Velocity VCode User manual

VCode®User’s Manual
version 2.2
435 Acacia Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94306
phone: [phone]
service: [phone]
www.velocity11.com

Information in this document is subject to change without notice
copyright © 2002 by Velocity11
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission
of Velocity11 is strictly forbidden.
Portions of this manual contain copyrighted material of
Intermec Technologies Corporation. Used with permission.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Intermec is a registered trademark of Intermec Technologies Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer
to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Velocity11 disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade
names other than its own.
Rev. 2.2 April 2002

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: General Information .................................................................................................... 3
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 3
System Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 3
Warnings and Advisories .................................................................................................................... 4
Warranty Information and Service Contracts ...................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2: Installation ................................................................................................................... 5
Unpacking the VCode ......................................................................................................................... 5
Set Up the VCode ................................................................................................................................ 6
Install Lines and Cords ....................................................................................................................... 11
Install ActiveX ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 3: Design a Label ............................................................................................................. 15
Sample Labels ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Create Your Own Label Format ......................................................................................................... 18
Cycle Test the VCode ......................................................................................................................... 21
Chapter 4: Manual Application ..................................................................................................... 25
Operation ............................................................................................................................................ 25
Adjustments ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Diagnostics Dialog .............................................................................................................................. 29
Error Messages ................................................................................................................................... 30
Regular Maintenance ........................................................................................................................... 31
Chapter 5: ActiveX ......................................................................................................................... 33
ActiveX Interface ................................................................................................................................ 33
Appendix A ...................................................................................................................................... 43
Velocity11’s Product Warranty .......................................................................................................... 43

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Table of Contents

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 1: General Information
3
Chapter 1: General Information
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Velocity11 VCode bar code print and apply station. This unit prints and applies bar code labels to
microplates and microplate lids. The VCode applies printed labels to any of the four sides of the microplate and can adjust for
different skirt heights on both shallow and deepwell plates. The VCode’s compact size allows for easy integration into your robotic
system. Most importantly, the VCode’s process time is significantly less than competing products, making it the optimal solution
for bar code printing and applying.
The purpose of this manual is to provide the basic information necessary to achieve optimal efficiency from your VCode. Whether
you are applying labels manually or integrating the VCode into an automated platform, this manual will walk you through the
required steps to get your VCode working to its fullest capacity.
Velocity11 strives to produce the highest throughput and highest quality products available on the biotechnology market. To help
us better serve your future needs, please contact our Service Center with any feedback on this manual or our product.
In addition to this user’s manual, technical information on the VCode and related applications is available from Velocity11. For
more information, please visit our website at http://www.velocity11.com or call us at [phone]. Please note that this is
version 2.2 of the VCode User’s Manual.
System Requirements
Computer Platform
•Windows NT 4.0, 2000, XP
•Serial I/O RS-232 9 pin connector supporting 57,600 baud communication speed
Lab Requirements
•11.5” x 24” benchspace
•Clean, dry air with a 1/4” fitting and air line achieving a maintainable 80 psi, 2.5 cfm
•120 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 2 amps
•220-240 VAC, 50 Hz, 1 amp (This model must be ordered and configured in advance.)

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 1: General Information
4
Warnings and Advisories
Your safety while utilizing the VCode is of paramount importance to Velocity11. Carefully read and follow all warnings and
cautions that are outlined in this manual. The VCode must only be used in the manner in which it was intended by Velocity11. Any
other use of the VCode may cause damage to the product, samples, or harm to the user. Take note of the following signs. They call
attention to a procedure that if not correctly performed, could result in a hazardous condition or damage all or part of the product.
Do not proceed beyond a warning label until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
Any modifications or changes to the VCode not expressly approved in this manual could void your warranty and authority to
operate this equipment.
Warranty Information and Service Contracts
All Velocity11 products are covered under warranty for parts and labor for the first year of service (see Table 1).
For the product warranty for this VCode, please see “Velocity11’s Product Warranty” on page 43. Do not remove the VCode
covers, as there are no serviceable parts inside. Refer all service to Velocity11’s Service Center at [phone].
Table 1
Service Plan
Shippable
Items
The damaged unit will be shipped to Velocity11 for repair. Upon
repair, the unit will be shipped back to you.
Non-
Shippable
Items
If a service visit is deemed necessary, a technician will be
dispatched to your site the next business day, not including
holidays.
WARNING Warning signs signal procedures that will potentially cause bodily harm or death
if not performed correctly.
Caution signs signal procedures that will potentially cause damage to the
instrument if not performed correctly.
CAUTION
NOTE Note signs indicate points that are important in order to correctly setup or use the VCode. No
danger is involved.

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 2: Installation
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Chapter 2: Installation
Unpacking the VCode
Your VCode has come shipped to you direct from Velocity11. The following is a list of the contents of the Velocity11 VCode
package.
•VCode
•Intermec® 3240 printer
•Power cord
•Serial communications cord
•15 feet of ¼” tubing for air supply
•One hose fitting: ¼” NPT-¼” one touch hose
•One hose fitting: 1/8” NPT-¼” one touch hose
•One one-touch T hose fitting (optional depending on your house air systems)
•Label media of 5,000 labels
•Thermal transfer ribbon
•VCode ActiveX CD
•VCode User’s Manual
Inspection
Inspect all the items for possible shipping damage before continuing the set up process. If anything is missing or appears damaged,
contact Velocity11’s Service Center at [phone] as soon as possible. Save the carton and packing materials in case you ever
need to ship the unit.
Before starting, uplug all electronic components and ensure that all
switches are in the OFF position.
CAUTION

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 2: Installation
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Set Up the VCode
VCode Parts
The following is a diagram of the VCode (see Figure 1). Please note the part names as they will be used throughout the manual.
The control panel for the VCode is located on the back side of the VCode next to the Intermec printer.
Figure 1
VCode Placement
The VCode must be securely mounted on a stable bench. Avoid placing the unit near a heat source or any potentially hazardous
location. Mounting points have been drilled into the base plate for you to use to secure the VCode to your benchtop.
Open the Printer
(Instructions and figure reprinted with permission of Intermec Technologies Corporation, 3240 Bar Code Label Printer User’s
Manual,p.1-8,©1997 Intermec Technologies Corporation.)
You need to open the printer every time you load media or perform maintenance procedures.
To open the printer:
Intermec printer
base plate
vacuum pads
plate locator
rotating head
manual print button

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 2: Installation
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Figure 2
1) Place the fingers of your right hand between the two notches on the lower edge of the media cover (the media cover
release) and pull the bottom of the media cover away from the base of the printer (see Figure 2).
2) Grasp the front of the media cover with your left hand and lift the media cover up to release it from the frame.
3) Lift the media cover away from the top of the printer.
media cover release
(between the two notches)
media
cover

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 2: Installation
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Load a Roll of Media
(Instructions and figure reprinted with permission of Intermec Technologies Corporation, 3240 Bar Code Label Printer User’s
Manual, pp. 2-9 to 2-10, © 1997 Intermec Technologies Corporation.)
Figure 3
To load self-strip media:
1) Open the printer (see Figure 2).
2) Raise the printhead by rotating the head lift lever clockwise to release it (see Figure 3).
3) Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise to release it and slide it to the outer end of the supply roll post. Turn the
supply roll retainer clockwise to lock it in place.
4) Lift the media brake up and slide it towards the front of the printer until it reaches its resting position.
5) Place the media roll on the supply roll post and position it firmly against the printer.
6) Lift up on the media brake, slide it towards the back of the printer, and lower it onto the media roll.
7) Install the media support between the roll of media and the supply roll retainer.
8) Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise and slide it up to the edge of the media roll. Turn the supply roll retainer
clockwise to secure.
9) Unscrew the edge guide and slide it to the outer edge of the lower media guide. Screw the edge guide in place.
10) Pull down on the lower media guide to access the media path.
11) Unroll several inches of media and insert it between the two media guides and out the front of the printer. Release the
lower media guide.
12) Pull out 10 to 12 inches of media and remove the exposed labels from the media liner.
NOTE If you lift the printhead while printing with self-strip, you may not receive the best perfomance
from the Precision Print technology. If you must lift the printhead, remove accumulated liner
from the takeup hub before resuming print.
media brake
lateral printhead knob
head lift lever
media liner
media access door
tear
bar
printhead
rewinder
hub rewinder clasp
lower media guide
upper media guide
supply roll post
media roll
supply roll retainer
media support
self strip assist roller