MUTOH Rockhopper 38 User Manual
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MUTOH Rockhopper 38 User Manual

MUTOH Rockhopper 38 User Manual

Rockhopper 38
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  • Page 1 USER’S GUIDE...
  • Page 2 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Page AP-75038, Rev. 1.3 – 10/01/06...

  • Page 3: Copyright Notice

    This document may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without written permission of the copyright owner. This document is furnished to support the Mutoh Rockhopper 38 printer Series. In consideration of the furnishing of the information contained in this document, the party to whom it is given assumes its custody...
  • Page 4 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Page AP-75038, Rev. 1.3 – 10/01/06...
  • Page 5 PVC and banner media as well as on coated substrates such as paper, Tyvek, backlit/front print film … Offering a media width of 954 mm (37.55”) and a maximum print width of 934 mm (36.77”), Rockhopper 38 incorporates Mutoh’s proven Eco-Solvent Ultra ink concept to produce high quality, bright, vivid outdoor durable images.
  • Page 6 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Page AP-75038, Rev. 1.3 – 10/01/06...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..........................9 1.1. I ............................9 NTRODUCTION 1.2. W ......................9 ARNINGS AUTIONS AND OTES 1.3. I ......................9 MPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1.4. W ........................... 12 ARNING LABELS 2. PRODUCT OVERVIEW ..........................15 2.1.
  • Page 8 6.7. R ........................120 EPLACING THE BLADES 6.8. P ..........................121 ERIODICAL SERVICE 6.8.1 Service by end-user ........................121 6.8.2. Service by authorised Mutoh technician ..................122 6.9. T ..........................123 ROUBLESHOOTING 6.10. P ..........................128 RINTING HINTS 6.11. P ........................

  • Page 9: Safety Instructions

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1.1. INTRODUCTION This chapter explains the meaning of safety terms for personnel who operate this equipment, important safety instructions and the positions of the warning labels. Important : Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings on this manual when using the equipment.
  • Page 10 Stop using your printer if a liquid is spilled into it. This may cause electrical shock or fire. Turn the printer off as soon as possible, unplug the power cord, and contact your local MUTOH dealer. Be sure to use the attached cable. Otherwise, electrical shock or fire may occur.
  • Page 11 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Do not cut hard objects or drop the cutter. Doing so may damage or chip the cutter blade. Do not bend or pull the waste fluid tube. Doing so may cause that the waste fluid will leak out and malfunction in the product.

  • Page 12: Warning Labels

    If a warning label is damaged, lost or cannot be recognized, replace the label. When replacing warning labels, contact your local MUTOH dealer. Safety Labels are attached to the internal and external area of the printer to alert you to potentially hazardous situations or conditions.
  • Page 13 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Page AP-75038, Rev. 1.3 – 10/01/06...
  • Page 14 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Page AP-75038, Rev. 1.3 – 10/01/06...

  • Page 15: Product Overview

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 2. PRODUCT OVERVIEW 2.1. GETTING TO KNOW THE PRINTER PARTS AND COMPONENTS Page AP-75038, Rev. 1.3. – 10/01/06...
  • Page 16 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide N° Part Description The protective cover protects the action environment. Opening the Cover cover immediately pauses printing which resumes when the cover is closed. Positive touch keyboard with integrated LCD-Display. Operation Panel Lowers / releases pressure rolls to load / unload media.

  • Page 17: Explanation Of Fixer And Dryer

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 2.1.1 Explanation of fixer and dryer Description Print Head Media Direction Fixer (Direct Heater) Post Heater (dryer) The FIXER will make it possible: • To overcome the temperature gap between the room and the target printing temperature.

  • Page 18: Guided Tour Around The Operation Panel

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 2.2. GUIDED TOUR AROUND THE OPERATION PANEL Your printer is equipped with a direct access operation panel; meaning that all frequently used functions can be addressed directly from the keyboard. Description Data LED : The DATA LED monitors DATA status : LED ON indicates data is being received.
  • Page 19 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Cleaning : Pressing for 2 seconds initiates the cleaning procedure. When pressed together with the [SHIFT] key, (9) it initiates the head adjustment procedure. Go to the Previous Menu, when in menu-mode operation. For advanced Cleaning Control, enter the menu system and select submenu [Utility] –...
  • Page 20 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Shift-button : Shift button to activate Head Adjustment, manual roll feed (forward or reverse), Nozzle check print, Test print or Set-Up List. Back out of menu levels or switch back to ONLINE level from top level (Menu mode operation).

  • Page 21: Keyboard Concept

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 2.2.1. Keyboard Concept The Menu Mode Operation is used to access settings which cannot be controlled via the direct access keys. As soon as media is loaded, the printer is ONLINE and ready to receive data.

  • Page 22: Menu Structure - Overview

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 2.2.2. Menu Structure - overview Online Command Command MH-GL2 / MHGL, GL2 / Printer command language RTL-PASS selection PlotArea Normal / Expend Set-up hard clip area depending of media size. Position P1 / Full / LL Set-up initial pen position in MH-GL, GL2 and MH-GL2.

  • Page 23: Heater System Operation Panel

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 2.3. HEATER SYSTEM OPERATION PANEL 1 = Controls Direct Heater / Fixer 2 = Controls Post Heater / Dryer Controls Direct Heater / Fixer: Set temperature for the direct heater / fixer. Real (RT) and set (ST) temperature are displayed on the LCD screen.
  • Page 24 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Page AP-75038, Rev. 1.3 – 10/01/06...

  • Page 25: Setting Up The Unit

    - Temperature: 2°C per hour - Humidity: 5% per hour Avoid using your Rockhopper 38 printer near heating systems, such as stoves or heaters. Avoid using your printer under strong lighting, such as halogen lamps, light bulbs or direct sun light.

  • Page 26: Whats In The Box

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 3.2. WHAT’S IN THE BOX? What’s in the box? Rockhopper 38 printer unit Printer stand (packed separately) 1 Paper scroller (3”) including plastic flanges 1 Sheet-off knife, pre-installed in head Media Collection Basket Scroller Slip Ring...

  • Page 27: Unpacking Your Rockhopper 38 Printer

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 3.3. UNPACKING YOUR ROCKHOPPER 38 PRINTER The printer body and printer stand are packed in two separate boxes. Unpack the printer body first. Caution: When unpacking the printer, check whether all parts described in the parts list are included in the box.

  • Page 28: Parts List

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 3.4. PARTS LIST 3.4.1. Contents of the stand box: Stand leg (left) Stand leg (right) (1 pc) (1 pc) Cross bar (2 pcs) Plastic cover (2 pcs) Hexagon wrench Hexagon bolt (long) (4 (1 large & 1 small)

  • Page 29: Contents Of The Accessories Box

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 3.4.3. Contents of the accessories box: Cleaning cartridges (4 Eco-Solvent Ultra ink Cassettes (C, M, Y, K) (1 each colour) Power cable (1 pc) User’s Guide Waste bottle + waste Starters Software Kit bottle bracket Page AP-75038, Rev.

  • Page 30: Assembling The Printer

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 3.5. ASSEMBLING THE PRINTER Caution: Before lifting the printer body out of the box, make sure to remove all plastic wrapping materials first, in order to avoid that the machine slips from your hands. Step 1: Unpack the stand and assemble it by screwing the left and right stand legs to the cross bars.
  • Page 31 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Step 4: Loosen the wing screw which is fixed to the printing table (4) and remove the metal fixing plate (5) protecting the printer head during transportation. (See 4 & 5 on figure below). Keep the metal fixing plate and wing screw, since the printing head needs to be blocked during any transportation of your printer.
  • Page 32 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Step 6: Assemble the paper basket as follows: Insert the metal bar into the small sleeve of the cloth basket. Then put on the two metal basket supports to the left and the right side. Next insert the end caps onto the metal bar. (See 9 on the figure below).

  • Page 33: Installation Of The Waste Bottle

    3.6. INSTALLATION OF THE WASTE BOTTLE In the accessories box, you will find the Waste Bottle Bracket together with the Waste Bottle. After unpacking and assembling the Rockhopper 38 printer, you must install the Waste Bottle Bracket with the Waste Bottle.
  • Page 34 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Connect the connector of the Waste Bottle Sensor. (please refer to picture B) Step 5 : Picture A: 1. Big waste tube 2. 2 thin waste tubes 3. Screws to mount Waste Bottle Bracket 4. Top Waste Bottle Bracket Picture B: 1.

  • Page 35: Preparing For A Job

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 4. PREPARING FOR A JOB 4.1. CONNECTING THE POWER CABLE Make sure the printer’s power switch is turned OFF. Step 1 : Plug the printer-end of the power cable into the connector at the back of the printer.

  • Page 36: Connecting The Interface Cable

    OFF. Note: For optimum output, please use a cable recommended by Mutoh. The printer can use the Centronics interface (IEEE1284 compatible, Nibble, ECP). Connect to the printer as shown in the following diagram with an interface cable (option) for the connection system you will use.

  • Page 37: Loading Eco-Solvent Ultra Ink Cassettes (First Time)

    When loading Eco-Solvent Ultra ink for the first time, please make sure to have four Eco-Solvent cleaning liquid cassettes. Before installing Eco-Solvent Ultra ink cassettes in your new Rockhopper 38 printer, it is necessary to clean the Rockhopper 38 with special Eco-Solvent cleaning liquid.
  • Page 38 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Step 4: Head Wash The unit is cleaning the K print head. Step 5: Remove K Wash Cart Remove the Black (K) Eco-Solvent cleaning liquid cassette. Note : Only remove the Black (K) Eco-Solvent cleaning liquid cassette (Not all four Eco- Solvent cleaning liquid cassettes).

  • Page 39: Loading Media

    4.4. LOADING MEDIA 4.4.1. General recommendations with regard to printer media For best quality output and printing results on your Mutoh Rockhopper 38 Eco-Solvent Ultra printer, it is recommended to use MUTOH media. For printing onto uncoated media, the temperature that can be reached on top of the media is important to obtain the right output quality and ink fixation.
  • Page 40 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Step 4: Align the right side of the media with the base line (holes), as shown in the figures. Align the media with the leading edge of the printing plate. Align the right side of the media with the baseline holes. You are allowed about 5 mm of play to the right and left of the centre of the base line holes.
  • Page 41 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Step 5: Lower the media hold lever by tilting it downwards. Notes: Always remove the roll media and scroller from the scroller receiver before loading a cut sheet. Install your media straight. If you do not do this, the printer might misread the actual media size, resulting in abnormal printing.

  • Page 42: Loading Roll Media

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 4.4.3. Loading roll media Open the cover, check that the head is in a position where it will not touch the media keeper Step 1 : blade and put the hold lever up. Selecting the media Step 2 : Press the Media-key to select media loading sequence.
  • Page 43 Do not drop the media roll over the scroller as this might damage the scroller end caps. All Mutoh recommended roll media are rolled up with the printable side facing the outside, so that you can load the roll media easily.
  • Page 44 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Loading roll media Step 9 : Pull some media off the roll, feed it into the media feed gap and between the pressure rollers and the drive roller. Pull out the media at the front side and make sure at least 0.5 meters hangs out in front of the printer.
  • Page 45 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Turn the scroller receiver screw clockwise to move the roll media to the left (when standing in front of the printer). Important: The guide line (holes) is a guide. There is a possibility of a jam if the pressure roller is not holding the left edge of the media and the pressure roller is near the right edge.
  • Page 46 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide During the media detection sequence, check if the media runs straight. After media detection, Step 14 : check the position of the right side of the roll media. If the position is almost on the same line as it was before closing the cover, media loading was performed successfully.

  • Page 47: Loading Media In Combination With The Roll Take-Up System

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 4.4.4 Loading media in combination with the Roll Take-Up System. Open the cover and put the hold lever in the UP position by tilting it upwards. Step 1 : Selecting roll take-up system Step 2 : Press the Media-key to select media loading sequence.
  • Page 48 Do not drop the media roll over the scroller as this might damage the scroller end caps. Damaged end caps may cause media tracking problems. All Mutoh recommended roll media are rolled up with the printable side facing the outside, so that you can load the roll media easily.
  • Page 49 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Loading roll media. Step 10 : Pull some media off the roll, feed it into the media feed gap and between the pressure rollers and the drive roller. Pull out the media at the front side and make sure at least 0.5 meters hangs out in front of the printer.
  • Page 50 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Turn the scroller receiver screw clockwise to move the roll media to the left (when standing in front of the printer). Important: The guide line (holes) is a guide. There is a possibility of a jam if the pressure roller is not holding the left edge of the media and the pressure roller is near the right edge.

  • Page 51: Eco-Solvent Ultra Media List

    Together with your Rockhopper 38 series printer, you will receive a sample roll of one of the Mutoh Eco- Solvent or Eco-Solvent Ultra media and a CD-ROM containing pre-ripped data, allowing you to test the Eco- Solvent and Eco-Solvent Ultra media.

  • Page 52: Adjusting Head Height

    The lever can only be put in two positions, there are no intermediates. Typical use: Photo quality output on photo paper type media (Mutoh Photo Great Piezo Media, Paper, Vinyl, Synthetic paper…) Thick media or media with fibres (Fabrics) which may touch the printhead during printing. HIGH (Canvas, Art Paper, Cardboard…)

  • Page 53: Handling The Printer

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5. HANDLING THE PRINTER 5.1. OVERVIEW OPERATION PANEL FUNCTIONALITY Via your operation panel you can access a variety of functions in three different ways: Direct Access Keys Shift Key Menu Mode 5.2. DIRECT ACCESS KEYS OPERATIONS 5.2.1 Overview...

  • Page 54: Media Selection

    Depending on the media type used, ink drying time differs. The Rockhopper 38 factory default value for the ink drying time amounts to 30 seconds. The drying time cycle is activated as soon as the printer has finalised the plot.

  • Page 55: High Quality / Standard / High Speed Selection

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.2.3. High quality / Standard / High speed selection The Rockhopper 38 printer can be set-up in three speed / quality modes. Quality and speed are inversely proportional: the higher the speed, the lower the quality and vice versa.

  • Page 56: Resolution

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.2.4. Resolution Pressing the Resolution key will change the output resolution between 1440x1440 dpi, 720 x 720 dpi true resolution and 360 x 360 dpi. The set-up can only be changed in idle status. As soon as data is coming in and/or is being processed, pressing the key will not have any effect.

  • Page 57: Head Cleaning

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.2.5. Head Cleaning Although your Rockhopper 38 Printer will occasionally perform an automatic cleaning cycle, it might be necessary to manually activate a cleaning cycle. The head cleaning function will clean both the head surface and the nozzles.

  • Page 58: Job Cancel & Roll Media Cut

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.2.6. Job Cancel & Roll media cut With the Cancel key you are able to control both the cancel function and the media cut function, depending on the condition of the printer. The table below gives you an overview of the different possibilities:...

  • Page 59: Vacuum

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.2.7. Vacuum Pressing VACUUM will reduce the fan power. Always make sure to reduce the fan power when using very light media such as synthetic paper or uncoated paper lighter than 70 g/m². To change the fan power, proceed as follows: Press the Vacuum key and select between normal media and light media.

  • Page 60: Shift Key Operations

    It will help you to reset your printer to the correct settings when some parameters are changed. Also the printer settings print is a helpful document to have at hand when calling your distributor, dealer or Mutoh authorized service centre. Page...

  • Page 61: Nozzle Check

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.3.2. Nozzle Check After filling the inks, this procedure uses printing results to check whether the head nozzles are ejecting the ink properly. If the nozzles are ejecting ink badly, implement the cleaning treatment in this procedure. If there is no media, the printer will request media. If it is out of ink, it will ask for an ink cartridge.
  • Page 62 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Printing method Single-pass, bidirectional Black X 360 dpi Y 360 dpi Colour X 180 dpi Y 360 dpi Lettering is not printed in the Head Nozzle Check Pattern. Page AP-75038, Rev. 1.3 – 10/01/06...

  • Page 63: Generating A Test Print

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.3.3. Generating a test print To check if the printer is fully operational, you can generate a test print. To plot out a test print, proceed as follows: Step 1: Load an A3-size sheet in the printer and lower the media hold lever.

  • Page 64: Generating A Set-Up Sheet

    Once your printer is completely set-up, it is advantageous to plot out all its settings. The set-up sheet contains all user-definable information. In case of difficulties, the set-up sheet is also helpful to have at hand when you contact your dealer or Mutoh authorised service centre.

  • Page 65: Roll Media Feed

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.3.5. Roll media feed When you use roll media, you can feed the media forward or backward by pressing the shift key and the roll media advance key up or down. Note: The media feed function does not work:...

  • Page 66: Head Fine Adjustment

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.3.6. Head fine adjustment To solve or check a quality problem caused by head misalignment, try to execute the head fine adjustment procedure. Although your printer has been adjusted for proper printing quality at the time of shipment, the quality of drawings may change depending on the kind of media used and on your printing environment.
  • Page 67 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide DISPLAY EXAMPLE STEPS Step 5: Look at pattern B on your printed sheet. Pattern B: Select the row number of the line where no shift is visible. To change values, use VALUE + and VALUE - keys.

  • Page 68: Setup Menu

    Setting up the transmittable commands and conditions from the computer. The following commands are supported: RTL-PASS MH-GL, GL2 (MH-RTL): Mutoh MH-GL and MH-GL/2 (MH-RTL) commands (conform to Hewlett-Packard HP-GL, HP-GL/2 and HP-RTL commands) MH-GL2 (MH-RTL): Mutoh MH-GL/2 (MH-RTL) commands (conform to Hewlett- Packard HP-GL/2 and HP-RTL commands) (MH-GL, GL2 plotting unit is 0.025 mm)
  • Page 69 Cut sheet : Front 25 mm, Back 20 mm, Sides 10 mm Roll media : Front 25 mm, Back 20 mm, Sides 10 mm Specifies a printing range that is interchangeable with Mutoh XP Series pen plotters. Expanded: However, since the maximum printing range is 934 mm, if expanded mode is specified with media wider than 944 mm, the following left and right distances will be wrong.
  • Page 70 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.1.3. Position When the command item selected is MH-GL, GL2 (MH-RTL) or MH-GL/2 (MH-RTL), this specifies the initial pen position into the printer commands. The initial position is P1 (scaling point) The initial position is at the lower left of the hard clip.
  • Page 71 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.1.4. Terminator When the command item selected is MH-GL, GL2 (MH-RTL) or MH-GL/2 (MH-RTL), this specifies a function that is different from the original command function as the terminator with respect to some commands in each of the printer’s command modes.
  • Page 72 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.1.5. Resolution In the case of MH-GL, GL2 (MH-RTL) and MH-GL/2 (MH-RTL), this specifies the resolution for image data in MH-RTL commands. Sets image data resolution to 300 dpi 300 dpi: Sets image data resolution to 360 dpi...
  • Page 73 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.1.6. Online Timeout When online data is broken off, this specifies a certain period of time, the elapsing of which is taken to be the end of image data. Online timeout: Off, 10 sec, 20 sec, 30 sec, 40 sec, 50 sec, 60 sec, 90 sec, 120 sec, 150 sec, 180 sec, and 210 sec then in 30-sec increments to 720 sec, 750 sec, 780 sec, and 800 sec.
  • Page 74 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.1.7. Overwrite This specifies functions related to the printer's own environment. Specifies the method for controlling the overwritten portions of a diagram. Overwritten portion takes a colour to be printed later Last: Overwritten portion takes mixed colours...
  • Page 75 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.1.8 Origin Reset Step 1: If a menu is to be specified, press the [MENU] key. Plot OK The key contents change to the purple section on the outside of the operation panel. Step 2: Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the "Command"...

  • Page 76: Function Setup

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.2. Function Setup *Menu* Function > Ink drying time 0 sec to 5 sec to 30 sec to 60 min Speed / Quality / Thin Halftone CMY → Black No / Yes 25% to 100% to 400%...
  • Page 77 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Step 7: *Menu* Function> If no other items are to be changed, press the [BACK ] key. Step 8: Do not press any other key for 3 minutes or press [BACK ] key again. Step 9: Plot OK The permanent display is restored.
  • Page 78 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.2.3. CMY -> Black Specifies whether black is to be expressed by CMY (mixture) or K ink. In graphic language mode, it appears as follows: RTL-PASS Only use K- ink for Black Possible to mix Black of CMY and K...
  • Page 79 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.2.4. Scale The Scale function prints with expanded or reduced data 25% to 100% to 400% (in 1% step) To change the Scale setup, proceed as follows: Step 1: Plot OK If a menu is to be specified, press the [MENU] key.
  • Page 80 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.2.5. Mirror This function prints with printing data reversed in the Y-axis direction. Mirror may not work with some image data. No reversal Off: Reversing in the Y direction Y-axis on: To change the Mirror setup, proceed as follows:...
  • Page 81 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.2.6. Direction In a case where data is to be printed on roll media, this function specifies whether the layout of the image on the media is to be based on the size of the data including the margins or only on the area that will actually be printed.
  • Page 82 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide To change the Direction setup, proceed as follows: Step 1: Plot OK If a menu is to be specified, press the [MENU] key. Step 2: The key contents change to the purple section on the outside of the *Menu* Command>...
  • Page 83 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.2.7. Cut Position This function specifies where the roll media will be cut in accordance with the specified layout of the print. Cuts the media at the position determined after adding a margin at the rear edge...
  • Page 84 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide To change the Cut Position setup proceed as follows: Step 1: Plot OK If a menu is to be specified, press the [MENU] key. Step 2: The key contents change to the purple section on the outside of the *Menu* Command>...
  • Page 85 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.2.8. Media Cut Selects whether roll media will be cut or not at the end of printing. If off is selected, the data can be printed again on the same page. Off: Roll media is cut automatically when printing ends.
  • Page 86 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.2.9. Copy Specifies the number of copies when the data is to be printed several times. 1 to 99 To change the Copy setup, proceed as follows: Step 1: Plot OK If a menu is to be specified, press the [MENU] key.
  • Page 87 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.2.10 Ink Density printing with normal intensity Normal: printing with an intensity lighter than Normal Micro: Both intensities are effective at 720 dpi but at 360 dpi, the printing intensity will be Normal even when Micro is selected.

  • Page 88: Distance Adjustment

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.2.11. Distance Adjustment Based on an actual print, enter the measured X-axial distance and the data length. If there is no previous setting, the length and width of the last plot will be displayed. Since distance compensation is intended to align the user’s scale, it does not ensure the accuracy of the distance.
  • Page 89 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Step 10: Press [VALUE+] key or [VALUE-] key to enter the measured value Real X: 00800.00 digit. Step 11: Press [MENU UP ] key or [MENU DOWN ] key to shift to another Real X: 00800.20 digit that is to be altered.

  • Page 90: Centronics Setup

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.4. Centronics Setup *Menu* Centronics > Mode Centronics / Bitronics Timing A-B / B-A Factory default setting item is marked in Bold Centronics Setup Making online settings for the Centronics connection. 5.5.4.1. Mode Sets the mode for the Centronics connection.
  • Page 91 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.4.2. Timing Sets ACK timing for Centronics online communication. Selects ACK timing for the A-B busy method A-B: Selects ACK timing for the B-A busy method B-A: To change the Timing mode setup proceed as follows:...

  • Page 92: Network Setup

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.5. Network Setup *Menu* Network > IP Address 000.000.000.000 to 192.034.043.015 to 255.255.255.255 Factory default setting item is marked in Bold Network Setup Set-up for the network connection (Ethernet). 5.13.5.1. IP Address Sets up IP address for the network connection (Ethernet).
  • Page 93 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Step 10: Press the [VALUE+] key or [VALUE-] key to set the fourth part of the 192.168.001 -> 015 IP address to a number between "001" and "255". Step 11: Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the fourth address and shift to the ->...

  • Page 94: Utility Setup

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.6. Utility Setup *Menu* Utility > On / Off 1) Error display OK / No 2) Initialize OK / No OK / No Command OK / No Function OK / No Centronics OK / No...
  • Page 95 The permanent display is restored. 5.4.6.2. Initialize 1. All Restores the contents of all backed up settings to the values set when shipped by Mutoh. All backed up settings are restored to the factory settings Yes: Factory settings are not restored...
  • Page 96 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Press the [VALUE+] key or [VALUE-] key to specify "No" or "Yes". Initial All: Step 9: Press the [ENTER] key to confirm "Initialize All" and shift to "Initial Initial Command: No Command". Step 10: If no other items are to be changed, press the [BACK ] key.
  • Page 97 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 2. Command Restores the backed up command settings to the values set when shipped by Mutoh. The backed up command settings are restored to the factory settings Yes: Factory settings are not restored To change the Command setup, proceed as follows:...
  • Page 98 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 3. Function Restores the backed up function settings to the values set when shipped by Mutoh. The backed up function settings are restored to the factory settings Yes: Factory settings are not restored To change the Function setup, proceed as follows:...
  • Page 99 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 4. Centronics Restores the backed up Centronics settings to the values set when shipped by Mutoh. The backed up Centronics settings are restored to the factory settings Yes: Factory settings are not restored To change the Centronics setup, proceed as follows:...
  • Page 100 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5. Network Restores the backed up Network settings to the values set when shipped by Mutoh. The backed up Network settings are restored to the factory settings Yes: Factory settings are not restored To change the Network setup, proceed as follows:...
  • Page 101 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.6.3. Data Dump Prints a dump to check online. Prints a dump from start to end Start-End: Prints a dump for all data All: To change the Data Dump setup proceed as follows: Step 1: Plot OK If a menu is to be specified, press the [MENU] key.

  • Page 102: Head Wash

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.6.4. Head Wash When using this function, cleaning cassettes need to be installed to the cassette slots. Washes both black head and colour head. Black & Colour: Washes black head only Black: Washes colour head simultaneously...
  • Page 103 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Step 12: Remove Bk Wash Cart Remove the Eco-Solvent Ultra cleaning cassette from the slot. Step 13: The rest of the cleaning fluid in the printer unit is discharged when Head Wash Eco-Solvent Ultra cleaning cassette is removed.
  • Page 104 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.6.5. Clean In this menu it is possible to perform a cleaning cycle Performs a normal cleaning cycle Normal Performs a longer and more powerful cleaning cycle Powerful To change the Cleaning Setup, proceed as follows:...
  • Page 105 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.6.6 Fill In this menu it is possible to perform fill cycle. Perform a fill cycle Do not perform a fill cycle To change the Fill Setup, proceed as follows: Step 1: Plot OK If a menu is to be specified, press the [MENU] key.

  • Page 106: Maintenance Record

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.4.6.8 K Ink Change This function is only applicable for special an internal use. 5.4.6.9 Maintenance Record In this menu it is possible to print a setup list of the printer. Be sure to have media loaded.

  • Page 107: Controlling The Heaters

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 5.5. CONTROLLING THE HEATERS 5.5.1 Mode selection menu This mode gives you the opportunity to control the heaters. Pushing the two left sided keys to enter the “Mode Selection Menu” Following message will be displayed.
  • Page 108 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 30 min After selecting this mode, the heaters will start heating towards the set temperature and remain at that temperature for as long as 30 minutes. This time period is called “Preheat time”. During this time the lower display line shows the remaining time: “Preheat: 29m59s”...

  • Page 109: Daily Maintenance & Troubleshooting

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6. DAILY MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING This chapter describes routine maintenance such as cleaning, exchanging Eco-Solvent Ultra ink cassettes, etc.; and offers solutions for minor problems that may occur during printer operation. 6.1. CLEANING THE PRINTER Use a soft cloth for cleaning off Eco-Solvent Ultra ink stains.
  • Page 110 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Important: If there is too much paper dust on the pressure roller or the driver roller, media feed will not be activated and the following error will be displayed: Jam Check Error Clean the paper sensor with a cotton swab.

  • Page 111: Replacing The Eco-Solvent Ultra Ink Cassettes

    Unpack a new Eco-Solvent Ultra ink cassette. Note: Only use original Mutoh Eco-Solvent Ultra ink cassettes. For each cassette, there is a correct place and a correct inserting direction. Open the Eco-Solvent Ultra ink cassette just before inserting it into the slot.

  • Page 112: Replacing The Cutting Blade

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.3. REPLACING THE CUTTING BLADE Depending on the kind of roll media used, paper dust gathers in the cutter slot and on the cutter blade edge. This may cause bad sheet off quality. In this case, replace or clean the cutting blade or/and clean the cutter slot.
  • Page 113 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Caution: The edge of the cutting blade is very fragile, while replacing it, handle it with care. Step 4: Put the head manually back into its capping position, and turn the power switch ON. Note: Durability of the cutting blade may differ depending on the kind or thickness of the media and used environment.

  • Page 114: Cleaning The Wiper And The Borders Of The Caps

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.4 CLEANING THE WIPER AND THE BORDERS OF THE CAPS Caution: Don't move the head with the hold lever in the “up” position. The head might touch the media keeper blade, causing damage and poor printing quality.

  • Page 115: Cleaning The Borders Of The Caps

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.4.1 Cleaning the borders of the caps Tools needed : Description Quantity Gloves 1 pair Swab Eco-Solvent cleaning liquid User defined Procedure (5 steps) : Switch off the power. Step 1 : Lower the hold lever and manually bring the head to the middle.

  • Page 116: Cleaning The Wiper

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.4.2 Cleaning the wiper Tools needed : Description Quantity Gloves 1 pair Swab Eco-Solvent cleaning liquid User defined Procedure (5 steps) : Switch off the power. Step 1 : Lower the hold lever and manually bring the head to the middle.

  • Page 117: Replacing The Sponges In The Spitting Box

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.5 REPLACING THE SPONGES IN THE SPITTING BOX Caution : Gloves are recommended. Tools needed : Description Quantity Gloves 1 pair Tweezers (not in kit) Sponges (set of 2) Procedure (4 steps) : Switch off the power Step 1 : Use tweezers to take the two sponges (2, 3) out of the spitting box (1).
  • Page 118 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Take a thin and a thick sponge and detect the top and bottom of the sponges. See image below. Step 3 : 1 = Woolly side = TOP 2 = Pressed side = BOTTOM Put a new thick sponge (3) and a new thin sponge (2) with their TOP sides above in the Step 4 : spitting box (1).

  • Page 119: Emptying The Waste Bottle

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.6. EMPTYING THE WASTE BOTTLE Since there is no panel display or lamp display when the empty waste ink bottle is to be emptied, Step 1 : you should prepare to empty the waste ink bottle when you see that the bottle is about half full.

  • Page 120: Replacing The Blades

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.7. REPLACING THE BLADES Step 1 : Put the lever up. Step 2 : Remove all the blades as shown in the picture below. Remove previous blade (wing) Two pins on each side of the pressure roller Step 3 : Install the new blades.

  • Page 121: Periodical Service

    All necessary tools, accessories and parts needed for user maintenance are collected in one kit: the “User Maintenance Kit”. Part number of the kit is KY-24530. Please contact your Authorized Mutoh Reseller for more details regarding pricing and availability. The kit gives you 6 months autonomy.

  • Page 122: Service By Authorised Mutoh Technician

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Notes : • Cleaning in “Ink areas” must be done with Eco-Solvent cleaning liquid. • Above maintenance cycles are based on following use : 8 hours / day, 5 days / week, 44 weeks / year.

  • Page 123: Troubleshooting

    6.9. TROUBLESHOOTING Whenever troubles occur with your printer, refer to the tables below. If the problem occurring is not described in any category listed below, contact your local Mutoh distributor. 1. The printer does not start after powering ON. Possible Cause...
  • Page 124 Cancel the origin or mirror setting or set up again. 7. Frequent media jams occur. Note: Normal media feed can only be guaranteed with Mutoh recommended media. Possible Cause Solution Are you using media recommended by Mutoh? It is recommended to use media approved by Mutoh.
  • Page 125 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 11. During the media loading sequence, media gets torn or gets jammed. Possible Cause Solution Are you using the media recommended by Mutoh? It is recommended to use media approved by Mutoh. Is the hold lever down? Make sure to put the hold lever in the DOWN position.
  • Page 126 Are you using media that is either too thick or to thin? It is recommended to use media approved by Mutoh. Are you using a media not recommended by Mutoh? It is recommended to use media approved by Mutoh. Are you printing on the printable side of the media? Make sure to load the media on the printing side.
  • Page 127 Use new Eco-Solvent Ultra ink cassettes. valid date? Are you using the media recommended by Mutoh? It is recommended to use media approved by Mutoh. Have you tried the print head cleaning? Try the print head cleaning. Try the high-power cleaning.

  • Page 128: Printing Hints

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.10. PRINTING HINTS This section makes it easy for you to look up what sort of function to use when you want to do a particular sort of operation. It asks the questions and then refers to the sections in this guide where you can find the answers.
  • Page 129 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide To place printed output in a specified position Question Hint To print in the middle of the page with maximum and Change "Direction" to "MAX-MIN" in Function minimum data values? Setup To print on media of a different size from that specified in Set "Scale"...

  • Page 130: Printer Status Display

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.11. PRINTER STATUS DISPLAY The condition of the printer is displayed when it is working normally. ● Normal (when media is loaded) Data can be received and printed. Plot OK ● Normal (when media is not loaded) Media is not loaded or printing on a cut sheet is finished.

  • Page 131: Errors

    The capping position is not recorded. The error will not be cancelled until the capping position is adjusted. Contact Capping Position Un-Setup your Mutoh dealer regarding capping position adjustment. ● Media Recognition Error An error has occurred during media detection.
  • Page 132 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide ● Request to insert exclusive or same type Eco-Solvent Ultra ink cassettes Either ink cassettes other than the exclusive type. Make sure exclusive ink cassettes of the same type are loaded. No Original Ink ●...

  • Page 133: Data Errors And Countermeasures

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.12.2. Data Errors and Countermeasures Data errors occur when there is a fault in communication between the printer and the application or computer. There are three types of data error: Errors related to communication conditions...

  • Page 134: Command Errors And Countermeasures

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.12.3. Command Errors and Countermeasures Command errors occur during the processing of command data received from the application or computer. If the printer's command set-up differs from the type of command data sent from the application or computer If there is a grammatical error in the command data sent from the application or computer The beeper gives three long beeps when a data error occurs.

  • Page 135: Errors Requiring A Restart

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.12.4. Errors requiring a Restart Errors requiring a restart are fatal to the operation of the printer. The power to the printer must be switched off and the printer must be restarted. They are caused by an obstruction to the printer drive or damage related to a printer board.
  • Page 136 E016 Error CPU Err [35] Note: In the case of a Sensor detection error, NVRAM error or Sum-check error, switch on the power again. If the error persists, contact the Mutoh authorized dealer. Errors requiring restart that involve the CPU system ●...
  • Page 137 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide ● Bus exception error A bus exception error has occurred in the CPU. E016 CPU Err [06] ● Bus exception error A bus exception error has occurred in the CPU. E016 CPU Err [07] ●...

  • Page 138: Heater Error Messages

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.13 HEATER ERROR MESSAGES Errors caused by the heater system. 6.13.1 Automatic Check The heater system has been equipped with an automated diagnostics system to determine if it is safe to activate the heaters or to determine if there is a problem.

  • Page 139: Error Messages

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 6.13.2 Error Messages Error Message Description + action to take Connect Error D1 sensor D1 has connection problem, please check connection Connect Error D2 sensor D2 has connection problem, please check connection Connect Error A1...
  • Page 140 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Page AP-75038, Rev. 1.3 – 10/01/06...

  • Page 141: Appendix

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 7. APPENDIX This chapter describes the specifications of the Rockhopper 38 printer, the RS-232C, Centronics and network specifications. 7.1. PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS Drop-on-demand piezo electric – Microdot™ Technology Printing Technology High Speed : 7.2 m²/h / Production : 3.6 m²/h / High Quality : 0.68 m²/h Print Speed 360 x 360 dpi;...

  • Page 142: Interface Specifications

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 7.2. INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS a. RS-232C interface specifications: Use Port: Port1 Baudrate: 4800bps, 9600bps, 19200bps, 38400bps Format Synchronism: ASCII Communication: Double communication Data Length: 7bits, 8bits Stop Bit: 1bits, 1.5bits, 2bits Parity: None / Even / Odd...
  • Page 143 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide RS-232C 25 Pin shield (5570/25S) RS-232C RS-232C 25 Pin connector 25 Pin connector Female Male Screw (Inch screw) Screw (mm screw) RS-232C 9 Pin shield (5570/09S) RS-232C RS-232C 9 Pin connector 9 Pin connector Female...
  • Page 144 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Table of Parallel interface pin numbers and signals Connector Pin Signal Direction Connector Pin Signal Direction number number STROBE RJ Printer<- DATA1 RJ Printer<-> DATA2 RJ Printer<-> DATA3 RJ Printer<-> DATA4 RJ Printer<-> DATA5 RJ Printer<->...

  • Page 145: Installation Of Network Interface Board

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 7.3. INSTALLATION OF NETWORK INTERFACE BOARD The standard interface for the Rockhopper printer has a parallel Centronics compatible interface as standard equipment. The network interface board, RJ8-ETH14, for connection to Ethernet is also available as an option.

  • Page 146: Memory Extension

    Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide 7.4. MEMORY EXTENSION All Rockhopper 38 printers come standard with a memory of 8 MB but this can be extended by fitting up to two optional 16 MB (SIM16M) or 32 MB (SIM32M) memory boards (sold separately).
  • Page 147 Rockhopper 38 – User’s Guide Page AP-75038, Rev. 1.3 – 10/01/06...

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