EC Printer Q8 User Manual

Barcode label printer

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Q8 Barcode Label Printer
User's Manual

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Summary of Contents for EC Printer Q8

  • Page 1 Q8 Barcode Label Printer User’s Manual...
  • Page 2: Fcc Notice

    © 2011 by EC Electronics Limited. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual cannot be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of EC Printer No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein.
  • Page 3 Disclaimer This manual has been validated and reviewed for accuracy. The instructions and descriptions it contains are accurate for the EC Printer Q8 Label Printer at the time of this manual’s printing. However, succeeding printers and manuals are subject to change without notice.
  • Page 4: Important Safety Instructions

    Q8 User’s Manual Important Safety Instructions  Only qualified and trained authorized EC PRINTER service providers should attempt to disassemble or repair the printer. Incorrect disassembling of the product or its power adaptor may cause an electronic short, human injury or printer component damages.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Q8 User’s Manual Contents Preface ........................1 Important Notice, Read Me First! ................1 Chapter 1 Introduction..................... 2 Specifications...................... 2 Specifications for Printer ..................2 Specifications for Power Adapter............. 3 Contents of Box..................3 Packing List....................3 Chapter 2 Setup and Use..................5 Setting up......................
  • Page 6: Preface

    Preface Your EC PRINTER Q8 barcode label printer provides many outstanding features to enjoy. The EC PRINTER Q8 is compact, versatile, and easy to use. It supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing methods, and employs an unparalleled print engine that reduces noise and enhances durability.
  • Page 7: Important Notice, Read Me First

    Q8 User’s Manual Important Notice, Read Me First! Important Notice, Read Me First! A thermal Printhead can be easily damaged due to its precision construction. A Printhead damaged due to misuse is not covered under the terms of the warranty. To ensure longevity of the Printhead, please note the following: ...
  • Page 8: Chapter 1 Introduction

    Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 1 Introduction Specifications Specifications for Printer Mode Q8/200 Q8/300 Printing method Direct Thermal & Thermal transfer Printing 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) 300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm) resolution printing 4 ips (101.6 mm/s) 3 ips (76.2 mm/s)
  • Page 9: Specifications For Power Adapter

    1 pc Media Roll Guides 2 pc Warranty card 1 pc CD-ROM pack 1 pc Sample Media 1 pc Sample Ribbon 1 pc Note: CD-ROM pack includes the Q8 printer driver, Bartender-Postek software, Q8 User’s Guide and the Programming Manual.
  • Page 10 Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 1 Introduction Printer Power Adapter Ribbon Sample Media Media Media Roll Guide Quick Start Guide CD-Rom Figure 1: Printer and Accessories...
  • Page 11: Chapter 2 Setup And Use

    Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Setting up Before setting up the printer consider the following: 1. Make sure there is adequate space around the printer for loading consumables and proper ventilation. 2. Make sure the printer is close to the host so the interface cable is easily accessible at either end.
  • Page 12 Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use 1. READY Indicator 4. PAUSE Button 7. Media Exit 2. MEDIA Indicator 5. FEED Button 8. Cover Handle 3. RIBBON Indicator 6. CANCEL Button 9. Observation Window Figure 3 1. Ribbon Take-up 4.
  • Page 13 Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Figure 4 1. RS-232 Serial Interface 4. Power Jack 2. DIP Switches 5. Power Switch 3. USB Interface...
  • Page 14: Connecting The Printer

    Interface Connection The Q8 supports USB and RS-232 Serial interface connections. Note: When connecting the Q8 to a computer via the USB cable, make sure to utilize the same USB port used during the driver installation process, which enables the printer to retrieve needed commands or data from the PC.
  • Page 15: Loading The Ribbon

    Remove any ribbon that may be loaded when using the direct thermal printing method. Warnings: (1) The Q8 supports ribbons with ink on the outside only. Check the ribbon package for ink side specifications. (2) Always install a ribbon with the ink side facing outwards. The...
  • Page 16 Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Figure 5-1...
  • Page 17 Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Figure 5-2...
  • Page 18 Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Figure 5-3...
  • Page 19: Loading The Media

    Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Loading the Media Q8 printers can be operated in three different modes: Standard mode, Peel-off mode, and Cutting mode. -- In Standard mode, each printed label remains on the backing liner. -- In Peel-off mode, each printed label is peeled away from the backing liner automatically.
  • Page 20 Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use 10. Close the cover and press the “FEED” button to feed the Media and ensure proper tracking. If the printer does not correctly sense the top of each label, it may be necessary to perform the Media Calibration (see Operations).
  • Page 21 Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Figure 6-2...
  • Page 22 Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Media Guide Rod Media Platen Roller Media Guide Figure 6-3...
  • Page 23: Peel-Off Mode

    Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Peel-off Mode To load media into the Q8 while using Peel-off Mode: 1. Set the 4 DIP Switch to the ON position. 2. Turn on the printer. 3. Reset the Peeler Module: Press and hold the “Cancel” button for 4 seconds, until the 3 indicator lamps begin to blink simultaneously.
  • Page 24 Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Label Printhead Module Liner Figure 6-4...
  • Page 25 Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Peeler under Open state Label Path Liner Path Peeler under Close state Figure 6-5...
  • Page 26: Cutting Mode

    Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Cutting Mode 1. Set the 3rd DIP Switch to ON to enable the cutter function (see Figure 6-6). 2. Turn on the printer. 3. Reset the Cutter: Press and hold the “Cancel” button for 4 seconds, the three lamps will blink simultaneously.
  • Page 27: Adjusting The Position Of Media Sensor

    Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Figure 6-7 Adjusting the Position of Media Sensor 1. Lift the top cover (see Figure 7-1). 2. Turn the Handle to the “open” position, take out the Media Sensor Cover to expose the Media Sensor (Figure 7-2).
  • Page 28 Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Media sensor slot Figure 7-1...
  • Page 29 Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Figure 7-2 Media Sensor Cover Figure 7-6...
  • Page 30 Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Figure 7-7...
  • Page 31: Chapter 3: Operations And Settings

    ━ —ON 〇 —OFF The Front Panel The Front Panel of the Q8 printer consists of: - Three Indicator Lamps: MEDIA, READY and RIBBON - Three multi function buttons: PAUSE, FEED and CANCEL Indicator Lamps The three lamps indicate the status of the printer (please refer to Chapter 4: Troubleshooting, for error indicators).
  • Page 32: Advanced Operations

    Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 3: Operations and Settings Buttons The three buttons have different functions based on the mode of the operation is performed. Advanced Functions See Advanced Operations Mode Basic Functions below Feed/Calibration Feeds one label Media Sensor Calibration...
  • Page 33 Chapter 3: Operations and Settings Q8 User’s Manual Font list Hardware configuration and status Label parameters Firmware version Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer printing method Reset to Factory Default Settings To reset the printer to factory default settings: 1. Press and hold the Cancel/ Reset button for 4 seconds, the three lamps will blink simultaneously (the printer will return to normal state automatically if no operations are performed within 4 seconds);...
  • Page 34: Dip Switch Panel

    Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 3: Operations and Settings DIP Switch Panel The DIP Switch panel is located on the back of the printer. O F F Note: Turn off the printer before setting DIP switches. DIP Bit Functions Remarks ON: Direct thermal print...
  • Page 35: Windows Driver And Bartender-Postek Software

    0: OFF, 1: ON 1 | 0 – 38400,n,8,1 Default: 00 1 | 1 – 57600,n,8,1 Windows Driver and Bartender-Postek Software The Q8 printer is compatible with the following operating systems: Windows 7 Windows Me Windows Vista Windows 2000 Windows XP...
  • Page 36: Chapter 4: Maintenance

    2. The printhead becomes hot while printing, be careful when performing maintenance on the printhead. 3. Use only the cleaning agents indicated. EC Printer Electronics Co., Ltd. will not be responsible for damage caused by any other cleaning materials used on the printer.
  • Page 37: Cleaning The Platen Roller

    Chapter 4: Maintenance Q8 User’s Manual accumulates ink 6. Let the Printhead dry before using the Q8 again Cleaning the Platen Roller The Platen Roller, located at the exit point and underneath labels, supports the labels as they feed out of the printer. The roller can accumulate debris from consumables, such as dirt, sand, dust or glue.
  • Page 38: Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

    Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 5: Troubleshooting Chapter 5: Troubleshooting Error Indicators Typically, when the printer is not functioning, the READY lamp on the front panel will begin blinking, the communication between printer and the host would be interrupted, and the printer would stop working.
  • Page 39 Possible Cause Recommend Solutions Ribbon ran out Load a new roll of ribbon Ribbon jammed Clear the jam Contact an authorized EC PRINTER Ribbon Sensor error service provider for technical support. Only READY Lamp blinks: Possible Cause Recommend Solutions Serial I/O error Check DIP switches for the baud rate settings a.
  • Page 40: Miscellaneous

    Execute following corrective actions: 1. Check the interface cable for proper connection. 2. Ensure the Q8 printer is powered on. If the trouble still exists, please contact an authorized EC PRINTER service provider for technical support. Data Sent but Not Printing 1.
  • Page 41 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting Q8 User’s Manual Poor Printing Quality When experiencing poor print quality, check the following: 1. Adjust print darkness setting value. 2. Adjust print speed setting value. 3. Clean the Printhead and the platen roller. 4. Poor quality printing may be caused from using a low quality ribbon.
  • Page 42: Appendix A: Io Interface Specifications

    Q8 User’s Manual Appendix A: IO Interface Specifications Appendix A: IO Interface Specifications RS232 Serial Interface The RS232 connector on the printer is a DB9F: Direction Definition Ground Connection with the Host: Host 25S Printer 9S Host 9S Printer 9S TX 2 ………...
  • Page 43 Appendix A: IO Interface Specifications Q8 User’s Manual Baud rate: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 (Baud Rate set by DIP switches 7–8) Data format: always 8 data bits, 1 start bit and 1 stop bit. Parity: always non parity. Flow control: RTS/CTS (Hardware flow control).
  • Page 44: Appendix B: Ascii Table

    Q8 User’s Manual Appendix B: ASCII Table Appendix B: ASCII Table “ XOFF & ‘ < > Remark: The € sign is included in the embedded table at DEC128 (HEX 80).
  • Page 45 Please visit our web-site for more EC Line product information www.ecline.com.mx www.ecline.com.hk...

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