Lathem 4000 Series User manual

888 534-5994
4000 series
USER MANUAL

Contents
Here’s all the information you need for setting and operating your
new Lathem time recorder. Service information is also included
in this manual, in case any problems ever arise.
Thank you for choosing a Lathem time recorder. Should you
ever need assistance, please let us know.
Ordering Accessories ................................................ 2
Setting the Time ........................................................ 3
Changing the Ribbon............................................... 10
Replacing the Type Section..................................... 11
Changing the Batteries (2000-BATT Models only) .. 12
Changing the Motor................................................. 13
Warranty.................................................................. 14
Lathem Time Corporation
Copyright © 2005 Lathem Time Corporation.
All rights reserved.

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 2
Ordering Accessories
Lathem time recorders fulfill a wide range of timekeeping
requirements. For maximum results, only use Lathem
accessories specifically designed to fit your time recorder.
To purchase the appropriate accessories for your time recorder,
contact your local Lathem dealer:
Description Part Number
Extra Pair of Keys VSM0976
Replacement Ribbon, 2-Colors 7-2CN
Replacement Timing Motor, 110V/60Hz K342

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 3
Setting the Time
Figure 1
Determine Your Model
Model Print Hours Print Units Description
xxx1 1 – 12 , 1 – 12 00 – 59 12 Hour & Minutes
xxx2 1 – 12 , 1 – 12 .0 – .9 12 Hour & Tenths
xxx3 1 – 12 , 1 – 12 .00 – .98 12 Hour & Hundredths
xxx4 00 – 23 00 – 59 24 Hour & Minutes
xxx5 00 – 23 .0 – .9 24 Hour & Tenths
xxx6 00 – 23 .00 – .98 24 Hour & Hundredths
Before proceeding, it is important to know the exact model of
your clock so it can be set properly. The fourth digit in the model
number indicates the print format.
Example: Since the fourth digit in the model number 2104 is a
“4”, it will print with 00-59 minutes and 00-23 hours (see table
above). The model number is located on the Label 1.1
positioned as shown in Figure 1.

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 4
Raise the Type Section
1. Unlock the case cover and pull it forward to remove it.
2. Note the position of the Release Latch and Face Setting
Wheel used later in this process.
3. Wait until you hear the clock “click”.
4. Press either side of the Type Section Headlock – 1.2
and pull upward on the lower part of the Clock Face until
the Type Section locks in the up position as shown in
Figure 1. Note position of the Overthrow Lever and the
Setting Wheel.
5. Press the red Overthrow Lever – 1.3 away from you
until it clicks. This releases the wheels allowing them to
turn.
Set the Time on the Type Wheels
Figure 2
1. Locate the Center Line where all the wheels line up as
shown in Figure 2.
2. Rotate the wheels using a pointed object. Rotate each
wheel until the correct date and time are aligned at the
Center Position, as shown in Figure 2. Hint: Start at
the top wheel and work down when setting.

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 5
If your model prints Tenths (model with 4
th
digit of 2 or 5), go to
the section “Setting Decimal Wheel with Tenths”.
If your model prints Hundredths or 00-23 hours, refer to the Dial
of Decimal Equivalents in Figure 3 (page 5) to determine the
correct setting.
Note: if your machine records in 1-12 hours, the PM hours are
underlined. AM hours are not underlined. Set time to the proper
hour of the day to avoid errors such as setting the day wheel to
the next day at noon rather than midnight.
3. Rotate the Minute Wheels to show the current minute.
4. Set the Hour Wheel to the current hour
5. Rotate the Clock Face Setting Wheel – 5.1, Figure 5
on page 8, to set the hands to match the time set on the
wheels.
6. Rotate the Main Setting Wheel – 2.1 to advance both
the Clock Face and Print Wheels together. Rotate until
you pass the actual time by one minute (each “click”
indicates one minute.)
7. Hold the corner of the Clock Face and release the
Release Latch – 2.2 by pushing it to the left. Slowly let
the Type Section down and press it firmly into the Type
Section Headlock.
8. Make a sample registration and verify the time and date
or day is correct.
9. Replace and lock the case cover.
Note: The month wheel and the date wheel must be reset
manually at the beginning of each month.

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 6
Dial of Decimal Equivalents
Figure 3
The dial in Figure 3 shows the tenths and hundredths setting for
each minute. The inner circle represents regular minutes, the
middle circle represents tenths, and the outer circle represents
hundredths of a minutes.
For example:
45 minutes = .7 tenths = .75 hundredths

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 7
Setting Decimal Wheel with Tenths
Figure 4
Use only for recorders printing
in tenths (models with a 4
th
digit
of “2” or “5”)
1. Rotate Tenths
Wheel (0.9) Figure 4.1 until
it is set at “9”. Rotate the
Main Setting Wheel Figure
4.3 until the Tenths Wheel
moves to a “0”. (This is the
zero minute.)
2. Set the Hour Wheel
Figure 4.2 to the current
Hour.
3. Rotate the Clock Face Setting Wheel Figure 4.3 to set
the hands to match the time set on the wheels.
4. Rotate the Main Setting Wheel to advance both the
Clock Face and Print Wheels together. Rotate until you
pass the actual time by one minute (each “click”
indicates one minute.)
For example, at 10:05, rotate 5 times = 5 clicks = 5
minutes past ten o’clock.
5. Hold the corner of the Clock Face and release the
Release Latch by pushing it to the left. Slowly let the
Type Section down and press it firmly into the Type
Section Headlock.
6. Make a sample registration and verify the time and date
or day is correct.
7. Replace and lock the case cover

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 8
Set the Time on the Analog Clock Face
Figure 5
1. Make a sample registration on paper.
2. Rotate Clock Face Setting Wheel 5.1 until the clock
face displays the same time as shown on the sample
registration.
DO NOT TURN CLOCK HANDS EXCEPT BY USING
SETTING WHEEL.

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 9
Set the Time on the Digital Clock Face
Figure 6
1. Make a sample registration on paper.
2. Use the Hour and Minute buttons to set the display to the
time shown on the sample registration.
3. To synchronize the display with the type wheels, listen for
the type wheels to click. At the click, press the minute
button to advance to the next minute. Seconds are now
synchronized. Always set the display to regular minutes.
Refer to Figure 3, “dial of decimal equivalent” if using
hundredths or tenths.

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 10
Changing the Ribbon
Lathem time recorders have self-reversing ribbons. With normal
use, a ribbon should last for many months or even years….and
when the time comes, it is easy to change.
Figure 7
1. Remove the top cover and raise type section (see “Raise
the type section” on page 3.)
2. Remove the cotter pins 7.1 that retain the ribbon spools
and slide off old spools.
3. Lift ribbon hold-down guide 7.2 – use pencil to support
in up position.
4. Remove ribbon and replace with new Lathem ribbon.
Make sure the ribbon feeds from bottom of spools and
runs BETWEEN reversing fingers 7.3, the red side
aligned with date wheel(s).
5. Install cotter pins, remove pencil, and lower type section
into place.

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 11
Replacing the Type Section
If your type section needs servicing, you can easily remove and
replace it without sending the entire machine for service.
Figure 8
1. Remove the top cover.
2. Remove Type Section Retaining Ring – 8.1.
3. Unplug connectors if type section has digital time display
(not shown).
4. Lift type section slightly and move it to the right to
release Hinge Pins – 8.2 from their sockets. Unit will lift
out.

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 12
Install / Replace Batteries in BATT
Figure 9
The 2000-BATT requires four “D” size batteries and should
operate for six months before replacement. An internal
beeper sounds momentarily each minute when the battery
supply discharges below 4.5 volts. Replace batteries as
follows when this occurs:
1. Pull and remove the front two rubber feet underneath the
unit.
2. Loosen, 1 to 2 turns, the two phillips-head screws located
1.5 inches directly inside the rubber feet mounting holes.
3. Slide the bottom battery compartment outward (to front)
and down, to get to the batteries. (See Figure 9.)
4. Replace the four “D” size batteries. Be sure the batteries
are installed with proper polarity (+/-) as marked on battery
holder.
5. Re-install the battery compartment on the bottom of the
recorder, aligning the holes with the screws. Press the
compartment firmly to the back (inward), tighten the two
Phillips-head screws, and re-insert the two rubber feet.

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 13
Changing the Motor
Figure 10
1. Unplug cord from wall outlet (except 2100BATT).
2. Remove type section from main frame (see “Replacing
the Type Section”).
3. Figure 10 shows a close-up of cam block terminal.
4. Disconnect Motor Wire Leads – 10.1 by turning each
Screw – 10.2 one-quarter of a turn counterclockwise.
5. Remove the Motor Clutch – 10.3 from its shaft. The
shaft has LEFT HAND threads – remove clutch by
turning clockwise.
6. Hold Motor Bracket – 10.4 and loosen Motor Mounting
Screws – 10.5. Remove and retain screws and bracket
from old motor.
7. Install motor clutch on new motor. Turn counterclockwise
to tighten. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN OR BEND – YOU
MAY DAMAGE INTERNAL MOTOR GEARS.
8. Install new motor.
9. Plug cord back in wall outlet, and reset the time.

Mechanical Time Recorder User’s Guide
Page 14
Warranty
One-Year Limited Warranty
Lathem warrants the hardware products described in this guide against defects in
material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of original
purchase from Lathem or from an authorized Lathem reseller. The conditions of
this warranty and the extent of the responsibility of Lathem Time Corporation
(“Lathem”) under this warranty are listed below.
1. This warranty will become void when service performed by anyone
other than an approved Lathem warranty service dealer results in
damage to the product.
2. This warranty does not apply to any product which has been subject to
abuse, neglect, or accident, or which has had the serial number altered
or removed, or which has been connected, installed, adjusted, or
repaired other than in accordance with instructions furnished by
Lathem.
3. This warranty does not cover dealer labor cost for removing and
reinstalling the machine for repair, or any expendable parts that are
readily replaced due to normal use.
4. The sole responsibility of Lathem under this warranty shall be limited to
repair of this product, or replacement thereof, at the sole discretion of
Lathem.
5. If it becomes necessary to send the product or any defective part to
Lathem or any authorized service dealer, the product must be shipped
in its original carton or equivalent, fully insured with shipping charges
prepaid. Lathem will not assume any responsibility for any loss or
damage incurred in shipping.
6. WARRANTY DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Except
only the limited express warranty set forth above, the products are sold
with no expressed or implied warranties of any kind, and the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are
hereby expressly disclaimed. No warranties are given with respect to
products purchased other than from Lathem or an authorized Lathem
reseller and any such products are purchased “as is, with all faults.” In
no event will Lathem be liable for any direct, special, or consequential
damages arising out of or in connection with the delivery, use or
inability to use, or performance of this product. In any event any
limited remedy given herein shall be deemed to have failed of its
essential purpose, Lathem’s maximum liability shall be to refund the
purchase price upon return of the product.
7. Proof of date of purchase from Lathem or an authorized Lathem
reseller is required for warranty service on this product.
8. This Warranty grants specific legal rights. Additional legal rights, which
may vary by locale, may also apply.
9. Should any difficulties arise with the performance of this product during
warranty, or with any Lathem authorized service centers, contact
Lathem Time.
Lathem Time Corporation