Summa DC4 User manual
FCC NOTICE
The DC 4 has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. The DC4 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 the DC4 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.
CAUTION !
Changes or modifications, not expressly approved by Summa, who is responsible
for FCC compliance, could void the user authority to operate this equipment.
DOC NOTICE
The DC4 does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise for digital apparatus
set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE)
DIRECTIVE
Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
The symbol (right) is shown on this product. It indicates that the
product should not be disposed of with regular household waste,
but should be disposed of separately.
Electrical and electronic equipment can contain materials that are
hazardous to the environment and human health and therefore
should be disposed of at a designated waste facility or returned to
your retailer for the appropriate recycling to take place.
If you wish to dispose of this product and the product still functions, please
consider recycling/reusing it by donating it to a charity shop, selling it or part-
exchanging it with your retailer.
NOTICE
Summa reserves the right to modify the information contained in this User Manual at
any time without prior notice. Unauthorized copying, modification, distribution or
display is prohibited. All rights reserved. All inquiries, comments or suggestions
concerning this and other Summa manuals should be directed to:
North America and Asia
Pacific Eastern United States
and Latin America Europe, Africa and
Middle East
Summa, Inc
10001 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
USA
Main Office
+1 206.527.1050
+1 800.527.7788
Fax
+1 206.527.1046
Support
Sales
Web Site
www.summausa.com
Summa East, Inc
222 Jubilee Drive
Peabody, MA 01960
USA
Main Office
+1 781.233.7494
+1 800.527.1050
Fax
+1 781.233.7495
Support
Sales
Web Site
www.summausa.com
Summa, bvba
Rochesterlaan 6
B-8470 GISTEL
Belgium
Main Office
+32 (0)59 270011
Fax
+32 (0)59 270063
Support
Sales
Web Site
www.summa.be
©Copyright 2006, Summa bvba.
TOC-i Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................. Page
1INSTALLATION OF THE DC4............................................ 1-1
1.1 UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS................................................................. 1-1
1.1.1 ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES............................................................. 1-4
1.1.2 PART NUMBERS FOR ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES ...................... 1-5
1.2 PRINTER PARTS AND LOCATIONS....................................................... 1-7
1.2.1 FRONT SIDE............................................................................................. 1-7
1.2.2 REAR SIDE ............................................................................................... 1-9
1.3 IDEAL OPERATING ENVIRONMENT.................................................... 1-10
1.4 POWERING ON THE DC4...................................................................... 1-11
1.4.1 GROUNDING .......................................................................................... 1-11
1.4.2 POWER-ON PROCEDURE..................................................................... 1-12
1.5 CONNECTING THE PRINTER TO A COMPUTER................................. 1-13
1.5.1 USB CONNECTION................................................................................ 1-13
1.5.2 PARALLEL CONNECTION .................................................................... 1-13
1.6 MEDIA HANDELING............................................................................... 1-14
1.6.1 LOADING MEDIA.................................................................................... 1-14
1.6.2 CHANGING MEDIA WIDTH.................................................................... 1-17
1.6.3 USING MEDIA TAKE-UP ROLLERS...................................................... 1-18
1.6.4 UNLOADING THE MEDIA. ..................................................................... 1-19
1.6.5 USING THE MEDIA BASKET................................................................. 1-19
1.6.6 PREPARING THE DC4 FOR LONG PRINT-OUTS................................ 1-20
1.6.6.1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................. 1-20
1.6.6.2 PROCEDURE...................................................................................... 1-20
1.7 LOADING RIBBON CASSETTES .......................................................... 1-21
1.7.1 LOADING AND REMOVING THE CASSETTES.................................... 1-21
1.7.2 REFILLING RIBBON CASSETTES........................................................ 1-22
1.8 CONTOUR CUTTING KNIFE INSTALLATION....................................... 1-24
DC4 User’s Manual
Table of Contents TOC-ii
SECTION 2.................................................................................. 1-1
2OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS........................................... 2-1
2.1. THE CONTROL PANEL............................................................................ 2-1
2.1.1 THE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY............................................................ 2-1
2.1.2 THE AND KEY.................................................................. 2-2
2.1.3 THE ARROW KEYS ...................................................................... 2-2
2.1.4 THE KEY....................................................................................... 2-2
2.1.5 THE KEY........................................................................................ 2-2
2.2. MENU STRUCTURE OVERVIEW............................................................. 2-3
2.2.1 MAIN MENU.............................................................................................. 2-3
2.2.1.1 PRINTER MENU.................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.1.2 REPRINT JOB ....................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.1.3 CUTTER MENU..................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.1.4 SYSTEM SETUP ...................................................................................2-4
2.2.1.5 SELECT USER CONFIGURATION....................................................... 2-4
2.2.1.6 SHUT DOWN…. .................................................................................... 2-5
2.2.1.7 RESET ................................................................................................... 2-5
2.2.2 PRINTER MENU ....................................................................................... 2-6
2.2.2.1 RIBBON STATUS .................................................................................. 2-7
2.2.2.2 DENSITY................................................................................................ 2-7
2.2.2.3 PRINT SPEED....................................................................................... 2-8
2.2.2.4 DOUBLE DENSITY................................................................................2-8
2.2.2.5 DOT OVERLAP...................................................................................... 2-8
2.2.2.6 COLOR OFFSET ................................................................................... 2-8
2.2.2.7 SCRATCHGUARD................................................................................. 2-9
2.2.2.8 OPTITRAC COLOR ............................................................................... 2-9
2.2.2.9 OPTITRAC.............................................................................................2-9
2.2.2.10 CALIBRATE LINEFEED......................................................................... 2-9
2.2.2.11 CALIBRATE PRINT & CUT.................................................................. 2-10
2.2.2.12 HEAD ALIGNMENT TEST................................................................... 2-11
2.2.2.13 CLEAN PRINTHEAD ........................................................................... 2-11
2.2.3 CUTTER MENU....................................................................................... 2-12
2.2.3.1 KNIFE PRESSURE..............................................................................2-12
2.2.3.2 KNIFE OFFSET ................................................................................... 2-13
2.2.3.3 VELOCITY ...........................................................................................2-13
2.2.3.4 OVERCUT............................................................................................ 2-13
2.2.3.5 DIN TEST............................................................................................. 2-14
2.2.3.6 LOAD OPOS MARKERS ..................................................................... 2-14
2.2.4 SETUP MENU ......................................................................................... 2-15
2.2.4.1 TAKE-UP ROLL................................................................................... 2-16
2.2.4.2 RIBBON SAVE.....................................................................................2-16
2.2.4.3 CALIBRATE MEDIA.............................................................................2-16
2.2.4.4 CALIBRATE PRINT & CUT.................................................................. 2-17
2.2.4.5 CALIBRATE OPOS..............................................................................2-17
2.2.4.6 CAL. TEMP. SENSORS....................................................................... 2-17
2.2.4.7 FIRMWARE REVISION ....................................................................... 2-17
User’s Manual DC4
TOC-iii Table of Contents
2.2.4.8 ROOM TEMPERATURE...................................................................... 2-18
2.2.4.9 COIL SETUP........................................................................................2-18
2.2.4.10 SHOW PRINTER USAGE.................................................................... 2-18
2.2.4.11 COPY USER CONFIG......................................................................... 2-18
2.2.4.12 PRINT DEMO FILE..............................................................................2-18
SECTION 3.................................................................................. 2-1
3GENERAL INFORMATION............................................... 3-1
3.1. MAINTENANCE & CLEANING................................................................. 3-1
3.1.1 CLEANING THE DRIVE SYSTEM............................................................ 3-1
3.1.2 CLEANING THE SENSOR........................................................................ 3-2
3.1.3 CLEANING PAD ....................................................................................... 3-3
3.1.4 CLEANING THE PRINTHEAD.................................................................. 3-4
3.1.5 CLEANING THE PRINTING SURFACE ................................................... 3-5
3.2. OPERATING VOLTAGE........................................................................... 3-6
SECTION 4.................................................................................. 3-1
4INTERFACE...................................................................... 4-1
4.1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.1 PARALLEL INTERFACE.......................................................................... 4-1
4.1.2 USB INTERFACE NOTES ........................................................................ 4-2
DC4 User’s Manual
Table of Contents TOC-iv
SECTION 5.................................................................................. 4-1
5PRINTING SOFTWARE ..................................................... 5-1
5.1. SUMMA COLORCONTROL ..................................................................... 5-1
5.1.1 INSTALLING HASP DRIVER FOR DONGLE........................................... 5-2
5.1.2 INSTALLING SUMMA COLORCONTROL............................................... 5-3
5.1.3 SUMMA COLORCONTROL (SCC) CONFIGURATION........................... 5-4
5.1.3.1 COLORCONTROL PREFERENCES..................................................... 5-4
5.1.3.2 PROCESS PREFERENCES.................................................................. 5-5
5.1.3.3 RIP PREFERENCES ............................................................................. 5-6
5.1.3.4 DC4 PREFERENCES............................................................................ 5-7
5.1.3.5 REPRINT PREFERENCES ................................................................... 5-8
5.1.4 HOW TO RIP AND PRINT ........................................................................ 5-9
5.1.4.1 GENERAL TAB......................................................................................5-9
5.1.4.2 COLOR TAB ........................................................................................ 5-10
5.1.4.3 SCREENING TAB................................................................................ 5-11
5.1.4.4 LAYOUT TAB....................................................................................... 5-14
5.1.4.5 ADVANCED TAB................................................................................. 5-15
5.1.5 HOW TO RIP,VIEW AND PRINT ............................................................ 5-18
5.2. PALETTE INSTALLER ........................................................................... 5-19
5.2.1 LAUNCHING PALETTE INSTALLER..................................................... 5-19
5.3. SUMMA PRINTER CONTROL................................................................ 5-20
5.3.1 INSTALLING SUMMA PRINTER CONTROL......................................... 5-20
5.3.2 SUMMA PRINTER CONTROL MENUS.................................................. 5-21
5.3.2.1 FILE MENU..........................................................................................5-21
5.3.2.2 VIEW MENU ........................................................................................5-21
5.3.2.3 CONFIGURATION MENU ................................................................... 5-22
5.3.2.4 SETTINGS MENU................................................................................5-22
5.3.2.5 TESTS MENU...................................................................................... 5-22
5.3.3 ACTION LIST .......................................................................................... 5-23
5.3.3.1 CONFIGURATION SETTINGS............................................................ 5-23
5.3.3.2 TOOL PROPERTIES ........................................................................... 5-23
5.3.3.3 INFO..................................................................................................... 5-24
5.3.3.4 USERS.................................................................................................5-24
SECTION 6.................................................................................. 5-1
6OPOS .............................................................................. 6-1
6.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 MAKING AND PRINTING THE DESIGN .................................................. 6-1
6.3 SETTING THE PARAMETERS AND LOADING TO CUT........................ 6-5
6.4 CUTTING THE CONTOUR ....................................................................... 6-6
1-1 General Information
1 INSTALLATION OF THE DC4
1.1 UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
The shipping box and any other items, used for packaging, must be saved in the
event the printer will need to be moved. Do not transport the DC4 without completely
repackaging it in the original packaging. For safety reasons, the unpacking of a DC4
must be done with at least 2 persons.
Before unpacking, make sure to have at least 6 meter of space at one side of the
box, because the printer will be rolled down a ramp
Remove the straps and open the flaps of the box, take out the 4 foam blocks. Then
remove the box from the pallet; this must be done in a room that is at least 2.5 meter
high.
Remove the protective bag then cut all the straps and cable ties. Next, set aside the
baskets, vinyl, take-up cores and the accessories box.
FIG 1-1
DC4 ON SHIPPING PALLET
The printer is secured to the base at each side with a bracket. Remove the 4 nuts
(#17mm) located at each side. Next, lift the brackets up and out by pulling the bottom
part backwards under the DC4, and then remove them.
DC4 User’s Manual
General Information 1-2
FIG 1-2
UNPACKING DC4 STAGE 2
Remove the two foam blocks from underneath the stand. Do this using the two
ramps, which are screwed to the pallet. Slide the ramp under the stand, closest to the
end with the foam suspension blocks. From this point on, two people ARE
REQUIRED for safety reasons. Lift the DC4 from each side, just high enough so the
foam blocks can be pulled out from underneath the DC4.
FIG 1-3
UNPACKING DC4 STAGE 3
User’s Manual DC4
1-3 General Information
Position the ramps so the printer can be rolled down from the pallet. Be sure the
wheels of the printer are aligned with the ramp legs.
FIG 1-4
UNPACKING DC4 FINAL STAGE 4
Open the front cover and loosen the printer carriage, then remove the foam
underneath the carriage, which is protecting the printhead.
Loosen the cutter carriage.
REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE SHEET FROM THE PRINTING SURFACE. THE
PRINTING SURFACE IS VERY FRAGILE, PLEASE READ SECTION 3.1.5.
DC4 User’s Manual
General Information 1-4
1.1.1 ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES
The DC4 is delivered with all the accessories and supplies necessary to start working
immediately. Some accessories are already installed in the machine and others are
in separate boxes. Please check if everything was delivered with your DC4.
Already installed in the machine:
¾Knife holder with knife for cutting.
Packed accessories and supplies:
¾8 empty ribbon cassettes.
¾Roll of 3M Summa Certified vinyl media.
¾4 ribbons; cyan, magenta, yellow and black
¾4 media core holders.
¾2 empty cores (76mm, 3”).
¾CD containing Summa ColorControl, Printer Control and User’s Manual.
¾A Summa ColorControl hardware key (sometimes called a dongle).
¾User’s manual.
¾Slitter cut-off knife.
¾Power cord.
¾USB cable and cable holders.
¾Pair of white gloves for handling media.
¾Spare fuse, spare knife for contour cutting, and spare knife for slitter cut-off
knife.
User’s Manual DC4
1-5 General Information
1.1.2 PART NUMBERS FOR ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES
The following table contains the description and the part number for DC4 accessories
and printer supplies.
Description Part number Picture
Thermal Printhead 420-400
Drag knife (set of 5) 391-360
Slitter knife 390-290
Software CD MD9957
USB cable 399-111
Power cord MC1184
Drag knife holder 391-332
Ribbon cassette 420-326
DC4 User’s Manual
General Information 1-6
Ribbon:
Cyan
Magenta
Yellow
Black
DC3-602
DC3-601
DC3-600
DC3-604
Media core holders-set 391-510
3M vinyl printing media DC-405
TABLE 1-1
TABLE OF ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES
User’s Manual DC4
1-7 General Information
1.2 PRINTER PARTS AND LOCATIONS
1.2.1 FRONT SIDE
FIG 1-1
DC4 FRONT VIEW
1. Control Panel and LCD: All printer activity can be initiated from the 8 key
control panel. The LCD informs the user on the current status of the printer, or
actions, which need to be taken. A detailed explanation can be found in section
2.
2. Front Cover: The front cover protects the media from dust and also the operator
from any moving parts during operation. Therefore, the front cover must be kept
closed during operation. To open the front cover, you must first pause the
machine.
3. Pinch Rollers: The pinch rollers clamp the media to the drive system and insure
necessary tracking. The pinch rollers are electrically powered from the keypad.
The right pinch roller can be set in 3 different positions.
4. Printer Carriage: The printer carriage holds the ribbon cassette and the thermal
printhead. The thermal printhead is made from fragile ceramic glaze; DO NOT
TOUCH THE PRINTHEAD as oil or moisture can corrode the surface. The
printhead can also be VERY HOT, just after printing.
DC4 User’s Manual
General Information 1-8
5. Cleaning Plate: The cleaning plate is used to clean the thermal printhead. While
printing, the printhead cleans itself automatically and at regular intervals.
6. Front Wheels: The front wheels of the DC4 are equipped with locking brakes.
Secure the brakes, once the DC4 is permanently installed, by pressing the
locking wheel brake down with your foot.
7. Media Take-up Sensor: The media take up sensor enables the take-up rollers.
Do not place any objects in front of the sensor.
8. Take-up Rollers: The two front rollers are part of the motorized media take-up
system, used for unattended printing.
9. Cutter Carriage: The cutter carriage is the mount for the contour cutting knife
holder.
User’s Manual DC4
1-9 General Information
1.2.2 REAR SIDE
FIG 1-2
DC4 REAR VIEW
1. Power Entry Module: The fuse box, the AC power cord receptacle and the
on/off switch are located in the power entry module. See section 1.4. for power
up procedure and section 3.2. for information about changing the fuse.
2. Media Load push buttons: On the right side there are two push buttons,
conveniently located to make the loading process easy. For further explanation,
see section 1.6.
3. Parallel Port: This connector (IEEE1284-B) provides a communication link
between the DC4 and the host computer. It can be used as a connection with a
LAN, in combination with an Ethernet to parallel converter.
4. USB port: This interface is based on the standards specified in Universal Serial
Bus Specifications Revision 1.1. It allows for high-speed bi-directional serial
communication between the host computer and the DC4.
5. Cable clamp: These two cable clamps provide a neat path for the
communication cables.
6. Cassette station latch: Two latches are located at the back, in order to open up
the cassette station. Open only when the machine is paused or switched off.
7. Media supply rollers: The two back rollers are part of the media supply system.
8. Media Supply Sensor: The media supply sensor enables the motorized media
supply rollers. - Do not place any objects in front of the sensor.
DC4 User’s Manual
General Information 1-10
1.3 IDEAL OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Environmental conditions can significantly affect the printer’s performance. High
humidity, high temperatures, direct sunlight and airborne contamination (dust) can
adversely affect print quality. The printer should be located away from windows and
doors, preferably within a clean interior room of a building.
Check for the following conditions when installing the DC4:
¾Surface must be level without vibration
¾Operating temperature should be stable, between 15 - 27 degrees Celsius
(60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
¾Operating humidity should be stable, between 30% and 75%.
¾Area should not be prone to static electricity (no carpeted floors).
¾Be sure to allow enough space surrounding the printer for changing media
rolls and ribbons. At least 500mm (24 inches) on both sides, and 1000mm (40
inches) behind and in front of the printer.
¾The printer uses a universal power supply that can operate from 100 to 240
volts with a line frequency of 50 or 60 Hz.
User’s Manual DC4
1-11 General Information
1.4 POWERING ON THE DC4
1.4.1 GROUNDING
!SAFETY WARNING
An insulated ground conductor must be installed as part of the
branch circuit that supplies power to the wall outlet to which the
printer is connected. The ground conductor must have the same
size, insulation material and thickness as the grounded and
ungrounded branch-circuit supply conductors, but the insulating
seat should be green, or green with yellow striping.
The ground conductor described above must be grounded at the
electrical distribution board, or, if power is supplied by a separate
system, at the power supply transformer/motor generator set.
The wall sockets into which the cutter is plugged must be of the
grounded type. The grounded conductors serving the wall sockets
must be properly connected to ground.
For emergency access the machine should be installed near to the
socket-outlet for easy access.
See section 1.4 for the minimum and maximum operating voltage.
For information about operating voltage and the exact fuse ratings, see Section 3.2.
MAKE SURE THIS
IS CONNECTED TO A
MAKE SURE THIS IS
CONNECTED TO A
THREE-PIN
PLUG
EUROPE:
USA
OUTLET
:
THREE-PIN
KNOWN EARTH
KNOWN EARTH
FIG1-4:
GROUND CONNECTION
DC4 User’s Manual
General Information 1-12
!IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL TIP
This printer must only be used with a power outlet that is properly
grounded to earth. Use of an ungrounded outlet exposes the
operator to risk of electric shock, and will also lead to
malfunctioning of the printer.
1.4.2 POWER-ON PROCEDURE
ÎTo power on the DC4, proceed as follows:
!CAUTION
Be sure the power switch of the printer is turned off before connecting the
power cord. To be sure, press on the “0” side of the ON/OFF rocker
switch.
Do not switch the machine on unless the cassettes contain ribbons or core
holders contain vinyl media.
1. Plug one end of the AC power cord into the AC power cord receptacle, located at
the printer’ s rear panel.
2. Plug the other end of the AC power cord into the wall socket.
3. Press the "I" side of the ON/OFF rocker switch, located at the rear next to the
power inlet switch, in order to power ON the DC4.
4. The LCD display will activate and an initializing process will begin. Depending on
whether there is media loaded or not, the process will be different. When there is
no media loaded, the DC4 will prompt the user for a media load procedure.
When media is loaded, the DC4 will measure the media width and check the
presence of the cassettes and estimate how much usable ribbon is remaining on
the roll. After loading a small letter indicating will appear on the top row second
last digit of the LCD. S for small M for medium and L for large. The letters
indicate for which media width the line calibration was done.
Other manuals for DC4
1
Table of contents
Other Summa Printer manuals
