Microplex SOLID T11 DT User manual

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SOLID T11 DT
SOLID T11 TT
Operator’s Manual
Edition 1.1L

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Contents 3
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
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 15
2.1. Printer Unpacking 15
2.2. Check List 16
2.3. Printer Installation 17
2.4. Printer Components 18
3. Media and Ribbon Requirements 20
4. Basic Operation Sequences 21
4.1. Overview 21
5. Handling of Consumables 23
5.1. Winding Diagram 24
5.2. Print Media Handling 25
5.2.1. Media Loading 25
5.2.2. Media Removal 30
5.3. Handling of Ribbon (SOLID T11 TT) 31
5.3.1. Ribbon Loading 31
5.3.2. Ribbon Removal 35

4 Contents
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
Chapter Page
6. Operation and Menu Structure 37
6.1. Attaching the Printer to a Computer 37
6.2. Turning on the Printer 37
6.3. Control Panel View 38
6.4. Function of the Control Panel Elements 39
6.5. Configuration via the Control Panel 41
6.6. Menu Structure 42
6.7. Syntax of Diagrams 46
7. Panel Functions 47
7.1. Print Process Selecting 47
7.2. Media Setting (Material; Label or Continuous) 49
7.3. Page Length Adjustment 50
7.3.1. Starting the (Printer’s) Measurement of Label Length 51
7.3.2. Configuration of Semiautomatic Label Length Measurement 51
7.4. Material Width Adjustment (Paper Width) 52
7.5. Configuration of Text Margins 53
7.6. Printing the Status Sheet 54
7.7. Printing the Font List 56
7.8. Hexdump-Mode Activation 57
7.9. Normal Print Mode Activation (incl. FORM FEED) 58
7.10. Clearing the Input Buffer (Cancel Job) 59
7.11. Printing the Menu Page 60
7.12. Generating Test Prints (Sliding Pattern) 61
7.13. Data Interface Configuration 62
7.14. Emulation Selection 63
7.15. Display Language Selection 65
7.16. Transparent Code Adjustment 66
7.17. Selection of Memory Distribution (Input Buffer) 67
7.18. Setting to Factory Default 68
7.19. Font Selection 69
7.20. Text Orientation Selection 72

Contents 5
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
Chapter Page
7.21. Symbol Code Selection 73
7.22. Print Speed Adjustment 74
7.23. Contrast (Density) Setting 75
7.24. Image Shifting to the X-Direction 76
7.25. Image Shifting to the Y-Direction 78
7.26. Selecting the Light Sensor Type 80
7.27. Automatic Sync Sensor Adjust 81
7.27.1. Overview 81
7.27.2. Example 82
7.28. Manual Sync Sensor Adjust 83
7.28.1. Overview: Level and Current Adjusting 84
7.28.2. Description of Level and Current Adjusting 85
7.28.3. Example 86
7.29. Adjusting the Zero Position of the Material Transport (Sync.Sens.Offset) 88
7.30. Peripheral Device Activation (Tear Off Edge, Cutter) 90
7.31. Selecting the Tear Off Mode (Option: Cutting Mode) 92
7.32. Selecting the Print Mode 94
7.33. Adjusting the Tear Off Position (Option: Cutting Position) ) 97
7.34. Configuration of Network Parameters (IP Address, e.g.) 99
8. Operator Maintenance 103
8.1. Printer Cleaning 103
8.1.1. Printer Cabinet Cleaning 104
8.1.2. Printhead Cleaning 105
8.1.3. Platen and Roller Cleaning 108
8.1.4. Sensor Cleaning 111
8.1.4.1. Location of the Sensors 111
8.1.4.2. Cleaning 3 Sensors (Gap/Blackmark/Paper End) 112

6 Contents
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
Chapter Page
9. Troubleshooting 117
9.1. Printer Error Messages 118
9.2. Reduced Print Quality 122
9.3. Incorrect Media Transport 124
9.4. Cutter Error Messages 125
9.5. Print Repetition after an Error 126
10. Measures for Transport and Shipping (Repacking) 127
11. Specifications 129
12. Index 133

Introduction 7
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
1. Introduction
1.1. General Description
The SOLID T11 is a multifunctional non-impact printer based on
thermal print technology. Two versions of this printer are available.
The SOLID T11 DT can be used for direct thermal printing only.
The SOLID T11 TT can be used for thermal transfer printing as well as
for direct thermal printing (this printer version is shown in most of the
pictures of this manual).
Because of their wide range of application, you can use the SOLID T11
printers to print all kind of information as barcodes, alphanumerical
characters and vector graphics e.g. .
This printers not only know one device-specific page description
language as standard thermal printers usually do, but most of the
languages used in the industrial field and the well-known market
standards of laserprinters, too.
The SOLID T11 printers are provided with a controller that is also
used in SOLID laserprinters. So the advantages of the thermal print
technology are combined with the flexibility of the „laserprinter
intelligence“.
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.
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).
The resolution is 300 dots per inch corresponding to about 12 dots
per mm.

8 Introduction
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
The print speed is 50 up to 150 mm/second (up to 6 inch/second).
Roll-fed media as well as continuous-media can be printed on.
The maximum processable width of media for the SOLID T11 printers
is 300 mm. 266 mm of that are printable.
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) or a special kind of paper (direct thermal printing).
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.
While direct thermal printing the dots touch the thermal paper
directly. The dyes and developers within the paper respond to the
heat of particular dots, change their colour to black and so the
wanted image emerges.
The SOLID T11 DT can only be used for direct thermal printing. The
SOLID T11 TT printer can be used for both methods of thermal
printing.

Introduction 9
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
1.3. Conventions
!
LINE
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. 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 Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
1.4. CE — Conformity

Introduction 11
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
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.

12 Introduction
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
- Do not remove any cover or safety device fastened by screws.
- Do not remove or bridge over any safety device.
- 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.
- The cutter (option) may only be installed by trained personnel.
- Only attach or remove the printhead when the device is
switched off.
After switching off the device, wait at least 3 minutes before
removing the printhead.
- Only plug in or remove interface connectors when the device
is switched off.

Introduction 13
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
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.

14 Introduction
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1

Installation 15
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
2. Installation
2.1. Printer Unpacking
1. Open the box and remove the accessory parts.
2. Take the printer and lift it out the box carefully. Get
somebody to hold the box when removing the printer.
Take hold of the printer from the bottom.
Do not use other parts of the printer (e.g. plastic parts at the
printer's front or rear side ...) to lift the device!
3. Remove the foil covering the printer.
4. Place the printer onto a suitable base (see section 2.3).
Please retain the original packing materials in case the printer
has to be transported in the future.

16 Installation
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
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:
1. Printer SOLID T11
2. Power cord
3. Data cable (USB)
4. CD containing:
•Operator’s Manual for SOLID T11
•Print drivers
•IDOL Programming Manual
Fig. 2.2.a Accessories

Installation 17
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
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 120V AC/60 Hz (North America) or 230V/50 Hz
(Europe, United Kingdom e.g.). 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 of
±10%.
- 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 +40°C (operating)
- 5°C to +60°C (storage temperature)
Relative atmospheric humidity: 30% to 80% (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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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
2.4. Printer Components
Main view:
Fig. 2.4.a Main view of the printer SOLID T11 TT
Fig. 2.4.b Main view of the printer SOLID T11 TT
Top cover
Open to insert
material and foil.
Control Panel
Power switch Paper exit
LCD Display

Installation 19
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
Rear view:
Fig. 2.4.c Rear view of the printer
View into the printer:
Fig. 2.4.d Printer SOLID T11 TT opened
Centronics Interface
USB Interface
Ethernet Interface
Input power
connector
Paper input
Cover
Print head
mechanism
Control panel
Ribbon take up
spindles
Ribbon supply spindles
Thumbscrews
(
Media width ad
j
ustment
)
LED
(“Media loaded”)

20 Media and Ribbon Requirements
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MICROPLEX Operator’s Manual SOLID T11 DT / TT Edition 1.1
3. Media and Ribbon Requirements
Since print quality is affected by media and ribbon, printing speeds, and
printer operation modes, it is very important to run tests for your applications.
Please note:
Printing without media under the print head is not allowed.
A Paper End sensor detects when the media supply has been depleted.
Please keep this sensor clean, because printing without media under the
head can result in damage to the Print Head. See section 8.1.4 Sensor
Cleaning.