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QuickLabel QL-250 User Manual

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Summary of Contents for QuickLabel QL-250

  • Page 2 QL-250 User Guide Part Number 22834725-EN-E Revision 1.0 10/2024 AstroNova, Inc.® 600 East Greenwich Ave., West Warwick, RI 02893 Tel: (877) 757-7978 Fax: (401) 822-2430 info@astronovaproductid.com www.AstroNovaProductID.com...
  • Page 3 AstroNova. Trademarks QL-250® is a registered trademark of AstroNova, Inc. Adobe®, Photoshop®, and Illustrator® are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. Microsoft® Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
  • Page 4 West Warwick, RI 02893 USA Nome del costruttore Brand Name(s) ® QuickLabel Nom(s) de marque(s) Markenname(n) Nome/i dei marchi Model No. M1C, QL-250 Modele No. Model Nr. Modello No. Description of Products Desktop Inkjet Label Printer Description des produits Produktbeschreibungen Descrizione dei Prodotti...
  • Page 5 Bleeds............49 QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 6 Cleaning Ink Revolver Couplings ........108 Shipping or Transporting the QL-250 Printer ....... . 109 Deprime the System .
  • Page 7 Additional Considerations and Tips ........132 QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 8 USB Port Connection - Attach the USB cable to the printer here. Network Connection - Attach the network cable here. Main Power Switch, Receptacle, and Fuse: - Receptacle: Power cord plugs in here. - Power Switch: Turns the main power ON/OFF. - Fuse: Protects the printer’s electronic circuits. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 9 Adjustable Media Guide - Adjusts to hold paper / media against the Alignment Guides. Top Center Chamber Assembly (Brush Assembly) - Keeps media flat as it feeds into the printer. The brushes remove debris and reduce static. Lift the Assembly to load or clear media. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 10 Ink Revolver Couplings - Connect the ink hoses to the printhead cartridge. The printhead latch extends and retracts couplings from the printhead. Printhead Cartridge - The QL-250 printhead produces an 8.5” wide full color print area. Clamshell Latches - Lift both latches at the same time to open the top half of the Print Engine.
  • Page 11 Release Tabs are located on both sides of the tray. Service Station Dock - The Service Station is located here. The Service Station keeps the printhead clean and hydrated during operation and maintenance cycles. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 12 24V, 2.5A External Power Connector* - For connecting printers or equipment other than the QL-250. Note: The external power supply must be a UL Listed power supply. *Requires disconnecting the wire from the Unwinder Circuit Board and connecting the wire from the External Power Connector.
  • Page 13 Note: The External power supply must be a UL Listed power supply. *Requires disconnecting the wire from the Winder Circuit Board and connecting wire from the External Power Connector Winder Interconnect Cord - Connects the Winder to the Printer. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 14 Power cord plugged in, O - Power Up Power switch ON/OFF O - Inactive O - Inactive Normal Operation: Wait for the process O - Inactive downloading firmware. to finish O - Inactive Power up. O - Inactive Power down. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 15 O - Resume Printing printing. O - Cancel Job Cancel / Cut: Press to cancel job. EOR - End of Roll Load new Media. O - Power Down (Paper out) O - Reload media O - Cancel Job QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 16 O - Clear Error, printhead Cancel Job Press Refresh Ink Tanks or Circulate in the Toolbox. Any other errors Find and fix error(s) O - Power Down O - Pause Printing O - Pause Printing QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 17 Powered OFF or Enabled for the Printer. disconnected from the automatic cutting. Printer. Fanfold Powered OFF or Powered OFF or Enabled for disconnected from the Printer. disconnected from the automatic cutting. Printer. See “Loading Labels” on page 44. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 18 Includes Printer / Winder Spacer Plate and 2 shims. Ink Tanks - Cyan (1), Magenta (1), Yellow (1), Black (2). Printhead. Adjustable Media Guide. AC Power Cord. USB Cable. Quick Start Guide. Driver Software: USB Flash Driver (Includes Printer Driver and Operator Manual). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 19 UW-250 Unwinder and RW- 250 if used, in a line together. Protect the printer and optional Unwinder / Winder from excessive heat, dust, and moisture. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 20 DO NOT allow the Clamshell to drop or slam closed. To prevent damage to ink lines, a stop limits raising the clamshell more than 60°. 3. Remove the cardboard Transport Tab (A) from the Service Station. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 21 3. Install one washer / spacer on both remaining feet and reinstall them on the printer. This will keep the printer level. See “Position the Winder” on page 40. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 22 Connecting to Computer The label printer connects to a computer through the USB Port (3). The Network Port (2) is provided for operating in a network environment. The Unwinder Interconnect Port (4) is located just below the USB port. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 23 2. Press the Power Button on the Control Panel. Powering Down the Printer Caution: Whenever powering down the unit, always press the power button on the control panel, wait for the printer to stop processing, then press the main power switch on the side panel. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 24 3. Insert the Printer Driver USB Flash Drive supplied with the printer into your computer’s USB port. 4. Open the USB Flash Drive Directory: 5. Click the QuickLabel QL-250 Folder 6. Open the Driver folder. 7. Open the Driver Version folder.
  • Page 25 10. Select Configure to Print over the Network and make sure that the printer is connected to the network. Click Next. 11. A list of available printers opens. Check the printer column to verify you have a QL-250 printer. 12. Check the Hardware ID column and match the number listed to the number you copied previously from the printer label.
  • Page 26 Click Start > All Programs > QuickLabel> QL-250 Driver > Toolbox If more than one copy of the QL-250 Driver is installed, you will have to choose which device you want the Toolbox to connect to. To help choose the proper device, you can identify the printer(s) using the Hardware ID you copied earlier or you can rename the printer as outlined in the tip above.
  • Page 27 13. Click Reboot. Tip: To help distinguish between multiple QL-250 Drivers on your system, open the Printers and Faxes (Devices and Printers) folder and rename the printers. For example, rename a network-configured printer “QL-250 (Network 1)”...
  • Page 28 1. Click Start > All Programs > QuickLabel> QL-250 Driver > Toolbox. If more than one copy of the QL-250 Driver is installed, you will have to choose which device you want the Toolbox to connect to. To help choose the proper device, you can identify the printer(s) using the Hardware ID you copied earlier, or you can rename the printer(s) as outlined in the Tip above.
  • Page 29 Note: Only once the Confirm screen displays is it safe to install the Ink Tanks. Important: DO NOT press Continue until AFTER installing the ink tanks and closing the ink tank latches. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 30 Note: Make sure that the ink tanks seat properly. Insert the ink tank into the appropriate Ink Station, then pull the ink tank back about an inch and push the nozzle firmly to ensure that the ink nozzles penetrate the seals on the ink tanks. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 31 Replace Ink Tanks again and reinstall the ink tanks. 9. Close the front cover. Warning: Ink in the ink tanks may be harmful if swallowed. Keep new and used ink tanks out of reach of children. Discard empty ink tanks immediately. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 32 Remove the cap protectors on the Ink Nozzles (2). Open the latch fully to retract the Ink Nozzles. Caution: Do not pry or manually lift the printhead latch or the latch may break. Only open the latch using the Printhead Release command in the Printer Toolbox. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 33 (D). Slowly peel the strip from the printhead. DO NOT pull the strip at less than a 45 degree angle from the printhead surface. DO NOT allow the removed strip to touch the Printhead Nozzles. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 34 6. Carefully insert the cartridge into the compartment at an angle (1) with the printhead surface facing down and the Ink Nozzles facing the Ink Hoses. 7. Once seated, gently tilt the cartridge back until it snaps into an upright position (2). DO NOT force the cartridge into position. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 35 Caution: To prevent damage to the ink lines, a stop limits raising the Clamshell more than 60°. 13. Close the Printhead Latch (1). The printer will start and prime ink into the printhead. This may take a few minutes. Make sure that the ink is flowing through the hoses. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 36 The Printhead Icon displays a question mark (Printhead not Recognized): Try the Install Printhead procedure again. If this issue continues, contact technical support. Note: The printer may take up to 12 minutes to set itself up during initial setup. This is normal. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 37 Clamshell more than 60°. 3. (A) & (B) Slide the Media Guide to the right and pull down on the guide to release it from its metal support. 4. Remove the guide from the printer. Save this for later use. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 38 Unwinder and Winder at either end. Position the Unwinder 1. Position the square notch cut into the Unwinder Base (A) over the pin located along the base of the feed end of the printer (B). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 39 Installing the Printer 2. Make sure that the base of the Unwinder and the base of the Label Printer are flush (C). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 40 Installing the Printer Position the Winder 1. Align the notch on the Printer Spacer Plate with the corresponding notch on the Winder Base (as shown). When aligned, attach the Spacer Plate to the Winder Base with two screws (included). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 41 OFF or disconnected to enable the automatic operation of the cutter. Proper alignment of the Unwinder and printer is critical to the operation of the label printer. Position the printer on a sturdy, level work surface with enough room to place the Unwinder at the feed end of the printer. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 42 Connect one interconnect cable into the 7-Pin Connector Port on the printer (1) located just below the USB port. Connecting to the RW-1C Winder: Connect the other 7-pin interconnect cable into the 7-pin interconnect port located on the exit end of the Printer’s non-operable side panel (1). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 43 Installing the Printer Unwinder Mode Switch The Unwinder has a Mode Switch for Auto or Manual operation. When used with the QL-250, the Unwinder can be left in an Auto position. Auto: The Unwinder is OFF. The Unwinder is controlled by the printer (or other external •...
  • Page 44 Note that each side of the Hub fits a different size core - the larger side fits 3” cores, the smaller side fits 1-1/2” cores. c. Turn the Hub so that the desired core size is facing out. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 45 Installing the Printer d. Slide the Hub Assembly back in place over the key in the shaft (C). e. Reinstall the retaining-clip into the groove cut in the shaft (D). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 46 Align the side edge of the roll with two alignment pins on the printer and feed the roll end into the print engine (D). Slide the Adjustable Side Guide until it just touches the labels (E). g. Tighten the locking knob on the Adjustable Side Guide. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 47 To speed up the Unwinder and Winder, turn the Speed Controls clockwise. To slow down the Unwinder and Winder, turn the Speed Controls counterclockwise. Caution: Setting the Unwinder to a speed too high can cause the media to hesitate as it unwinds and affect print registration. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 48 Print button momentarily so that the Printer will align and pull in the labels. Printing Fanfold Labels Important: Make sure that both the Unwinder and Winder are turned OFF or disconnected from the printer and moved out of the way. This ensures that the automatic cut function is disabled. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 49 5. Press the print button momentarily and the printer will align and pull in the labels. Hold the print button down to feed about 30” (75cm) of media through the printer. Bleeds See “Borderless Printing” on page 127. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 50 This chapter further assumes that the feed is set up properly and the Printer is connected to your computer. Printer Driver Properties The QL-250 Printer Driver works the same way as any other Printer Driver for Windows. It has enhancements to maximize the printer’s ability to print variable addressed pieces quickly and efficiently.
  • Page 51 Note: Use the box below the selection to name the file, otherwise the printer assigns the date and a numerical name. • Copies - Enter the number of copies to be printed. • Media - Adjusts the Printer for the media being used for a job. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 52 • Speed allows you to adjust the printer speed for the media used (i.e., slow the printing speed for higher quality on glossy stock). • My Print Settings - Access saved custom print settings for various jobs. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 53 • A label frequency of “1” reads the gap between every label. A setting of “2” will ignore the gap between the two labels (A). In effect, the printer “sees” the two labels as one label. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 54 Note: Using this feature requires that the job be set up as one label in the layout software, so dimensions (including gap) must be accurate. Example of a Label Frequency of “2”: Example of a Label Frequency of “2” QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 55 Unchecking the First Page Only box allows for the watermark to print on all pages. The Custom button allows you to create a new watermark or edit an existing watermark, including font selection, color, size, and printing angle. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 56 Operating the Printer Color Tab Color is used to adjust the color output of the printer. Use the sliders to adjust Color, Tone, Brightness, and Saturation. The C,M,Y,K sliders adjust individual colors. Use Defaults to reset to 0 settings. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 57 (if available). Important: Before updating any printer firmware, remember to first export any custom media sizes, watermarks, or print settings you may have added to an outside holding file. This prevents any possible losses of custom settings. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 58 Note: If the Printer is connected to a network and the Driver fails to activate the cleaning process, perform the same functions from the Toolbox User Interface. • Wipe Printhead - Wipes and cleans excess ink from the Printhead Cartridge. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 59 The Toolbox works with both conventional and touchscreen computer screens. To open the Toolbox, open the Start Menu and select Toolbox. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 60 Seven often-used control buttons (at the bottom of the screen). Within the Printer Toolbox, there are four Drop-Down Menus: View, Maintenance, Service, and Print. The drop-down menus are available on every Toolbox screen, allowing you to toggle between menus and select different printer features and functions. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 61 Operating the Printer View Drop-Down The View Drop-Down gives you four choices (shown below): • System Status • User Interface • Ink Usage • Service Menus QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 62 Printer Icon - Shows the status of the Media Sensors located in the media feed path of the printer. This icon also shows the status of the Ink Valves, the Service Station, and the Printhead. These can alert the operator to the type and location of the problem. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 63 Cut Media - Cuts media any time the button is pressed without retracting or resetting the media. • Forward Media - Moves the media forward into the printer when loading media. • Quick Clean Printhead - Circulates ink, wipes, and cleans the Printhead Cartridge. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 64 • Thick Media - Check this box to allow sensors to read gaps in heavier media (for example, when the normal setting may not be able to differentiate between the media and the backing / gap). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 65 Pages per Cut number depending on the total number of labels you are printing. For example, if you want to print a total of 23 labels set to cut after every fifth label, you will QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 66 Printhead Nozzles. The KWS Setting is set in conjunction with “Mid Job Servicing” Setting which determines the frequency of the printer stopping for self-servicing during a job. Click Submit to apply settings. DISPLAY LANGUAGE: Selects the language that the EWS (Toolbox) will display. Click Submit after selection. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 67 Allows you to find and load the latest firmware (“.fbf”) files for your printer using the Printer Toolbox. Warning: This procedure should only be performed by qualified service personnel. In some cases, firmware must be loaded using the Firmware Migration Tool. If this process is not performed properly, the printer is rendered inoperable. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 68 Continuous - Ink Estimation Mode continues running (printer will NOT print) until the • feature is turned OFF. Single Pass - Ink Estimation Mode runs once, then turns off. The printer will be ready to • print after Ink Estimation Mode has finished running. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 69 Once costs are entered, they will remain until changed again, even if the printer is turned OFF. Note: This is only an estimate and does not include other factors such as printer maintenance routines (Printhead wiping and cleaning, power up/down, etc.) that may affect the overall result. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 70 See “Scan Sensors:” on page 79. Service Menus, Password - Entering the Service Menu Password provides access to more • advanced printer control and maintenance menus. The password-protected Service Menus screen is for authorized service personnel only. “Service Menus:” on page 80. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 71 Operating the Printer Diagnostics: The Diagnostics screen allows you to view the current status of the printer. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 72 VARs Settings - Displays the printer’s current VARs (Variable) settings. Variable Settings refer to settings that are set for a particular job that automatically revert to the default settings when the printer is turned off or rebooted. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 73 If the printer is connected to the computer via a USB cable and you want to connect the printer to a Network, complete the following procedure: 1. Navigate to the Printer Toolbox. 2. Select the View drop-down menu. 3. Select Service Menus 4. Select System Settings. The System Settings screen will open. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 74 5. Enter the correct settings for the network you want to connect to in the Network Settings fields. 6. Click Submit. 7. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Network Port on the rear panel of the printer. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 75 3. Select Service Menus. 4. Select System Settings. the System Settings screen will open. 5. Use the Date and Time options to enter, edit, and/or configure the Date and Time that will be visible on the printer. 6. Click Submit. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 76 See “Media Scan Procedure:” on page 76. Media Scan Procedure: 1. Load the media into the Printer as if you are printing a job. 2. From the Toolbox, select the View drop-down menu. 3. Click Service Menus. 4. Click Media Scan. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 77 7. Set Label Length mm by entering the length of label to be measured. 8. Set Speed by entering the Printer speed. 6 IPS (slow) or 12 IPS (fast). 9. Set for Thick Media by selecting NO or YES (NO is the default). 10. Click Submit to enter selections. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 78 Generally, use the Thick Media setting on the User Interface screen when there is little difference between high points (gaps/backing) and flats (label media). See below. Sensor Results - Use Thick Media Setting Sensor Results - DO NOT Use Thick Media Setting QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 79 Ignore Exit Sensor then click Submit in the User Interface Screen to bypass the exit sensor. Clamshell Switch Clamshell Open= 1 Clamshell Closed = 0 Printhead Latch Open = 1 Closed = 0 Lifter Arm Up = 1 Down = 0 QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 80 NOTE: If “Unknown” displays for more than a few seconds, it may indicate a problem. Service Menus: For authorized service personnel only. Provides password protected access to more advanced Printer control and maintenance menus. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 81 • Wipe Printhead - Activates the Service Station to wipe the Printhead. Wiper Preemptive Maintenance - Resaturates the Wiper with ink to remove dried residue if • the Printer is inactive for long periods of time. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 82 OFF button on the Control Panel. • Wait until all Control Panel buttons go out before turning off the Main Power Switch. • Restart - Restarts the specified Printer without having to perform the startup routine (purging ink tanks, priming, etc.). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 83 Print Ink Channels - Prints 5 bars per Printer (1 bar from each Ink Tank) to indicate how well the Printhead Nozzles are working. Print Color Bars - Prints a series of 7 color bars (per Printhead) to indicate how well the • Printheads are mixing colors and priming. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 84 1. Open the Printer Toolbox. Printer Status information appears on the right side of the System Status Window. Ink Status boxes “C, K2, Y, M, K1” are on the left. The boxes may be low or empty. 2. Click the Service drop-down menu. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 85 Continue until AFTER you have removed and replaced the ink tank(s) and closed the Ink Tank Latches. 5. Open the Front Cover (hinged at the bottom). 6. Open the three Latches (A) and pull the ink tanks out of the printer. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 86 Note: Make sure that the Ink Tanks seat properly. Insert the ink tanks into their appropriate Ink Stations then pull each ink tank back about an inch. Push forward firmly to ensure that the Ink Nozzles penetrate the seals on the ink tanks. 9. Click Continue on the Confirm Screen. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 87 11. When the printer stops processing and all fields in the System Status are black, the printer is ready for use. 12. Close the front cover. Warning: Ink in the ink tanks may be harmful if swallowed. Keep both new and used ink tanks out of reach of children. Discard empty ink tanks immediately. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 88 2. Select the Service drop-down menu, then select Replace Ink Tanks. 3. Once the Confirm window opens, it is safe to remove the ink tanks. Important: DO NOT press Continue until AFTER removing and replacing the ink tanks and closing the ink tank latches. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 89 Note: Dampen a cloth with distilled water to wipe the Prism but DO NOT get the QA Chip contacts wet. 7. Reinstall the ink tanks (labels up) and close the ink tank latches. 8. Click Continue on the Confirm screen. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 90 Nominal Ink Expiration Date: 24 months following the date of manufacture (ink fill date). Disposal Safely dispose of ink and ink tanks in accordance with local / national regulations. Clean up spills with soap and water. Abrasive soap is effective in cleaning ink off of your hands. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 91 Caution: DO NOT place an unwrapped printhead on any surface before installing. Protect the printhead from scratches, dust, fibers, dirt, and other contaminants at all times. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 92 Printhead Release command in the Printer Toolbox. 4. Open the printhead latch fully to retract the ink lines (2). 5. Remove the used printhead cartridge by tilting it towards the ink lines, then carefully lifting it out of the printhead compartment. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 93 7. Remove the protective plastic cover, hold the printhead by its handle and un-clip the cover from the printhead (B). 8. Remove the protective strip from the printhead electrical contacts. Once removed, do not allow the strip to touch the electrical contacts (C). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 94 Note: Keep the foil packaging to store / dispose of the old Printhead Cartridge. 10. Carefully insert the cartridge into the compartment at an angle (1), with the Printhead surface facing down and the Ink Nozzles facing the Ink Hoses. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 95 Caution: Hold on to both latches when opening and closing the Print Engine Clamshell to prevent damage. Caution: DO NOT allow the Clamshell to drop or slam closed. Caution: To prevent damage to ink lines, a stop limits raising the Clamshell more than 60 degrees. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 96 17. Watch the System Status Screen. Notice that some of the information is in red. As the printer circulates ink and primes the system, these fields should all turn black. Check that the Printhead Icon (7) is Primed (solid color). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 97 In other words, the number of images printed and the amount of ink that will pass through the printhead prior to printhead degradation depends on the make-up of images printed, the printer’s operating environment, servicing, media characteristics (including cleanliness), and other factors. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 98 1. Open the front cover (hinged at the bottom). 2. Open the top cover. 3. Release the two latches and open the Print Engine Clamshell. The Service Station will not fully eject with the Clamshell closed. 4. Open the Service drop-down menu. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 99 7. Slide the Service Station out of the Service Station Dock. Note: DO NOT pull the Service Station all the way out until you disconnect the Ribbon Cable. Note: Place an absorbent towel under the Service Station before you remove it to catch any leaks or drips. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 100 10. Carefully unwrap the new Service Station. Note: Loose parts may fall out. Keep the roller side facing UP when removing the packaging. Caution: Make sure that the latches on the Wiper Roller are fully closed before installing the Service Station. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 101 Maintenance 11. Slide the latch open on the Service Station Circuit Board. 12. Plug the Ribbon Connector (blue side up) into the space under the latch (1) and close the latch (2). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 102 14. Look down through the top cover to ensure that the Service Station is aligned with the bar. It is important that the Service Station is perfectly aligned with the bar to prevent misalignment and operating problems. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 103 Note: Make sure that the wick hanging below the Service Station is inside the plastic trough (inside the Ink Tank Station) to prevent ink seepage. Note: The Service Station should operate smoothly. If it binds, chatters, or grinds, reinstall the Service Station. Lubricate the Side Tracks and Guide if necessary. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 104 Maintenance 20. Close the Clamshell Cover. Close the front cover. Caution: Hold on to both of the latches when opening and closing the Clamshell to prevent damage. DO NOT allow the Clamshell to drop or slam closed. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 105 2. Push in on the tabs to release the Ink Waste Tray. Remove it from the unit. 3. Replace with a new Ink Waste Tray. Removing Jams in the Printer Clearing a jam depends on where the jam occurred. If a jam occurs in the Print Engine Area: 1. Open the top cover. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 106 Warning: This printer is a precision machine. Clean the printer regularly to ensure many years of effective service. Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the machine from its power source. DO NOT remove the side covers - High Voltages Present! QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 107 Grit Rollers (A): Clean as needed by moistening a small, hard-bristled brush or toothbrush with distilled water. DO NOT use anything other than distilled water to clean the rollers. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 108 2. Moisten a foam swab with distilled water. 3. Insert the swab into an ink channel and rotate the swab to clean the chamber. 4. Use a new swab for each remaining ink channel until all 10 openings are clean (5 on each side). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 109 Maintenance Shipping or Transporting the QL-250 Printer If you have to ship or transport the printer for any reason, the unit will have to be prepared. Once the printer is prepared, carefully package the Printer, the Printhead Cartridge, the Service Station, and the Ink Tanks into the original packaging.
  • Page 110 5. Pack the printhead cartridge area with absorbent towels to catch any ink drips or spills. 6. Carefully pack the printhead cartridge using the original packaging. Remove the Service Station 1. Open the ink tank cover (hinged at the bottom). 2. Open the top cover. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 111 3. Release two latches and open the Print Engine Clamshell. The Service Station will not fully eject with the Clamshell closed. 4. Open the Printer Toolbox and open the Service drop-down menu. 5. Select Eject Service Station. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 112 8. Disconnect the Ribbon Cable by sliding the latch open on the Service Station Circuit Board. 9. Remove the Service Station. 10. Pack the Service Station Area with absorbent towels to catch any excess ink. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 113 Important: Ensure that the ink seals on the ink tanks are facing up and covered with absorbent wipes to prevent leaks and spills. 5. Pack the Ink Tank Bays with absorbent towels to catch any ink drip spills. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 114 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting This information is provided to assist you in solving any problems that might occur with the QL-250 printer. Make sure that the system is set up properly, plugged in, and has an adequate supply of ink before attempting to troubleshoot any problem.
  • Page 115 Ink Tanks may be 1/3 full or printhead cartridge. clean, lint-free cloth. less. Replace the ink tanks. Warning: DO NOT remove the printer’s side covers! High Voltages Present! QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 116 Job is sent to print but does not Printer not turned ON. Check that the printer is ON. print. Printer not connected to Connect printer cable to computer computer. and re-send job. Media Sensor covered in Print Open Print Engine and remove Engine. media. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 117 Blackmark: Set the printer for reading blackmark on the media thicker media in the Toolbox. (too light) or the notches on the Notched Media: Check the notch media are not deep enough (less depth. than 3/8” deep). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 118 Missing Printhead Remove the printhead cartridge. Check / clean the electrical contacts. Reinstall the printhead. If the problem persists, contact technical support. Multiple Inks Low Reorder Ink. Multiple Ink Tanks Out Replace the empty ink tanks. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 119 Clean the electrical contacts and re-seat the ink tank. Unauthorized... Ink Tank Ink tanks must be purchased from an authorized supplier Installed. for this printer model. Unauthorized Printhead. Printhead cartridges must be purchased from an authorized supplier for this printer model. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 120 Verify that the Unwinder is threaded correctly and that the Tape too strong. speed is set correctly. Try to use stock that has soft- release tape holding the media to the cardboard core. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 121 Entry Sensor to the Exit Rollers. Sensor in the allotted time. Check/ clean the Sensors. Slow data transmission. Select Buffer from QL-250 Driver. Dirty Encoder Wheel or a problem with transport. Contact Technical Support. If the error occurs before the...
  • Page 122 Mech State: STANDBY Clear the error using the Refresh If correct, check contacts. Mech Status: ONLINE Ink Levels command in the Maint Status: MAINT Toolbox, or press Pause/ Resume to refresh the ink levels and continue printing. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 123 Check the P2005 cable on MPCA. At this point, the error may represent as an Ink Pump Error, since there is no return signal from the pump and therefore, a separate message describing an Ink Pump Error. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 124 The printhead latch is open printhead. ERROR on System Status screen. Replace the printhead. Refer to Printer Graphic shows the Printer the appropriate sections in this Printhead as “?”. manual for removing and installing the printhead cartridge. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 125 This can be due to: connections. Replace the Wiper Module. 1. White flex cable is dirty, broken, or not connected. Check and/or replace the DCPA 2. Wiper Module (motor) board. failure. 3. DPCA failed at J17 terminal. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 126 To the best of our knowledge, that information is accurate in all respects. However, neither AstroNova nor any of its agents or employees shall be responsible for any inaccuracies contained herein. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 127 Borderless Printing Appendix B: Borderless Printing The QL-250 Print Driver (under Printing Preferences) offers two ways for printing to the edge of media, sometimes called Borderless or Full-Bleed printing. Each option adjusts the relationship between the target image, selected media size, and the actual media on which it is printed, but in different ways.
  • Page 128 4” (800 dpi) + 21 dots = 3221 dots x 8” (800 dpi) + 21 dots = 6421 dots) For barcodes or text, use Oversize instead of Borderless Print. The required preparation for Oversize is explained below. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 129 The Oversize checkbox is located in the Custom Sizes dialog box, in the Printing Preferences tab under the General tab. 1. Select the Oversize checkbox 2. Enter the measurements of physical media in Width and Height fields, selecting units (inches or millimeters). QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 130 However, the target image also needs to e created as oversized, not the size of physical media; otherwise there is likely to be a white border between the image and the media. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 131 The target image needs to be greater in size than that of the actual media. • The image needs to be the same size as the custom media size selected in the Custom Sizes window, corresponding to the additional amount set as the default in the driver. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 132 Many target images are in PDF format. When printing from Adobe Acrobat,, be sure to select only Actual Size under Page Sizing & Handling. Other options will affect settings already made for Borderless Printing and Oversize, producing undesirable results. QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 133 Maintenance Drop Down .........81 Toolbox View Drop-down .........61 Manual Mode (Unwinder) .........43 Transport ..............109 Media Guide .............37 Media Scan ..............76 Media Sensor Cleaning ..........108 User Interface ............64 Misfeeds ..............106 User Interface - Display Language ......66 User Interface Firmware Download ......67 QL-250 User Guide...
  • Page 134 Index Winder Spacer Plate ..........21 QL-250 User Guide...