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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 2: Installation
9
13) Open the media access door and thread the media liner under the self-strip assist roller and over the rewinder hub in a
clockwise direction.
14) Remove the rewinder clasp from the rewinder hub and wind approximately 2 inches of media liner over the rewinder hub.
15) Secure the media by snapping the rewinder clasp onto the rewinder hub. Turn the rewinder hub clockwise to remove all
slack from the media liner between the tear bar and the rewinder hub.
16) Close the media access door.
17) Use your third-party software or the printer command set to enable self-strip printing and the label taken sensor.
18) Rotate the head lift lever counterclockwise until it locks.
19) Press Feed/Pause to advance approximately 6 inches of media through the printer. Remove the stripped labels from the
front of the printer.
20) Unscrew the edge guide and slide it inward until it just touches the edge of the media. Screw the edge guide in place.
21) Replace the printer cover. The printer is now ready to print labels.
Load the Thermal Transfer Ribbon
(Instructions and figure reprinted with permission of Intermec Technologies Corporation, 3240 Bar Code Label Printer User’s
Manual, pp. 2-11 to 2-12, © 1997 Intermec Technologies Corporation.)
1) Make sure the printhead is in the raised position. If not, turn the head lift lever clockwise until it releases the printhead.
2) Place the empty ribbon core that comes with the printer on the ribbon rewind hub.
3) Detach the leader from the new thermal transfer ribbon roll and unwind the end of the ribbon approximately 8 inches. The
edge of the ribbon has a leader (with an adhesive strip on the leader edge) to guide the ribbon through the printhead mech-
anism.
4) Slide the roll of thermal transfer ribbon onto the ribbon supply hub with the ribbon roll winding clockwise.
5) Route the ribbon leader through the printer mechanism as shown in the illustration (see Figure 4).
6) Attach the leader from the new thermal transfer ribbon roll to the empty ribbon core using the adhesive strip on the leader
edge.
NOTE Make sure that the ribbon goes over the label gap sensor PCB located on the top of the upper
media guide. If the ribbon becomes caught on the PCB, it can cause the ribbon to wrinkle.
NOTE Make sure that the ribbon runs above the upper media guide. The ribbon must come in contact
with the printhead.

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 2: Installation
10
Figure 4
7) Turn the ribbon rewind hub clockwise until the ribbon runs smoothly through the printhead mechanism.
8) Engage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever counterclockwise until it locks.
9) To enable thermal transfer printing, set DIP switch 8 on the bottom bank of switches to the on position.
10) Press the Feed/Pause button to advance the ribbon through the printer.
11) Close the printer. The printer is now ready to print labels.
empty ribbon core
thermal transfer ribbon
TTR assist roll printhead
head lift lever
lateral printhead adjust
ribbon rewind hub
upper media guide
ribbon supply hub
NOTE When replacing the thermal transfer ribbon roll in the future, use the empty ribbon supply core
as the new empty ribbon core.
NOTE One roll of thermal transfer ribbon lasts for three rolls of labels. Avoid changing the thermal
transfer ribbon more than necessary.

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 2: Installation
11
Install Lines and Cords
Figure 5
Install Compressed Air Line
Working with open, charged air lines can result in injury. Proper technique should be used to bring an air line to the system. If you
have questions regarding this, be sure to contact your facilities department or a Velocity11 service representative.
1) Take the supplied 1/4” tubing and cut it to the length you need for the air line.
2) Plug one end into your lab’s air supply.
WARNING Switch off the house air before installing the VCode.
EnsurethattheairlinecomingintotheVCodeisproperlyfilteredfrom
moisture. Significant moisture in the air can adversely affect the life of
the unit. If the quality of your air supply is in question, please contact
Velocity11.
CAUTION
pressure gauge
pressure regulator
air supply port
RS-232 serial port
power entry module
(locking cap)

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 2: Installation
12
3) If your house air uses a threaded nozzle, attach the 1/4” NPT fitting to the nozzle. Attach the 1/4” one touch hose fitting
into the 1/4” tubing.
4) Plug the other end of the 1/4” tubing into the quick release air supply port on the back of the VCode.
5) After installation, tug gently on the line. If you feel resistance, the line has been properly installed.
6) Air pressure is adjusted by the pressure regulator knob on the back of the VCode. Turn the knob counter clockwise to
increase pressure. Pressure should be set at 75 psi.
Install Serial Communications Cord
1) Plug one end of the serial communications cord into the RS-232 serial port on the back of the VCode (see Figure 5).
2) Plug the other end of the serial communications cord into the available serial port on the PC you will use to control the
VCode.
Install Power Cord
Before turning on the system, be sure that the voltage supplied to the VCode is 120 VAC, 50-60 Hz, and the line is rated to supply
a minimum of 3 amps.
1) Ensure that the VCode is turned off.
2) Plug one end of the power cord into the AC power port at the rear of the VCode. (see Figure 5).
3) Plug the other end of the power cord into an appropriate grounded electrical socket.
The VCode is an automated piece of equipment with moving parts. Ensure that hair, clothing, and jewelry do not become caught in
the machine.
NOTE You may have another machine in your laboratory hooked up to the house air supply. In this
case, use the one touch 1/4” T hose connector to attach both the VCode and your other machine
to the house air.
Operating the VCode at the wrong voltage could seriously damage the
instrument.
CAUTION
WARNING Keep clothing, hair, and jewelry away from the VCode at all times.

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 2: Installation
13
Install ActiveX
Install VCode Software
1) Take the compact disc marked VCode ActiveX from the plastic sleeve.
2) Place it in the CD drive of your PC.
3) Open the CD drive on your computer.
4) Click Setup.exe. InstallShield Wizard will appear.
5) Click Next. Choose Destination Location will appear.
6) The installation program will install the program on your C drive unless you specify another location. To specify a loca-
tion, click Browse and choose the desired destination folder.
7) When the folder has been specified, click Next. Select Program Folder will appear.
8) Click Next if you want the folder shown. If not, select a new folder and then click Next.
9) Setup Status Screen will appear and InstallShield Wizard Complete will appear. Click Finish.
10) The VCode ActiveX has been installed in the folder you specified. You are now ready to run the VCode ActiveX from
your computer.
Run the VCode ActiveX
To run the VCode ActiveX and to access the Diagnostics dialog:
1) In Windows, go to Start\Programs\Velocity11\VCode\VCode Test Container (see Figure 6).
Figure 6
2) You will be asked to set the communication port to communicate with the VCode. Choose the port of your choice.
3) Click Run VCode Diagnostics.
4) The VCode Diagnostics dialog will appear.

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 2: Installation
14

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 3: Design a Label
15
Chapter 3: Design a Label
Sample Labels
Your VCode software includes sample formats and a sample spreadsheet with which to experiment. You can print sample labels
from these files. These formats give you an idea of the different bar code symbologies and fonts you can use when creating your
own format. Each has been saved in Velocity11\VCode ActiveX\Formats. The sample spreadsheet is saved in Velocity11\VCode
ActiveX\example_labels.csv. To print sample labels, you must first open the VCode software. see “Install Lines and Cords” on
page 11 The Diagnostics dialog will appear(see Figure 7).
Figure 7
Print Sample Labels from Disk
To print your first labels:
1) Install the VCode according to the installation instructions (see “Set Up the VCode” on page 6).
2) Place a microplate in the plate locator.
3) Ensure that the plate locator has been adjusted for your microplate’s height (see “Adjust the Plate Locator” on page 26).
4) Open the Diagnostics dialog in the VCode ActiveX.
5) ClickonLoadLabelFile.
6) The folder where the .csv file is saved will open. Click on example_labels.csv to open.
7) The data saved in the .csv file will be sent to the field boxes on the Diagnostics dialog.
8) On the Diagnostics dialog click Print Label to print one label. Press the green button or click Print and Apply to print and
apply the label to the plate. For more information on using the Print Label and Print and Apply buttons to test labels, see
“Test your File” on page 23

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 3: Design a Label
16
Sample Label Formats
The following shows the sample formats provided in your software. These formats are saved in Velocity11\VCode
ActiveX\Formats. These formats are designed to give you an idea of the possible label variations available with the VCode.
Format 1
Figure 8
Printed Sample Label:
Field Symbology/
Font
OriginX OriginY Magnification
H
Magnification
W
Field Orientation
0 Swiss Mono 721 Bold 50 50 15 15 Horizontal
1 Code 128 50 100 50 3 Horizontal
2 Dutch Roman 801 prop 550 50 15 15 Horizontal
3 Swiss Mono 721 Std 550 100 15 15 Horizontal
NOTE You will need to click Print for every example you wish to print. The saved .csv file contains six
examples. To print them all, click Print six times.

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 3: Design a Label
17
Format 2
Figure 9
Printed Sample Label:
Format 3
Figure 10
Printed Sample Label:
Field Symbology/
Font
OriginX OriginY Magnification
H
Magnification
W
Field Orientation
0 Swiss Mono 721 Bold 200 50 15 15 Horizontal
1 Code 39 50 100 50 3 Horizontal
2 Dutch Roman 801 prop 650 50 15 15 Horizontal
3 Dutch Roman 801 prop 40 50 15 15 Horizontal
4 Dutch Roman 801 prop 441 50 15 15 Horizontal
Field Symbology/
Font
OriginX OriginY Magnification
H
Magnification
W
Field Orientation
0 Swiss Mono 721 bold 35 50 15 15 Horizontal
1 Code 128 35 100 50 3 Horizontal
2 Dutch Roman 128 prop 585 50 15 15 Horizontal

VCode User’s Manual 2.2 Chapter 3: Design a Label
18
Create Your Own Label Format
After seeing the variation of the sample labels, you may wish to create your own formats. Use the Advanced Set Up drag and drop
format editor to create your own label formats (see figure 11).
Figure 11
1) Open the Diagnostics dialog in the VCode software.
2) In the Diagnostics dialog, click the up and down Format arrows to specify the format number (see Figure 7).
3) Click the up or down #Fields arrows to specify the number of fields.
4) Click on Advanced to go to the Advanced Set Up Dialog (see Figure 11).
5) Use the drag and drop editor to place the bar code and HR fields in the correct positions in the label display.
6) Double click on the icon to edit the field.
7) The properties screen will appear for that particular field.
8) After editing your fields return to the Advanced Set Up menu.
9) You must save your format before printing.
10) Click Save Format to Disk.
11) You will be prompted to save the file as format*.txt. If you do not choose format*.txt, you will still be able to send the file
to the printer, but you will not have the preview functionality in the Diagnostics display box.
12) Click OK to accept the format name.
13) Click Send Format File to Intermec. The format names must be stored in the Intermec for the printer to access them.
14) Click Exit to go to the Diagnostics dialog.
15) In field boxes type the names or numbers you want to appear in the various fields.
16) Test print by clicking on Print Label or Print and Apply.
NOTE The term “field” includes both bar codes and human-readable fields (HR fields)
NOTE Field 0 cannot be a bar code. Please choose an HR field for field 0.