Microtech X3 User manual
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Microtech Systems
Contents
Introducing the X3 .......................................................................................................1
About This Guide ...................................................................................................................................1
Components of the X3 .................................................................................................3
Basic Operation.....................................................................................................................................3
Front Panel .............................................................................................................................................4
Inside the X3 ..........................................................................................................................................6
Behind the X3.........................................................................................................................................8
Specications ......................................................................................................................................10
The X3 Desktop....................................................................................................................................11
Setting Up the X3 .......................................................................................................13
X3 Production Workspace.................................................................................................................13
Checking Your Shipment....................................................................................................................14
Unpacking the X3 ................................................................................................................................14
Assembling the X3 ..............................................................................................................................15
Making Connections...........................................................................................................................16
Printer Installation Basics .................................................................................................................17
Installing a Printer...............................................................................................................................18
Conguring a Printer for the X3 ........................................................................................................19
Networking the X3 ..............................................................................................................................22
Preparing the X3 for Production Use ......................................................................25
Powering Up the X3 ............................................................................................................................25
Performing a Calibration Test ...........................................................................................................26
Calibrating the X3 Printer Position ...................................................................................................27
Performing a Read/Write Test ..........................................................................................................29
Powering Down the X3.......................................................................................................................40
Maintaining the X3 .....................................................................................................41
Replacing Recorder Drives ...............................................................................................................42
Getting X3 Help ...........................................................................................................45
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Regulatory Compliance Statements
Notice for USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
is equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. ese limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. is 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. 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.
Modications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.
Notice for Europe
EUROPEAN COMMISSION DECLARATION OF COMPLIANCE
We: Microtech Systems, Inc.
1164 Triton Drive
Foster City, CA 94404 U.S.A.
Hereby declare that the equipment listed herein
Product Name: Microtech X3, TEAC DiscSprinter-300
Model Name: X3, AP-300
Conforms to the following harmonized directives and standards of the European
Council Directive 2004/108/EC - EMC Directive
EN 55022:2007 (Class A ITE radiated and conducted emissions)
EN 55024:2010 (Immunity)
Test Information is contained in a report by Atlas Compliance & Engineering, Inc.
Dated May 25, 2012
Report No.: 1220MTSx3_ce
Council Directive 2006/95/EC - Low Voltage Directive
EN 60950-1:2006 (Safety)
Test Information is contained in a report by Atlas Compliance & Engineering, Inc.
Dated June 4, 2012
Report No.: 1220MTSx3_60950
Mark Soldan
Director of Product Engineering
© 2012 Microtech System, Inc. All rights reserved.
X3 Disc Production System Hardware Manual
is manual, as well as the hardware and soware described in it, is furnished under license and may be used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of such license. e content of this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be
costrued as a commitment by Microtech Systems, Inc. Microtech Systems, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that
may appear in this book.
Trademarks
X3, Microtech Systems, and the Microtech Systems logo are trademarks of Microtech Systems, Inc. DiscSprinter and TEAC are trademarks of TEAC
Corporation. All other products, names, and services are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Microtech Systems, Inc., 1164 Triton Drive, Suite 100, Foster City, CA 94404 USA
Part number T.B.D. – May 2012
Microtech Systems
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Introducing the X3
Introducing the X3
Congratulations on your acquisition of the X3 – a fully automated production system
from Microtech Systems for advanced disc publishing of CD, DVD, and Blu-ray
discs.
e X3 combines a 300-disc capacity, advanced control features, and a small footprint
to form an ideal solution for media production, publishing, duplication, and data
storage for a variety of users.
Designed for reliable, high-quality output, the X3 can be congured with either of
two dierent disc label printing technologies, monochrome thermal or full color
thermal with outstanding resolution and durability. ImageAligner is an optional add-
on that makes it simple to add custom printed text to your pre-printed discs. With
this feature installed, you can over-print PRN or PDF graphics or text on pre-printed
discs.
Features
• 3-spindle disc input allows mixed media types (CD, DVD or Blu-ray)
• Reliable, robust hoist/picker mechanism for high-volume output
• Triple drive system with redundancy and fail-over maximizes up-time
• Multiple printer options for best label print cost, speed, or durability.
• Modest footprint for ecient use of space
• Lock-down input secures data and prevents tampering
• Security enclosure protects blank media and all moving components
• Mail drop slot for external media output from securely locked enclosure
• Works with Microtech’s soware suite or 3rd party applications via
Microtech’s Universal API
• Supplied 19-inch monitor, keyboard, and mouse
About This Guide
is document familiarizes you with the X3, explains the simple steps required to
unpack, set-up and test your unit before using it in production, and explains proper
maintenance. Technical support information is provided in the Technical Support
section.
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Microtech Systems
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Components of the X3
Components of the X3
is section presents the main parts of the X3. Understanding them is essential to
properly operating and maintaining your system. We’ll start by briey reviewing what
the X3 does.
Basic Operation
e X3 is a publishing system for optical disc media. e word publishing is used
because it includes an entire set of features related to a production-oriented output
solution. e features include:
• Copying (duplication)
• Publishing (unique content)
• Printing and labelling
• Performing operations in volume
• Performing operations automatically
• Providing a record of the operations
e X3 acquires a master image of some digital content (the “original”) and
reproduces it onto one or more output discs (the “copies”). e X3 can acquire a
master image in several ways: (i) from a disc supplied by an operator, (ii) from a
network location, or (iii) from another system – typically a business application – to
which the X3 has been interfaced.
An image can consist of a single content object, or it can be assembled “on the y”
by combining various content objects from various sources, consisting of dissimilar
source formats.
Before starting a job, the user places blank discs onto three 100-disc spindles inside
the unit. e spindles may hold dierent media types (CD or DVD, for example), and
the X3 automatically selects from the three available bays to duplicate the content.
Aer a copy has been made, identifying information (a label, code, or volume
number, etc.) can be automatically printed on the disc via an attached printer. Labels
can be as extensive as full-color images with integrated text or as simple as a few
black words. It’s easy to create labels with MyDisc or DiscPrint, Microtech soware
tools included with the X3. Completed discs can be collected from the external mail
slot feature on the front or a designated output spindle inside the unit.
For most systems, interacting with the X3 – to set up a job, for example – occurs via a
19-inch external monitor, keyboard and mouse included with the X3 system.
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Microtech Systems
Front Panel
e gure below shows the front of the X3 with its main door closed. Let’s
take a quick tour.
Handles
e sides of the X3 have handles that you should use when moving or liing
the system. e handles help ensure a secure grip on the unit.
Main Door
e Main Door hangs on two hinges along the le side and includes a key lock
on the right front for securing the door and internal components. When the
door is unlocked, you can swing it open from right to le to access the media
spindles and other internal components and controls.
A mail slot in the front delivers nished discs or rejects externally from a
securely locked system.
Figure 1
X3 Front View
Status Indicator Light
Printer
Main Door
Door Handle
Security Lock
External Output
Mail Slot
Lifting
Handles
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Components of the X3
Security Lock
e Security Lock can be used to prevent access to the X3 cabinet.
External Output Mail Slot
Output discs are collected in the External Output Mail Slot. You can congure
the mail slot for completed discs or rejects. A 100-disc output spindle inside
the X3 also collects nished discs, but the mail slot allows output from a se-
cured system. (An excessive number of rejects typically indicates input media
of poor quality or a hardware error that needs correction.)
Status Indicator
A status indicator light located on the top of the unit ashes red for error
conditions, such as an empty printer ribbon or door open during job process-
ing. e status indicator light glows blue when the X3 system is idle and green
when processing jobs.
Power Switches
A power switch, accessible inside the main door on the le side, turns the X3
on or o. Because it is inside the locked door, this switch is available only to
the operator of the system. (Additional power switches are located on the back
of the X3 printer and duplication units.)
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Microtech Systems
Inside the X3
e gure below shows the X3 with the main door open. Inside the X3 are
the printer drawer and controls, media recorders, elevator and hoist (picker)
mechanism, media spindles, controls, and status display. ese parts are
described from top to bottom.
Printer
e X3 includes a printer mounted on the top of the X3 chassis to print iden-
tifying information (such as a label) on a copied disc.
Quick-Change Recorders
e X3 uses up to three quick-change Optical Disc Recorders for all opera-
tions. e drives are separately housed, and each one slides in and out of its
compartment in the X3, making drive replacement quick and easy.
Replacing the recorders is covered in the section Replacing Recorder Drives
later in this guide.
Note: although the recorder drives are quick-change, they are not hot
swappable. Always power down the X3 before replacing a recorder.
Figure 2
X3 Front View, Main
Door Open
Spindle Access Button
Spindle LED Indicator
Carousel
Media Spindles
Power On/Off Button
Label Printer Tray
Hoist/Picker
Mail Chute
Quick Change Disc Recorders
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Components of the X3
Elevator
e Elevator is a column-like mechanism along the le side of the chassis that
guides the vertical movement of the hoist as it acquires and moves disc media.
Hoist
e Hoist (with its disc acquisition mechanism called the “picker”) is a
primary moving part of the X3. It moves up and down along the Elevator to
properly position disc media for copying, labeling, and output.
e Hoist acquires a blank disc from one of the spindles and places it onto the
disc tray of one of the recorders.
When recording is complete, the Hoist reacquires the disc and moves it to the
printer disc tray. Aer printing, the Hoist moves the disc to the output spindle
or output mail slot.
Media Spindles
e X3 includes four removable spindles housed by a carousel inside the unit.
Each spindle holds up to 100 discs. Spindles 1-3 hold blank input discs, and
Spindle 4 is designated as a vacant spindle to collect output discs.
Note: never mix media types on the same spindle. However, you can put a
dierent media type on each spindle and set the format in Media Remote.
Internal Power Switch
e green Internal Power Switch on the le side of the X3 interior is accessible
when the door is open and allows the system operator to power the X3 on and
o. (Power switches are also located on the back of the X3 and the printer.)
Spindle Access Button
e green Spindle Access Button in front of the spindles inside the X3 operates
the carousel mechanism. Press the button once to rotate the carousel one posi-
tion. Continue pressing the button to rotate the carousel one position for each
button press. Pressing the button quickly twice reverses the carousel rotation
direction and rotates it one position.
During copying operations, the X3 automatically accesses discs on the
spindles as needed to complete the job.
Status Display
An amber status display on the chassis oor in front of the carousel shows the
currently selected spindle.
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Microtech Systems
Behind the X3
e gure below shows the rear of the X3 where cable connections are made
Note: the items described in this section may be dierent on your X3. e
PC I/O and CPU components used in the X3 may vary slightly between
models, but the functionality is the same.
Printer
e printer used with the X3 is positioned on top of the unit facing forward.
e hoist/picker automatically places discs onto the printer’s disc tray for
printing, removes them from the printer aer printing, and places them on
the output spindle or in the mail slot.
Printer Mounting Plate
A at plate called the printer mounting plate attaches to the top of the X3 and
adapts it for the printer, which sits on top of the plate and is held precisely in
position by two positioning dowels on the top of the printer plate.
Do not use a printer with the X3 without the mounting plate.
Figure 3
X3 Rear View
Power Supply/AC Input
Printer and Printer I/O
I/O Panel
Handles (one on each side)
Removable Side Panel
Serial Number Tag
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Components of the X3
Handles and Removable Side Panel
Two handles are integrated into the sides of the X3 to aid in liing the system.
Always use the side handles when liing or moving the X3.
One of the side panels (on the le when facing the front of the X3) is
removable to allow access to the system’s internal components.
PC I/O Panel
e PC I/O Panel is the area where PC cable connections are made. e
printer connects here, as well as cables for the external monitor, keyboard and
mouse.
Serial Number
e X3’s unique serial number is found on a small, embossed sticker on the
back of the unit. Make a note of it as this number is required for technical sup-
port calls and repair enquiries.
PC Expansion Slot
One standard PC expansion slot provides a means to customize the PC for
special situations. (Use of this panel is not common.)
Power Supply / AC Power Input
e X3 includes two AC power inputs, one on the back of the printer, and one
on the back of the main X3 chassis. e AC power inputs are receptacles for
standard grounded 120 VAC power cords.
Near the AC power inputs are master power on/o switches. Be sure to turn
these switches on before using the X3.
Additionally, there are two voltage selector switches near the AC power inputs;
these are normally already set for the type of power available in your area and
should not require you to set them.
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Microtech Systems
Rear Printer Plate Alignment Screw
e printer mounting plate is positioned via two alignment screws on the
le side of the X3 – one toward the front and one near the back of the unit
(shown in the gure above). e screws allow adjustment of the mounting
plate’s position.
e mounting plate’s position has already been calibrated before delivery and
should not be modied unless Microtech instructs you to do so.
Specifications
Dimensions
• Width: 14 in. (356 mm)
• Depth1: 24.5 in. (621 mm)
• Height: 31.1 in. (790 mm)
Weight
• System unit: 85 lbs. (38.5 kg)
• System with printer: 105 to 135 lbs. (48 to 61 kg)
Power
• Input: 90 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Power: 80 W nominal, 220 W maximum
Environment
• Operating temperature range: 15 to 35 oC
• Operating humidity range: 20 to 80% RH non-condensing
Networking
• Integrated 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet
• TCP/IP (Microso Windows IP client)
1 Depth measurement includes a 3¼ inch (8.3 cm) rear clearance for cables.
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Components of the X3
The X3 Desktop
e X3’s user interface displays a standard Windows 7 desktop. Buttons and
icons are activated by pointing and clicking a mouse or other pointing device
as with any normal Windows system and soware.
Icons and Shortcuts
Along with the familiar Microso Windows icons such as My Computer, Re-
cycle Bin and Internet Explorer, you will nd a collection of shortcuts associ-
ated with Microtech applications.
e shortcuts are shown below:
In this guide, we’ll use these two applications – System Calibration and
MediaRemote – to verify the setup and operation of the X3.
Refer to the Microtech ImageMaker Soware Suite User’s Manual for more
information about each application.
Figure 4
X3 Desktop
Figure 5
X3 Desktop Icons
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Microtech Systems
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Setting Up the X3
Setting Up the X3
is section covers unpacking and assembling the X3, installing a printer, and
conguring the system for use on a network.
We’ll start with a description of the workspace needed to use your system
safely and eectively.
X3 Production Workspace
e area in which the X3 operates contributes signicantly to the system’s
long-term eectiveness. A typical oce environment is normally sucient
with regard to temperature and humidity.
Physical Environment
Contamination of the components from dust and debris can decrease produc-
tion yield, degrade the quality of the output discs, and reduce the useful life of
the system.
A table or surface capable of supporting a sustained weight of up to 150 lbs.
(68 kg) is recommended. (Systems without printers weigh less.)
Work Area Dimensions
e recommended X3 work area dimensions are shown below:
• Width: 30 in. (762 mm)
• Depth: 52 in. (1321 mm)
• Height: 84 in. (2134 mm)
Notes
e Depth dimension includes space in front of the unit for opening the
main door as well as space behind the unit for access to cabling.
e Height dimension includes a recommended 36-inch (91 centimeter)
clearance above the X3.
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Microtech Systems
Checking Your Shipment
Before unpacking your X3, check that all cartons have been received and that
there is no shipping damage.
e X3 system unit is shipped in three cartons. e X3 printer and monitor
are shipped in separate cartons.
In the event of a missing or damaged carton, notify the shipping carrier as
soon as possible, and then contact Microtech Technical Support at (650)
596-1900.
Unpacking the X3
Follow these steps to unpack your X3:
1. Cut the sealing tape on top of the carton and open the box aps.
2. Remove the foam packaging material and set it aside.
3. Remove the small carton containing cables and accessories.
4. Release and remove the upper portion of the box by pinching the latch
handles around the base until the latches release the box. en li the box
o the base.
5. Remove the X3 by grasping the handles in the side panels and liing it
straight out of the shipping carton. Set it on a work surface.
6. Put the box back together and place the packaging material into the empty
shipping carton for safekeeping.
Figure 6
Unpacking the X3
The X3’s packaging is specically
designed to protect it during ship-
ping. Keep it on hand and use it in
the event that you move or transport
your X3.
Microtech’s warranty and service
agreements require that an X3 is
returned in its original packaging.
Additional or replacement packag-
ing is available to registered
customers at cost.
Contact the Microtech sales team
at [email protected] for more
information.
Save All Packaging
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Setting Up the X3
Assembling the X3
is section covers how to put the X3 together and get it ready for use. e
X3 can be used with a disc label printer, so that topic is described as well.
To assemble your X3, do the following:
1. Unwrap the X3 system unit from its plastic packaging. Be sure to locate
the security lock key; which is shipped in the lock, and open the main
door.
2. Locate and remove the thumbscrew that holds the mail chute in its up-
right shipping position. Let the chute drop to its operating position.
CAUTION: Do not move the chute down manually; it will damage the
motor assembly.
3. Insert the thumbscrew into the vacant hole in the chute arm.
Figure 7
Chute Locking Screw
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Microtech Systems
Making Connections
1. At the rear of the unit, connect the monitor’s video cable (with included
adapter) to the black 15-pin jack in the I/O area.
2. At the rear of the unit, plug a power cord into the AC power cord
receptacle. Ensure the power supply switch is o before plugging the
power cord into a wall outlet.
Figure 8
Connecting the Video Cable
Figure 9
Connecting the Power Cord
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