPositioning Nut
Scale on mechanism
Ribbon bobbin. Rotate anti-
clockwisefor lower setting
Whiteindicator
Coin
Blackadjuster
releasescrew
Printhead
adjustmentlever
StandardLabels
Gapbetween labels Tags or Card notches and/or holes Continuousmedia Black mark on reverse
‘T’ markfor labels,
notches and holes
‘R’ mark for black
registrationmarks
Lowermedia sensor
Upper
media
sensor