MF DIGITAL Spectrum 2 Manual

Spectrum2 Thermal Printer
Operator’s Guide

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Copyright Notice
Copyright ©1996-2002 by MF DIGITAL All rights reserved.
This manual and the accompanying illustrations may not be copied,
reproduced, electronically transmitted, or translated into another language,
in whole, or in part, without the written consent of MF DIGITAL
MF DIGITAL, CD2CD, CD2CD PRO, CD-5400L, CD-5908, CD-
5916, CD-3701, CD-3703, CD-3704, CD-3706, CD-3706P,
cdDIRECTOR, AP-1301i, AP-1301t, Easi-DAT Easi-AUDIO
Spectrum and Spectrum2 are trademarks of MF DIGITAL
Other trademarks referred to are the property of their respective
trademark or registered trademark holders.
Warranty
MF DIGITAL warrants to the original purchaser that the equipment that you have purchased is free
from defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of time as follows:
Duplicator Electronics & Mechanical Parts 1 year
CD-R/RW Recorders 1 year (through MF DIGITAL)
This warranty is applicable when the warranty registration has been completed and returned to MF
DIGITAL within a reasonable period of time following the purchase and the warranty is NOT
transferable. This warranty does not apply to malfunctions caused by misuse, negligence, accident, or
alteration, nor is MF DIGITAL responsible for consequential damages related to the use of this
equipment.
This warranty is made in lieu of any other warranty expressed or implied.
CD-R/RW Recorder Warranty Policy
Individual CD-R/RW recorder manufacturers are responsible for the products they provide. As a
convenience, MF DIGITAL will honor any service issue related to a defective recorder while under its
respective manufacturer’s warranty providing that the recorder has been purchased from MF DIGITAL
either directly or indirectly. MF DIGITAL assumes no responsibility for products NOT purchased
through MF DIGITAL
Piracy
The copying of audio, video, or software without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal. MF
DIGITAL accepts no responsibility for the copyright use or misuse of this equipment. It is the sole
responsibility of the user to ensure that the legal rights of copyright in duplicating are respected.
MF DIGITAL
121 Carolyn Blvd.
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Tel.: [phone]
Fax.: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www: www.mfdigital.com

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Table of Contents
Introduction 5
Minimum PC Requirements 6
Printer Installation Overview 7
Quick Setup Directions 8
Installation - Unpacking 9
Installation - Parts Identification 11
Installation - Connecting the Printer 12
Spectrum2 Printer Driver Installation 13
Printer Driver Installation for Windows 98 14
Printer Driver Installation for Windows NT 15
Printer Driver Installation for Windows 2000 and XP 17
Label Software Installation 18
Windows 98: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer software: 18
Windows 2000: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer software: 18
Windows NT: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer Software: 19
Printer Operation 20
Printer Ribbon Installation 21
CD Label Printing 22
Control Panel Operation 23
Manual Loading CD Media 24
CD Label Printing 25
Maintenance: General 26
Storage 26
Startup and Shutdown 26
Maintenance: Printer Ribbon Installation 27
Installing Print Ribbon 28
Printer Ribbon Installation Chart – Part 1 29
Printer Ribbon Installation Chart – Part 2 31
Installing Spacer for Color, Mono-Color Blue and Red Ribbon) 33
Maintenance: Printhead 34

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Cleaning the Print Head 34
Printhead Replacement 36
Printhead Replacement Procedure 37
Troubleshooting Section 39
Quick Recovery Strategy 39
Test CD Strategy 39
Common Printer Issues 39
Clearing Improper Placement of CD 39
Printer is not printing checklist 40
Print Quality 42
CD Positioning Errors 42
CD Printing Techniques Section 43
Spectrum2 CD Media & Ribbon Selection Guide 44
Graphics Tips 45
Common Label Issues 47
Strobe Setting Examples 49
CD Media & Strobe Setting examples 50
Printer Driver Settings: Win 98 51
Spool Settings 54
Printer Driver Settings: Win 2000 / XP 55
Spool Settings 57
Printer Driver Settings: Win NT 4.0 58
Spool Settings 60
Optimizing Color Labels 61
Optimizing Color Labels 62
CD Printing Techniques Chart 66
Thermal Transfer & Inkjet CD Printer Comparison 71
Supported Ribbon and Ribbon Specifications 73
Ribbon Usage with a Minimum Print Size 73

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Autoloader Port 74
Autoloader Port Pinouts: 74
Error Codes for Status LED 76

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Introduction
Figure 1: The MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 CD Printer shown
Spectrum2 CD Printer
The MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 CD Printer is a thermal transfer printer capable of printing
labels up to 600 dots per inch (DPI) on several types of CD-R, DVD-R or CD-ROM
media surfaces, using appropriate wax/resin thermal transfer ribbons. MF DIGITAL’s
thermal transfer CD labeling technology allows creation of cost effective, durable,
waterproof labels that are printed directly on the surface of the disc.
The Spectrum2 CD Printer prints CD labels designed using the MF DIGITAL CD
Labeling software (Spectrum2 Designer software). Labels created with the Spectrum2
Designer software can contain text, graphics, and serial numbers. The Spectrum2
Printer Driver for the Windows environment controls the operation and performance
configurations for the Spectrum2 CD printer. The Spectrum2 Printer Driver must be
installed prior to printing with the Spectrum2 CD printer.
Spectrum2 CD Printer Key features
The MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 CD Printer offers several features not found on other CD
printers:
•Instant re-print of last label printed
•Flip open chassis to allow easy ribbon change or print head maintenance
•Software and hardware support for automated printing systems
•Spectrum2 Designer, user-intuitive label design software and electronic print
templates

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•Standard CD-R / DVD-R media tray
•Quick change, easy and fast ribbon thread feature
•Local store, 1.5 MB memory for local print image storage
•Ribbon saver feature, maximizes ribbon life
•Ribbon out, automatic notification when ribbon runs out
•Prints black, red, blue, or multi-color
•Parallel interface for standalone operation
•Serial interface for use with automation
•1 year warranty (print head not included)
Minimum PC Requirements
Operating System Windows NT4, Windows 98/SE, Windows 2000, or
Windows XP
Processor Pentium 233 or greater
RAM 64MB
Available hard
drive space
30MB or greater: Depends on number of stored labels
desired and the resolution and color depth of clipart.
Ports One Parallel port (LPT1 or LPT2)

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Printer Installation Overview
The Spectrum2 User’s Guide includes two Setup sections and Appendix.
Quick Setup Directions
•These are brief instructions for printer and software setup by
technical computer users
Standard Setup Directions
•These are more detailed instructions for printer and software setup
by non-technical computer users
General information and Appendix follow Setup Directions
•Printer maintenance
•Ribbon replacement
•Optimizing label print quality

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Quick Setup Directions
Unpack Printer
•Remove Printer from shipping box
and foam inserts
Printer is shipped with:
•Power cable
•Parallel cable
•Printer Software (CD-ROM disc)
•Printer is shipped with a black
ribbon installed
•Serial cable (for automation)
Connect printer to computer and power
•Parallel cable is (DB-25 to DB-25
type of cable) that connects to
computer’s parallel port
•Power Cable connects to 110/220
VAC power
•Note: power supply is auto
switching and compatible with
110/220 VAC power
Install Printer Driver Software
•Printer Driver Software is located on
Spectrum2 Software CD-ROM
•The printer driver is located in the
Printer Drivers directory.
•Follow standard printer driver install
or Add Printer Wizard procedures
and select appropriate drivers for the
version of Windows on the
computer connected to the printer
Install CD labeling software (Spectrum2
Designer Software)
•CD labeling software is located on

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the Spectrum2 Software CD-ROM
•The CD labeling software is located
in the Spectrum2 Designer directory
•Follow standard software install
(add program) procedures and select
the Setup file for the Spectrum2
Designer application
Start CD labeling software (Spectrum2
Designer)
•Load blank CD (label side up) into
printer (press tray button on printer
to open tray)
•Click on Spectrum2 Designer Icon
to start program
•Create Label design and save label
to a file
•Select Spectrum2 Printer Driver
•Select File Menu, then Print,
(confirm Spectrum2 is selected) then
Click OK to print.
Installation - Unpacking
Figure 2: Spectrum2, unboxed, but still in protective shipping foam

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Unpacking
•Open the top of the box
•Lift the Spectrum2 by gripping the underside of the narrow sides of the unit
•Set the Spectrum2 and foam on a sturdy, flat surface
•Support either end of the Spectrum2 with an arm and carefully pull the foam off the
elevated end. Repeat for the shipping foam on the other end
Note:
•Printer is shipped with black ribbon installed
•Printer is shipped with top cover secured by plastic wrap or tape
Re-packing for shipment
•Important: Make sure Printer Chassis is locked. Check by lifting the chassis up. The
chassis should not move. To re-lock, pull Chassis Lock Knob out, then release and
check by lifting chassis. When locked the chassis will not open. (See Parts
Identification section for location of Chassis Lock Knob)
•When re-packing for shipment, secure outer top cover by plastic wrap or tape before
placing printer into foam pieces.

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Installation - Parts Identification
You should become familiar with the parts of the printer before attempting to operate it.
See the Maintenance section of this manual for help installing printer ribbons.
•Power switch
•Control panel
•Printer ribbon
•Ribbon supply roller
•Take-up roller (geared)
•Roller clips
•CD Tray
•Parallel Port
•Power Cord
•Autoloader Port
Printer ribbon:
Supply roller
Take up roller
Control panel
CD Tray
Tray Release button
Chassis Lock Knob
Power Switch
Power and Data connectors
Chassis
N
ote: Chassis flips
up to allow ribbon
replacement

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Installation - Connecting the Printer
Figure 3: Spectrum2 data and power connections
Connecting the Printer
The MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 has only three main connections for operation:
•AC power connection – for 110/220 VAC power
•Parallel port connection – DB-25 “straight through” cable
•Serial for automation
Before operating the Spectrum2, make sure these connections have been made:
•Plug the supplied power cord into the power connection at rear of the Spectrum2.
•Connect the supplied parallel printer cable to the parallel port on the Spectrum2 and
to the printer port on your host computer.
•Printer is shipped with a black ribbon installed. If a printer ribbon is not installed,
follow the instructions in the Installing the Printer Ribbon section.
Power switch
Power connection
Parallel (printer) port
Autoloader port
Serial Port

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Spectrum2 Printer Driver Installation
Spectrum2 Software
The Spectrum2 requires:
•Printer Driver for Windows 98, NT, XP, or 2000
•Spectrum2 CD labeling software
This software is on the Spectrum2 Software CD included with printer.
Printer Driver
The printer driver controls the operation for the Spectrum2. The printer driver must be
installed prior to using the Spectrum2 for the first time. The printer driver installation
varies with the version of Windows used (see detailed instructions for specific version of
Windows). The printer driver allows the MF DIGITAL CD Labeling software or other
labeling programs to be used with the printer.

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CD Label Software
The CD Label Software, which is named Spectrum2 Designer, is used to create the label
that will be printed on the CD. The CD Label Software provides tools to incorporate text
and graphics of the label. The CD Label program provides convenient CD templates that
correspond to a variety of CD media. In addition, the CD Label software can import
graphic files (such as entire labels) from other programs.
Printer Driver Installation for Windows 98
In order to print labels on discs, the Spectrum2 printer needs to be connected to a
computer that has the Spectrum2 printer driver software installed. The printer driver
software controls the printer's functions and allows adjusting the print density (darkness
or lightness of label), and other printing characteristics. Typically, when printing a disc
label, the printer driver dialog box is displayed showing the name of the printer and
choices for selecting the number of copies and selecting printer properties. Listed below
are instructions for installing the Spectrum2 printer driver for Windows 98.
Printer driver installation for Windows 98:
•Place Spectrum2 CD-ROM disk into computer's CD-ROM drive
•Click on Start from Windows Menu Bar
•Select Settings
•Click on Printers
•Double click Add Printer
•Click Next
•Click Have Disk button
•Select Install From Disk
•Click Browse, under Drive List Box, select the CD-ROM drive that contains
Spectrum2 CD-ROM disk
•Double Click Drivers Folder
•Click on Spectrum2 folder
•Double Click Win98 Folder
•Select PPRO_G2.INF and then Click OK
•Click OK again
•Confirm that MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 is selected and Click Next
•Select LPT1: Port

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•Click Next
•To set the Spectrum2 Printer as Default, select Yes (select No if another printer is
normally the default printer)
•Click Next
•When prompted to print test page, select No
•Click Finish
•Windows 98 requires re-starting computer to complete the installation process
Printer Driver Installation for Windows NT
In order to print labels on discs, the Spectrum2 printer needs to be connected to a
computer that has the Spectrum2 printer driver software installed. The printer driver
software controls the printer's functions and allows adjusting the print density (darkness
or lightness of label), and other printing characteristics. Typically, when printing a disc
label, the printer driver dialog box is displayed showing the name of the printer and
choices for selecting the number of copies and selecting printer properties. Listed below
are instructions for installing the Spectrum2 printer driver for Windows NT.
Printer driver installation for Windows NT:
•Place Spectrum2 CD-ROM disk into computer's CD-ROM drive
•Click Start button (found on Windows toolbar)
•Select Settings (a list will be displayed)
•Click on Printers
•Double Click Add Printer
•Select My Computer
•(If not selected, Click Next, Select LPT1: Click Next, Click Have Disk Button)
•Click Browse, click Cancel when A:\ is not accessible
•Select the CD-ROM Drive that has the Spectrum2 Software CD
•Double Click Drivers folder
•Double Click Spectrum2 folder
•Double Click WinNT folder
•Double Click Color folder
•Select PPNTC600.INF
•Click Open, then Click OK
•Select MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 Color

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•Click Next
•At Printer Name Click Next
•Set settings to Not Shared
•Click Next
•When prompted to print test page, Select No
•Click Finish
•Re-start Computer

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Printer Driver Installation for Windows 2000 and XP
In order to print labels on discs, the Spectrum2 printer needs to be connected to a
computer that has the Spectrum2 printer driver software installed. The printer driver
software controls the printer's functions and allows adjusting the print density (darkness
or lightness of label), and other printing characteristics. Typically, when printing a disc
label, the printer driver dialog box is displayed showing the name of the printer and
choices for selecting the number of copies and selecting printer properties. Listed below
are instructions for installing the Spectrum2 printer driver for Windows 2000.
Printer driver installation for Windows 2000:
•Place Spectrum2 CD-ROM disk into computer's CD-ROM drive
•Click Start button (found on Windows toolbar)
•Select Settings
•Click on Printers
•Double Click Add Printer
•Click Next at Add Printer Wizard, make sure Local Printer is selected, then click Next
•Select LPT1: then Click Next
•Click Have Disk Button
•Click Browse
•Select the CD-ROM Drive that has the Spectrum2 Software CD
•Double Click Drivers folder
•Double Click Spectrum2 folder
•Double Click WIN2000 folder
•Select Spectrum2, Click Open
•Click OK
•Highlight MF DIGITAL Spectrum2, Click Next
•Select Yes to set printer as default, Click Next. This makes the Spectrum2 printer
selected first over other printers attached to the computer.
•Select Do Not Share this printer, Click Next
•When prompted to print test page, Select No
•Complete the Add Printer selection, Click Finish
•Wait for the Driver installation process to finish, then re-start the computer

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Label Software Installation
The MF DIGITAL Label Software (named Spectrum2 Designer) is a graphics program
with built-in disc label templates that allow the design and creation of labels to be printed
on CD media. The Spectrum2 Designer software is supplied on the Spectrum2 Software
CD-ROM.
Windows 98: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer software:
•Place Spectrum2 Software CD into CD-ROM drive
•From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon
•Select Settings, Click on Control Panel
•Double Click on Add/Remove Program Icon
•Click Install, Follow Prompts
•Click Browse, then browse for CD-ROM drive
•Select CD-ROM drive, Select Spectrum2 Designer Folder
•Select and Double Click on SETUP.EXE from Spectrum2 CD-ROM from
Spectrum2 Designer directory and follow Prompts to install the Spectrum2
Designer software
•Run the Spectrum2 Designer software and create a CD label
Windows 2000: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer software:
•Place Spectrum2 Software CD into CD-ROM drive
•From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon
•Select Settings
•Click on Control Panel
•Double Click on Add/Remove Program Icon
•Select Add New Programs, Follow Prompts
•Click Browse, Browse for CD-ROM drive
•Select CD-ROM drive, Double Click on Spectrum2 Designer Folder
•Select and Double Click on SETUP.EXE from Spectrum2 CD-ROM from
Spectrum2 Designer directory and follow Prompts to install the Spectrum2
Designer software
•After Clicking on Finish, re-start computer
•Run the Spectrum2 Designer software and create a CD label

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Windows NT: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer Software:
•Place Spectrum2 Software CD into CD-ROM drive
•From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon,
•Select Settings
•Click on Control Panel
•Double Click on Add/Remove Program Icon
•Select Add New Programs, Follow Prompts
•Click Install, Browse for CD-ROM drive
•Select CD-ROM drive, Double Click on Spectrum2 Designer Folder
•Select and Double Click on SETUP.EXE from Spectrum2 CD-ROM from
Spectrum2 Designer directory and follow Prompts to install the Spectrum2
Designer software
•After Clicking on Finish, re-start computer
•Run the Spectrum2 Designer software and create a CD label