Postek V8i User manual


V8i User’s Manual
i
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
© 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 V8i Portable Label Printer User’s Manual
1st edition Oct. 2016
Disclaimer
This manual has been validated and reviewed for accuracy. The instructions and descriptions it contains are accurate for
POSTEK V8i Label Printer at the time of this manual’s printing. However, succeeding printers and manuals are subjected to
change without notice. POSTEK assumes no liability for damages incurred directly or indirectly from errors, omissions or
discrepancies between printers 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, printing content
lost or printing quality poor, etc., contact the manufacturer or an authorized service providers for appropriate corrective
measures (in compliance with the POSTEK printer’s warranty). In no event shall the manufacturer or 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 losses) arising from the use of, the results of use or inability to use this
product, even if the manufacturer has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

V8i User’s Manual
ii
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 place the printer or the battery on or near a heat source. Do not load, unload or recharge the battery near a heat
source. Do not heat the battery with any heating devise. Do not discard V8i or its battery into fire.
If the printer or its battery is wet or broken, stop using it immediately and contact an authorized service provider.
Handle a charged battery properly. Do not touch the battery’s electrodes with conductors such as keys, metal or jewelry,
as this can cause injury. Use only POSTEK provided batteries.
In case of electrolyte leaks, do not rub eyes. If electrolyte contacts eyes, wash eyes immediately and thoroughly with
running water. Contact a doctor if needed.
If electrolyte spills on skin or clothes, rinse thoroughly with water.
To avoid getting an electric shock, do not use a worn or damaged power cord and avoid placing heavy objects on cord.
If the power cord becomes damaged or frayed, replace it immediately.
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 V8i printer. Observe proper electrostatic safety precautions when handling.
Power off the printer when not in use for extend periods.

V8i User’s Manual Table of Contents
iii
Table of Contents
Preface .......................................................................................................................................................................................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
Printer Setup .......................................................................................................................................................................5
Main Parts and Structures...........................................................................................................................................5
Connecting the Printer........................................................................................................................................................8
Windows Driver and Label Software..................................................................................................................................9
Using the Battery................................................................................................................................................................9
Installing the Battery.................................................................................................................................................10
Charging the Battery.................................................................................................................................................10
Installing the Ribbon.........................................................................................................................................................11
Installing a Media Roll .....................................................................................................................................................13
Reflective Media Sensor...................................................................................................................................................15
Media Sensor Calibration .................................................................................................................................................15
Chapter 3: Operations and Settings......................................................................................................................................16
Buttons..............................................................................................................................................................................17
Button Functions.......................................................................................................................................................17
LED Indicators..................................................................................................................................................................17
Power On..................................................................................................................................................................19
Power Off..................................................................................................................................................................19
Media Sensor Calibration .........................................................................................................................................19
Self Test ....................................................................................................................................................................20
Reset .........................................................................................................................................................................20
Other Settings ...........................................................................................................................................................20
Windows Driver and Label Software................................................................................................................................21
Working with Bluetooth....................................................................................................................................................22
Using Label Forms*..........................................................................................................................................................26
Chapter 4: Maintenance.........................................................................................................................................................27
Cleaning the Printhead......................................................................................................................................................27
Cleaning the Cutter...........................................................................................................................................................27
Cleaning the Platen Roller................................................................................................................................................28
Cleaning the Printer Interior .............................................................................................................................................28
Cleaning the Media Sensor...............................................................................................................................................28
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................................29

V8i User’s Manual Table of Contents
iv
Error Indicator ..................................................................................................................................................................29
Miscellaneous...................................................................................................................................................................30
Vertical Blank Lines Appear.....................................................................................................................................30
Printer Timeout Error Message.................................................................................................................................30
Data Sent but Not Printing........................................................................................................................................30
Poor Printing Quality................................................................................................................................................31
Appendix 1: ASCII Table.......................................................................................................................................................32

V8i User’s Manual Preface
1
Preface
Your POSTEK V8i barcode label printer provides many outstanding features to enjoy. It is a versatile and portable printer
allowing for one-the-spot label creation or by downloading label forms previously created using label software with the
capacity to store hundreds of forms for easy retrieval. The V8i also has Bluetooth built in, providing an optimal solution
for managing off-site label printing applications. The printer supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing
methods, has many ease-of-use features, is lightweight, weighing only 1.2 kgs, and is powered by a long lasting Lithium ion
rechargeable battery.
This manual explains how to set up and begin using your POSTEK V8i printer. It also provides detailed information on
configuring your V8i printer, basic operations, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Please read this manual carefully and completely before using the POSTEK V8i printer.

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction
2
Chapter 1: Introduction
Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications
Mode
V8i
Printing method
Thermal Transfer
Printing resolution
203 dpi (8 dots/mm)
Max printing width
1.89″(48 mm)
Max printing length
39.37″(1,000 mm)
Memory
8MB FLASH ROM, 16MB SDRAM
Media
Width: 2.2″(56 mm) max., 0.39″(10 mm)
OD: 3″(76.2 mm) max., ID: 1″(25.4 mm) min.
Label thickness (includes liner)
0.0023″ ~ 0.006″(0.06 mm ~ 0.15 mm)
Ribbon
Max width: 2.0″(51 mm); Max length: 82′(25 m)
OD 1″(25.4 mm) max., ID 0.5″(12.7 mm)
Ink side: Out
Media sensor
Reflective
Bar Code types
1D Barcodes: Code 39, Code 93, Code 128/subsetA, B, C, Codebar, Interleave 2
of 5, UPCA/E 2 and 5 add-on, EAN-13/8/128, UCC-128
2D Barcodes: MaxiCode, PDF417, Data Matrix, QR Code
Interfaces
USB DEVICE, Bluetooth V4.0
Battery
7.4V 2200mAh Lithium ion rechargeable battery
Weight
2.64 lbs (1.2 kgs) including battery
Dimensions
W 5.12 x D 10.3 x H 4.02 inches
(W 130 x D 262 x H 102 mm)
Operation environment
Temperature: 32F ~ +104F
(0C ~ 40C)
Relative humidity: 5% - 85% non condensing
Storage environment
Temperature: 1 month: -4F ~ +140F (-20C ~ +60C)
3 months: -4F ~ +113F (-20C ~ +45C)
> 1 year: -4F ~ +77F (-20C ~ +25C)
Relative humidity: 5% ~ 85% non condensing
Optional items*
Manual Cutter, Hand Holding Strap
* Some optional items may require a minimum quantity purchase or factory installation.

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction
3
PowerAdapter Specifications
Input
AC 100 ~ 240 V, 47 ~ 63 Hz
Output
DC 9V, 4.0A
Environment
32F ~ 104F (0C ~ 40C)
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
V8i Printer
1 pc
Power Adapter
1 pc
USB interface cable
1 pc
Lithium ion rechargeable battery
1 pc
Media Spindle
1 pc
Media Roll Guide
1 pc
Sample Media Roll
1 pc
Sample Ribbon
1 pc
V8i Quick Start Guide
1 pc
Shoulder Strap
1 pc
CD-ROM pack*
1 pc
*Note: CD-ROM pack includes V8i printer driver, label software, User’s Manual and Programming Manual.

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction
4
Figure 1-1: Printer and Components
V8i Printer
Media Roll Guide
Shoulder Strap
Sample Media
Ribbon
CD-ROM
Media Spindle
Battery
Quick Start Guide
Power Adaptor
USB Cable

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Printer Setup
Main Parts and Structures
Figure 2-1
1. Status Indicator
2. Charge Indicator
3. DC Power Indicator
4. Cover
5. Locking Lever
6. Cutter Handle (the Manual Cutter is an optional item)
7. Ribbon Cartridge
8. Power Switch
9. Feed Button
10. Pause Button
11. Cancel Button
5
4
1
2
3
7
9
10
11
8
6

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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Figure 2-2
1. Media Spindle
2. Media Roll Guide
3. Ribbon Take-Up
4. Ribbon Supply
1
2
3
4

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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Figure 2-3
1. USB Interface
2. DC IN Port
3. Battery Pack
1
2
3
2

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
8
Connecting the Printer
Warnings:
(1) Using the wrong power adapter will cause damage to your printer. POSTEK assumes no liability for any damage in
such cases. The output for the printer is DC 9V.
(2) Do not operate the printer or the battery near heat sources, liquids or corrosive chemicals.
1. Connect the power cord to the power adapter.
2. Connect the power adapter’s DC output plug to the DC IN port on the side of the printer.
3. Plug the power cord into an electrical socket outlet.
Interface Connection
There are two interfaces that can be used to establish the communications between the V8i printer with a device (e.g a
computer), which can send out data of the print tasks.
The USB DEVICE interface: the V8i has a USB 2.0 port that enable a USB cable to connect printer with the
appropriate port on computer.
Note: Before connecting the V8i to a computer via the USB cable, make sure that the driver has been correctly
installed on this computer. If you would use this computer to handle the print task, please install and use the label
software that provided with the CD-ROM (see the next section: Windows Driver and Label Software). Please only
use the original USB cable provided with your printer’s package to connect the printer with your computer.
The wireless Bluetooth connection for short distance: the V8i provides a Bluetooth 4.0 port that supports virtual
Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP) service for data transfer.
1. Bluetooth Device*
Device name
V8i_xxxxxx
Initial password
1234
*Note: the device name and initial password can be edited.
2. Bluetooth connection
Specification
Bluetooth 4.0
Frequency
2.4GHz
Range
Class2 (10m)
Service
SPP
Class of Device (COD)**
1F 00
**Note: the PC will not be able to connect with V8i if the COD is not correctly set up.

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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3. Configuration
Rate
38400bps (constant)
Data
format
Start bit
1 bit
Data length
8 bits
parity
none
Stop bit
1 bit
Windows Driver and Label Software
The V8i printer driver is packaged with the printer in the CD-ROM pack, and is compatible with the following operating
systems:
Windows 10
Windows ME
Windows 8
Windows 2003
Windows 7
Windows 2000
Windows Vista
Windows 98
Windows XP
Windows 95
Windows NT
Drivers can also be downloaded from www.postektechnologies.com
Note: Before updating a driver, always first remove the old version(s) that may be loaded on your computer.
Each V8i printer comes with a powerful barcode label editing software which is on the CD-ROM supplied with
the printer.
Using the Battery
Warnings:
(1) Be sure to read the Important Safety Instructions section in this manual before using the battery.
(2) Using a battery other than the one supplied with the V8i may cause fire, explosion, leakage or other dangers. Using
an improper or damaged battery may cause fire, explosion or other dangers.
(3) Follow local regulations for proper disposal or recycling of the battery.

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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Installing the Battery
1. Place the battery into the V8i as shown (Figure 2-4)
2. Firmly slide the battery to the left until you hear a click (Figure 2-5)
Figure 2-4
Figure 2-5
Charging the Battery
Note: The battery is shipped uncharged. Please fully charge the battery for about eight hours before use.
Insert the battery into the V8i and charge it by connecting the printer to a power supply using its Power Adaptor.
The V8i can be switched on under its working status while battery charging apart from the first charge.
Click
Battery Lock Lever
Battery Release Lever

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
11
Installing the Ribbon
Warnings:
(1) The V8i supports ribbons with ink on the outside only.
(2) Always install a ribbon with the ink side facing outwards. The ink side of the ribbon must face the media and NOT
the Printhead.
1. Push the Locking Lever that located on the bottom right side of the printer to the unlocked position.
2. Remove the Ribbon Cartridge from the printer by sliding it out (Figure 2-6).
3. Unpack and load the ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply side, making sure to align the Guide Wheel Ridge with the
grooves in the ribbon core (Figure 2-7).
4. Load the leading edge of the ribbon to the ribbon core in the ribbon take-up area.
5. Turn the Guide Wheel on the left side of the core to smooth out the ribbon (Figure 2-8).
6. Insert the loaded ribbon cartridge into the printer.
7. Push the Locking Lever to the locked position to close the Printhead and lock the ribbon cartridge in place.
Figure 2-6
Locking Lever

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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Figure 2-7
Figure 2-8
Turn the Guide Wheel to tighten the ribbon
Ribbon Core Grooves
Guide Wheel Ridge
Guide Wheel
Pressure Plate

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
13
Installing a Media Roll
Warnings:
(1) Regardless of how labels are wound, which is inward or outward, always load the media roll with labels facing
down.
(2) Don’t forget to perform a Media Calibration after every media loading.
1. With the printer turned off and the Locking Lever in the Locked position, open the printer’s top cover (Figure 2-9)
and remove the Media Spindle and Media Roll Guide (Figure 2-10) from the media compartment.
2. Load a Media Roll, with labels facing down, onto the Media Spindle.
3. Slide the Media Roll Guide onto the Media Spindle from the right side with its smooth surface facing towards the
media (Figure 2-11).
4. Insert the assembled unit back into the media compartment.
5. Lead the media above the two supporting rods, and follow the media path on the side wall (Figure 2-12); push the
labels inward as far as possible.
6. Slide the Media Guide close to the edge of media to avoid any drifting; but to note that it cannot be too tight to
hinder media feeding.
7. Power on the printer and press Feed to feed the media and ensure proper tracking.
8. Always perform a media calibration after each new roll of labels has been installed. (See Media Sensor
Calibration).
Figure 2-9

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
14
Figure 2-10
Figure 2-11
Figure 2-12
Media Spindle
Media Roll
Load media according to path indicated
by small arrows on side wall
Media Roll Guide

V8i User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
15
Figure 2-13
Reflective Media Sensor
The V8i employs a non-adjustable Reflective media sensor positioned on the left side of the unit. The media sensor will
automatically detect the media’s gaps, black marks or notches after a successful media calibration (see Media Sensor
Calibration).
If you use customized labels with black marks for notches, ensure they are positioned on the left side of the media, and
the black marks or notches are no less than 3 mm from the edge of the media.
Media Sensor Calibration
A Media Sensor Calibration is necessary after each new roll of media has been loaded. After loading media, turn the
printer on, press and hold for 4 seconds, the V8i printer will feed several labels, then the media sensor
calibration is completed.
Table of contents
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