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AstroNova QuickLabel QL-240 User Manual

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Summary of Contents for AstroNova QuickLabel QL-240

  • Page 1 U S E R G U I D E www.quicklabel.com...
  • Page 3 QL-240 User Guide Part Number 22834680-EN-E Revision 1.0 DRAFT 1 6/2017 QuickLabel, An AstroNova™ Division World Headquarters 600 East Greenwich Ave., West Warwick, RI 02893 Tel: +1 (401) 828-4000 Fax: +1 (401) 822-2430 E-mail: info@QuickLabel.com www.QuickLabel.com Technical Support Tel: +1 (401) 828-4000 E-mail: support@QuickLabel.com...
  • Page 4 Microsoft Corporation. QL-240 Limited Warranty QuickLabel, An AstroNova Division, warrants all components of this product, except wear parts and consumables, against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase. Wear parts include the transport unit, maintenance roller, maintenance cartridge, cutter blades and the like.
  • Page 5 Ink Limited Warranty This warranty covers QuickLabel QL-240 ink cartridge sold by QuickLabel. Each QL-240 ink cartridge is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for up to 24 months from the date of manufacture if in original unopened packaging, or up to 3 months after installation, whichever occurs first.
  • Page 6 Contact Information for Factory Sales and Service QuickLabel USA and World Headquarters 600 East Greenwich Avenue West Warwick, RI 02893 USA Toll Free: (877) 757-7978 Toll-Free Sales: (877) 757-7978 Toll Free Technical Support: (877) 757-7310 Tel: (401) 828-4000 Fax: (401) 822-2430 Web Site: www.QuickLabel.com Sales E-mail: info@QuickLabel.com Technical Support E-mail: support@QuickLabel.com...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1: Getting Started ........11 System Requirements .
  • Page 8 Contents Installing the QL-240 Driver over Ethernet without the Touchscreen Control ..37 Chapter 3: QL-240 Control Features and Functions ..... . . 39 QL-240 Control Interface .
  • Page 9 Contents Index ......... . . 83 QL-240 User Guide...
  • Page 10 Contents QL-240 User Guide...

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Getting Started System Requirements • Windows® 10/8/7 Server 2012/2008 • Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 • 350 MB free hard drive space • One available USB 2.0 port for driver installation (or Internet connection) • One available USB 2.0 port for USB installation or network connectivity for network installation Unpacking the Printer Open the shipping carton.
  • Page 12 Getting Started Remove the metal shipping inserts that secure the maintenance module. There is one insert on each side. Lift the inserts off the three posts and remove them from the printer. Save the shipping inserts for future shipping purposes. Open the transport module by pressing the latches and lifting the transport module.

  • Page 13: Installing The Ql-240 Touchscreen Control (Optional)

    Getting Started Installing the QL-240 Touchscreen Control (Optional) Unpack the QL-240 Touchscreen Control. Verify that all parts are included in the shipment. • Touchscreen Control • Power cable and power supply • Mounting stand • Screws With help from another person, fasten the bottom of the stand to the bracket on the bottom of the printer with three screws.

  • Page 14: Powering On The Ql-240 Printer

    Getting Started Connect the external power supply to the Touchscreen Control. Connect the LAN cable from the LAN2 port on the Touchscreen Control to the panel PC port on the printer. Use the On/Off switch to power on the Touchscreen Control. In the QL-240 control software on the Touchscreen Control, choose Settings >...
  • Page 15 Getting Started Open the ink cartridge latches and install ink cartridges in the proper slots. The proper slot for each color is labeled on the latches. Warning: For safety, keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children. If ink is accidentally ingested, contact a physician immediately.

  • Page 16: Installing The Printhead

    Getting Started Installing the Printhead Caution: The printhead is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Use ESD protection when handling the printhead. Caution: Do not touch the printhead cartridge ink couplings, nozzle surface, or the electrical contacts when installing the printhead cartridge. Hold the printhead cartridge ONLY by the handles.
  • Page 17 Getting Started Remove the orange protective plastic cover from the printhead cartridge, holding the printhead by the handle. • Remove the flaps covering the ink ports. • Remove the clip holding the cover near the center of the printhead cartridge. •...
  • Page 18 Getting Started Allow the printhead to slide fully downward into the cradle. Pull the printhead backwards until you feel it snap into the proper position standing upright. Close the printhead latch. Ink delivery system priming (filling up the system and printhead with ink) will begin automatically.

  • Page 19: Installing The Printer Driver

    Getting Started Installing the Printer Driver Ensure the QL-240 is powered on. If you are using the optional Touchscreen Control, ensure it is also powered on. Make the appropriate data connections based on your configuration. • If you are setting up the printer with a USB connection, ensure the printer is not connected to your PC with a USB cable.

  • Page 20: Setting Up The Unwinder

    Getting Started Setting up the Unwinder Unpack the unwinder. Verify that all parts are included in the shipment. • Unwinder and connected base plate • Power cable and power supply • Printer base plate • Entrance guide • Thumbscrews Assemble the printer base plate. Fasten the unwinder base plate to the printer base plate with the thumbscrews.

  • Page 21: Loading Media

    • If you are not using the Touchscreen Control, choose Start > All Programs > QuickLabel QL-240 > Toolbox. The QL-240 control software will open. • If you are using the Touchscreen Control, use the QL-240 control software on the touchscreen.
  • Page 22 Getting Started Remove the roll holder from the unwinder. Turn the fastening knob [1] counterclockwise and remove the outer flange [2]. Orient the media roll as shown. Then insert the media roll on the roll holder. Make sure the roll makes contact with the inner flange. Reinstall the flange [2].
  • Page 23 Getting Started Reinstall the roll holder on the unwinder. Feed the media under the dancer arm [3], up between the two bars on the entrance guide [4], and into the media entry slot [5] on the printer. Adjust the media guides [6] [7] to the width of the media.
  • Page 24 Getting Started QL-240 User Guide...

  • Page 25: Ql-240 Overview

    QL-240 Overview Printer Parts and their Functions From left to right: Serial Port 1-2 for winders, Power Supply, Ethernet to Touchscreen Control or LAN, Ethernet to next printer, USB, Power On/Off Button, Status LED, Pinch Media Button, Retract Media Button, Stop / Cancel Button QL-240 User Guide...

  • Page 26: Ql-240 Printer And Accessories

    QL-240 Overview From left to right: Power Button, Line In-Out, Serial Port 1, Serial Port 2, Serial Port 3, USB 4x, HDMI Connector, VGA Connector, LAN 2 (Connect to first QL-240), LAN 1 (Connect to company network, Internet), Power Connector QL-240 Printer and Accessories QL-240 User Guide...

  • Page 27: Configuration Options

    QL-240 Overview • Set of ink cartridges YMCKK • Printhead Configuration Options The QL-240 is available in two configuration options. • Full configuration with Touchscreen Control and fully functional QL-240 Control software • Standalone configuration (without Touchscreen Control) with QL-240 Control Light software Full configuration with QL-240 Control Standalone configuration with QL-240...

  • Page 28: Driver Features And Functions

    QL-240 Overview The following diagram illustrates connections in a sample full configuration. QL-240 Touchscreen Control QL-240 QL-240 Printer Printer Unwinder Rewinder Unwinder Rewinder The following diagram illustrates connections in a sample standalone configuration. QL-240 Printer Unwinder Rewinder Driver Features and Functions •...
  • Page 29 QL-240 Overview • Handles ICM color profiles (provided by QuickLabel) Orientation Adopts software settings (like Adobe Reader) Copies Number of copies times the number of labels in actual print job Media • Type: color profiles (5 by default) • Size: predefined or custom size Color Selection •...
  • Page 30 QL-240 Overview Save profiles (unique name) Oversize (full bleed printing) Borderless printing works best when the image is oversized at the image file and also at the media size section. The maximum printable label length is 762mm. If longer labels need to be printed, then stitching is the option.

  • Page 31: Full Bleed Printing

    QL-240 Overview • Monochrome profiles included (composite black and black only options) Design tips • Use professional software for creating labels (e.g. Bartender, NiceLabel, Photoshop, CorelDraw, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator) • Create labels at the same size as the label on the media •...

  • Page 32: Turning The Printer On/Off

    QL-240 Overview Turning the Printer On/Off • To turn the QL-240 printer ON press the Printer ON/OFF button. • To turn the QL-240 printer OFF either press the Printer ON/OFF button or select the desired printer and press the Shutdown button in QL-240 Control (same in QL-240 Control Light). Go to Printer >...

  • Page 33: Turning The Touchscreen Control On/Off

    QL-240 Overview Turning the Touchscreen Control On/Off • To turn the Touchscreen Control ON press the power ON/OFF button at the back of the Touchscreen Control. • To turn the Touchscreen Control OFF go to HOME > Shutdown in QL-240 Control software.

  • Page 34: Connecting Ql-240 Control

    QL-240 Overview Connecting QL-240 Control Network Schematic for QL-240 Printer with Touchscreen Control Connections on QL-240 Printer • Pressing Pinch Media button twice switches the QL-240 into Roll2Roll mode. • Pressing the STOP printing button twice does a cut and unfeeds the media. QL-240 User Guide...

  • Page 35: Connections On The Touchscreen Control

    QL-240 Overview Connections on the Touchscreen Control QL-240 printers can be linked to each other as a chain using the switch port on the printer housing. The Touchscreen Control can control up to 5 QL-240 units in an internal network. The Touchscreen Control acts as a DHCP server for the QL-240 units (provides IP address automatically for linked QL-240 printers).

  • Page 36: Connections On Ql-240 Printer In Standalone Mode

    QL-240 Overview Connections on QL-240 Printer in Standalone Mode • Pressing Pinch Media button twice switches the QL-240 into Roll2Roll mode. • Pressing the STOP printing button twice does a cut and unfeeds the media. Connecting to QL-240 Printer through QL-240 Control Light (Ethernet Connection) •...

  • Page 37: Installing The Ql-240 Driver Over Ethernet Without The Touchscreen Control

    QL-240 Overview • Direct USB connection between QL-240 and Host PC. • During driver installation choose Configure to print using USB. • After driver installation is finished go to Start Menu in Windows and open Toolbox. • Toolbox will open a browser window and connect to QL-240 Control Light. Installing the QL-240 Driver over Ethernet without the Touchscreen Control There are two ways to install the driver with an Ethernet connection when the Touchscreen...
  • Page 38 QL-240 Overview QL-240 User Guide...

  • Page 39: Ql-240 Control Features And Functions

    QL-240 Control Features and Functions QL-240 Control Interface Features: • Print job management • Print queue management • Job receiving, storing, processing – Preview generation – Stores last 30 print jobs by default – All print job settings are stored •...

  • Page 40: Home - General Settings

    QL-240 Control Features and Functions – Easy update installation • Multi language interface • Dedicated printer ports (for sending jobs directly to specific printer from user PC) HOME - General Settings Overview • Print overview of actual printer(s) with status and preview of running print job(s) •...
  • Page 41 QL-240 Control Features and Functions Description Actual software version Actual software version number of the QL-240 Control interface. Owner and Distributor information field The local QuickLabel distributor fills out the owner and distributor information field at installation. This field is not editable for users. Ink Cartridge Button •...
  • Page 42 QL-240 Control Features and Functions User Preferences Button • System language: Choose desired language from the list. Press the Save button to switch into the selected language. • Print preview generation method: When idle (default): creates one preview thumbnail image from the first image in the actual print job when print job arrives, then job is printed out.
  • Page 43 QL-240 Control Features and Functions • Default print queue state: Running: (Default) Print jobs are queued progressively as they sent and processed in FIFO (first in first out) system. The queue can be managed from Print queue menu. “Print Queue” on page 49. Paused: Paused print job queuing.
  • Page 44 QL-240 Control Features and Functions • Port forwarding: The default printer port is 9100. Print jobs sent to this port are printed on the default printer if there is a default printer selected. If no default printer is selected then the print job will be printed on the first printer in the row.
  • Page 45 QL-240 Control Features and Functions • Once the User Management is enabled (press save button to enable) authentication is needed for accessing specific functions in QL-240. A user with 'User Management' rights (like the built in 'admin' user) can create user accounts and can assign rights for each user to access certain functions in QL-240 Control software.

  • Page 46: Printer Handling

    QL-240 Control Features and Functions Engine & Printhead Usage button • QL-240 Control: Total statistics for all the connected QL-240 printers for ink usage, printed length, printed area, number of labels and printed jobs. • Engine: Total statistics and history for print engine(s). If there is a print engine replacement, the counter registers the serial number and statistics for each print engine.
  • Page 47 QL-240 Control Features and Functions • Press twice to switch to Roll2Roll mode and feed media. Note: In Roll2Roll mode after 3 minutes of not printing, the QL-240 printer cuts the media and switches back to Roll2Cut mode (the media remains inside at the entry sensor). This is normal and it is to protect the printhead from dehydration.

  • Page 48: Job Library

    QL-240 Control Features and Functions Job Library • Stores 30 printed jobs with random job name by default (print streams uploaded from driver) • Print jobs can be renamed: Renamed print jobs are stored beyond the default 30 with random name. Only the drive space is the limit for storing jobs. •...

  • Page 49: Print Queue

    QL-240 Control Features and Functions Print Queue • Print jobs are queued progressively as they are sent and processed in FIFO (first in first out) system. The queue can be managed from Print queue menu. • Each connected QL-240 printer has its print queue. Each print queue can be managed individually at the printer's tab.

  • Page 50: Media Settings

    QL-240 Control Features and Functions • Rename Printer function (press save button to save change) Note: Serial Number is the serial number of the print engine, not the QL-240 printer. Media Settings Media Settings - Basic Roll Media Roll Media checkbox is selected then QL-240 is communicating with the winders.
  • Page 51 QL-240 Control Features and Functions Disable SOJ cut: disable/enable cutting at start of print jobs SOJ = Start Of Job. By default there is a cut at the start of each print job. Roll media checkbox Unselect for fanfold and cutsheet media Top Of Form (top of label) can be +/- depending on moving the top of the image up or down on label.
  • Page 52 QL-240 Control Features and Functions Media Settings - Advanced KWS mode: KWS = Keep Wet Spitting KWS is a function to protect the 70,400 nozzles in the printhead from dehydration. In practice it means that during printing all of the nozzles fire some ink, even the nozzles which do not take part effectively in printing.
  • Page 53 QL-240 Control Features and Functions Unwinder / Rewinder tension adjustment This option is only visible when Roll media checkbox is checked at Media settings > Basic tab. The wider the media is the higher tension is required from the winder's dancer arms. The thinner the media is the slighter tension is required from the winder's dancer arms.

  • Page 54: Ql-240 Control Light Interface

    QL-240 Control Features and Functions QL-240 Control Light Interface • QL-240 Control Light interface looks quite similar compared with the full version. • Once the printer driver is installed, QL-240 Control Light is available in a browser window by typing the IP address of the printer. See “Connecting QL-240 Control Light”...

  • Page 55: Network Config

    QL-240 Control Features and Functions Network Config • Change printer name, static IP address (if local area network policy requires). Default setting for IP configuration is DHCP (getting IP address from local network automatically). Diagnostics • Printing sample and diagnostic pages (all pages are set to A4 size cutsheet). •...

  • Page 56: Media Settings

    QL-240 Control Features and Functions Media Settings Cartridge price Setting for cost calculation. Disable SoJ Cut Soj = Start of Job cut. By default the QL-240 does a cut at the start of each print job. This is to avoid having not straight cut or not complete labels on the beginning of rolls. Start of Job cut can be disabled by unchecking the checkbox.
  • Page 57 QL-240 Control Features and Functions The rest of the media settings are equal to QL-240 Control media settings. See “Media Settings” on page 50. Note: Offsetting in QL-240 Control Light is done in microns whereas offsetting is in millimeters in the full version. For 1mm offset from QL-240 Control Light enter 1000 as the offset value (1000 micron = 1 millimeter).
  • Page 58 QL-240 Control Features and Functions QL-240 User Guide...

  • Page 59: Status Led On Ql-240 Printer

    Status LED on QL-240 Printer • The Status LED at the back of the QL-240 housing is a quick diagnostic tool. • It has different states and colors to provide feedback for the users about the status of the printer. State Conditions Blink rate...
  • Page 60 Status LED on QL-240 Printer State Conditions Blink rate Color maintenance Print Engine is up constant lit purple and doing maintenance maintenance Print Engine is 1 blink per sec purple booting up error Print Engine is in constant lit error state Press STOP and PINCH buttons at the same time for 3 seconds.

  • Page 61: Updating Ql-240 Control Software And Firmware

    Updating QL-240 Control Software and Firmware QuickLabel is regularly updating the QL-240 Control interface and the firmware for the printer. • If an Internet connection is available for the Touchscreen Control, the update is just pressing the download button and running through the installation process. •...

  • Page 62: Firmware Upgrade

    Updating QL-240 Control Software and Firmware Firmware Upgrade • During QL-240 Control software update the installer detects if QL-240 firmware is not the latest version. • When the USB cable is connected and detected between the QL-240 and the Touchscreen Control the firmware upgrade can begin.

  • Page 63: Manual Offline Updater

    Updating QL-240 Control Software and Firmware Manual Offline Updater • Local update server • Running on user PC • Copy URL which matches the network of the Touchscreen Control(s) to the 'Alternate update URL field' • Start the update as a regular automatic update in the QL-240 Control •...
  • Page 64 Updating QL-240 Control Software and Firmware QL-240 User Guide...

  • Page 65: Maintenance

    Maintenance • There are automatic maintenance routines running from the printer's firmware regularly between print jobs and after certain periods of time. • However to ensure reliable operation and high print quality while using the product, regular inspection and maintenance steps are required. These include mechanical subsystem checks, occasional cleaning, consumables changing and printhead cleaning.
  • Page 66 Maintenance General Interval Maintenance Tasks Daily Bi-weekly Monthly Annually As Needed Ink Tubing Inspect Inspect Lift Motor Gear Inspect Inspect Grit Rollers - Inspect Clean Paper Path Moving Parts - Test Motor Test Maintenance Clean Module Ink Tank Inspect Latches Cutter Inspect Please contact Technical Support about performing the monthly and annual maintenance...

  • Page 67: Cleaning

    Maintenance Cleaning Printhead Cleaning the printhead printing surface and preventing dehydration is done automatically by maintenance routines running from the firmware. The print engine performs various maintenance operations before and after print jobs and in the background. Normally manual printhead cleaning is not required. •...

  • Page 68: Regular Checks

    Maintenance Regular Checks At regular intervals (like beginning of a shift or day) inspect that the maintenance module is in cap position, the cutter is not obstructed, the paper path is clean (there are no paper clippings present), and sensors are not covered. Check that wires are not loose and there is no ink leaking.

  • Page 69: Prepare The Printer For Transportation

    Maintenance Prepare the Printer for Transportation Short Distance Transportation In most cases the transportation is done on land with a car or a truck. • System deprime to remove the ink from the system. The ink from the tubing is pumped back to the ink cartridges from all color lines.

  • Page 70: Long Distance Transportation

    Maintenance • Attach metal brackets to keep the print engine fixed. These brackets are part of the original packaging and can be reattached for transportation. The two brackets protect the print engine from moving inside the printer housing if a heavy impact happens during transportation (sudden braking, for example).

  • Page 71: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting • Troubleshooting is mainly done by skilled technicians or engineers. • This chapter provides a list of issues that may require intervention. Maintenance Module Troubleshooting The following table lists possible issues related to the Maintenance Module, with possible causes and solutions. Problem Possible Causes Solution...

  • Page 72: Printhead Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Printhead Troubleshooting Occasionally print quality is affected by minor problems caused by the printhead. The following table provides a list of printhead issues, their symptoms, and solutions. Problem Problem Causes Solution • Cured by circulating ink, Air bubbles in Ink Delivery Appear as missing groups of priming or cycles of System (IDS) causes some...

  • Page 73: Ink Cartridge Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Ink Cartridge Troubleshooting Occasionally the QL-240 printer can stop or cannot prime up the system with ink due to ink cartridge related problems. The following table provides a list of ink cartridge issues, their symptoms, and solutions. Problem Problem Causes Solution •...

  • Page 74: Error Handling In Ql-240 Control Interface

    Troubleshooting Error Handling in QL-240 Control Interface Note: The following features and options are only available from firmware version 20130731 along with software version 2.2 of the QL-240 interface. End of Roll Error This error happens when the roll of labels run out during printing. The user can choose between loading a new roll and continue printing the actual print job, or canceling the actual print job.
  • Page 75 Troubleshooting • Press Cancel job button on screen or stop button on printer chassis for more than 3 seconds to cancel the actual print job. If the print job has not been cancelled and pinch media button has been pressed (and media is already loaded), the user has the following options: •...

  • Page 76: Paper Jam Error

    Troubleshooting Paper Jam Error Paper jam error can be caused by wrong media alignment (not properly loaded media) and creases on the media. The user can choose between reloading the media and continue printing the actual print job, or canceling the actual print job. •...
  • Page 77 Troubleshooting • Press Stop button to let the printer try to remove media from the paper path. Use this option only if the media jammed inside the paper path can be removed by rolling the rollers. If the media is removed then pending print job options become available (see below). •...
  • Page 78 Troubleshooting • Press Cancel job button on screen or stop button on printer chassis for more than 3 seconds to cancel the actual print job. If the 'Feed media and change to roll2roll mode' button has been pressed at the previous screen, then these options become active: •...

  • Page 79: Ink Out Error

    Troubleshooting Ink Out Error This error happens when one or more cartridge(s) run(s) out while the actual print job is being printed. After replacing the empty cartridge(s), the user has the following options: • Press Continue printing button to continue printing the actual interrupted print job. •...
  • Page 80 Troubleshooting • Damaged network cable. • Slow network speed. • The computer where the driver is installed is too slow to generate the print stream progressively. • Size of the print stream is too large (variable data, too many large high resolution images). In this case the user has to re-send the actual print job.

  • Page 81: Volume Unwinder / Rewinder (Optional)

    Volume Unwinder / Rewinder (Optional) The volume winder system was developed and aligned specially for the QL-240 printer. Both winders can communicate directly with the printer sending and receiving data (start, stop, speed, calibration, printing mode). Features: • Solid stainless steel and high quality aluminum housing. •...

  • Page 82: Connecting Volume Winders To The Ql-240 Printer

    Volume Unwinder / Rewinder (Optional) Connecting Volume Winders to the QL-240 Printer Connections on Volume Winders (same for both Unwinder and Rewinder) Status LED states on Volume Winders • RED: Power ON • ORANGE BLINKING: Zero Point calibration mode where an Unwinder can set as Rewinder and vice-versa (Press calibration button for 5 sec.
  • Page 83 Index Media Settings ......50 Automatic Updater ......61 Network Config .
  • Page 84 Index Unwinder ....... . . 20 Updates ....... . . 61 Volume Rewinder .

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