Dymo DiscPainter User manual

CD/DVD Printer
User Guide

Copyright
© 2007 Sanford, L.P. All rights reserved. Version 1.0 Revised 11/07.
No part of this document or the software may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means or translated into another language without the prior written consent of Sanford, L.P.
Trademarks
DYMO and DiscPainter are registered trademarks of Sanford, L.P. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective holders.

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Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Printer Overview and Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Mac OS System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Windows System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Your Printer at a Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About Discus for DYMO Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Important Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
For More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Working with Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About Printable CDs/DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Loading Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Caring for Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Printing from Mac OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Controlling Printer Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Controlling Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Controlling Ink Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Controlling Disc Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Printing Multiple Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Printing to the DiscPainter Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using Sample Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
General Printing Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Printing From Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
About the DiscPainter Status Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Controlling Print Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Controlling Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Controlling Ink Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Controlling Disc Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Restoring Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Printing Multiple Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Printing to the DiscPainter Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Using Sample Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
General Printing Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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Caring for Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Handling Inkjet Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using Printer Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Checking the Ink Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Cleaning the Inkjet Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Purchasing New Inkjet Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Replacing the Inkjet Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cleaning the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Repacking the Printer for Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Printing Over a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Printing to a Shared Printer from Mac OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Sharing a Printer on a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Adding a Shared Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Printing to a Shared Printer from Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Sharing a Printer on a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Installing a Network Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Installation Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Windows Installation Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Mac OS Installation Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Printing Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Printer Status Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Ink Level Appears Empty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Printing is Too Light or Dark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Smudges Appear Outside of Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Ink Pools on Disc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Printing a Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Opening the Front Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Physical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Power Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Disc Service, Duty Cycle, and Warranty Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Declaration of Conformity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Waste from Electric & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

1
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the DYMO DiscPainter printer and covers the following topics:
•Printer overview and features
•System requirements
•DiscPainter printer at a glance
•Important notes for printing on discs
•Road map for finding more information
Printer Overview and Features
The DiscPainter CD/DVD printer is a color inkjet printer that prints high-quality graphics, text, and
images directly onto inkjet-printable CDs and DVDs with ease and accuracy. Set up is quick and
easy, and can be accomplished in just a few minutes. Regardless of your content (music, video, or
data), you can print attractive, professional-looking text and graphics on discs without using
clumsy adhesive labels.
Below are some of the printer’s most important features:
•Prints clear, attractive designs onto the printable side of CDs and DVDs
• Prints high-resolution, color text and images using RadialPrint
™
Technology (up to 1200 dpi)
•Prints on 120 mm and 80 mm inkjet-printable discs
•Supports full-coverage (hub-printable) discs
•Includes Discus for DYMO software so that you can create your own custom designs
System Requirements
The DiscPainter printer system requirements are as follows:
Mac OS System Requirements
•Mac OS®v10.3/10.4
•512 MB RAM
•USB port (USB 2.0 certified high-speed device works with USB 1.1)
•700 MB hard disk space
Windows System Requirements
•Windows®XP and Vista
•512 MB RAM
•USB port (USB 2.0 certified high-speed device works with USB 1.1)
•700 MB hard disk space

Introduction
2
Your Printer at a Glance
These drawings show the front and back of the printer. The numbers in the illustrations correspond
to the printer part names listed below the figure.
About Discus for DYMO Software
Included with your new printer is Discus for DYMO software. Discus for DYMO software is a
powerful application that allows you to create professional looking CD/DVD designs with a
minimum amount of effort. In addition to printing disc designs on the DiscPainter printer, you can
design and print jewel case covers and inserts, and other types of projects on a standard inkjet
printer. Refer to the Discus for DYMO Online Help for complete information.
You can also print to the DiscPainter printer from other design applications, such as Adobe®
Photoshop®or Illustrator®. See "Printing to the DiscPainter Printer" on page 21.
Important Notes
Below are some things to keep in mind when printing.
•Use only inkjet-printable discs. These usually have a white printing surface. Inkjet-printable
discs are available from your local office supply retailer or online at www.dymo.com.
1 Front cover
2Disctray
3 Power status (see "Printer Status Lights" on page 43 for information)
4 Top cover
5 Ink status (see "Printer Status Lights" on page 43 for information)
6 Front cover release levers (see "Opening the Front Cover" on page 44 for information)
7 USB connection
8 Power connector
15
87
23 4
6

For More Information
3
•Only use DYMO-branded inkjet cartridges.
•Do not open the top cover or front cover during printing.
•After printing, wait for the ink to dry completely before touching the disc to avoid smearing
the ink and handle the discs only by the edges.
For More Information
The table below provides a road map to all the DiscPainter-related instructional information.
Information Location/How to Access
Quick Start Guide Included in product package.
DiscPainter Printer
User Guide
Provides complete instructions for using the printer.
Mac OS: Located in the DiscPainter application folder or the Help menu in the
Discus for DYMO software.
Windows: Accessed from the Start menu on the Windows desktop or the Help
menu in the Discus for DYMO software.
Discus for DYMO
Online Help
Provides complete information about the Discus for DYMO software.
Mac OS: Accessed from the Help menu in the Discus for DYMO software.
Windows: Accessed from the Start menu on the Windows desktop or the Help
menu in the Discus for DYMO software.
DiscPainter Web site Use a Web browser to go to: www.dymo.com/discpainter
Complete information about DiscPainter, including the most recent versions of
the software and this User Guide, are available on the DiscPainter Web site.

Introduction
4

5
Chapter 2
Working with Discs
This chapter describes how the DiscPainter printer works with inkjet-printable discs.
About Printable CDs/DVDs
Inkjet-printable CDs and DVDs are available in two basic sizes (diameters): Standard size (120
mm) and Mini size (80 mm).
Inkjet-printable discs can be hub-printable (also called full face or full coverage) or non hub-
printable. Hub-printable discs allow you to print close to the inner edge of the center hole, while
non hub-printable discs have a larger unprintable area at the center of the disc.
Note The printer does not support printing on business card discs.
Inkjet-printable discs are available with a variety of surface finishes, which are described below.
Note Different disc finishes require different ink densities (the amount of ink deposited by the
printer) in order to optimize print quality. You can adjust the ink density for the various types of
disc finishes. See "Controlling Ink Density" on page 10 (Mac OS) or page 20 (Windows) for
information.
Disc Surface Finish Characteristics
Matte Dull, flat, non-glossy
Glossy Lustrous, shiny
Silver or Color Reflective, mirror-like. Red, blue, green and other colors are also available.
Water-resistant/
Water-proof
Resistant to smearing and color bleeding from contact with liquids.
Non hub-printable disc
Hub-printable disc
Hub

Working with Discs
6
Drying Time
Drying times will vary based on the disc type and ink density used. Most discs should dry within
seconds; however, depending on ink density, some discs may require much longer to dry. In
general, do not touch the printed surface until you are sure it is dry and only handle the disc by
holding the edge.
Note The printer is designed to print only on inkjet-printable discs. If you print onto discs that are
not inkjet-printable, the ink will not dry correctly and may pool. Not using inkjet-printable discs
may damage your printer.
Designs containing large amounts of black color may be damp after printing. To avoid this, reduce
the amount of black in the design.
Loading Discs
Keep the following important points in mind when loading discs into the printer:
•Never remove a disc during printing (while it is spinning). Always wait for the disc to stop
spinning. The ink status light will blink yellow, which indicates that the disc is finished
printing.
•Avoid touching the bottom part of the disc. Always handle the disc by its outer edge. You can
also support the disc by inserting a finger through its center hole.
•Always use an inkjet-printable disc.
•Before printing, make sure the disc size and other characteristics (finish, hub printable/non-hub
printable, and so on) match the settings defined for the printer. See "Controlling Print Quality"
on page 19 for information on controlling the printer.
•Make sure you insert the disc with the printable surface facing up. The printable surface is
typically white, but can also be silver, red, blue, green, or other colors, depending on the disc’s
finish. See "About Printable CDs/DVDs" on page 5 for information.
To load a disc into the printer
1Carefully raise the front cover to its upright position.
The ink status light on top of the printer blinks yellow.
2If another disc is already on the disc tray, remove the disc, touching the disc only on the outer
edges.
3Place the blank disc onto the center spindle in the disc tray with the printable side up.
4Carefully lower the front cover.
The Ink LED stops blinking. This indicates that you are ready to print on the disc.