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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.
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.
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.
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: ...
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.
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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...
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.
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.
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...
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Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Figure 5-1...
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Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Figure 5-2...
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Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Figure 5-3...
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.
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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).
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Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Figure 6-2...
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Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Media Guide Rod Media Platen Roller Media Guide Figure 6-3...
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.
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Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Label Printhead Module Liner Figure 6-4...
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Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Peeler under Open state Label Path Liner Path Peeler under Close state Figure 6-5...
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.
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).
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Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Media sensor slot Figure 7-1...
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Chapter 2 Setup and Use Q8 User’s Manual Figure 7-2 Media Sensor Cover Figure 7-6...
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Q8 User’s Manual Chapter 2 Setup and Use Figure 7-7...
━ —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).
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...
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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);...
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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 ………...
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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).
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