Panduit Viper LS6 User manual

INDEX
1
Getting Started
Introduction and Safe Operation............................................. 2-3
General Description................................................................ 4-5
Battery Information................................................................. 6-8
Quick Start with Viper™ LS6 .....................................................9
Ribbon Loading & Selection.....................................................10
Label Loading...........................................................................11
Keyboard............................................................................ 12-13
Working with the Viper™LS6
Using the Viper™ LS6 ....................................................... 14-16
Tools for Building Labels
Text Tool .......................................................................17
Serialization Tool..................................................... 18-19
Symbol Tool...................................................................20
Line Tool .......................................................................22
Box Tool ........................................................................23
Data Tool................................................................. 24-25
Bar Code Tool.......................................................... 26-27
Date / Time Tool............................................................28
Setting Up the Viper™ LS6................................................ 29-30
Saving Files …………………………………………………… 31-32
Retrieving Files ……………………..……………………… 33-34
Interfacing to a Computer - ViperLink™..………………………..35
Cleaning Instructions................................................................36
Troubleshooting.................................................................. 37-41
Warranty Information ….. .........................................................42
General Specifications..............................................................43
Replacement Parts and Accessories........................................44

™LS6
Operator’s Manual
Panduit Corp.
1819 Atlanta Highway
Cumming, GA 30040
USA
Attention: Labeling Systems Department
Printers & Software – 866-871-4571
www.panduit.com/eg/ls6
email: [email protected]
LS6-MAN-A
REV. 3 – 12/07/01

INTRODUCTION & SAFE OPERATION
2
The ViperLS6 Hand-Held Printer is the complete printing solution for
Electricians, Assemblers, Maintenance & Repair, Construction, and Network
Communications Personnel. This versatile on-site, on-demand printer
provides users the ability to save, retrieve, and edit custom or serialized
labels for wire and cable marking, component labeling, network labeling, and
facilities identification.
This manual will guide you step by step through the set-up, operation, and
troubleshooting of the Viper™LS6 Printer. If you have problems not covered
herein, contact your local Panduit Sales Representative or call Panduit
Technical Support at 888-506-5400, ext 7470.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
The following general safety practices supplement the specific warnings and
cautions depicted elsewhere in this manual. They are recommended
precautions that must be understood and applied during the operation and
maintenance of this printer.
Do Not Operate In An Explosive Environment
Do not operate the printer in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Operation of this printer in such an environment constitutes a definite safety
hazard.
Do Not Operate In Wet Or Damp Areas
Do not operate this printer in wet or damp areas. Operation of the printer in
such an environment constitutes a definite safety hazard.
Do Not Substitute Parts Or Modify Equipment
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install
substitute parts or perform an unauthorized modification to the printer or its
accessories. The proper components for service and repair may be obtained
from the Panduit Corporation.

INTRODUCTION & SAFE OPERATION
3
WARNING:
When the printer has been in use for an extended period of time, the
printer motor may become hot. DO NOT touch the printer motor with
bare hands.
Information to USA Users
NOTE: This printer has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the printer is operated in a commercial environment. This printer generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not used in accordance
with this instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this printer in a residential area is likely to
cause interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Information to Canadian Users
This digital apparatus does not exceed Class A limits for radio noise
emissions for digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations
of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques
depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class A
prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le
ministere des Communications du Canada.
It is possible that infrequent electrical phenomena (static discharge, power
line fluctuations) may cause printer function to be temporarily interrupted. In
this case, the printer will usually reset itself. In extreme cases, the user should
remove then re-apply power (battery pack and/or AC Adapter).
Printer Power Supply
The ViperLS6 is supplied with a NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery. This
battery is re-chargeable. The life expectancy of the NiMH battery is
approximately 500 charge/discharge cycles. After the NiMH has surpassed its
useful life, it must be disposed of properly. DO NOT PLACE THE SPENT
NiMH BATTERY IN AN UNAPPROVED TRASH RECEPTACLE. All NiMH
batteries should be disposed of according to local rules and regulations. It is
strongly recommended that the NiMH battery be re-cycled per local rules and
regulations.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
4
RS232 Serial
Port
Cutter Knob
LCD Display
PCMCIA Slot
(Future) AC Adapter Plug
Ribbon
Door
Label Door

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
5
Print Technology
The ViperLS6 prints labels using thermal transfer printing technology. The
print head melts ink contained on a thin web of material, allowing the ink to
transfer to the label material. The print head operates at 203 dots per inch.
Smart Label Roll – See page 11
The ViperLS6 label supplies are wound on a label cartridge that is plugged
into a socket in the printer. The label cartridge is read by the printer operating
system. The operating system AUTOMATICALLY selects the appropriate
printer settings. Also, the operating system will keep track of the number of
labels used from each roll and report the remaining labels to the user unless
labels are manually removed.
Ribbon Cartridge – See page 10
The ribbon material which contains the thermal transfer ink is housed in a
plastic housing to keep it clean, and to allow for easy installation and
replacement.
Battery Pack – See pages 6-6
A 12 volt battery powers the ViperLS6. The battery is a rechargeable NiMH
(Nickel-Metal Hydride) type which offers longer life than an equivalently sized
Ni-Cad (Nickel-Cadmium) battery. Also, NiMH batteries are more
environmentally friendly than Ni-Cad, resulting in less stringent recycling
requirements.
AC Adapter / Battery Charger – See page 6-6
An AC Adapter is included for powering the ViperLS6. The AC adapter is
compatible with international power systems (100 – 240 VAC). The Viper
LS6 includes an internal overnight battery charging circuit. The AC Adapter is
used to power the charging circuit. This circuit is intended to charge a
completely discharged battery pack in less than 15 hours. Contact the factory
for the availability of a fast battery charging accessory.
Label Cutter
A manually operated label cutter is included. The ViperLS6 will
automatically place the printed label in the proper position for cutting.
Carrying Case
A custom carrying case to protect and transport the printer and accessories.
PC Upgrade Kit – See page 34
An upgrade kit consisting of a cable for connection to a personal computer
(PC) and a CD containing the operating system in several languages (contact
factory for availability of languages), and an application program ViperLink .
ViperLinkis used to connect the PC and the ViperLS6.

BATTERY INFORMATION
6
A 12 volt NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery comes with the Viper LS6
printer PARTIALLY CHARGED with a recommended 15 HOURS OF
CHARGING PRIOR TO USE. Charging of the Viper LS6 battery should be
accomplished ONLY with Panduit Model LS6 AC Adapter/Battery Chargers
(Part No. LS6-ACS, supplied with printer).
NOTE: The Battery (LS6-BP) should only be removed for replacement or
for replacement of the Lithium Battery. Charging of the battery occurs
while the battery (LS6-BP) is INSIDE the printer.
Charging the Battery
1. Connect AC Adapter
2. Ensure Printer is in On position
3. From the Home Screen Press Quik-Key [B]
4. Battery status of voltage will display
5. At prompt select [Y]es to setup for Charging
6. Insert AC Adapter into connection on the side of the Printer. Press Any
key to continue.
7. Press to end charging. A battery with a usable charge should read
between 12.5 –15 Volts.
•Completely charge the battery pack before use. The operating system
reports the battery voltage and charge status.
•Completely drain the battery pack before charging. The operating system
will warn the user on power up and power down of low battery conditions.
Consult you local guidelines for instructions on proper disposal of spent
battery packs.

BATTERY INFORMATION
7
Battery Removal
1. Remove battery door by using a coin to depress the tab.
2. Remove battery by unplugging and lifting out of battery compartment.
3. Re-install the battery by reversing steps 1 and 2 ensuring that the battery
is firmly plugged into the plug connection on the printer.
Lithium Battery
The ViperTM LS6 uses a Lithium coin-cell battery to preserve the printer
settings and stored files when the main battery pack is removed and the AC
Adapter is not plugged in.
Do not leave the main battery pack out for extended
periods of time, as this will drain the Lithium cell.
Do not remove the Lithium cell as this may result in
a loss of all stored settings and files.
If the printer does not preserve the printer settings and files when both the
battery pack and the AC Adapter are disconnected, then the Lithium cell
should be replaced using the procedure below.
Battery
Door
Battery
Battery
Compartment
Adjustable
Strap

BATTERY INFORMATION
8
Replacing the Lithium Cell
1. Plug-in the AC Adapter to preserve the stored settings and files during the
battery replacement.
2. Remove the main battery pack to gain access to the lithium cell.
3. Peel away the lithium cell warning label to expose the lithium cell in a
plastic holder. Save the warning label.
4. With your finger, firmly push on the circular plastic tab holding the cell in
place to slightly eject the lithium cell from the holder.
5. Noting the polarity markings on the cell, remove the cell and replace it
with a Panasonic CR2032 or equivalent. The cell should snap in-place
when properly installed. This common cell can be found at most office
and computer supply stores.
6. Replace Warning Label over Lithium Battery.
7. Replace the battery pack.

QUICK START WITH THE Viper™ LS6
9
1. Plug in the AC adapter.
2. Install a ribbon cartridge. See Section-Ribbon Cartridge Installation
page 9. NOTE: No ribbon required for Thermal Paper
3. Install a label cartridge – See Section – Label Loading (Page 11) OR
install included thermal paper sample cartridge (1” wide practice media).
4. Turn ON the printer. Press . If low battery message, select [N] to
continue. The following screen will appear:
5. Press [D] for Demonstration. Press at any time to exit.
6. Read Demonstration screens to understand printer operation.
7. Press the button. The following tool selection screen will appear:
8. Select the Icon or press [T] to select a Text Tool.
9. Type in up to 4 lines of up to 16 characters. Example: “PANDUIT”
10. When complete, press the key to return to the HOME Screen.
11. Press the key to print your label.

RIBBON LOADING & SELECTION
10
The Viper™ LS6 uses a cartridge based ribbon (wax or resin) to form legends
on labels. The ribbon is loaded into the printer by the following steps:
Printer must be turned OFF.
1. Open ribbon door on side of printer by pushing on arrow.
2. Rotate ribbon lock knob into open (unlocked) position [Counter
clockwise].
3. Remove slack from ribbon by winding left roller.
4. Insert the ribbon cartridge, the web of the ribbon should slide freely
between the rubber roller and the print head.
5. Turn printer ON .
6. Rotate ribbon lock knob into closed (locked) position –[Clockwise].
7. Close ribbon door on side of printer.
8. Press the key to align the ribbon, by advancing forward an inch
or two. If the label is not installed, you may need to press any key to
stop the feed.
Viper™ LS6 label media ribbon compatibility chart
Label Material Ribbon Required
Vinyl, Self-Laminating LS6-RWBLK
Heat Shrink LS6-RWBLK
Vinyl Tape LS6-RRBLK
Vinyl Cloth LS6-RWBLK
Polyester, Clear LS6-RRBLK or LS6-RRWHT
Polyester, White LS6-RRBLK
Polyolefin LS6-RRBLK
Non-Adhesive Polyester LS6-RRBLK
Paper NONE
LS6-RWBLK – Black Wax LS6-RRBLK – Black Resin
LS6-RRWHT – White Resin
Ribbon
Lock Knob
Ribbon
Cartridge
Ribbon
Door

LABEL LOADING
11
Each roll of labels or tape used in the ViperLS6 is uniquely identified by the
mandrel holding the labels. This allows the operating system to set the printer
for optimum usage of each label. Also, the operating system keeps track of
the remaining labels on each roll. Use the steps 1-5 to load each label roll.
1. Ensure that the printer is in the OFF position . Plug the Label Roll into
the socket as shown above until it is firmly seated.
2. Insert end of label into the label guide path (see yellow arrows). This requires
positioning the label width guide to the proper width. If the width guide is not
locked into a width notch, label recognition failure may occur.
3. Labels should be inserted into the label path until resistance is met – approx. ½”
(requires ribbon knob to be in locked position).
4. Turn the printer ON. Press the key to position the label for printing.
5. You are now ready!
Label Roll
Socket
Label Roll
Width Guide
(Push Down to
Adjust)
Cutter Knob
(Pull Forward for
Cutting)
Label Door
Label
Feed
Path
Mandrel

KEYBOARD
12
Print Key
Enter Key
Shift
Key
Power
On / Off
Directional
Arrows
Space
Key
Label
or
Ribbon
Feed
Key
Tools
Key
Setup /
Escape Key
Delete
Key

KEYBOARD
13
KEY / SYMBOL COMMON FUNCTIONS
POWER Turns the printer ON, then turns
the printer OFF.
SETUP/
ESCAPE Activates the Setup Menu for printer
functionality, escape key to back out of
menus .
DELETE Deletes tools or characters.
TOOLS Used for selecting Text, Serial, Symbol,
Line, Box, Data, Barcode, and Date/Time
tools.
FEED Advances labels in printer, then
reverses feed. Also, functions as the HELP
key.
UP
ARROW Moves cursor, or tool up, one option or line at a time.
DOWN
ARROW Moves cursor, or tool down, one option or line at a time.
RIGHT
ARROW Moves cursor, or tool right, one option or line at a time.
LEFT
ARROW Moves cursor, or tool left, one option or character at a time.
PRINTING Activates printing of label(s),
For multiple Copies of labels
To print the current page.
SPACE Inserts a blank character.
ENTER Completes a selection or moves cursor to
next line.
SHIFT Access alternate functions or characters.
to access characters on the keypad graphic overlay (not shown).
to access lower case alpha characters.
clears all tools or text on the page.
clears all pages.

USING THE Viper ™ LS6
14
The Home Screen
The Home Screen is where the user creates or builds his label. Available
tools are text, serialization, bar code, symbol, line, box, time/date, and Data.
See the tools for building labels below. The Home Screen consists of the
following elements:
Label Preview
The left side of the screen is where the user builds the label by placing tools
in the desired position on the label. Up to 8 tools can be placed on each page
of a label. Up to 8 pages can be defined for each label.
Tool Preview
The right side of the screen shows the contents of the selected tool, and
commonly used key functions.
Label Boundary
The 4 corner symbols on the left side of the screen indicate the boundaries of
the label.
Tool Boundary
A tool is represented by a rectangle. The size of the rectangle indicates the
relative size of the tool to the label size or label print on area.
Tool Tops
The line in the tool rectangle is the tool top, indicating the orientation of the
tool on the label.
Tool Icon
The symbol within the tool rectangle indicates the type of tool.
- For a Text Tool
- For a Serialization Tool
- For a Symbol Tool
- For a Line Tool
- For a Box Tool
- For a Data Tool
- For a Barcode Tool
- For a Date/Time Tool

USING THE Viper ™ LS6
15
Key Mode Indicator
The key mode indicator is located in the lower left corner. The key mode is
indicated as follows:
•Blank for Normal - The character on the key will be selected when
pressed.
•Open Square for Alternate - The next key stroke will select the overlay
character for the key, or the alternate function associated with the key.
•Filled Square for Shift - The next key stroke will select lower/upper case
for an alphabetic character, or select the shift function associated with the
key.
Page Indicator
The row of 8 page indicators are located at the bottom of the screen. The
filled page indicator is the page selected for preview. A line appears in a page
indicator if at least one tool is present on that page.
Text Case Indicator
The current default for the text case is indicated at the lower right corner of
the label preview area.
•Blank indicates upper case
•A filled square indicates lower case
POWER Key
To turn ON the Viper ™ LS6, press and hold the key until a beep is
heard or until activity is seen on the display. To turn the Viper™ LS6 off,
press and release the key, then press and hold the key until a beep
is heard, or until the power down message appears. This method of power
control reduces the chance of accidentally turning off the printer.
SETUP Key
Press and release the key to activate the setup screens. The key
also functions as an ESCAPE key to end a function and return to the previous
function.
DEL Key
The key is used to delete characters or tools. Deleting a tool from a label
removes the tool and places it in a temporary storage location. If desired, the
tool can be restored by ‘pasting’.

USING THE Viper ™ LS6
16
TOOL Key
The key is used to activate the tool selection function. The Viper™ LS6
provides 8 tools for building labels and wire markers; text - ,
serialization - , line - , symbol - , box - , data - , bar code - ,
date/time - . Up to 8 tools can be placed on a page of a label.
FEED Key
The key is used to manually advance the label or ribbon material during
loading, or to reposition the label when desired. It also serves to activate the
HELP topic for the currently active function.
PRINT Key
The key signals the operating system to process and print the currently
active label. Note that a print job can be terminated by pressing and holding
any key.
SHIFT Key
The key is used to select characters from the keypad and graphic
overlay, and to activate Quik-key™ functions. Press and release the key to
sequence through the three key modes – Normal, Alternate, Shift.
ARROW Key
The keys are used to move the selected tool or to move the
cursor when editing text.
Quik-Key ™ Fast Label Formatting system
Commonly used functions can be quickly activated by using Quik-Keys™,
which are 1, 2, or 3 key combinations. Quik-Key™definitions can be
reviewed by pushing the [Q] at the Home screen.

TEXT TOOL
17
The Text Tool is used to add up to 4 lines of 16 characters each (maximum)
to a label. The following are the steps for building a Text Tool.
Step 1:Press from the home screen .
Step 2: Select from the Tools buttons using the arrow keys, then
or by selecting Quik-KeyTM [T].
Step 3: Enter alphanumeric characters onto the four (4) lines provided.
Step 4:Press when complete or for text options.
For editing text and associated strokes, see KEYBOARD section page 13
TEXT OPTIONS
[S]ize – Size text from 6 point to 192 point
S[t]yle – Text styles available:
[N]ormal
[U]nderline
[R]everse – Reverses text to appear white on black.
[J]ustify – Text justification:
[C]enter
[L]eft
[R]ight
[O]rient – Define text orientation (angle of characters):
[0] 0 deg
[1] 90 deg
[2] 180 deg
[3] 270 deg
TEXT TOOL HELP
Help can be accessed at any time while in the Text Tool by pressing .
Note: If Text Tool is chosen and no characters are entered, the printer default
is to set up a blank tool on the screen.

SERIALIZATION TOOL
18
The Serialization Tool is used to automatically number labels sequentially
either with numeric or alphanumeric characters. Up to four (4) serializations
can be defined for one text string and serializations can be printed as text or
as a bar code. The Serialization Tool is used in the following progression of
steps in building labels:
Step 1:Press from the home screen.
Step 2: Select from the Tools buttons using the
Arrow keys, then , or selecting Quik-Key™ [S].
Step 3:Prompt Screen 1 Lists the following Options:
[A]lpha – Alphanumeric serialization
Num[1] – Single digit numeric serialization
Num[2] – Two digit numeric serialization
Num[3] – Three digit numeric serialization
Select by using Quik-key™ [bracketed] key or .
Step 4:Prompt Screen 2 – Prefix Text
Allows user to define text string to appear before
serialization. Eight (8) characters allowed. Press to
continue.
Step 5: Prompt Screen 3 – Start of serialization
User defines start value for serialization. Press to
continue.
Step 6:Prompt Screen 4 – End of serialization
User defines end value for serialization, alpha or numeric.
Press to continue.
Step 7:Prompt Screen 5 – Increment
User defines incrementing value of serialization.
Example; 1, 2, 3. Press to continue.

SERIALIZATION TOOL
19
Step 8: Prompt Screen 6 – Next serialization / Options
Press [N] for next serialization or to complete and return
to HOME screen. Viper™ allows up to four (4) serializations
per line per tool.
Press [O] for Options – Included options are:
a) Span
[L]ine – Places serialization on the next line of the
same label.
[P]age – Places serialization on the next page of the
eight available pages.
La[b]el – Places serialization on the next
label.
b) Serialize as
[T]ext – Print the serialization as text.
[B]ar Code – Print the serialization as a bar
code, using the default bar code settings.
c) Text Options [S]ize, S[t]yle, [J]ustify, [O]rient – See
Text Tool Page 17
SERIAL TOOL HELP
Help can be accessed at any time while in the Serial Tool by pressing .
Note: If Serial Tool is chosen and no characters are entered, the printer
default is to set up a blank tool on the screen.