Variquest Motiva 400 User manual

www.variquest.com
User’s Guide

Copyright
This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be
copied or reproduced by any means without the prior consent of Varitronics, LLC.
While every precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, Varitronics
assumes no liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions or
by statements resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Varitronics further
assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of this
document. Varitronics disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose.
Varitronics reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any product or
system herein to improve reliability, function or design.
Reproduction of this material, in part or whole, is strictly prohibited without the written
permission of Varitronics, LLC. For more information contact: Varitronics at
7200 93rd Ave N, Suite 120, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 USA.
Trademarks
VariQuest® is a registered trademark of Varitronics, LLC
All other brand or product names referenced in this manual are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies or organizations.
Standard Warranty
Varitronics, LLC warrants the equipment and accessories comprising the VariQuest®
Motiva™ 400 will be free from defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from
the date of customer purchase. Original serial number must appear on product. Removal
of serial numbers will void this warranty and any equipment and accessories that have
been altered or modified in any way and are not as originally purchased will void this
warranty.
Varitronics will at its option repair, replace or refund the purchase price of any
accessories, supplies or equipment found to be defective under this warranty. THIS
WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR WARRANTY
OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
In the event of breach of this expressed warranty, or any other warranty, whether
expressed or implied, Varitronics liability shall be limited to the remedy provided by the
preceding paragraph. IN NO EVENT WILL VARITRONICS BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, NOR WILL VARITRONICS
EVER BE LIABLE FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS, IN AN AMOUNT GREATER THAN THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE
PRODUCTS DESCRIBED BY THIS EXPRESSED WARRANTY. No agent, distributor,
salesperson, wholesaler or retail dealer has authority to bind Varitronics to any other
affirmation, representation or warranty concerning these goods.

VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide iii
Standard Warranty
YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS
LICENSE AGREEMENT BEFORE OPENING THIS PACKAGE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH
THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PLEASE PROMPTLY RETURN THIS PACKAGE FOR A FULL
REFUND.
LICENSE AGREEMENT
Varitronics, LLC (hereafter "Varitronics") hereby grants you a non-exclusive, nontransferable license to
use this VARIQUEST® Software (hereafter “Software”) and the accompanying documentation
according to the following terms:
1. LICENSE GRANT: You may 1) install the Software on all computers located at the invoiced site for
this Software; 2) use and transmit the Software on a network within this invoiced site; 3) install the
Software on one server or multiple servers within this invoiced site; 4) install the Software on per-
sonal computers of staff employed at this invoiced site for the sole purpose of designing output from
Varitronics printing systems for educational purposes at this invoiced site; and 4) make copies of
the Software in machine readable form for backup purposes only.
2. LICENSE RESTRICTIONS: You may not: 1) modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile,
disassemble, create derivative works based on, or copy (except for the backup copy) the Software
or the accompanying documentation; 2) rent, transfer or grant any rights in the Software or
accompanying documentation without the prior, express written consent of Varitronics; or 3) remove
any proprietary notices, labels, or marks on the Software and accompanying documentation.
3. NATURE OF THIS AGREEMENT: This license is not a sale. License fees paid by you, if any, are in
consideration of the licenses granted under this Agreement. Title and copyrights to the Software,
accompanying documentation, and any copy made by you, remain the property of Varitronics or its
suppliers. Unauthorized copying of the Software or the accompanying documentation, or failure to
comply with the above restrictions, shall automatically terminate this license, without further notice,
and terminate your rights to use the Software, and Varitronics shall, in addition to its other legal
remedies, be entitled to its reasonable attorney fees.
4. LIMITED WARRANTY: Varitronics warrants that, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of
delivery to you as evidenced by a copy of your receipt, the Software, as furnished, under normal
use, will perform without significant errors. Varitronics's entire liability and your exclusive remedy
under this warranty (which is subject to you returning the Software to Varitronics) will be, at the
option of Varitronics, to attempt to correct or help you around errors, to replace the Software with
functionally equivalent software or diskettes, or to refund the license fee of the Software and
terminate this Agreement.
EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY, VARITRONICS MAKES AND YOU
RECEIVE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR IN ANY COMMUNICATION
WITH YOU, AND VARITRONICS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. VARITRONICS DOES NOT
WARRANT THAT THE OPERATION OF THE PROGRAM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR
FREE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties so the above exclusions may not apply to
you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from state
to state.
5. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT WILL VARITRONICS BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, WHEN LOADING THIS SOFTWARE OR OTHERWISE,
OR LOST PROFITS, COST OF COVER OR OTHER SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL
OR INDIRECT DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE PROGRAM OR ACCOMPANYING
DOCUMENTATION, HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY. THIS
LIMITATION WILL APPLY EVEN IF VARITRONICS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGE.

iv VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide
Standard Warranty
Some states do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability for incidental, or consequential damages,
so the above limitation may not apply to you.
6. GENERAL: This Agreement shall be governed by, and interpreted under, the laws of the State of
Minnesota, USA. You acknowledge that U.S. law and regulations may restrict the export/re-export of
the Software. You agree not to export/re-export the Software or portions thereof in any form without
the appropriate U.S. and foreign government licenses. This obligation shall survive and continue
after this Agreement terminates. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the parties and
supersedes any other communications or advertising with respect to the Software and
accompanying documentation. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, the remainder of
this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS
LICENSE AGREEMENT BEFORE OPENING THIS PACKAGE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH
THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PLEASE PROMPTLY RETURN THIS PACKAGE FOR A FULL
REFUND:
7200 93rd Ave N, Suite 120, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 USA
Phone [phone]

VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide 1-v
Contents
Copyright ..................................................................................................i-ii
Trademarks ..............................................................................................i-ii
Standard Warranty ...................................................................................i-ii
Setting up the Motiva™ 400 Printer
Locating the Printer.................................................................................... 1-1
Unpacking and Inspecting the Printer ...................................................... 1-2
Identifying Printer Parts ............................................................................. 1-3
Hardware and Software Setup
Installing Label Stock................................................................................. 2-1
Adjusting Label Stock Gap Sensor Position............................................ 2-3
Circular Labels........................................................................................ 2-4
Through Hole Labels ............................................................................. 2-5
Fan-Fold Label Stock ............................................................................. 2-6
Installing Ink Cartridge............................................................................... 2-7
Aligning the Ink Cartridge.......................................................................... 2-9
Print Functions
Print Using VariQuest Design Center Software or a PC ......................... 3-1
Troubleshooting
Clearing a Label Jam.............................................................................. 4-1
Cleaning the Printer................................................................................ 4-2
Cleaning the Ink Cartridge...................................................................... 4-2
Printhead Maintenance .............................................................................. 4-3
Technical Support ...................................................................................... 4-3

VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide 1-1
1Setting up the Motiva™ 400 Printer
This User's Manual is your complete step-by-step guide to quickly and easily setting up
and printing with your new color label printer!
Locating the Printer
• Place the printer on a flat surface in a location with adequate air circulation to prevent
internal heat build up.
• Do not place the printer near heat sources such as radiators or air ducts, or in a place
subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.
• Allow for adequate clearance in front of the printer to accommodate the printed label
stock as it is leaving the printer to avoid the possibility of binding or jamming of the label
stock.
• Allow for adequate overhead clearance for opening the top cover to allow easy access
to the label stock and ink cartridge.

1-2 VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide
Unpacking and Inspecting the Printer
Unpacking and Inspecting the Printer
While unpacking your printer, inspect the carton to ensure that no damage has
occurred during shipping. Make sure that all supplied accessories are included
with your unit. The following items should be included:
• Printer
• Power Adapter
• Separate Power Cord
• 6' USB Cable (If other USB cable is used, it must be 6' (2 M) or less)
• Color Ink Cartridge
1
• Starter roll of Motiva Brushed Gold Media
1
• Warranty Statement and Registration Card
• This manual and other printed information
Note: Save the carton and packing materials. They will come in handy when
transporting the printer.
1: Motiva Pigment (Color) Ink Cartridge and Motiva Brushed Gold Starter
Media may come packaged in a separate shipping box.

VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide 1-3
Identifying Printer Parts
Identifying Printer Parts
This illustration shows the front of the printer with its control buttons and LED
indicator lights.
• Ink Low LED illuminates when a cartridge has 10% or less of its ink remaining.
•
Power LED indicates that the printer is on and ready to receive print jobs.
•
Ink Button moves the carriage to the center for loading the ink cartridge. Once
the cartridge is loaded, press the ink button again.
•
Load/Feed Button is pressed to load label stock or form feed the label stock
through the printer.
•
Unload Button unloads the installed label stock by reversing it through the
printer.
Power LED
Low Ink LED
Top Cover
Ink Button
Load/Feed Button
Unload Button

1-4 VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide
Identifying Printer Parts
This illustration shows the input ports and power switch located on the rear panel
of the printer.
Fan-Fold Label Slot Power Switch USB Port Power Input Port

VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide 2-1
2Hardware and Software Setup
Installing Label Stock
The Motiva™ 400 carries a large variety of paper label stock that has been converted and
ready for use with your printer.
Install Label Stock:
1. Open the Top Cover.
2. Pull the spring-loaded label stock guide out far enough to fit the label stock.
3. Remove any shipping tape from the label stock roll to ensure it can unroll freely,
making certain that no adhesive is exposed.
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
Any exposed adhesive surface can attach itself to the inner workings of the print
mechanism and cause a media jam. Take care to ensure no adhesive is exposed.
Note: If you are using fan-fold label stock or label stock other than standard square /
rectangular die-cut labels, see “Adjusting Label Stock Gap Sensor Position” on page 2-3
and “Fan-Fold Label Stock” on page 2-6 for additional instructions.
Label Stock Guide
Stock Guide
Rollers

2-2 VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide
Installing Label Stock
4. Place the label stock between the stock guide rollers and release the spring
loaded stock guide to hold the label stock. The stock guide rollers allow the
label stock roll to move freely.
5. Place the leading edge of the label stock between the throat guide and the
side of the printer.
6. Quickly continue feeding the label stock further into the printer until you feel
resistance from the feed rollers. The printer will sense the label and
automatically feed it through the printer. If the printer fails to feed the label
stock, press the Load/Feed button to manually engage the feed roller while
continuing to guide the label stock into the printer.
Tip! To ensure the label stock is fed straight, push label stock into the printer
quickly until the entire front edge is touching the feed roller. For wider
stock, use both hands to maintain even forward pressure while pushing
the stock into the printer.
Throat Guide

VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide 2-3
Adjusting Label Stock Gap Sensor Position
Adjusting Label Stock Gap Sensor Position
The stock gap sensor (TOF Sensor) "sees" the gap between label stock by
shining light from the top of the label and attempting to read that light from a
sensor on the bottom.
By default, the stock gap sensor is set to read the gap 0.5" from the left side of the
label stock. If the gap in your label stock intersects with gap position as shown on
the slide bar, you do not need to adjust this and you can skip this section. For
most label stock, no adjustment is needed.
If you are using label stock other than standard square / rectangular die cut labels,
such as circular die-cut labels or through-hole stock, use the following instructions
to adjust the label stock TOF sensor.
Gap Between Labels
Intersection Point
Gap Sensor Position
Gap Sensor Slide Bar

2-4 VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide
Adjusting Label Stock Gap Sensor Position
Circular Labels
Circular Labels
When using Circular Labels, you must adjust the Stock Gap sensor to correspond
with the very top of the label where the circles are closest together. If the sensor is
too far to the right or left, the printer will still sense the label but the image may be
offset downward because the printer will start printing at the wrong position. If you
are using stock that has multiple labels across, make sure the sensor corresponds
to a place on the stock that has a label and not a vertical gap.
The Sensor Bar has a guide in inches and millimeters to help identify where to set
the bar to align the sensor over any identifying mark or top of a circular shape. To
do this:
1. Measure the distance from the edge of the label stock to the correct position
on the stock.
2. Set the sensor bar to this measurement (e.g., For a two inch circular die-cut
label, measure from the edge of the label stock to the center of the circle. For
this example it should be about 1 1/8 inches.)
3. Set the Sensor Bar to the measured value.
Center of Circle
Center of Hole
Circular Labels
Through-Hole Labels

VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide 2-5
Adjusting Label Stock Gap Sensor Position
Through Hole Labels
Through Hole Labels
When using card stock or label stock that has a hole punch or a notch to identify a
transition from backing to label, you can adjust the Sensor Bar to position it over
the identifying mark.
To adjust the sensor position use a pen to move the slide bar to the correct
position.

2-6 VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide
Adjusting Label Stock Gap Sensor Position
Fan-Fold Label Stock
Fan-Fold Label Stock
You can use fan-fold label stock by feeding it through the fan-fold slot in the back
of the printer.
Before feeding the fan-fold stock through the back of the printer, lock the stock
guide in the out position so the stock guide rollers will not interfere with the label
stock. The stock guide is spring loaded and under normal circumstances it will
pinch any label stock roll inserted into the printer.
To lock the stock guide push the tab located on the bottom of the moveable stock
guide to the out/locked position.
Stock Guide
Unlocked Locked

VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide 2-7
Installing Ink Cartridge
Fan-Fold Label Stock
Installing Ink Cartridge
When the cartridge reaches 10% remaining, the VariQuest Design Center
Software will prompt you to replace the cartridge. If quality still looks acceptable,
you can choose to ignore this warning. However, you may waste labels if the
cartridge runs out of ink before the next warning at 0%. If you choose to replace
the cartridges follow the procedure below.
Note: Ink Cartridge Levels are estimated based on analysis of the printed images
by the driver during spooling. This analysis estimates the number of ink droplets
(spits) required to print the image and subtracts that amount from the total amount
in the cartridge. There is no real time sensor that shows the actual amount of ink
in the cartridge.
After installing a new cartridge, you can run an alignment print to achieve
maximum quality. However, this requires cancelling the print job.
To replace the print cartridge:
1. Open the Top Cover of the printer.
2. Press the Ink Button on the printer. The Cartridge Carrier will align itself to
the center of the print area.
3. Press the Cartridge Cover Release to open the Cartridge Holder. Remove
the cartridge (if installed).

2-8 VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide
Installing Ink Cartridge
Fan-Fold Label Stock
4. Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. Be sure to remove the
protective tape covering the copper contacts.
5. Replace/install the cartridge copper end first.
6. Push cartridge cover downward until it snaps in place.
Remove Tape

VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide 2-9
Aligning the Ink Cartridge
Fan-Fold Label Stock
7. Press the Ink button on the printer to indicate the new cartridge is now
installed.
Aligning the Ink Cartridge
Cartridge alignment aligns the Color Cartridge for bidirectional printing and
calibrates the printer to each individual cartridge. You will automatically be
prompted to perform this alignment each time you install a new cartridge. You
may also manually align the cartridge via the status monitor.
For alignment you need to have label stock that is equal to or larger than 4" x 2"
(101.6 mm x 50.8 mm) installed. If your stock does not meet this requirement you
can use the sample roll that came with the printer. You may also choose to
disable alignment via the settings area of the status monitor. See the VariQuest
Software User’s Guide for more information.

2-10 VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide
Aligning the Ink Cartridge
Fan-Fold Label Stock
This page is intentionally left blank.

VariQuest® Motiva™ 400 User’s Guide 3-1
3Print Functions
Print Using VariQuest Design Center Software or PC
See the VariQuest Software User’s Guide for details about printing using the VariQuest
software or printing from a PC.