Phoenix Contact THERMOFOX User manual

User manual
Operating the THERMOFOX
thermal transfer printer

This user manual is valid for:
2016-08-05
Designation:
Revision:
Order No.:
PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01
Operating the THERMOFOX thermal transfer printer
User manual
UM EN THERMOFOX
01
–
Designation Version Order No.
THERMOFOX 0803984
THERMOFOX SET 0803986

THERMOFOX
4PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01
Please observe the following notes
Explanation of symbols used and signal words
How to contact us
Internet
Up-to-date information on Phoenix Contact products and our General Terms and
Conditions can be found on the Internet at:
phoenixcontact.com
Make sure you always use the latest documentation. It can be downloaded at:
phoenixcontact.net/products
Subsidiaries
If there are any problems that cannot be solved using the documentation, please
contact your Phoenix Contact subsidiary. Subsidiary contact information is avail-
able at:
phoenixcontact.com
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety measures that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
There are three different categories of personal injury that are indicated with a sig-
nal word.
DANGER This indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
WARNING This indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could re-
sult in death or serious injury.
CAUTION This indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could re-
sult in minor or moderate injury.
This symbol together with the signal word NOTE and the accompanying text alert
the reader to a situation which may cause damage or malfunction to the device,
hardware/software, or surrounding property.
This symbol and the accompanying text provide the reader with additional infor-
mation or refer to detailed sources of information.

106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 5
Published by
PHOENIX CONTACT GmbH & Co. KG
Flachsmarktstraße 8
32825 Blomberg
GERMANY
Should you have any suggestions or recommendations for improvement of
the contents and layout of our user manual, please send your comments to:
[email protected]
General Terms and Conditions of Use for technical documentation
Phoenix Contact reserves the right to alter, correct, and/or improve the technical documentation
and the products described in the technical documentation at its own discretion and without giv-
ing prior notice, insofar as this is reasonable for the user. The same applies to any changes that
serve the purpose of technical progress.
The receipt of technical documentation (in particular user documentation) does not constitute any
further duty on the part of Phoenix Contact to furnish information on modifications to products
and/or technical documentation. You are responsible for verifying the suitability and intended use
of the products in your specific application, in particular with regard to observing the applicable
standards and regulations. All information made available in the technical data is supplied without
any accompanying guarantee, whether expressly mentioned, implied or tacitly assumed.
In general, the provisions of the current General Terms and Conditions of Phoenix Contact apply
exclusively, in particular as concerns any warranty liability.
This user manual, including all illustrations contained herein, is copyright protected. Any changes
to the contents or the publication of extracts of this document is prohibited.
Phoenix Contact reserves the right to register its own intellectual property rights for the product
identifications of Phoenix Contact products that are used here. Registration of such intellectual
property rights by third parties is prohibited.
Other product identifications may be afforded legal protection, even where they may not be indi-
cated as such.

THERMOFOX
6PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01
Table of contents
1 For your safety ............................................................................................................7
1.1 Field of application.......................................................................7
1.2 Safety notes.................................................................................7
2 Starting up the printer .................................................................................................8
2.1 Checking the scope of supply......................................................8
2.2 Overview of the device ................................................................9
2.3 Connecting the power supply ....................................................10
2.4 Inserting the material cartridge ..................................................11
2.5 Switching on the device.............................................................11
3 Operating elements ..................................................................................................12
3.1 Display.......................................................................................14
3.2 Menu .........................................................................................16
4.1 Creating the marking on the display...........................................24
4.2 Creating the marking on the PC.................................................33
5.1 Cleaning ....................................................................................34
5.2 Troubleshooting.........................................................................36
5.3 Repairs ......................................................................................40
5.4 Firmware update........................................................................40
5.5 Disposal.....................................................................................40
6.1 Technical data ...........................................................................41
6.2 Ordering data for accessories....................................................42
6.3 Overview of the symbols............................................................43
6.4 Approvals ..................................................................................46

For your safety
106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 7
1 For your safety
1.1 Field of application
The THERMOFOX is a portable thermal transfer printer for industrial use. The
thermal transfer printer prints self-adhesive and non-adhesive labels and heat-
shrinkable tubes for marking electrical components. The THERMOFOX uses spe-
cial material cartridges that contain the material as well as the corresponding ink
ribbon. Only use material cartridges that are provided for the THERMOFOX by
Phoenix Contact.
1.2 Safety notes
Risk to operational reliability
Incorrect operation or modifications to the device can endanger your safety or
damage the printer. Do not repair the product yourself. If the device is defective,
please contact Phoenix Contact.
Explosion hazard, fire hazard, and health hazard if batteries are used incor-
rectly
– Only use dry batteries in a proper condition.
– Never damage the batteries (e.g., by throwing, pressing on the battery or using
sharp objects). Never expose the batteries to high levels of heat (e.g., caused
by fire or sunlight). Never let the batteries come in contact with moisture or salt
water.
– Pay attention to the correct polarity when inserting the batteries.
– Only charge the battery in the THERMOFOX or in the designated charger
(THERMOFOX/CHARGER, 0805012). Do not use any other chargers, e.g.,
cigarette lighter socket in the car.
– Temperature range when charging the battery: 0°C ... 45°C
– Store the battery separately in a dry and cool place.

THERMOFOX
8PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01
Damage to the device
– Do not operate the printer near high-voltage lines.
– Only operate the printer in a dry location protected from spray.
– Protect the printer and printing materials from humidity, moisture, and dirt.
– Only connect the printer to systems that have a protective extra low voltage.
– To operate the printer with connection to a mains power supply, only use the
provided wide range power supply unit (THERMOFOX/ADAPTER, 0805010).
2 Starting up the printer
2.1 Checking the scope of supply
THERMOFOX
– Printer
– Brief instructions
THERMOFOX SET
– Printer
– Battery (THERMOFOX/ACCU, 0805009)
– Wide range power supply unit with four adapters for different sockets
(THERMOFOX/ADAPTER, 0805010)
– USB cable
– Two material cartridges
– Vinyl polymer, 18 mm, white (MM-EMLF (EX18)R C1 WH/BK, 0803939)
– Polyamide, 18 mm, white (MM-EMLC (EX18)R C1 WH/BK, 0803936)
– DVD with driver and CLIP PROJECT Marking software. The DVD also con-
tains this user manual in several languages.
– User manual
Unpacking
•Check the printer for transport damage.

Starting up the printer
106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 9
2.2 Overview of the device
Figure 2-1 Overview
1Socket for USB connection
2Socket for power supply unit
3Cutter for continuous media
4Compartment for material cartridge
5Battery compartment
1
File 2
A/
A
3
A
A
/
4
A/A 5
A/A
6
A/A
7
Date 8
Time 9
Te m-
plate
0
A
Del./Back
Clear
LightFeed
Preview
ON/OFF
MenuPrint
Copies
A
@
F
(
K
P
$
U
.
F
G
)
L
Q
%
V
,
A/a
M
R
&
W
:
Z
S
X
“
Y
‘
Symbol
Char.
THERMOFOX
I
\
N
E
*
J
_
O
°
T
#
B
+
C
-
H
/
D
=
12
3
4
5

THERMOFOX
10 PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01
2.3 Connecting the power supply
The THERMOFOX can be supplied with power in different ways.
– Batteries (6x AA alkaline)
– AC wide range power supply unit (THERMOFOX/ADAPTER, 0805010)
– Battery (THERMOFOX/ACCU, 0805009)
If the THERMOFOX is connected to the power supply via the power supply unit, the
battery in the THERMOFOX is automatically charged. The battery can also be
charged using an external charger (THERMOFOX/CHARGER, 0805012).
Connecting the power supply unit
The THERMOFOX is designed for power grids from 100 to 240 V AC. Only con-
nect the THERMOFOX to sockets with a ground conductor contact.
Only use the provided wide range power supply unit
(THERMOFOX/ADAPTER, 0805010).
Figure 2-2 Mains connection
•Slightly tilt the relevant adapter and place it onto the front side of the power
supply unit and press the adapter down. To remove the adapter, pull the slider
on the base element in the direction of the cable.
•Insert the connecting cable of the power supply unit in the socket of the printer.
•Connect the power supply unit to a grounded socket with a ground conductor
contact.
A
B

Starting up the printer
106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 11
2.4 Inserting the material cartridge
Figure 2-3 Replacing the material cartridge
•Keeping the material cartridge straight, insert it into the compartment from
above so that it engages with a click.
Make sure that the material end is in the output tray.
•To remove the material cartridge, pull it upward while keeping it straight.
2.5 Switching on the device
•Switch on the printer using the green key.
•Press the green key until the display lights up.
NOTE: Damage to the printer and material cartridge
If the printer is not going to be used for a prolonged period of time, remove the
material cartridge from the printer.
ON/OFF
ON/OFF

THERMOFOX
12 PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01
3 Operating elements
Figure 3-1 Operating elements
1
File 2 A/A
3
A A /
4
A/A 5 A/A
6
A/A
7
Date 8 Time 9
Tem -
plate
0
AB
Del./Back
Clear
Light Feed
Preview
ON/OFF
Menu Print
Copies
A@
F(
K
P$
U.
F
B+
G)
L
Q%
V
,
A/a
C-
H/
M
R&
W:
Z
D=
I\
N
S
X“
E*
J_
O°
T#
Y‘
Symbol
Char.
THERMOFOX
1
File 2 A/A
3
A A /
4
A/A 5 A/A
6
A/A
7
Date 8 Time 9
Te m -
plate
0
AB
Del./Back
Clear
Light Feed
Preview
ON/OFF
Menu Print
Copies
A@
F(
K
P$
U.
F
B+
G)
L
Q%
V
,
A/a
C-
H/
M
R&
W:
Z
D=
I\
N
S
X“
E*
J_
O°
T#
Y‘
Symbol
Char.
Operating elements
Green keys
On/off switch
Function key; uses the assignment labeled green when pressing a key (e.g., @
instead of A)
Black keys Function key pressed
Display lighting –
Material advance –
Preview of the print result –
Call menu
In a values selection, the value is accepted
and you are returned to the input screen
–
Start printing Multiple copy
ON/OFF
F
Light
Feed
Preview
Menu
Print
Copies

Operating elements
106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 13
Turquoise keys Function key pressed
Selection of templates –
Changes the text alignment (horizontal/verti-
cal)
–
Confirm entry, new line (up to six lines are
possible)
–
In the menu: back to the previous level
On the input screen: delete previous charac-
ter
On the input screen: delete en-
tire contents
Switches between upper case and lower
case letters
–
Space –
Selection of symbols Selection of special characters,
e.g., â, È, ï, Ĉ
Gray keys Function key pressed
Num-
bers
Entering numbers 0 – 9 1 = file
2 = font size
3 = narrow
4 = bold
5 = italic
6 = underline
7 = date
8 = time
Letters Letters A - Z Selects the assignment labeled
green
Arrow
keys
Line change, navigating in the menu
Operating elements
Tem-
plate
AB
Del./Back
Clear
A/a
Symbol
Char.

THERMOFOX
14 PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01
3.1 Display
The first line in the display shows the settings selected.
Examples of the first line in the display
“F” indicates that the green function key has been pressed. The function key
is used to switch to the assignment labeled green when pressing a key (e.g., @
instead of A).
Indicates whether upper case or lower case letters are used. Can be switched
using the turquoise key.
     
F
A/a

Operating elements
106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 15
Indicates the selected line height in mm. The “A” stands for “auto”. The line height
is adjusted according to the space available.
Can be switched using number key “2” if the function key has been activated si-
multaneously. To set the desired height in mm, press number key “2” several
times (Auto Size, 2 mm ... 22 mm).
Text alignment in both directions (horizontal or vertical as well as right-aligned,
left-aligned or centered)
The turquoise button can be used to switch between text alignments. The text
alignment switches in the following order:
1. horizontal – centered
2. vertical – centered
3. horizontal – right-aligned
4. vertical – right-aligned
5. horizontal – left-aligned
6. vertical – left-aligned
1. ...
Text format (bold, italic, narrow, underline). Can be switched using the number
keys if the function key has been activated simultaneously.
3 = narrow, 4 = bold, 5 = italic, 6 = underline
Print layouts for specific requirements (e.g., for terminal blocks or cables)
– Rows of labels with a fixed width (“Mod”, see Section 4.1.5)
– Cable marking (“CWr”, see Section 4.1.6)
– Cable flags (“CFL”, see Section 4.1.7)
State of power supply
Examples of the first line in the display
     
AB

THERMOFOX
16 PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01
3.2 Menu
Use the arrow keys to navigate through the menu. Press the  key to select an entry
and to go back.
Changing the language
The menu is set to English by default. To change the language, proceed as follows:
•Press the black key.
•Select “A. Setup”. Press the key.
•Select “1. Language”. Press the key.
•Select a language.
•Press the key to select an entry. Go back with or key.
Del./Back
Clear
Menu
Del./Back
Clear Menu
Table 3-1 Menu
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description
1. File 1. Save Save marking
2. Load Load stored marking (1 to 20 files)
3. Print Print stored marking
4. Delete Delete stored marking
2. Font 1. Size Auto Size Font is adjusted according to
space available
2 mm ... 22 mm Font size in mm ABC
2. Style 1. Bold Bold ABC
2. Italic Italic ABC
3. Narrow Narrow ABC
4. Underline Underline ABC
5. Mirror Mirrored

Operating elements
106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 17
3. Symbol Punctuation Punctuation marks ! " #
General symbols General symbols § © ®
Units Units $ £ ¢
Electr. General Electrical symbols 8 6 
Electr. Comp. Electrical components
Home Electrics Home electrics
Safety Signs Safety symbols
Superscript Superscript characters - +
Subscript Subscript characters  - +
Arrows Arrows   
Greek Upper Case Greek upper case letters ΑΒΓΔ
Greek Lower Case Greek lower case letters αβγδ
Mathematical Mathematical symbols   
4. Orienta-
tion
1. Horizontal Horizontal text alignment ABC
2. Vertical Vertical text alignment
ABC
5. Align-
ment
1. Left Left-aligned text ABC
2. Center Centered text ABC
3. Right Right-aligned text ABC
Table 3-1 Menu [...]
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description

THERMOFOX
18 PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01
6. Frame 1. No Frame No frame
2. Dotted Frame, dashed line
3. Thin Frame, thin line
4. Medium Frame, standard line
5. Thick Frame, thick line
7. Margin 1. Least
Width from right and left
margin
1 mm
2. Small 2 mm
3. Medium 5 mm
4. Large 10 mm
5. Text-equal All margins are adjusted evenly ac-
cording to the text size
6. User Set Set fixed width from right and left
margin (1 mm ... 400 mm)
8. Length 1. Auto Length The length of the printed text de-
pends on the marking and the mar-
gin set
2. User Set Set fixed length (4 mm ... 400 mm)
Table 3-1 Menu [...]
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description

Operating elements
106986_en_01 PHOENIX CONTACT 19
9. Template 1. Normal Empty template
2. Barcode Barcode
Type
Code 39,
Code 128,
Interleaved
2/5,
Codabar,
EAN-8,
EAN-13,
EAN-128,
UPC-A
You can implement Micro-QR-
Code, DataMatrix and PDF417 via
CLIP PROJECT
Width Small, Me-
dium,
Large
Barcode width
Display
Text
No, Yes The text encrypted in the barcode
is displayed below the barcode.
Check
Code
No, Yes A check digit is added, if required
3. Sequence StaVal Start value of a sequence of num-
bers (2 = 2, 3 ...)
IncVal Increment of a sequence of num-
bers (2 = 2, 4, 6...)
EndVal Final value of a sequence of num-
bers (5 = ... 3, 4, 5)
Prefix Prefix of a sequence of numbers
(-X = -X1, -X2...)
Suffix Suffix of a sequence of numbers
(-X = 1-X, 2-X...)
Copies Repetitions (2 = 1, 1, 2, 2...)
Table 3-1 Menu [...]
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description

THERMOFOX
20 PHOENIX CONTACT 106986_en_01
9. Template 4. Module Total Number of modules,
[1 ... 64] one line, [1 ... 32] two lines
Pitch Width for each module, pitch
Factor Factor for the width
SepLine Dotted,
Thin, Me-
dium,
Thick, Off
Separator line
Orient. Hor., Ver. Text alignment of the module: hori-
zontal or vertical
5. Cable Wrap Horizon-
tal
Auto
Length
Length of the cable marking is ad-
justed according to space avail-
able
User Set User-defined length of the cable
marking (4 mm ... 400 mm)
Vertical Diameter Diameter of the cable
(4 mm ... 100 mm)
Cross sec-
tion
Cross section of the cable
(0.25 mm²/AWG 22 ...
50 mm²/AWG 0)
Table 3-1 Menu [...]
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Description