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Sakura Tissue-Tek Autowrite Operating Manual

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Tissue-Tek
Autowrite
™
®
Slide Printer
3/4/2011

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  • Page 1 Tissue-Tek Autowrite ™ ® Slide Printer 3/4/2011...
  • Page 2 © 2011 Sakura Finetek Europe, B.V. All Rights Reserved Printed in The Netherlands Manufactured for: Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc., Torrance, CA 90501 U.S.A. Sakura Finetek Japan Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-0023, Japan Sakura Finetek Europe B.V., 2408AV Alphen a/d Rijn, NL 0003371-01C Made in Germany 3/4/2011...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Filling and Loading the Slide Magazines.......................... 2.13 SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION Software Configuration............................... 3.1 Printer Driver Settings ................................ 3.7 Installing the Sakura Data Management Software ......................3.11 Performing a Test Print ..............................3.14 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Operating Instructions ................................ 4.1 Understanding the Control Panel ............................4.1 Printing Slides ..................................
  • Page 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page TROUBLESHOOTING General Information ................................7.1 Replacing the Curing Lamp..............................7.2 SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS Service Information ................................8.1 Replacement Accessory Items............................8.1 Optional Accessory Items ..............................8.1 Revised 3/04/11...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    IEC 61010-1 2 Safety Features CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1-92 The Tissue-Tek AutoWrite Slide Printer is equipped UL 61010A-1 with several safety features, which help keep the operator In order to ensure safe operation, the operator must and the instrument safe from harm.

  • Page 6: General Description

    Slides are dispensed one at a time from the slide magazines down a central chute and are captured by the The Tissue-Tek AutoWrite Slide Printer (Figure 1-A) is print sledge assembly. The print head uses ink jet a high resolution ink-jet printer designed to print on technology and is driven by a Windows ®...

  • Page 7: Physical Characteristics

    Section 1 Physical Characteristics Slide Magazine (Figure 1-B) The three slide magazines are positioned in the magazine receptacles located on the top of the instrument and hold up to 150 slides each. Slides are loaded with the slide writing surface positioned on the left. The slide magazines are designed to accommodate commercially available slides.
  • Page 8 INTRODUCTION Print Sledge (Figure 1-E) Drying Station (Figure 1-G) The print sledge retrieves the slide from the transfer The slide is deposited into the drying station by the point and moves it quickly back and forth under the print print sledge. Warm air is gently blown on the slide to dry head printing directly on the slide.
  • Page 9 Section 1 Ink/Transport Cartridge Receptacle (Figure 1-I) The transport cartridge is inserted in the cartridge receptacle when the instrument is transported. For routine operation, the transport cartridge must be replaced by an ink cartridge. Figure 1-I Slide Debris Tray (Figure 1-J) The slide debris tray collects debris that accumulates during the printing of multiple slides.
  • Page 10 INTRODUCTION Ink Cartridge Figure 1-L The ink cartridge contains a uniquely formulated ink designed specifically to print on slides. Once the ink is printed on the slide, it is dried and cured, making it chemically resistant and smudge-proof. Figure 1-L Curing Lamp (Figure 1-M) The curing lamp is a specialized UV light bulb used to cure the ink printed on the slide.
  • Page 11 Section 1 Unload Station (Figure 1-O)/Unload Trays (Figure 1-P) (Optional) An automatic unload station (Figure 1-O) is available as an optional accessory. It is used as a collection system for printed slides. It contains ten removable trays (Figure 1-P) that accommodate ten slides per tray. The printed slides are pushed onto the tray one at a time until the tray is full at which time, the tray is indexed up one tray.
  • Page 12 INTRODUCTION — indicates data transmission status Control Panel (Figure 1-Q) [ONLINE] key and is used to interrupt a print job in progress. The LED The control panel controls the printer functions and on the [ONLINE] key provides three indications: print jobs, as defined by the control software. It also ...
  • Page 13 Section 1  The printer rating label is Rear of Instrument (Figure 1-R) Printer Rating Label located at the rear of the instrument and indicates the  The printer interface Print Interface Connection instrument serial number and electrical specifications. connection is a serial port connection used to connect the Unload Station Rating Label (not shown)...

  • Page 14: Description Of Accessories

    INTRODUCTION Description of Accessories Figure 1-S  Supplies power to the instrument  Printer cartridge Power Cord Transport Cartridge  Printer cartridge containing UV containing cleaning fluid used during transport UV Ink Cartridge  Three magazines accommodate Slide Magazines  Lamp that produces a UV light to 150 slides each UV Curing Lamp cure the ink that is printed on a slide...

  • Page 15: Components And Specifications

    Section 1 Printer Interface: Serial connection via serial port Components and Specifications (RS 232C) Drive Type: CD ROM (mandatory for system Power Supply Requirements upgrades) Model 8030 AutoWrite Slide Printer Software: Microsoft Access®-version 2002 (recommended) Rated Voltage and Current: AC 100-120 V  10%, 50-60Hz, 4.0 Amps Operating Conditions AC 200-240 V ...
  • Page 16 INTRODUCTION Print Specifications Print Quality The quality of the prints depends largely on the objects The quality and resolution of the prints depend on: being printed.  The slide material and color  The surface finish and roughness of the slide print Printable microscope slides field Only standard microscope slides with a painted surface...
  • Page 17 (line of optical characters above or below the bar code) to ensure that no information is lost. NOTE: All slides must be tested before use. Sakura Finetek assumes no responsibility for any damage due to prints of poor quality or prints made with non-reagent- resistant ink.
  • Page 18 INTRODUCTION 1.14 Revised 3/04/11...

  • Page 19: Installation & Setup

    It Department. must be read carefully prior to operating the instrument. The Tissue-Tek AutoWrite Slide Printer is a precision instrument that must be handled accordingly. Rough handling or dropping the instrument will disturb or damage internal components.
  • Page 20 INSTALLATION & SETUP 3. Remove the accessory box (containing accessories 5. Remove box containing ink cartridge (Figure 2-E) and packing material) located directly beneath the lid from the inner carton. (Figure 2-C). Figure 2-E Figure 2-C 6. Remove the inner carton (Figure 2-F) surrounding the instrument.
  • Page 21 Section 2 8. Remove the screws (Figure 2-G) holding each leg to 11. Remove the transport medium holding the print a metal piece on the floor of the crate. sledge and drying station air duct (Figure 2-H). Figure 2-G 9. Push the metal pieces aside and lift the printer from the crate.
  • Page 22 INSTALLATION & SETUP Unpacking the Unload Station Unpacking the Accessories The unload station is an optional accessory provided When opening the printer box, confirm that all for the collection of printed slides. It is packaged in a accessories have been included with the instrument: wooden crate (Figure 2-I) that should be thoroughly ...

  • Page 23: Positioning The Instrument

    Section 2 Positioning the Instrument 1. Open the main cover of the instrument. 2. Locate the five tapped holes in the installation surface Proper positioning of the slide printer is critical to located beneath the reflective cover (Figure 2-L). operation. Locate the instrument in a well-ventilated area, avoiding exposure to corrosive vapors, extreme variations in temperature or humidity, and where there is no danger of explosions.
  • Page 24 INSTALLATION & SETUP 4. Then, fasten the cover in tapped holes 1 and 2 using the two slotted screws and washers (Figure 2-N). Figure 2-P Figure 2-N NOTE: Lift the front of the chute slightly if it will not slide past the shield plate.

  • Page 25: Installing The Unload Station

    Section 2 see Figure Installing Unload Station 2-Q for detail If the slide unload station was purchased with the slide printer follow the procedures outlined below. CAUTION: Make sure that the instrument is switched off and the power cord is unplugged before beginning. Remove the slide bin and all screws (if already installed) prior to placing the printer onto the unload station.

  • Page 26: Installing The Infrared Absorbing Glass

    INSTALLATION & SETUP Installing the Infrared Absorbing 5. Locate the brackets under the reflective cover (Figure 2-U). Glass CAUTION: Switch instrument off and unplug the power cord before beginning. CAUTION: Always wear gloves when touching the curing lamp to prevent damage to the lamp. 1.

  • Page 27: Installing The Curing Lamp

    Section 2 Installing the Curing Lamp CAUTION: Do not compress or hold the lamp by the sides as it may cause splintering. CAUTION: Switch instrument off and unplug the 6. Locate the position of the "+" and the "-" on the power cord before beginning.

  • Page 28: Electrical And Data Connections

    INSTALLATION & SETUP Electrical and Data Connections Connecting the Power Cord 1. Make sure the power switch ( Figure 2-BB) is in the off "O" position. 2. Plug the power cord (Figure 2-AA) into the power inlet located on the rear of the instrument ( Figure 2-BB).

  • Page 29: Installing The Printer Cartridge

    Section 2 Installing the Printer Cartridge NOTE: Once the cartridge has been removed, a sensor in the cartridge slot initiates the start of the changing routine The printer is delivered with the transport cartridge from transport cartridge to ink cartridge and vice versa. inserted.
  • Page 30 NOTE: If the safety catch (part #AP060339616) is not installed or provided in the accessory box, please contact Figure 2-HH your local Sakura representative. 10. The sensor in the cartridge slot recognizes the 8. Store the red cap in the indented groove on the top of presence of a new cartridge.

  • Page 31: Filling And Loading The Slide Magazines

    Section 2 Filling and Loading the Slide 7. Insert the magazine into the receptacle by aligning the pins into the slot, and lowering until locked into Magazines place. See Figure 2-MM through Figure 2-PP. 5. Fill the magazine by placing the slides with the surface to be printed facing upwards and toward the left.
  • Page 32 INSTALLATION SETUP & 2.14 Revised 3/04/11...

  • Page 33: Software Configuration

    Section 3 SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION Software Configuration This section provides detailed procedures to configure software on the computer attached to the Tissue-Tek ® ™ AutoWrite Slide Printer. The software installation steps must be followed correctly to ensure proper operation. Software configuration prepares the printer for operation and involves the following procedures: ...
  • Page 34 SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION 5. In the next dialog box, a serial interface (COM 1, …) 7. Insert the CD containing the printer driver into the CD- ROM drive. Click Browse. must be selected, as the printer only works with RS 232 interfaces. Click Next. NOTE: Do not select a parallel printer port (LPT).
  • Page 35 Section 3 9. In the next dialog box, select printer AutoWrite-S and 11. When prompted whether this printer is available to click Next. other users, select Do not share this printer. Click Next. NOTE: If no selectable option is displayed, click on Have Disk to return to the previous dialog box and repeat insertion path.
  • Page 36 SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION 13. Click Finish. Installation of the printer driver will be completed. The printer name selected in step 9 will be displayed in the printer folder and in all print menus. 14. Once the installation of the printer driver is complete, restart the computer and then continue with the additional installation and configuration procedures.
  • Page 37 Section 3 Configuring the serial port: 3. The Properties dialog box contains several pages; select the Ports tab. 1. From the Windows Desktop, access the printer folder: Start Settings Printers ⇒ ⇒ 2. Right-click on the icon of the newly installed printer, a quick menu is displayed.
  • Page 38 SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION 4. The port selected during installation (COM 2 shown 6. Select the Advanced tab and check Print directly to the printer; click Apply. as example) must be highlighted. Select the box Enable bidirectional support. 7. Click on the tab Device Settings and select the 5.

  • Page 39: Printer Driver Settings

    Section 3 Printer Driver Settings NOTE: The Tissue-Tek AutoWrite slide printer will allow the printing of slides from any Windows Application that permits separate configuration of the printing parameters. In order to print with the slide printer, it must be configured in the application (program) that will be used to print the slides.
  • Page 40 SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION 4. Click on the Page tab. In the Orientation section, 6. The Source Input Field is used to select the select portrait. magazine(s) which will supply the slides to be printed. 5. Once the page has been set up as described, slide Clicking on the source input field will display an format is shown in the Size input field in the Paper alphabetical list of all slide supply options from all 3...
  • Page 41 Section 3 Advanced Options 3. In the printing preferences window, under the layout tab, click on Advanced. To select advanced parameters, access the printer folder by selecting Start>Settings>Printers from the Windows Desktop. 1. Right-click on the slide printer and select Properties. NOTE: Menu items not described are not used for the 2.
  • Page 42 SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION 5. Selectable print head resolution settings are 360 or Same Tray: Slides are deposited into a tray until 180 dpi. With slide surfaces not suitable for 360 dpi the tray is full. resolution, printing results will be poor. For such slides, Job in new tray: Each print job starts with a new 180 dpi should be selected.
  • Page 43 Section 3 Revised 3/04/11 3.11...

  • Page 44: Performing A Test Print

    SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION Performing a Test Print A test print must be performed to ensure the print head works correctly. To initiate a test print 1. Fill a magazine with slides and insert it into magazine position 1. 2. Press and hold the [CLEAN] key until 00 is displayed. Release the key and a slide is printed with a test image (Figure 3-A).

  • Page 45: Operating Instructions

    Section 4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Operating Instructions Understanding the Control Panel ™ The Tissue-Tek ® AutoWrite slide printer uses basic The control panel (Figure 4-A) controls the printer operating procedures to perform continuous, high-speed functions and print jobs, as defined by the control software. printing.
  • Page 46 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Description of Control Panel Directly beneath the online key is the [ERROR] (Figures 4-B and 4-C) key. When the LED on the [ERROR] key flashes, it signifies that an error has occurred. The corresponding Once the instrument is powered on it will initialize and …...
  • Page 47 Section 4 been completely indexed in and the printer switches to the ONLINE mode and processes any pending print job(s). NOTE: No function is assigned to this key if the printer is not equipped with an unload station. NOTE: Every time the printer is powered on, the stack of trays automatically moves up one tray, to ensure that the new print job is started with an empty tray.
  • Page 48 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Once the magazine(s) have been refilled, pressing the Display indications-Status Messages [LOADED] key informs the printer that all magazines have 00 Clean cycle in progress been refilled. The printer assumes that slides of the same color have been added to the empty magazine and resumes the interrupted print job.
  • Page 49 Section 4 19 Intensive clean in progress, waiting for user 87 After the last cartridge change, the CLEAN key intervention. was pressed to indicate that a transport cartridge has been inserted. The printer has received a 88 Ink cartridge being changed; instrument waiting print job but is unable to print because the for confirmation via ERROR, CLEAN, or LOAD cartridge contains cleaning fluid instead of ink.

  • Page 50: Printing Slides

    OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Printing Slides Interrupting a Print Job Print commands are issued by the PC connected to the To interrupt a print job slide printer. There may be occasions when a print job needs to be NOTE: A print job cannot be completed unless the interrupted so that the printer can be accessed for [ONLINE] LED is illuminated.

  • Page 51: Refilling Slide Magazines

    Section 4 Refilling Slide Magazines When one or more slide magazines are empty, the Mag. Empty LED flashes. The corresponding magazine number appears in the display. 1. If necessary, remove the empty slide magazine(s) from the printer. 2. Refill the magazines with slides and reload the magazines in the printer.

  • Page 52: Operating The Unload Station

    OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Operating the Unload Station 2. Place one to ten trays on the unload station positioned with the circle cutout over the sensor on When the instrument is placed onto the unload station the right of the unload station (Figure 4-G). Trays are and the power is on, it will automatically recognize its positioned in the uppermost position.

  • Page 53: Standard Accessories

    Section 5 ACCESSORIES Standard Accessories Basic Unit Product Product Code Description Code Description UV Ink 8035N Cartridge CD-ROM AP060337174 containing Printer Driver Transport AP060342869 Cartridge AP060338021 Power Cord UV Curing 8038N Lamp Slide Serial Printer 8040 AP060338022 Magazine Cable Screwdriver (Part of AP060338023 Toolkit...

  • Page 54: Optional Accessories

    ACCESSORIES Optional Accessories Product Code Product Description Code Description AP060336998 Brush Unload 8033 Station AP060338024 Fuses Unload 8044 Station Trays Infrared AP060142533 Absorbing Glass Location AP0501407162 Plate with sealing plate Cleaning 8050 Foam Swabs Revised 3/04/11...

  • Page 55: Care Of The Instrument

    CAUTION: Prevent liquids from entering the interior of Delivery Chute the instrument while the instrument is being cleaned. NOTE: Only Sakura service technicians or qualified field The delivery chute (Figure 6-A) refers to the chute that technicians are authorized to open the instrument for delivers the slide to the area to be printed.

  • Page 56: Removal And Replacement

    CARE OF THE INSTRUMENT Slide Debris Tray Removal and Replacement Periodically remove and empty the slide debris tray (Figure 6-B). Removing and Replacing the Curing Lamp Code 13 appears on the instrument display when the curing lamp reaches the limit of its rated service life. When this code is issued, the lamp must be changed.
  • Page 57 Section 6 5. Carefully pull the curing lamp (Figure 6-E) straight out 7. Locate the position of the "+" and the "-" on the and slightly to the right; do not twist. If the curing lamp electrodes of the curing lamp. Position the lamp so is difficult to pull out, rock it gently side to side.

  • Page 58: Removing And Replacing The Ink Cartridge

    CARE OF THE INSTRUMENT Removing and Replacing the Ink NOTE: Once the cartridge has been removed, a sensor in the cartridge slot initiates the start of the changing routine Cartridge from transport cartridge to ink cartridge and vice versa. When a cartridge is removed, all printer functions are The printer is delivered with the transport cartridge inserted.
  • Page 59 NOTE: If the safety catch (part #AP0601339616) is not installed or provided in the accessory box, please contact Figure 6-M your local Sakura representative. 10. The sensor in the cartridge slot recognizes the 8. Store the red cap in the indented groove on the top of presence of a new cartridge.

  • Page 60: Cleaning The Print Head

    CARE OF THE INSTRUMENT Cleaning the Print Head 3. Push the small lever located below the location plate upwards and remove the red location plate (Figure 6-R). Automatic print head cleaning occurs periodically when the printer is in the STANDBY mode. To initiate a print head clean 1.

  • Page 61: Transportation

    Section 6 7. Reinsert the location plate (Figure 6-S). Figure 6-S NOTE: The location plate must be completely dry before reinserting. 8. Press any key to acknowledge the end of the cleaning procedure. The print head will move back to the parked position and the message will move back to the parked position and the message “15”...

  • Page 63: Troubleshooting

    Sakura Technical Support Department by calling 800-725- Figure 7-A 8723 menu option 2(U.S. customers only). If outside the U.S., contact a local authorized Sakura distributor or NOTE: If an error code is displayed several times although representative. all possible causes have been eliminated, a reset should be carried out.

  • Page 64: Replacing The Curing Lamp

    NOTE: Defective fuses may be replaced only with the installation/removal procedure on page 6.2. replacement fuses supplied with the instrument or purchased from Sakura. CAUTION: Before replacing the curing lamp, switch the printer off and unplug from the electrical outlet.
  • Page 65 Section 7 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART DISPLAY CODE SOURCE OF ERROR SOLUTION Mag. Empty manual load Insert slide on chute Mag. Empty station 1 Reload slide magazine Mag. Empty station 2 Reload slide magazine Mag. Empty station 3 Reload slide magazine Tray load led flashes Unload station tray needs replacement Power led flashes System in sleep mode...
  • Page 66 TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING CHART DISPLAY CODE SOURCE OF ERROR SOLUTION The unloading station is mechanically blocked Remove the cause of the block No slide is located in the drying station for Remove the slide flashing. A slide left the print sledge, but did not reach the drying station.

  • Page 67: Service And Replacement Parts

    Warranty Period Where to Call for Service If located within the United States, contact the Technical Support Department of Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. by calling toll free: (800) 725-8723 - Menu Option 2 In countries other than the United States, contact the nearest authorized Sakura instrument distributor or representative for service information and assistance.
  • Page 68 SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS Revised 3/04/11...

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