Microplex LOGIJET TC8 User manual

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logiJET TC8
Edition 1.2

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Protected Rights
In Microplex
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The absence of a corresponding remark does not give any implication that the name can be
used at will. All trademarks are recognised as protected.
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reserves the right to alter technical or other specifications with no prior notice. Deviations in
the documentations from prevailing conditions do not represent an obligation to redeliver.
Product Properties
Due to continuous updating of the products deviations between the documentations and the
relating product can occur.
The manufacturer does not guarantee the existence or non-existence of properties with the
description of subject contents in the documentations. Nor does the manufacturer give any
express or tacit guarantee declarations whatsoever.

Contents 3
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
Table of Contents
Chapter Page
1. Introduction 7
1.1. General Description 7
1.2. Fundamentals of Thermal Printing 8
1.3. Conventions 9
1.4. CE Conformity 10
1.5. General Safety Regulations 11
2. Installation 13
2.1. Printer Unpacking 13
2.2. Check List 15
2.3. Printer Installation 17
2.4. Printer Components 18
3. Media and Ribbon Requirements 21
4. Basic Operation Sequences 23
4.1. Overview 23
4.2. Characteristics of the logiJET TC8 24
5. Handling of Consumables 27
5.1. Continuous Media Handling 29
5.1.1. Media Loading 29
5.1.2. Media Removal 38
5.2. Handling of Ribbon (Foil) 41
5.2.1. Adjusting the Ribbon Mandrels 41
5.2.2. Ribbon Loading 45
5.2.3. Ribbon Tension Adjustment 54
5.2.4. Ribbon Removal 57
5.3. Printhead Pressure Adjusting 63

4Contents
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Chapter Page
6. Operation and Menu Structure 67
6.1. Attaching the Printer to a Network/PC 67
6.2. Power Supply and Turning on the Printer 68
6.3. Control Panel View 69
6.3.1. logiJET TC8 with TouchScreen 69
6.3.2. logiJET TC8 with Display und 6 Funktion keys 69
6.4. Function of the Control Panel Elements 70
6.5. Configuration via the Control Panel 72
6.6. Menu Structure 74
6.7. Syntax of Diagrams 78
7. Panel Functions 79
7.1. Adjusting the Printer to the Print Material (Paper Type) 80
7.2. Adjusting the Sync Sensors 81
7.2.1. Checking and Adjusting the Position of the Sensors 81
7.2.2. Automatic Adjust of Sensor Current and Switching Threshold 88
7.2.3. Manual Adjusting of Sensor Current and Switching Threshold 90
7.3. Adjustment of the Slip Correction 100
7.3.1. Using the new Built-in Testpage 100
7.3.2. Alternative: Measuring the Label Length 105
7.4. Adjusting the Zero Position of the Material Transport (Sync.Sens.Offset)107
7.5. Paper Length Adjustment (Page Length) 109
7.5.1. 110
7.5.2. Configuration of Semiautomatic Label Length Measurement 110
7.6. Material Width Adjustment (Paper Width) 111
7.7. Configuration of Text Margins 112
7.8. Printing the Status Sheet 113
7.9. Show Info 115
7.10. Printing the Font List 116
7.11. Hexdump Mode Activation 117
7.12. Normal Print Mode Activation (incl. FORM FEED) 118
7.13. Clearing the Input Buffer (Cancel Job) 119
7.14. Printing the Menu Page 120
7.15. Generating Test Prints (Sliding Pattern) 121
7.16. Data Interface Configuration 122

Contents 5
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Chapter Page
7.17. Emulation Selection 123
7.18. Display Language Selection 125
7.19. Transparent Code Adjustment 126
7.20. Selection of Memory Distribution (Input Buffer) 127
7.21. Setting to Factory Default 128
7.22. Font Selection 129
7.23. Text Orientation Selection 132
7.24. Symbol Code Selection 133
7.25. Print Speed Adjustment 134
7.26. Density (Contrast) Setting 135
7.27. Image Shifting to the X-Direction 136
7.28. Image Shifting to the Y-Direction 138
7.29. Peripheral Device Activation (Tear Off Edge, Cutter) 140
7.30. Selecting the Tear Off Mode (Option: Cutting Mode) 142
7.31. Adjusting the Tear Off Position (Option: Cutting Position) 144
7.32. Selecting the Print Mode 146
7.33. Configuration of Network Parameters (IP Address, e.g.) 149
8. Operator Maintenance 153
8.1. Printer Cleaning 153
8.1.1. Printer Cabinet Cleaning 154
8.1.2. Cleaning the Printheads 155
8.1.3. Platen Roller Cleaning 159
8.1.4. Cleaning the Sensors 162
8.2. Avoiding Ribbon Slack and Wrinkles 165
8.3. Check the Printhead Pressure 171
9. Troubleshooting 173
9.1. Error Messages 174
9.2. Reduced Print Quality 177
9.3. Incorrect Media Transport 179
9.4. Clearing Paper Jam 181
9.5. Print Repetition after an Error 184

6Contents
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
Chapter Page
10. Measures for Transport and Shipping (Repacking) 185
11. Specifications 187
12. Appendix 191
12.1. Color Printing with logiJET TC8 191
12.2. Basically Approach for Generating Colors 191
12.3. Using the Windows Printer Driver 193
12.3.1. Plug and Play Installation 193
12.3.2. Using the Add Printer Wizard 193
12.3.3. How to access the Driver Screens 194
12.3.4. Driver Settings 195
12.4. Color Support by several Emulations 199
12.4.1. IDOL 199
12.4.2. IGP 200
12.4.3. CODE V 201
12.4.4. Prescribe IIe 202
12.4.5. Epson FX (ESC/P) 202
13. Index 203

Introduction 7
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
1. Introduction
1.1. General Description
The logiJET TC8 is a 2-color thermal printer perfectly suited for
industrial applications. This printer is equipped with two robust print
modules which can be loaded with ribbons of different colors.
Therefore the printer can be used, for example, for the individual
printing of hazard warning labels in production, chemical,
pharmaceutical, food industry and so on.
This printer is PCL-5 compatible and can thus be operated like a
laser printer. In this way it is not necessary to put up with adaptations
and power drains at SAP-applications or in the progress of changing
from a laser printer to this thermal printer.
The logiJET TC8 printer can be used for printing on roll-fed media
as well as for printing on fanfold media. The maximum processable
printable. The printer is equipped with sensors for Black Mark and
Gap (reflex and transparent).
The wide-opening printheads allow easy access to the media and
the ribbons. Therefore the loading of consumables is quick and
easy.
The print speed is up to upto 6Inch per second (150mm per second).
The resolution is 300 dots per inch corresponding to about 12 dots
per millimeter.
The logiJET TC8 is provided with a controller that is also used in
SOLID laserprinters. So the advantages of the thermal print
The Microplex printer controller has its integrated website, this
allows a printer configuration via Ethernet. See Networking
Features of MICROPLEX Printers for more information.
Data can be sent without programming expenditure from almost
any software platform, because printer drivers are already
available for this.

8Introduction
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
The capabilities featured include the Microplex page description
language IDOL. Using this language, complex tasks such as the
creation of forms can be carried out by simple software
commands (see separate IDOL manual).
1.2. Fundamentals of Thermal Printing
The thermal print technology enables a quiet and fast print process
with a high resolution output. The printhead produces the image by
heating single elements (dots). So you need a special ribbon
(thermal transfer printing). Ribbons with different colors are
available.
While thermal transfer printing the dots touch the thermal ribbon
so that the heating of particular dots leads to a partial melting of
the ribbon. Due to the contact with a media (future carrier of the
information, for example paper) this leads to a transfer of the
image onto the media.

Introduction 9
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1.3. Conventions

blue colored text
[Menu Level 1 ]
To find the requested information more quickly and to
understand instructions more easily, the following conventions
are used:
This symbol refers to a possible source of danger. If you do not
pay attention to this information, injuries may result, the
function of the printer could be reduced or objects could be
damaged.
This symbol refers to important hints and suggestions on
using the printer. Disregarding these hints might cause
problems with the printer or within the environments.
This symbol shows a key of the control panel (Touch panel).
Such symbols will be used in this manual whenever keys have
to be pressed in order to activate certain functions.
Link to another chapter or a different document. By clicking
the blue colored text you'll enter the concerning chapter or
document.
This symbol represents messages shown in the display
(panel).

10 Introduction
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
1.4. CE Conformity

Introduction 11
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1.5. General Safety Regulations
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. Incorrect operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
This Microplex product and its consumables are designed and
tested according to strict safety standards.
Heeding the following instructions ensures secure operation:
- Please make sure your electricity source is appropriately
grounded.
- Install the device on solid and level ground.
- Only trained staff are authorized to transport the equipment.
- Only use consumables which are specially developed for this
device.
- Using unsuitable consumables may cause a reduction of
output quality or damages to the device.
- Ensure no liquids get on or into the device.
- Do not remove any cover or safety device fastened by screws.
- Do not remove or bridge over any safety device.

12 Introduction
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
- Do not push anything into the ventilation apertures.
- Never carry out installations, cleanings or maintenance
operations which are not described in this manual. This
should only be done by Microplex authorized service
personnel.
- Be careful when operating equipment with opened cover
hoods (setting-up work or service). Rotating parts can
cause injury , and it is also possible for hair, clothing,
jewellery, etc. to be caught in the machinery.
Ribbon and material should only be inserted and changed by
specially instructed personnel.
- Optional device components may only be installed by
authorized personnel, and in accordance with the
appropriate assembly and usage regulations.
- Only plug in or remove interface connectors when the device
is switched off.
In order to disconnect the printer quickly from the main
power in case of emergency please note the following:
- For connected printers with plugs, the power-outlet should
be installed near the printer and easily within reach.
- For permanently connected printers, an easily accessible
emergency power-off switch should be installed close to
the printer.
- Please do not conceal any disconnect devices with the
printer or other objects.
- After switching off the device, wait at least 15 seconds
before the device is switched on again.
- Please follow all the information and hints directly
attached to the device and/or described in this manual.

Installation 13
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
2. Installation
2.1. Printer Unpacking
1. Open the box and and remove the packing materials lying on top
to lay open the upper foam damper.
Hint: The packing materials of your printer may differ in shape
and appearance from the parts shown in the following
figure.
2. Remove the printer accessories, if need be.
Fig. 2.1.a Printer with packing materials

14 Installation
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
3. Take out the upper foam damper.
4. Take the printer and lift it out the box carefully.
Get somebody to help you to lift the printer, if necessary.
Take hold of the printer from the bottom of the printer itself.
Get somebody to hold the lower foam damper and the box when
removing the printer.
5. Place the printer onto a suitable base (see chapter 2.3).
Please retain the original packing materials in case the printer
has to be transported in the future.

Installation 15
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
2.2. Check List
First of all place the printer and the accessories onto a level
surface until the definitive location is chosen.
Please make sure that all items are included and that there are
no defects.
Immediately inform your supplier of any damage.
Open the cardboard box carefully and check the contents
(compare figure 2.2.a, too):
1. Printer logiJET TC8
2. Power cord
3. Ribbon takeup core (option)
4. Ribbon mandrels (4 pieces)
5. CD containing:
logiJET TC8
Print drivers
IDOL Programming Manual

16 Installation
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
Fig. 2.2.a Accessories for the logiJET TC8 (some of them are optional)

CD
(in total
4 peaces)

Installation 17
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Microplex logiJET TC8 Edition 1.2
2.3. Printer Installation
- The chosen location should be well-ventilated, clean and dry.
- Damaging environmental factors such as metal vapors, oil mist,
corroding lixivium or the like must not come into contact with
the printer.
- Position the printer on solid and level ground.
- Do not exposure the printer to shocks or vibrations.
- The printer and socket have to be easily accessible.
- The printer should not be located near volatile or combustible
materials (e.g. a curtain).
- The printer must be connected to an appropriate AC power
source: 100 240 V AC ( - 10%, + 6%), 3.2 6.4 A, 50/60 Hz
The power source must be properly grounded.
The socket and power cords must not be damaged.
- Use the printer only within the allowed fluctuation range
(the allowed values are listed above).
- The voltage support must not be impaired by interference.
- In order to run the printer reliably, please maintain the
following environmental conditions:
Temperature: +5°C to +35°C
-20°C to +60°C (storage temperature)
Relative atmospheric humidity: 45% to 75% (without
condensation)
- Do not expose the printer to abrupt temperature changes
(heating, window or air condition).
- The printer should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

18 Installation
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2.4. Printer Components
Main view:
Fig. 2.4.a Main view of the printer
Touchscreen (Display
and Control Panel)
Displays printer operation
status, enables settings via
the menu.
Paper output
Top cover
Open to insert
material and foil.

Installation 19
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Rear view:
Ethernet interface
Centronics interface
USB interface
Input power connector
Power switch
RS232/RS422
interface
Paper input opening
Fig. 2.4.b Rear view of the printer
Top cover
of the printer


20 Installation
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Printer interior view:
Front paper
guide
e
Rear printhead
(Print unit 1)
Front
platen roller
Lower sensor
(Reflex sensor)
Rear
platen roller
Upper sensor
(Transparent
sensor)
Transparent
sensor guide
Front printhead
(Print unit 2)
Tear bar
Rear paper
guide
e
Fig. 2.4.d Printer opened
Ribbon mandrel
holder
Transparent sensor guide
release lever
Printhead release
lever
e
Ribbon
guide plate
Printhead adjustment lever
Fig. 2.4.e Details at the front print unit (and the rear print unit as well)