Postek Q8 User manual

Q8 Series User’s Manual
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FCC Notice
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment may generate, use and/or radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in full accordance with this
User’s Manual, interference to radio communications may occur. This equipment complies with the limits for a Class A
Information Technology Equipment pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area may also cause interference. In such case the user, at his/her expense, will be required to correct the
interference using whatever means necessary.
Trademarks
POSTEK is a registered trademark by POSTEK Electronics Co., Ltd.
Microsoft, Windows are registered trademarks by Microsoft Corporation.
Copyright
© 2011 by POSTEK Electronics Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual cannot be reproduced
in any form without the prior written permission of POSTEK. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the
information contained herein.
POSTEK Q8 Barcode Label Printer User’s Manual
1st edition Jan. 2011
Disclaimer
This manual has been validated and reviewed for accuracy. The instructions and descriptions it contains are accurate for the
Postek Q8 Label Printer at the time of this manual’s printing. However, succeeding printers and manuals are subject to
change without notice. Postek assumes no liability for damages incurred directly or indirectly from errors, omissions or
discrepancies between the printer and this manual.
Although this manual describes and details many issues, which could possibly occur, the manufacturer cannot warrant
against unpredictable conditions during the printing process. For problems such as the printer not working, lost or unclear
print content, etc., the manufacturer and resellers are responsible for correcting these issues (according to Postek Printer
Warranty Clauses). In no event shall the manufacturer or the resellers involved be liable for any damages whatsoever
including without limitation; damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or
other pecuniary loss arising from the use of this product.

Q8 Series User’s Manual
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Important Safety Instructions
♦Only qualified and trained authorized POSTEK service providers should attempt to disassemble or repair the printer.
Incorrect disassembling of the product or its power adaptor may cause an electronic short, human injury or printer
component damages.
♦Do not use a worn or damaged power cord as it could result in electric shock and personal injury. If the power cord
becomes damaged or frayed, replace it immediately.
♦Be sure that the output of the power adapter is 24VDC and your power source matches the rating listed on the power
adapter. Ensure the power source is grounded.
♦Do not insert anything into the ventilation slots or openings on the printer.
♦The printer and power adapter should never be operated in a location where either one can get wet. Personal injury may
result.
♦The Printhead becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the Printhead and risk of personal injury, avoid
touching it.
♦To obtain increased Printhead longevity and higher quality output, always use quality labels, tags and thermal transfer
ribbons. Check for quality supplies with a POSTEK reseller.
♦Static electricity that accumulates on the surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the
Printhead or electronic components in this device. DO NOT touch the Printhead or the electronic components with bare
hands.
♦Place the printer on a flat, firm, solid surface.
Warnings:
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be
required to take adequate measures (see FCC Notice).
Static electricity that accumulates on the surface of the human body or other objects can damage the print head or electronic
components in the V6 printer. Observe proper electrostatic safety precautions when handling.
♦Power off the printer when not in use for extended periods of time.
♦Never operate in a high temperature environment.
♦Follow all recommendations and setup instructions included in this manual.

Q8 Series User’s Manual
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Table of Contents
Preface ...............................................................................................................................................................................1
Important Notice, Read Me First!.......................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1: Introduction...................................................................................................................................................2
Technical Specifications......................................................................................................................................................2
Printer Specifications..................................................................................................................................................2
Power Adapter Specifications .....................................................................................................................................3
Contents of Box ..................................................................................................................................................................3
Packing List ................................................................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Setup and Use ................................................................................................................................................5
Setting up the Printer...........................................................................................................................................................5
Main Parts and Structures ...........................................................................................................................................5
Connecting the Printer ................................................................................................................................................7
Interface Connection...................................................................................................................................................8
Loading the Media ....................................................................................................................................................12
Peel-off Mode ...........................................................................................................................................................16
Cutting Mode............................................................................................................................................................18
Adjusting the Position of Media Sensor....................................................................................................................19
Chapter 3: Operations and Settings..............................................................................................................................24
Basic Operations...............................................................................................................................................................24
Power Switch ............................................................................................................................................................24
The Front Panel.........................................................................................................................................................24
Advanced Operations........................................................................................................................................................25
Media Sensor Calibration..........................................................................................................................................25
Self Test.....................................................................................................................................................................25
Reset to Factory Default Settings..............................................................................................................................26
DIP Switch Panel ......................................................................................................................................................26
Windows Driver and PosLabel Software..................................................................................................................27
Chapter 4: Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................28
Cleaning the Printhead......................................................................................................................................................28
Cleaning the Platen Roller ................................................................................................................................................28
Cleaning the Printer Interior .............................................................................................................................................29
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................................30
Error Indicators.................................................................................................................................................................30
Miscellaneous ...................................................................................................................................................................31
Vertical Blank Lines Appear .....................................................................................................................................31
Printer Timeout Error Message.................................................................................................................................31
Data Sent but Not Printing........................................................................................................................................31
Poor Printing Quality................................................................................................................................................31
Recovery...................................................................................................................................................................32
Appendix A: IO Interface Specifications......................................................................................................................33
RS232 Serial Interface ......................................................................................................................................................33
Appendix B: ASCII Table ..............................................................................................................................................34

Preface Q8 Series User’s Manual
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Preface
Your POSTEK Q8 barcode label printer provides many outstanding features to enjoy. The POSTEK Q8 is compact, versatile,
and easy to use. It supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing methods, and employs an unparalleled print
engine that reduces noise and enhances durability.
This manual explains how to set up and begin using your POSTEK Q8 printer. It also provides detailed information on
configuring your Q8 printer, basic operations, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Please read this manual carefully and completely before using the POSTEK Q8 printer.
Important Notice, Read Me First!
A thermal Printhead can be easily damaged due to its precision construction. A Printhead damaged due to misuse is not
covered under the terms of the warranty. To ensure longevity of the Printhead, please note the following:
♦DO NOT scrape, or use tools that might damage the Printhead surface.
♦To protect from corroding the Printhead, DO NOT touch the Printhead with bare hands.
♦DO NOT use thermal paper or thermal transfer ribbon, which contains Na, K or Cl.
♦Keep Printhead away from any liquid or dampness.
♦Use a cotton swab dipped in anhydrous isopropyl alcohol to clean the Printhead only.
♦Always use high-quality consumables:
-When the Printhead module is closed, pressure is placed directly onto the Printhead; dirt such as paper scraps, sand,
dust and glue can scrape or damage the Printhead.
-The Printhead is also easily damaged by static electricity, which may be generated by poor quality ribbons. Always
inspect consumables for quality before purchasing.

Q8 Series User’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction
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Chapter 1: Introduction
Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications
Mode Q8/200 Q8/300
Printing method Direct Thermal & Thermal Transfer
Printing resolution 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) 300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm)
Max printing speed 4 ips (101.6 mm/s) 3 ips (76.2 mm/s)
Max printing width 4.25″(108 mm) 4.17″(106 mm)
Max printing length 157″ (3987.8 mm) 79” (2006.6 mm)
Memory 2 MB FLASH ROM, 8 MB SDRAM
Media
Roll-feed, die-cut, continuous, tags, tickets in plain paper or thermal paper
Width：4.33″(110 mm) max., .98″(25 mm) min.
Supply roll: OD 5″ (127 mm) max., ID 1″ (25.4 mm) min.
Thickness: 0.003″～0.006″(0.08～0.15 mm), including liner
Ribbon
Wax, Wax/Resin, Resin
Ribbon roll: OD 3″ (76.2 mm) max., ID 1″ (25.4 mm) core
Max width: 4.33” (110 mm); Max length: 360’(100 M)
Fonts Five built-inASCII fonts; Optional multiple language fonts
Bar Code Types
1D Barcode : Code 39, Code 93, Code 128/subsetA,B,C, Codabar, Interleave 2 of 5, UPCA/E
2 and 5 add-on, EAN-13/8/128, UCC-128.
2D Barcode : MaxiCode, PDF417, Data Matrix.
Media sensor Reflective
Interfaces RS-232 Serial, USB
Power rating 24 VDC Power adapter
Weight 5.29lbs (2.4 kgs)
Dimensions W 8.27” x D 10.04” x H 5.9” (W 210 x D 255 x H 150 mm)
Operation
environment Temperature: 32°F ~ +104°F (0°C ~ 40°C)
Relative humidity: 5% - 85% non condensing
Storage
environment
Temperature: -40°F ~ +140°F (-40°C ~ 60°C)
Relative humidity: 5% - 85% non condensing
Optional items Guillotine Cutter, Peeler Kit, External Rewinder

Q8 Series User’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction
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PowerAdapter Specifications
Input
AC 100 ~ 240 V, 47 ~ 63 Hz
Output
DC 24V, 2.0A
Environment
32°F ~ 104°F (0°C ~ 40°C)
Contents of Box
Inspect the shipping carton(s) for possible shipping damage, if damage is discovered, notify the shipping company to
report the nature and extent of the damage.
Please check the items according to the Packing List. If there are any items missing, notify your authorized reseller.
Packing List
Quick Start Guide 1 pc
Q8 Printer 1 pc
Power Adapter 1 pc
USB interface cable 1 pc
Media Spindle 1 pc
Media Roll Guides 2 pc
Warranty card 1 pc
CD-ROM pack 1 pc
Sample Media Roll 1 pc
Sample Ribbon 1 pc
Note: CD-ROM pack includes the Q8 printer driver, PosLabel software, Q8 User’s Guide and the Programming Manual.

Q8 Series User’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction
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Figure 1: Printer and Accessories
Printer
Power Adapter
Media
CD Rom
Media Roll Guide
Quick Start Guide
Ribbon
Sample Media

Chapter 3: Setup and Use Q8 Series User’s Manual
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Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Setting up the Printer
Before setting up the printer consider the following:
1. Make sure there is adequate space around the printer for loading consumables and proper ventilation.
2. Make sure the printer is close to the host so the interface cable is easily accessible at either end.
Main Parts and Structures
Figure 2
1．READY Indicator 4．PAUSE Button 7．Media Exit
2．MEDIA Indicator 5．FEED Button 8．Cover Handle
3．RIBBON Indicator 6．CANCEL Button 9．Observation Window
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9
3
1
2
4
5
6
7

Chapter 3: Setup and Use Q8 Series User’s Manual
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Figure 3
1．Ribbon Take-up 4．Printhead Module Plate 7．Media Compartment
2．Printhead Bracket 5．Ribbon Release Knobs
3．Handle 6．Ribbon Supply
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2
3
4
5
7
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