Hellermann Tyton TT420 User manual

Thermal transfer printer
TT420
Operating Instructions
Edition November 2006
Internet: www.HellermannTyton.com
Information on the scope of delivery, appearance, performance, dimensions and weight
reflect our knowledge at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make modifications.

TT420
Contents
Notes on the documentation ......................................................................................................................... 3
Warnings............................................................................................................................................... 3
Notes..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Item numbers........................................................................................................................................ 3
Cross references to chapters and sections .......................................................................................... 3
Safety and the environment........................................................................................................................... 4
Intended use.............................................................................................................................................. 4
Safety notes .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Environmentally-friendly disposal ............................................................................................................. 5
Safety regulations ..................................................................................................................................... 5
20 minutes quick installation.......................................................................................................................... 6
1 Unpacking the label printer................................................................................................................... 7
2 Parts of the printer ................................................................................................................................8
2.1 FEED/PAUSE button ................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Cover open lever.......................................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Cover close lever ......................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Ribbon access cover.................................................................................................................... 9
2.5 Material guidance with external feeding....................................................................................... 9
2.6 Internal material guidance............................................................................................................ 9
2.7 Tear-off edge.............................................................................................................................. 10
3 Connecting the label printer................................................................................................................ 11
3.1 Connecting to the power supply................................................................................................. 11
3.2 Connecting to a computer.......................................................................................................... 12
4 Loading the ribbon.............................................................................................................................. 13
5 Load material...................................................................................................................................... 16
6 Adjustments of label sensor................................................................................................................ 18
6.1 Transmissive sensor.................................................................................................................. 19
6.2 Reflective sensor........................................................................................................................ 20
7 Driver installation ................................................................................................................................ 22
7.1 Operating system Windows XP and USB interface................................................................... 22
7.2 Operating system Windows 2000 and USB interface................................................................ 25
8 Loading printer pre-sets...................................................................................................................... 29
9 Print first label from application........................................................................................................... 33
Appendix A Cleaning and basic maintenance...................................................................................... 35
A.1 Maintenance plan....................................................................................................................... 35
A.2 Tools and cleaning agents......................................................................................................... 35
A.3 General cleaning........................................................................................................................ 35
A.4 Cleaning the print head.............................................................................................................. 36
A.5 Cleaning the print roller.............................................................................................................. 36
A.6 Cleaning the label sensor........................................................................................................... 36
A.7 Replacing the print head............................................................................................................ 37
A.8 Changing the print roller............................................................................................................. 39
Appendix B Manual selection of label sensor mode............................................................................. 40
Appendix C Manual calibration of label sensor..................................................................................... 41
Appendix D Status printout ................................................................................................................... 42
Appendix E External winder TT420 Caddy (recommended option) ..................................................... 43
Appendix F Ribbon recommendation................................................................................................... 44
Appendix G Error messages................................................................................................................. 45
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TT420
Notes on the documentation
Warnings
Warnings are presented with three signal words for the different levels of danger.
The signal word DANGER identifies an extraordinarily great and immediate danger that
could lead to serious injury or even death.
The signal word WARNING identifies a possible danger that could lead to serious bodily
injury or even death if sufficient precautions are not taken.
The signal word CAUTION indicates a potentially dangerous situation that could lead to
moderate or light bodily injury or damage to property.
Warnings are always identified with a warning symbol (yellow triangle) and the signal word
and specify the source of the danger, possible consequences and measures for avoiding the
danger.
Here is an example:
DANGER!
Risk of death via electric shock!
Before opening the housing cover, disconnect the device from the mains supply and
wait a few minutes until the power supply unit has discharged.
Notes
Important information is identified with an exclamation mark on the left-hand side of the
page.
Information is identified with an "i" on the left-hand side of the page.
Item numbers
Item numbers in the text are identified with parentheses, e.g. (9). If no figure number is
provided, item numbers in the text always refer to the graphic directly above the text. If a
reference is made to another graphic, the figure number is specified, e.g. Fig. 5 (3).
Cross references to chapters and sections
With a cross-reference to chapters and sections, the chapter number and page number are
specified, e.g. a reference to this section: (see 4.2.2 on page 12).
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TT420
Safety and the environment
Read these operating instructions carefully before using the label printer for the first time.
The operating instructions describe all the functions of the label printer during operation.
Safety during operation and maintenance is of highest priority. This manual includes the
necessary attention and warning notes for the safe handling of the printer.
Do not try to repair or modify the printer yourself. If a mistake arises that cannot be remedied
by this manual, switch off the printer, cut the power supply and contact your
HellermannTyton dealer.
Intended use
• The label printer is a state-of-the-art device that complies with the recognised safety-
related rules and regulations. Despite this, a danger to life and limb for users or third
parties could arise and the label printer or other property could be damaged while
operating the device.
• The label printer 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 label printer is solely intended to print suitable media that 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 use includes following the operating instructions and maintenance
recommendations / regulations specified by the manufacturer.
Safety notes
• The label printer is designed for power supply systems from 100V AC to 240V AC.
Connect the label printer only to an earthed electrical outlet.
• Couple the label printer to devices using extra low voltage only.
• Before making or undoing connections, switch off all devices involved (computer, printer,
accessories etc.).
• Operate the label printer in a dry environment only and do not get it wet (sprayed water,
mist etc.).
• Carry out only the actions described in these operating instructions. Trained personnel or
service technicians may only perform other tasks.
DANGER!
Risk of death via mains voltage!
Do not open the housing of the label printer.
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TT420
Environmentally-friendly disposal
Used devices contain valuable recyclable materials that should be utilized.
⇒Dispose of used devices separately from other waste, i.e. via an appropriate collection
site.
The modular nature of the label printer allows it to easily be disassembled into its component
parts so that the parts can be turned in for recycling.
Safety regulations
This printer complies with the following safety regulations
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EWG
EMV-guideline 89/336/EWG
FCC regulation as part 15 of the FCC-regulation for class-B-computer.
The operation of this hardware can – under unfavourable conditions - lead to disturbances of
the radio and TV transmission (interferences), that have to be remedied by the user if
necessary.
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TT420
20 minutes quick installation
This chapter describes the procedure for trouble free printer installation, up to the first
labels being printed. The TT420 is designed for HellermannTyton consumables and it is
highly recommended to follow the procedure as explained in the following chapters.
Step 1 Unpacking the label printer (Page 7)
Step 2 Parts of the printer (Page 8)
Step 3 Connecting the label printer (Page 11)
Step 4 Loading the ribbon (Page 13)
Step 5 Load material (Page 16)
Step 6 Adjustments of label sensor (Page 18)
Step 7 Driver installation (Page 22)
Step 8 Loading printer pre-sets (Page 29)
Step 9 Print first labels from application (Page 33)
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TT420
1 Unpacking the label printer
⇒ Remove upper cardboard cover and lift the printer out of the box.
⇒ Check label printer for damage that may have occurred during transport.
⇒ Check supplied parts conform to list below;
Supplied parts
• Label printer
• Empty cardboard core, mounted on ribbon winding spindle
• Power cable for EU and UK
• Power supply unit
• USB cable 2m
• Documentation and driver on CD
Retain the original packaging for future shipping needs.
CAUTION!
The device and the print media can be damaged by moisture and water.
The label printer may only be set up in a dry place protected from sprayed
water.
Refer to the safety notes while setting up the printer.
Ensure that the power switch (Image 3, pos 5) is switched off.
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TT420
2 Parts of the printer
The major parts of the printer are described below.
2.1 FEED/PAUSE button
1 Cover open lever
2 Top cover
3 Ribbon Access Cover
4 FEED/PAUSE Button
5 Indicator Lamp
Image 1 Front View
The FEED / PAUSE button (4) enables the user to influence the operation of the printer e.g.:
1
2
3
4
5
• Interrupt, continue or cancel print jobs
• Change the sensor mode (not necessary if printer pre-sets are deployed)
• Calibrate the sensor (not necessary if printer pre-sets are deployed)
• Start test functions
It is advisable to adjust the printer to different materials via the label software / the driver
settings.
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2.2 Cover open lever
This lever (1) is used to open the top cover (2).
Grip the levers on both sides of the printer and pull them towards you.
The top cover (2) can now be opened upwards.
CAUTION!
Please do not open the top cover (2) too far back.
⇒Take care of the of the lever stop at the back of the right side!
2.3 Cover close lever
The lever at the far end of the printer (Image 2, Pos 7) is used to unlock the cover and close
it.
Support the top cover (Image 1, Pos 2) with your left hand and pull the locking lever with your
right hand. Please keep pulling toward the front until the cover can be closed completely.
2.4 Ribbon access cover
Open the cover (Image 1, pos 3) on the front side with light pressure to access the ribbon
rolls (winding and unwinding unit). Press down the cover to lock.
2.5 Material guidance with external feeding
If the Caddy is used adjust the external material guides to fit the material width (see Image 3,
pos 6).
2.6 Internal material guidance
The internal parts of the printer can be accessed (see Image 1, pos 1) by opening the top
cover using the top cover lever. The media guide (Image 2, pos 3 and 4) can be adjusted by
the centre guide and serves as device for positioning and guiding of the label material inside
the printer.
The transmissive sensor is to the right of the media guide (Image 2, pos 4). Please take care
of the specifications for this sensor in chapter 6.1 on page 19.
The material should not be held too tight or too loose in the media guides (pos 3 and 4).
An incorrect adjustment causes material jam or poor printing results.
⇒Pay attention to the notes on adjustments in chapter 6 on page 18!
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TT420
1 Print head
2 Cover open sensor
3 Media guide
4 Media guide and
transmissive sensor
5 Reflective sensor
6 Print roller
7 Lock lever for top cover
8 Label spindle
9 Tear-off edge
10 Cover tear-off edge
4
7
8
10
6
9
5
1
2
3
Image 2 Internal parts of the printer
2.7 Tear-off edge
To use the tear-off edge on the TT420 (Image 2, pos 9) the respective cover has to be
removed (see Image 14 on page 37). With the basic settings of the printer the printed labels
are forwarded to the tear-off edge after every print job or pushing of the FEED / PAUSE
button.
For a proper tear-off pay attention to the following steps:
1. grip the liner paper tightly
2. pull down lightly
3. separate the liner from one side of the tear-off edge to the other
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TT420
3 Connecting the label printer
1 USB interface
2 Parallel interface (Centronics)
3 Serial interface (RS-232C)
4 Slot for power supply
5 Power switch
6 Material feeding for external
feeding
Image 3 Power and computer connections
2 3 4
6
51
3.1 Connecting to the power supply
The printer is equipped with a versatile power supply unit. The device may be operated
with a mains voltage of 230V AC / 50Hz or 115V AC / 60 Hz without any adjustments or
modifications.
CAUTION!
Switch on and off the printer only via power switch (5), not via pulling the
power cable, as this can destroy the printer.
Do not switch off the printer,
⇒as long as the print job is not finished.
⇒if the LED shows green, as data can be lost.
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TT420
3.2 Connecting to a computer
Connect the printer with a suitable cable to the USB, parallel or serial interface of the
computer. A USB cable is preferred and a cable is supplied.
• USB cable (part of delivery) between printer (1) and computer.
• Parallel cable between the parallel interface of the printer (2) and the parallel interface of
the computer (LPT1).
• Serial interface RS23C between the printer (3) and the COM-interface of the computer.
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4 Loading the ribbon
The printer automatically detects if a ribbon is installed and consequently switches to either
thermal direct or thermal transfer print mode. If the printer does not detect a ribbon, the motor
that drives the ribbon spindle will be turned off.
With thermal direct print (paper with heat sensitive surface coating) you must ensure no
ribbon is present.
1
3
2
4 5
1 Ribbon access cover
2 Top cover
3 Locking lever
4 Ribbon winding spindle
5 Ribbon unwinding spindle
Image 4 Ribbon winding spindles
1. To open the ribbon access cover (1) push it down first and flip it open.
2. Open top cover (2) with lock lever (3).
3. Put paper core on ribbon winding spindle and mount it on the front hub. Pay attention
to the orientation of the winding spindle (longer end to the right)!
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On delivery, the printer is equipped with an empty paper core mounted on the winding
spindle.
1 2
Image 5 Mount ribbon on unwinding spindle
4. Mount new ribbon (1) on the ribbon-unwinding spindle (2). The coated side of the
ribbon has to point downwards!
It is easy to detect the coated side by using an adhesive label; place the adhesive side onto
the ribbon to see if ink is removed, if so, this is a sign for the coated side.
5. Put the ribbon unwinding spindle in the back hub (Image 4, pos 5).
Pay attention to the orientation of the unwinding spindle (Image 5, pos 2)!
6. Guide the ribbon underneath the print head to the front and attach it to the winding
spindle (see Image 6).
7. Attach the ribbon with sellotape to the winding spindle (the ribbon is reeled
clockwise).
8. Reel the winding spindle a few times until the ribbon is guided without wrinkles.
9. Close ribbon access cover (Image 4, pos 1).
CAUTION!
Pay attention to the unwinding orientation of the ribbon (internally or
externally reeled)!
The coated side is NOT to face the print head as the ink would melt onto the
print head and damage it.
To ensure a wrinkle free operation we recommend externally reeled ribbons.
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TT420
1 Print head
2 Installed ribbon
3 Winding spindle
2 Ribbon access cover
4
1
2
3
Image 6 Installed ribbon
Do not use extremely translucent ribbons (e.g. HellermannTyton TT822OUT). The ribbon
sensor cannot detect these and changes into failure mode.
⇒Pay attention to recommended ribbons (see also Appendix F)!
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5 Load material
For label material with a core of more than 38.1 mm (1.5 inch) we recommend the use of the
external winder TT420 Caddy (see page 43).
1. Switch off printer and open top cover
2. Remove green label winder (Image 2, pos 8)
3. Disassemble material holders (Image 7, pos 2)
4. If the inner core of the material is below 1 inch (25.4 mm), remove gap holders
(Image 7, pos 3). The gap guides are intended for cores of 1.5 inch (38.1 mm).
1 Material bar
2 Material holder
3 Gap holder
4 Material roll
1
2
34
Image 7 label winder
5. Put material roll (4) on the material bar (1)
6. Put material holder (2) with the smooth side facing the material on the material bar (1)
and centre the material roll on the bar
7. Insert material holder (Image 8, pos 1) in the relevant notches (2) of the printer
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TT420
2
1
3
4a
4b
Image 8 Insert label material
8. Feed label material below white roll (3)
9. Feed material between the media guides (4a and 4b)
10. Forward material that it exceeds the printer
11. Adapt the material guides (4a and 4b) to the material
12. Check, if the material direction is straight to avoid a material jam
13. Adjust sensor (see next page / chapter)
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TT420
6 Adjustments of label sensor
The TT420 is equipped with a label sensor that indicates to the printer the exact start of the
label. The label sensor has to be adjusted according to the used material.
1a Upper transmissive
sensor
1b Lower transmissive
sensor
2 Reflective sensor
3a Left material guide
3b Right material guide
Image 9 Overview label sensors
While choosing the respective sensor mode please pay attention to the following material
adjustments:
1b
1a
2
3b
3a
Material Sensor mode Positioning
Plain labels transmissive No adjustment, sensor (1) fixed
to the right side
Helatag self laminating labels reflective Adjust reflective sensor (2) to
one of the sensor holes
Helatag identification plates,
TIPTAGVA reflective Adjust reflective sensor (2) to
one of the sensor holes
Printable heatshrink tubing
(ShrinkTrak) reflective Adjust reflective sensor (2) to
the left or right edge
Labels with black marks reflective Centre reflective / black mark
sensor (2) on the black mark on
the back of the liner.
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6.1 Transmissive sensor
The transmissive sensor (Image 9, pos 1) consists of a sending and receiving unit. One part
is inside the right material guide (1a), the other part is inside the printer on the lower part (1b).
The transmissive sensor is fixed to the right media guide (Image 9, pos 3b). The sensor is
6mm away from the right edge of the label material (Image 10, pos 1). The gap of the labels
(2) has to be a minimum of 2mm.
1 Edge of liner
2 label gap
3 Position of transmissive
sensor towards right edge
of label
Image 10 Positioning the transmissive sensor
3
6mm
1
Feed direction
2
If the label gaps are not being detected within the above mentioned 6mm distance from the
right liner edge, (e.g. ShrinkTrak) the transmissive sensor cannot be used.
⇒Use reflective sensor instead!
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6.2 Reflective sensor
This fully adjustable square-shaped sensor (3) is used for the reflective mode. The
adjustment allows for the positioning on a sensor hole or black mark.
1 Helatag self laminating
label
2 Sensor hole
3 Positioning of reflective
sensor on sensor hole
Image 11 Orientation of reflective sensor-to-sensor hole of Helatag self-laminating
labels
3
1
2
HellermannTyton Helatag self-laminating labels are equipped with either one or more sensor
holes. The reflective sensor can be adjusted to any of these holes.
2
1
1 ShrinkTrak
2 Adjustment of reflective
sensor to the left
ShrinkTrak edge
Image 12 Optimal adjustment of reflective sensor with ShrinkTrak
If HellermannTyton ShrinkTrak is used, the reflective sensor should not be adjusted to the
centre but moved to either the left or right edge of the material as the marker remains at a
consistent distance to the sensor. Ensure the square sensor field is not moved into the blue
edge of the carrier material.
Operating instructions 20