Cobra Systems VnM 8 SignMaker User manual

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
User Manual
Updated: 1/2017
VnM SignMaker, Safety Signs & LabelsVnM SignMaker, Safety Signs & Labels
Version 2.2D
VnM 8 SignMaker

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Quick Start
Overview
Loading Ink Roll
Loading Media
Power Up
Print and Font Settings
Keypad Navigation
VnM®8 Templates
a) 1 to 5 Line Horizontal
b) 1 Line Vertical
c) 2 Line Horizontal
d) Multi Line Header
e) ANSI Header
f) Die Cut
g) Arc Flash
h) Custom 1 Line
i) Hazardous Waste
j) VnM8 Apps
OSHA and ANSI Safety Identication
Fonts and Symbols
Connecting to a PC
Maintenance/Troubleshooting
Accessories
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical Support/Service and Repair
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21-22
23
24
25
25
26
1

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
Thank you for purchasing the VnM®8 SignMaker by Cobra Systems, Inc.
Throughout this manual you will nd User Tips, Troubleshooting, and step-by-step instructions that
will show you how to create signs and labels that are perfect for all of your safety and identication
requirements.
Dimensions: 17.32” (W) x 13.23” (H) x 20.24”(D)
Operating Conditions: 41°-104° F (5°-40° C )
Storage Conditions: -40°-140° F (-40°-60° C )
Resolution: 300 DPI
AC Input: 100-240V, 3.0a, 50-60Hz
DC Output: 24V, 8.33A, 200W
Print Speed: 4” per second
Connections: VnM® Keypad, USB, LPT, Ethernet 10/100
VnM®8 SignMaker comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, 1-Year Print-head Warranty, 6-Month Cutter
Warranty, and 1-Year Keypad Warranty.
The VnM®8 SignMaker System includes:
1. VnM®8 SignMaker Printer (1)
2. VnM®8 SignMaker Keypad (1)
3. Printer Power Cord (1)
4. Printer USB Cable (1)
5. Take-Up Core for VnM® Ink (1)
6. Cleaning Pen (1)
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
Introduction
Warranty
Out of the Box
Specications

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
3
PRINTER MUST BE TURNED OFF!
1. Open the VnM8 SignMaker.
2. Load VnM Ink Roll and attach to take up core.
3. Load VnM Media and feed through VnM8 Cutter. 4. Be sure to use both hands when closing down
the print head.
5. Plug in VnM8 Keypad. 6. Connect power cord to the VnM8 SignMaker
and outlet. Turn ON VnM8 SignMaker.
VnM®8 SignMaker Quickstart
NOTE: Always have the VnM printer cover closed when powering on.

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
4
VnM8 SignMaker Front View
1. LED indicators
2. Touchscreen
3. Operation buttons
4. Media exit chute
5. Printer cover opener
VnM8 SignMaker Rear View
6. SD card socket
7. USB interface
8. USB host
9. GPIO interface
10. Power cord socket
11. Power switch
12. Centronics interface
13. Ethernet interface
VnM8 SignMaker Interior View
14. Ribbon rewind spindle
15. Print head
16. Ribbon sensor
17. Media sensor
18. Platen roller
19. Print head release lever
20. Ribbon supply spindle
21. Label roll guard
22. Label supply spindle
23. Media guide bar
24. Label guide
VnM®8 SignMaker Overview
1
2
5
3
4
7
6
13
12
9
10
11
8
14
20 21
22
23
15
16
17
18
19
24

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
5
With printer
turned o,
open the
cover, press
down on the
printhead
and push
back the
green lever
to raise the
printhead.
Use the
cleaning pen
to gently
clean the
surface of
the print
head before
each ribbon
installation.
1 2
Center
ink roll on
spindle and
feed above
black plastic
sensor under
printhead.
Pull ink
through and
up to the
take-up core
and securely
attach with
tape.
Slide VnM8
ink roll onto
rear spindle.
Attach empty
take-up core
to the front
ink spindle.
Hand wind
the ink to
remove any
slack.
With hands
on both
sides, push
down on the
printhead
until the
green latch
clicks.
3
5
7 8
4
6
NOTE: Always have the VnM printer cover closed when powering on.
Loading VnM®8 Ink Roll

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
6
Loading VnM®8 Media
With printer
turned o,
open the
cover, press
down on the
printhead
and push
back the
green lever
to raise the
printhead.
Slide the
VnM8 vinyl
media onto
rear spindle
and center.
Feed media
under the
white bar
and through
the white
media guides.
Pull the
media from
under the
printhead
and between
the cutter gap.
With hands
on both
sides, push
down on the
printhead
until the
green latch
clicks.
Secure
the media
spindle with
end guides,
keeping
everything
centered.
Now feed
the media
under the
green sensor
bar.
Make sure
media and
ribbon are
properly
installed.
1
3
5
7
2
4
6
8
IMPORTANT: To prevent smudges and ngerprints, handle media on the ends of the roll.

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
7
Connecting VnM®8 Keypad and Power Up
1. Make sure power switch is OFF.
2. After connecting the key pad, connect the power supply into the printer.
3. Plug the printer into your power source, preferably using a surge protector.
4. Turn on the VnM8.
VnM®8 SignMaker Power Up
Power On/OPower Socket
RS232
USB
Interface
USB Host
GPIO Interface
(Optional)
SD Socket
Ethernet
Interface
PS/2
Interface
Plug to Outlet
IMPORTANT: Keep all magnetic devices away from the VnM8 printer.

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
8
To change print settings for certain VnM inks and media, including font, make sure you are
on the main menu; press and hold the ALT + EXIT keys at the same time.
SELECT MEDIA WIDTH:
Press 4,5,6,7, or 8
A) To Change Print Settings
1. This should be the rst screen you see.
VNM PRINT SETTINGS
Press ENTER
VNM MANUAL SETTINGS
Press ENTER
ENTER SPEED:
2
2. Press the DOWN arrow key until you see
VNM PRINT SETTINGS and press ENTER.
4. To manually change the print speed,
print density, and /or cutter settings,
press ENTER or VNM MANUAL SETTINGS.
5. Enter the Printer speed and press ENTER.
Recommended at 2.
6. Enter the print density and press ENTER.
Recommended density based on the ink
color being used:
Black: 6-9, White: 10-13
Blue: 2-4, Green: 2-4, Red: 2-4
3. Using the up and down arrows on the
keyboard, locate your desired ink and
media and press ENTER.
SELECT MEDIA WIDTH:
Press 4,5,6,7, or 8
B) To Change Font Settings
1. This should be the rst screen you see.
SELECT FONT/SYMBOLS
Press ENTER
2. Press the UP arrow key until you see
SELECT FONT/SYMBOLS and press ENTER.
CHOOSE FONT/SYMBOLS:
BOLD
3. Using the up and down arrows on the
keyboard, locate your desired font and
press ENTER. To get back to the main
menu after you have selected your font,
hold down ALT and EXIT.
CHOOSE FONT/SYMBOLS:
SYMBOLS3
CHOOSE FONT/SYMBOLS:
NORMAL
CHOOSE FONT/SYMBOLS:
SYMBOLS1
CHOOSE FONT/SYMBOLS:
SYMBOLS2
CHOOSE FONT/SYMBOLS:
UTILITY
CHOOSE FONT/SYMBOLS:
PIPE MAKER
CHOOSE FONT/SYMBOLS:
ITALIC
VnM®8 Print and Font Settings
ENTER DENSITY:
5
NOTE: See pages 21-22 for fonts and symbols.
VNM BLACK INK 1
PRESS ENTER
VNM WHITE INK 1
PRESS ENTER
LOOK AT VNM MANUAL
TURN CUTTER ON
LOOK AT VNM MANUAL
TURN PARTIAL CUT ON
VNM BLACK INK 2
PRESS ENTER
VNM WHITE INK 2
PRESS ENTER
LOOK AT VNM MANUAL
TURN CUTTER OFF
LOOK AT VNM MANUAL
BLANK CUT
Standard settings for
VnM Black ink
Standard settings for
VnM White ink
Turns the cutter on
Turns the partial cut on
High Density settings for
VnM Black ink
High Density settings for
VnM White ink
Turns the cutter off
Turns the blank cut on

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Press ENTER
VnM8 APPS
Press ENTER
HOW TO PRINT
QUOTATIONS
VnM8 Tips
SELECT MEDIA WIDTH:
Press 4,5,6,7, or 8
SELECT FONT/SYMBOLS
Press ENTER
VNM PRINT SETTINGS
Press ENTER
+
+
SELECT MEDIA WIDTH
PRESS 4,5,6,7, OR 8
Use the UP and DOWN
arrow keys on the VnM®8
Keypad to navigate
through the templates.
Press the ENTER key to
select your template.
If an entry error has
been made, press the
EXIT key and re-enter the information.
“SELECT MEDIA WIDTH” is the Main Menu
when powering on the VnM 8 SignMaker,
and when pressing the ALT + EXIT keys.
To begin printing, select the size of media
that is loaded in the printer.
The VnM®8 keypad navigation tree on the
left displays the ow and order of all the
available options/templates.
Detailed information about each template
starts on page 10.
In order to print quotations (“) or inch and
foot marks, press the SHIFT key + PERIOD
key (on the numeric keypad). Do not use
the keypad QUOTATION key, you will have
blank text.
1 to 5 LINE HORIZONTAL
Press ENTER
2 LINE HORIZONTAL
Press ENTER
MULTI LINE HEADER
Press ENTER
ANSI HEADER TEMPLATE
Press ENTER
DIE CUT TEMPLATE
Press ENTER
ARC FLASH TEMPLATE
Press ENTER
CUSTOM 1 LINE
Press ENTER
1 LINE VERTICAL
Press ENTER
VnM®8 SignMaker Prompt: MAIN MENU
VnM®8 Keypad Navigation
9

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
DANGER!
b) 1 Line Template, (Y) reverse text
1 to 5 LINE HORIZONTAL
Press ENTER
X INCH - HOW MANY LINES?
Press 1,2,3,4, or 5
RESERVE TEXT?
1.(Y)ES or 2.(N)O
ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT:
1
ENTER LINE 1:
/CAUTION
1. Select the 1 to 5 LINE HORIZONTAL
template by pressing the ENTER key
on the keyboard.
2. Select how many lines of text to print
by pressing the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
DO NOT PRESS ENTER.
3. Enter the text/symbols for your sign
and press ENTER when nished.
4. Enter the quantity of signs to print and
press ENTER.
5. Select if you would like REVERSE TEXT.
Press Y or 1 for Yes, Press N or 2 for No.
The 1 to 5 Line Horizontal template is the most versatile template for the VnM®8 SignMaker.
Create anything from 1 to 5 lines of text and your font size will adjust automatically to your
selected media size.
The CAUTION sign below was created by selecting the SYMBOLS1 font (explained on page 8).
Select the 1 to 5 LINE HORIZONTAL template and choose 1 for the number of lines to be
printed. For this CAUTION sign, you will enter: /CAUTION (The / mark represents the
CAUTION symbol.) To use any other symbols, use the reference chart on pages 21-22.
a) 1 Line Template sign, no (N) reverse text printing, using SYMBOLS1 font
TO GET BACK TO THE MAIN
MENU PRESS AND HOLD
THE ALT AND EXIT BUTTONS
AT THE SAME TIME.
VnM8 Tips
VnM®8 Keypad Templates: 1 to 5 Line Horizontal
10

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
E
X
I
T
a) No (N) reverse text
%
z
c) SYMBOLS1 font
E
X
I
T
b) Reverse (Y) text
ENTER TEXT:
EXIT
REVERSE TEXT?
1.(Y)ES or 2.(N)O
ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT:
1
1 LINE VERTICAL
Press ENTER
1. Select the 1 LINE VERTICAL template
by pressing the ENTER key.
2. Enter the text/symbols for your vertical
sign and press ENTER.
3. Enter the quantity of signs to print and
press ENTER.
4. Select if you would like reverse text.
Press Y or 1 for Yes, Press N or 2 for No.
The 1 Line Vertical template allows you to easily create instant vertical signs and labels.
The samples below were created with our 1 Line Vertical template.
IF YOU ARE USING A
8 INCH MEDIA, TRY USING
A 6 INCH TEMPLATE TO GET
A SMALLER FONT
VnM8 Tips
VnM®8 Keypad Templates: 1 Line Vertical
11

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING
THE RIGHT PRINT SETTING
WITH THE PROPER INK
AND MEDIA
VnM8 Tips
VnM®8 Keypad Templates: 2 Line Horizontal
12
BOILER WATER
TO BOILER #5
LABORATORY
ROOM 602
a) 2 Line Horizontal b) 2 Line Horizontal
The 2 Line Horizontal template allows you to create signs with two dierent sizes of type,
samples a) and b). The samples below were created with the 2 Line Horizontal template.
ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT:
1
Enter LINE 1:
BOILER WATER
Enter LINE 2:
TO BOILER #5
2. Enter the text/symbols for your rst
line of your sign and press ENTER.
3. Enter the text/symbols for your second
line of your sign and press ENTER.
4. Enter the quantity to print and press
ENTER.
2 LINE HORIZONTAL
PRESS ENTER
1. Select the 2 Line Horizontal template
by pressing the ENTER key.

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
VnM®8 Keypad Templates: Multi Line Header
13
/CAUTION
DO NOT STAND
WITHIN 25 FEET
OF MACHINERY
a) SYMBOLS1 font, 3 Line Header
YOUR TEXT
HERE
YOUR HEADER
b) 2 Line Header
The Multi Line Header template is perfect for creating custom header signs with any
neccessary text. The samples below were created with our Multi Line Header template.
SYMBOLS1 font is selected rst then choose the Header template and press ENTER. For the
Header line,“/CAUTION” is shown on the keypad, press ENTER. Then enter the information
for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th line. The“/”seen on the keypad (after SYMBOLS1 font is chosen)
translates to the yield symbol.
ENTER HEADER:
/CAUTION
ENTER LINE 1:
DO NOT STAND
ENTER LINE 2:
WITHIN 25 FEET
ENTER LINE 3:
OF MACHINERY
ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT:
1
MULTI LINE HEADER
PRESS ENTER
1. Select the Multi Line Header template
by pressing the ENTER key.
6. Enter the text/symbols for your third
line of text and press ENTER.
7. Enter the quantity to print and press
ENTER.
3. Enter the text/symbols for the header
and press ENTER.
4. Enter the text/symbols for your rst
line of text and press ENTER.
5. Enter the text/symbols for your second
line of text and press ENTER.
NOTE: Keep in mind the 4 lines below the header are always standard BOLD font even if you
change the symbol. You do not have to print 4 extra lines when using the Multi Line Header template.
X INCH-HOW MANY LINES?
PRESS 1,2,3, OR 4
2. Enter the media width by pressing the
number 1, 2, 3, or 4. DO NOT PRESS
ENTER.

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
DANGER HEADER?
Press ENTER
X INCH - HOW MANY LINES?
Press 1,2,3, or 4
ENTER LINE 1:
HIGH
ENTER LINE 2:
VOLTAGE
ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT:
1
ANSI HEADER TEMPLATE
Press ENTER
1. Select the ANSI Header template by
pressing the ENTER key.
5. Enter the text/symbols for your second
line and press ENTER.
6. Enter the quantity of signs to print and
press ENTER.
2. Select a header option. Choose from:
CAUTION, DANGER, NOTICE, SAFETY,
WARNING, or BLANK HEADER and
press ENTER.
3. Select how many lines of text to print
by pressing the numbers 1, 2, 3, or 4.
DO NOT PRESS ENTER.
4. Enter the text/symbols for your rst
line and press ENTER.
The ANSI header template is perfect for creating Caution, Danger, Warning, Notice, and
Safety signs. 1 to 4 lines of additional text can be added to customize your sign.
The samples below were created with our ANSI templates.
NOTE: ANSI signs oer two sizes only: 5” x 7” and 7” x 10”, utilizing the 5”or 7” width vinyl.
Based on the sign’s content, text will automatically adjust to the signs width.
MUST WEAR
EAR AND EYE
PROTECTION
NOTICE
w
UNAUTHORIZED
PERSONNEL
WILL BE
PROSECUTED
a) ANSI, DANGER, 2 lines b) ANSI, NOTICE, 3 lines c) ANSI, WARNING, 4 lines
HIGH
VOLTAGE
/DANGER
VnM®8 Keypad Templates: ANSI Header
14

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
X INCH - HOW MANY LINES?
Press 1,2,3, or 4
ENTER LINE 1:
HOT
ENTER LINE 2:
SURFACE
ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT:
1
DIE CUT TEMPLATE
Press ENTER
1. Select DIE CUT TEMPLATES by pressing
the ENTER key.
4. Enter the text/symbols for your second
line and press ENTER.
5. Enter the quantity of signs to print and
press ENTER.
2. Select how many lines of text to print by
pressing the numbers 1, 2, 3, or 4.
DO NOT PRESS ENTER.
3. Enter the text/symbols for your rst line
and press ENTER.
The Die Cut Template is perfect for creating Caution, Danger, Warning, Notice, and Safety
signs. This template only works with 7”x10” VnM pre-printed Die Cut labels. The samples
below were created with our Die Cut Template.
MUST WEAR
EAR AND EYE
PROTECTION
KEEP OUT
HIGH
VOLTAGE
HOT
SURFACE
EMPLOYEES
ONLY
a) Die Cut, WARNING c) Die Cut, DANGER2b) Die Cut, DANGER
d) Die Cut, CAUTION e) Die Cut, NOTICE
VnM®8 Keypad Templates: Die Cut
15

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
VnM®8 Keypad Templates: Arc Flash
16
a) 7 X 10 INCHES
a) 4 X 7 INCHES
The Arc Flash Templates meets the NEC electrical code for “Arc ash hazard warnings” which
are required to reduce the occurrences of serious injury, or death, due to arcing faults to
individuals working on or near energized electrical equipment. The samples below were
created with our Arc Flash Template.
ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT:
1
SELECT MEDIA WIDTH:
PRESS 4,5,6,7, OR 8
ARC FLASH TEMPLATE
PRESS ENTER
1. Select media width 4” or 7” only by
pressing the number. DO NOT PRESS
ENTER.
2. Select ARC FLASH TEMPLATE and
press ENTER.
3. Enter the quantity to print and press
ENTER.
NOTE: Must use 4" or 7" Orange VnM8 Premium Vinyl or Engineer Grade Reective
media for the arc ash template.
TO GET BACK TO THE
MAIN MENU PRESS AND
HOLD DOWN THE ALT KEY
AND EXIT BUTTON
VnM8 Tips
ww

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
CUSTOM 1 LINE
Press ENTER
VnM®8 Keypad Templates: Custom 1 Line
17
The Custom 1 Line template is a great way to label parts bins, 5S and Tool applications.
The samples below were created with our Custom 1 Line template.
140 VOLTS
NOTE: Text copy will be condensed or expanded to accommodate the width & height
of the media and size selection.
1. Select the CUSTOM 1 LINE template
by pressing the ENTER key.
2. Enter the second dimension which
represents the HEIGHT of the label:
Press 1 for 1” and 2 for 2”.
3. Enter text and/or symbols for the line
of text and press ENTER.
4. Enter quantity of labels to print and
press ENTER.
ENTER LINE 1:
140 VOLTS
ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT:
1
X X ?
Press 1 or 2
a) 4 x 1 inches (actual size)
140 VOLTS
b) 4 x 2 inches (actual size)

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
SELECT PHYSICAL STATE
SOLID
VnM®8 Keypad Templates: Hazardous Waste
18
Enter Company
ABC COMPANY
FOUR Digit Year
2016
Enter City:
LOS ANGELES
ENTER CONTENTS COMP L1:
Enter Street Address
123 MAIN ST.
Enter Month (1-12):
9
ENTER CA WASTE #:
ENTER CONTENTS COMP L2:
Enter Phone Number:
555 874 4569
Enter State:
CA
Enter Hour (0-23):
11
Enter Day (1-31):
21
Enter Zip Code:
92001
Enter Minute (0-59):
5
Print the California Hazardous Waste Labels
using the VnM8 SignMaker.
Hazardous Waste
PRESS ENTER
Print Label
ADMINISTRATION
DATE/TIME SETUP
1. Select the Hazardous Waste template
by pressing ENTER. From here you can
print the hazardous waste label, set
the company contact info and set the
date/time settings.
2. Select Print Label to begin lling out
the Hazardous Waste Label form.
3. Select Administration to enter the
contact information.
4. Select Date/Time Setup to synchronize
the VnM8 Keypad to a real time clock.
5. To Select the Physical State and
Hazardous Properties, use the UP &
Down arrows to navigate to Solid or
Liquid and Flammable, Toxic,
Corrosive, Reactivity, or other.
2a-f. Enter the information prompted to
complete the label.
3a-f. Enter the information prompted to
complete the company information
to be printed on all Hazardous
Warning Labels.
4a-e. Enter the date and time information
as prompted on the screen.
ENTER EPA ID#:
ENTER MANIFEST DOC #:
ENTER EPA WASTE #:

Copyright © 2016 Cobra Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
VnM®8 Keypad Templates: VnM8 Apps
Fire Template
1. Scroll to VnM8 APPS and press ENTER.
2. Select FIRE EXTINGUISHER and press ENTER.
3. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER.
Eye Wash Template
1. Scroll to VnM8 APPS and press ENTER.
2. Select EYE WASH and press ENTER.
3. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER.
a) Ext. 4x18
EMERGENCY
EYE WASH
STATION
KEEP THIS
AREA CLEAR h
b) Eye Wash Template 5x7
19