CognitiveTPG Ci User manual

C-Series Printers
User’s Manual
105-069-03 Revision A 3/22/07
*105-169-03*

Copyright © 2006, Cognitive Solutions, Inc.
Cognitive™, Cxi™, Ci™, and Compact Industrial™ are trademarks of Cognitive. Microsoft®
and Windows™ are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other product and corporate names
used in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies, and
are used only for explanation and to their owner’s benefit, without intent to infringe.
All information in this document is subject to change without notice, and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Cognitive. No part of this document may be reproduced for any
reason or in any form, including electronic storage and retrieval, without the expressed written
permission of Cognitive. All program listings in this document are copyrighted and are the
property of Cognitive and are provided without warranty.
To contact Cognitive,
Write, email, or call:
Cognitive Solutions, Inc.
4403 Table Mountain Drive
Suite A
Golden, CO 80403
E-Mail: [email protected]
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: +1.303.279.951

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: WELCOME 1
CHAPTER 2: GETTING STARTED 3
Outside the Printer 3
Inside the Printer 5
Paper Media Guide Bar 6
Connection Ports and Power Connector 7
Take Up Spindle and Take Up Clutch (Gears) 7
Supply Spindle and Supply Clutch 8
Printhead Assembly (TPH, Shield, Bracket, and LED Array) 8
Platen and Index Sensor 9
Understanding the Control Panel Buttons and the LCD (Cxi Only) 10
Understanding the LCD Menu Structure 12
Setting Up the Cxi and Ci Printers 14
Printer Requirements 14
Unpacking the Printer 15
Controls, Indicators, and Connectors 16
Connecting Data Cables to the Printer: 17
USB-A HOST Connectivity 18
Connecting Power to the Printer 19
Printer Power Test 22
Thermal Transfer Ribbon Loading (TT Printers Only) 24
Loading Media 34
Loading Large Roll OD Media 43

User Adjustable Sensor 49
Gap Mode 49
Black Mark Mode 50
Performing the Self Test 51
CHAPTER 3: SOFTWARE INSTALLATION 54
CHAPTER 4: USING THE ADMINISTRATOR TOOL 55
Connect to the Printer 55
Change a Printer Setting 57
IO Settings 58
Printer Settings 59
Label Positioning 60
Calibrating the Printer 60
Method 2: Calibrate by Performing a Self Test; See Chapter 2 of this User’s
Guide 61
Method 3: Calibrate Using Cognitive Programming Language (CPL) 61
Fonts/Objects 62
Profile Management 63
Firmware Upgrade 64
PCL Windowing 65
CPL Editor 66
CHAPTER 5: USB-A HOST 67
Using USB Hubs, Keyboards and Scanners 67
Using a USB Flash Drive 68
Loading Settings Using a USB Flash Drive 68
To load settings using the USB A Host, follow these steps: 68
Loading Objects Using a USB Flash Drive 68
To load objects using the USB A Host, follow these steps: 68
Loading Firmware Using a USB Flash Drive 69

To load firmware using the USB A Host, follow these steps: 69
CHAPTER 6: NETWORK PRINTING 70
Assigning a Static Address 70
Using Automatic Address Assignment 71
Verifying Network Settings 72
Configuring a Printer Driver for Network Use 73
Sharing the Printer on a Network 75
Network Support Materials 76
CHAPTER 7: PRINTING STANDARD LABELS AND TAGS 77
Using Label Software 77
Using CPL Programming 77
Using Third-Party and Proprietary Applications 79
Printing from Microsoft Word 79
To Configure the Software for a Cognitive Printer 79
Setting Label Size 81
Creating a Label and Barcode 84
Design the label in a Word document. Use the following steps to design a barcode. 84
Printing a Label 84
Make sure that the printer is connected to the computer and powered on. Ensure that the
media is loaded correctly. Use the following steps to print the label: 84
Printing from Proprietary Applications 84
CHAPTER 8: TROUBLESHOOTING 85
Isolating Problems 85
Run a Printer Self Test 85
Print a Proven Label Format 85
Print a New Label Format 86
Check the Label Format Header Line 86
“Comment Out” Portions of the Non-Working Label Format 86
Common Issues 87
General Troubleshooting Tips 90
CHAPTER 9: PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS 91
C Series Technical Specification Information: 91
Standard Features 91
Optional Features 92
Printing Specifications 92

Media Specifications 93
Media Indexing 93
Ribbon Specifications 94
Label Roll Changes per Ribbon 94
Font Specifications 94
Bar Code Symbologies and Specifications 95
Cognitive Programming Language (CPL) 95
Communications Specifications 96
Electrical Specifications 96
International Environment Compliance 96
International Regulatory Compliance 96
Environmental Specifications 96
Physical Specifications 97
Software 97
Preventive Maintenance 97
Cleaning 97
Warranty 98
CHAPTER 10: CONSUMABLES 99
Compatible Media 99
Consumables 99
DT Labels and Tags 100
TT Labels and Tags 102
DT Butterfly Labels 103
TT Butterfly Labels 104
DT Rattail Labels 104
TT Rattail Labels 104
DT Non-Adhesive Tags 104
TT Non-Adhesive Tags 105
Ribbons 106
Accessories 107
CHAPTER 11: CLEANING AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE 108
Cleaning Instructions 108
Printhead Assembly Removal and Replacement 110
Printhead Assembly Removal 110
Printhead Assembly Replacement 112
Platen Assembly Removal and Replacement 115
Platen Assembly Removal 115
Platen Assembly Replacement 119
CHAPTER 12: SUPPORT 124
Contacting Customer Support 124
Telephone Technical Support 124
Finding Help on the Web 124

Cognitive Media Support 124
C Series Sales Support 125

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Chapter 1: Welcome
Congratulations on the purchase of a Cognitive Compact Industrial C Series
thermal label printer. With its 2-year warranty, mid-range performance, and
customer service, the printer will provide you continuous label printing with very
little downtime and at the highest quality. Cognitive Solutions is committed to
providing a high-performance and reliable user experience. This User’s Manual
provides information on how to install the printer and includes all necessary user
support information.
The following list of C Series documentation is located on the Companion CD, which
ships with every printer. It is also available at:
http://compactindustrial.com/cseries/documentation/documentation.html
World Wide Web — Visit http://www.compactindustrial.com or
http://www.compactindustrial.com/cseries/support/support.html to download the
latest C Series firmware, the current printer drivers, or to download or view C
Series documentation support.
Quick Start Guide — The Quick Start Guide provides illustrated Cxi and Ci high-
level printer setup information including media loading, ribbon loading for thermal
transfer models, and software/drivers installation instructions. A printed copy of
this document is provided with every C Series printer. Chapter 2 of this User’s
Guide provides further instructions on setting up your Cxi and Ci printers.
Programmer’s Guide — The Programmer’s Guide provides information about how
to program all Cognitive printers. For up-to-date firmware release notes and to
download the most recent firmware required for the Cxi and Ci printers visit:
http://www.compactindustrial.com/cseries/support/support.html
Chapter
1

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Ethernet Printer Information — The Ethernet Printer Information provides
information for configuring and troubleshooting the internal Ethernet print server. The
Ethernet Printer Information is a section of the Programmer’s Guide.
Printer Drivers (Microsoft Windows® only) —Printer drivers required for the C
Series printers are provided on the Companion CD which ships with the printer. The
latest drivers can also be found on Cognitive’s web site www.compactindustrial.com .
Full instructions on how to load these drivers are located in Chapter 3 of this User’s
Guide.
Consumables Guide — To ensure full printhead warranty on all C Series printers,
Cognitive requires the use of Cognitive approved media. This guide lists Cognitive
approved media including labels, tags, and ribbons, with part numbers and
descriptions for all Cxi and Ci printer models. Cognitive offers custom media for all
printing needs. Included are full details on Cognitive’s custom media options. For
more information on Cognitive’s approved media please call +1.800.525.2785. This
guide also lists Cxi and Ci consumable parts and printheads by part number and
description.
Printer Product Guide — Find Cxi and Ci printer model information, printer
options available for upgrade and/or standard order, printer accessories, and Cxi
and Ci approved media for all Cxi and Ci printer models.
Marketing and Sales Support – The Compact Industrial web site,
www.compactindustrial.com, has additional information and sales support such as
product brochures, presentations, and product images. The files are available in
many formats for easy-to-use downloads. For additional help, contact the marketing
department at [phone] or send an e-mail message to
[email protected].
CSI Support — For technical CSI support please contact the C Series Technical
Support Team by calling the toll free number [phone] or directly at
+1 [phone]. Or, send an e-mail message to [email protected].
For all other CSI support needs, please call [phone].

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Chapter 2: Getting Started
First, take a tour around the printer to understand its parts and functions.
Outside the Printer
Figure 2-1. C Series Top and Front View
Device Use
A – LCD control panel
(Cxi only) Back-lit, two-line, 16-character display with full menus to change setup options
B – POWER LED Shows power status
GREEN – Power switch is turned on
C – READY LED
Shows printer status
GREEN – Printer ready to accept data
RED – Printer error, empty media roll, or paused operation during
batch mode processing
D – User interface menu
buttons (Cxi only) Controls user interface
E – FEED/Enter button Advances print media/Enters user menu commands
F– Front bezel Covers the front of the printer
G – Lower case Covers the sides of the printer
Chapter
2

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H – Case base Covers the base of the printer
I – High-lift printhead
latches Pushes upward to release the printhead
J – ON/OFF switch Controls printer power
K – Cast metal user
interface cover Contains user interface buttons
L – Dust cover Protects print media
M – Hinged media
window Contains a large clear window to view media

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Inside the Printer
Figure 2-2. C Series Side View
Device Use
A – Large roll spindle slot Holds large roll media
B – Standard roll spindle slot Holds standard roll media
C – Cast metal user interface
cover Contains user interface buttons
D – Printhead Printing mechanism
E – Printhead bracket Holds the printhead
F – Ribbon drive gears Feeds ribbon through the printer

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Paper Media Guide Bar
Figure 2-3. C Series Inner Side View of Media Bar
Figure 2-4. C Series Top View of Media Guide from Behind Printer
Device Use
A – Media guide (silver bar) Guides the labels through the printer

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Connection Ports and Power Connector
Figure 2-5. C Series Connections and Power (Back View)
Connector Use
A – ON/OFF switch Controls printer power
B – Power connector Connects to power supply
C – Ethernet connector
(RJ-45) Ethernet communications port for network connectivity
D – USB-B device port USB communications port
E – USB-A host port USB communications port
F – Serial/Parallel port Serial/parallel data communications port
Take Up Spindle and Take Up Clutch (Gears)
Figure 2-6. Take Up Spindle, Clutch, and Side view of Clutch Gears
Components Description
A Take Up Spindle
B Take Up Clutch

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Supply Spindle and Supply Clutch
Figure 2-7. Supply Spindle and Clutch
Components Description
A Supply Spindle
B Supply Clutch
Printhead Assembly (TPH, Shield, Bracket, and LED Array)
Figure 2-8. Printhead Assembly

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Platen and Index Sensor
Figure 2-9. Platen Assembly and Index Sensor
Components Description
A Index Sensor
B Platen

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Understanding the Control Panel Buttons and the LCD (Cxi Only)
When the printer is powered on, the LCD displays COGNITIVE CXI. After
approximately 2 seconds, the LCD displays COGNITIVE. This is an indication that
the menu is at its highest level.
From this menu level, the LEFT button displays the current status of the printer;
either a READY condition, or the most recent error encountered.
To begin navigation through the menu, press the RIGHT button to enter the MAIN
MENU. Pressing the UP/DOWN buttons and the ENTER button allows movement
throughout the menu tree. Pressing the ENTER button selects a menu item,
allowing navigation deeper into that menu. At any time, the LEFT button may be
pressed to return to the previous menu level, or to escape without making a
selection. Repeatedly pressing the LEFT button returns the user to the highest
menu level.
Summary of the keypad button functions:
Figure 2-10. Cxi Printer User Interface Menu Buttons

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LEFT button (B): Press the LEFT button to display the current printer status.
From within the menu, pressing the LEFT button returns to the previous menu
level.
UP (A) and DOWN (C) buttons: Allows menu navigation up and down through
the menu tree, and allows the user to increase or decrease numeric values in some
menu items.
RIGHT button (D): Allows the user to enter the menu system, and controls
horizontal movement of the menu cursor for certain menu items.
ENTER button (E): In the menu mode, selects a menu item for further navigation.
ENTER also selects a value in a menu item. The LCD displays the confirmation
message VALUE HAS BEEN SET.
At the highest menu level, when COGNITIVE is displayed on the LCD, or when
the printer is ready to print, this button acts as a FORM FEED.
When the ENTER button is pressed, a single label is fed if the printer is in an
indexing mode. When the button is pressed continuously for longer than two
seconds, the printer feeds labels until the button is released. When indexing is
disabled, the printer feeds media continuously when the ENTER button is pressed.

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Understanding the LCD Menu Structure
MAIN MENU
USER MENU
LCD
Contrast Contrast 0 … 8
Backlight
Control ON or OFF
Beeper
Volume Volume 0 … 3
Set Date
and Time Date (MM/DD/YY) Time (HH:MM:SS)
SETUP MENU
COMM Menu
Serial BAUD
1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19200, 38400, 57600,
115200
PARITY Even, Odd, None
DATA
Bits 7 or 8
STOP
Bits 1 or 2
Ethernet DHCP ON or OFF
Set Static
IP XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX
Set
Subnet XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX
Set
Gateway XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX
Transfer
Mode Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer
Speed High, Normal, Low
DPI
Select 200dpi Selectable 200 or 100 dpi
300dpi Selectable 300 or 150 dpi
Index Bar, Gap, Notch
Width 16 … 425 Quick UP / DWN key press
increments by 1;
Press and hold increments by 10
Top Of
Form
Adjust 0 … 2000 Quick UP / DWN key press
increments by 1;
Press and hold increments by 10
Darkness -200 …
813
Quick UP / DWN key press
increments by 1;
Press and hold increments by 10

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Feedback ON or OFF
Report
Level 0 = None, 1 = Serial, 2 = Label
Timeout 0 … 65535 Quick UP / DWN key press
increments by 1;
Press and hold increments by 10
Shift Left
-Printhead
...
+ Printhead
Quick UP / DWN key press
increments by 1;
Press and hold increments by 10
Present
Label ON or OFF
Advance 0 ... 2000
Quick UP / DWN key
press increments by 1;
Press and hold
increments by 10
Retract 0 ... 2000
Quick UP / DWN key
press increments by 1;
Press and hold
increments by 10
Time 0 ... 100
Quick UP / DWN key
press increments by 1;
Press and hold
increments by 10
CALIBRATION
MENU Calibration Menu Start? Based on Bar, Gap or Notch index setting
TEST MENU Label or Objects
OPTIONS
MENU External 5 volts ON or OFF
SETTINGS
MENU
Save Settings Yes? Or No?
Read Settings Yes? Or No?
Factory Defaults Yes? Or No?
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT Phone : [phone] Web : WWW.COMPACTINDUSTRIAL.COM
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