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Digital Color Label Printer
Operation & Setup Guide
Specifications are subject to change without notice
___________________________________________
Toll-Free: 1.877.757.7978 (USA & Canada only)
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www.quicklabelsystems.com/support/
Part Number 22834-464
QuickLabel Systems
an Astro-Med, Inc. Product Group
600 East Greenwich Avenue
West Warwick, RI 02893
Tel: 1.401.828.4000
Fax:1.401.822.2430
printers@quicklabelsystems.com
www.quicklabelsystems.com
Technical Support 1.877.757.7978
Firmware V 1.1
Rev. B 09/02
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Related Manuals for QuickLabel Systems QLS-4100X
Summary of Contents for QuickLabel Systems QLS-4100X
- Page 1 Part Number 22834-464 Firmware V 1.1 Rev. B 09/02 Specifications are subject to change without notice ___________________________________________ QuickLabel Systems an Astro-Med, Inc. Product Group 600 East Greenwich Avenue West Warwick, RI 02893 Toll-Free: 1.877.757.7978 (USA & Canada only) Tel: 1.401.828.4000 Fax:1.401.822.2430...
- Page 2 QuickLabel Systems warrants the printhead and the platen from the date of purchase for a period of 90 days or for 1 million inches of thermal transfer ribbon, whichever comes first, contingent upon the use of QuickLabel Sys- tems thermal transfer ribbon.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents 1 Quick Start ..............7 QuickLabel Systems Media ................. 8 Quick Start Guide ....................9 2 Physical Setup ............. 10 Unpacking the Printer ..................11 Printer Orientation ..................... 12 Features of the QLS-4100 X ................13 Side View ........................14 Rear Panel View ...................... - Page 4 Windows Print Mode ....................48 Mirror Mode ....................... 49 Cutter Flag ......................... 50 Cutter Offset ......................51 Print Line Adjustment ....................52 Cross Web Adjustment ....................54 TTR Sensor ....................... 56 Calibrate ........................57 Test Print ........................58 Factory Reset ......................59 System Upgrade ......................
- Page 5 Appendicies A Physical Data ............... 99 B Specifications ............102 C Replacement Parts ............ 104 D Color QuickLabel 99 Pro Setup........ 106 E Windows Driver Setup ..........111...
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Page 7: Quick Start
The QLS-4100 X represents... • QuickLabel Systems’ Best Image Quality - Ever The all-new print station design maintains a high degree of color registration - down to ± 1/2 dot throughout an entire print run. -
Page 8: Quicklabel Systems Media
Ribbon. QuickLabel Systems Thermal Transfer Ribbon is formulated to provide the most vibrant and durable image while helping to maintain long printhead life. QuickLabel Systems offers a unique media purchase program called a Media Requirements Contract (MRC). With an MRC, your media costs will be tailored to annual usage, not individually-purchased quantity. -
Page 9: Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide If you are an experienced user of a QuickLabel Systems Digital Color Printer or you have attended QuickLabel Systems College training, use this Quick Start Guide as a reference to begin producing beautiful color labels immediately. In general, these operations should be performed in the sequence listed below, skipping over any items that may have been previously completed. -
Page 10: Physical Setup
2 Physical Setup This chapter will help you to familiarize yourself with the orientation and compo- nents of the QLS-4100 X. This chapter also covers the various connections that need to be made to the printer before it can be operated. This chapter provides the following information: •... -
Page 11: Unpacking The Printer
Unpacking the Printer Remove the printer from the packing carton. Ensure that the printer has suffered no visible signs of damage during shipment. Verify that the following items have been included in the packing carton: AC Power Cord Centronics Parallel Cable Media Retainer 512 Kb Memory Card Warranty Registration Card... -
Page 12: Printer Orientation
Printer Orientation The Illustration below is provided to orient you to the QLS-4100 X printer. The keypad and display is the printer’s user interface. Right Side of Printer Left Side Front of of Printer Printer QLS-4100 X... -
Page 13: Features Of The Qls-4100 X
Features of the QLS-4100 X Facing the left side of the QLS-4100 X with its cover lifted, you can view the media unwind, print stations, and related mechanical parts. The items below identify the QLS-4100 X components as shown in the illustration on the following page: Media Retainer Media Supply Mandrel... -
Page 14: Side View
QLS-4100 X... -
Page 15: Rear Panel View
Rear Panel View Facing the rear panel of the printer, you will observe the air intake regulator, power connection, and other interface connections as shown in the illustration below. QLS-4100 X... -
Page 16: Installing The Unwind Mandrel
Installing the Unwind Mandrel Your QLS-4100 X was shipped with the Media Unwind Mandrel uninstalled to protect it from damage during transit. The mandrel is easily installed by following the procedure outlined below. Tools Needed 1/8” Allen Wrench Slide the media unwind mandrel onto the shaft until the backplate flange is seated firmly against the collar located on the inside of the shaft. -
Page 17: Power Connection
Power Connection Locate the AC Power Input at the bottom of the rear panel. Plug the power cord into the printer. Be sure to use only the AC Power Cord supplied with the printer. Connect the opposite end of the AC Power Cord into an earth grounded AC recep- tacle. -
Page 18: Computer Connections
RS-232 serial cable is supplied with Color QuickLabel 99 Pro. ® See the QuickLabel Systems Host Protocol manual for additional information on the available status commands. Centronics Parallel Port Using the parallel cable supplied with the printer, connect the larger connector to the parallel port on the printer. - Page 19 Centronics Parallel Port Pin Assignments Signal /STROBE DATA BIT 0 DATA BIT 1 DATA BIT 2 DATA BIT 3 DATA BIT 4 DATA BIT 5 DATA BIT 6 DATA BIT 7 /ACKNOWLEDGE BUSY PAPER END SELECT OUT /AUTO FEED /INIT /FAULT /SELECTIN QLS-4100 X...
- Page 20 Pin Assignments Signal Note The maximum RS-232 serial cable length is dependent on the communication parameters being used. For best performance and reliability, only serial cables supplied by QuickLabel Systems should be used. QLS-4100 X...
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Page 21: Network Connection
Any printer language emulations such as PostScript™ or PCL™ should be disabled. QuickLabel Systems can supply a compatible print server to be used in PC-based or midrange/mainframe-based host environments. Please contact QuickLabel Systems for additional information. -
Page 22: Utility Port Connection
Utility Port Connection On the rear panel of the printer, the Utility Port permits connection to external devices such as the optional QuickLabel Systems Cutter and Cutter/Stacker or a label applicator system. The assignment of pin functions on the utility port depends on the mode of operation. -
Page 23: Compressed Air Connection
The air pressure regulator has been set at the factory for the proper air pressure. You only need to connect your in-house air supply to the printer. QuickLabel Systems can supply you with a portable, quiet air compressor suitable for office use should you not have a source of compressed air. -
Page 24: Dip Switch Settings
DIP Switch Settings Located on the rear panel of the printer are a series of small switches used to set various communication parameters and option settings. Use a small, blunt pointed object like a pencil to change the position of these switches. Use the instructions below and the table on the next page to set the dip switches for your printing requirements. - Page 25 DIP Switch Settings QLS-4100 X...
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Page 26: Loading Media And Calibration
3 Loading Media and Calibration Now that your QLS-4100 X is unpacked and all connections have been made to the printer, you are ready to load label or tag stock, thermal transfer ribbon and calibrate the printer in preparation for printing. This chapter provides the following information: •... -
Page 27: Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon
When using Spot Color ribbons, each of the four stations prints a fully saturated color. Any color can be installed on any print station and the location of each color is defined in Color QuickLabel 99 Pro software or the QuickLabel Systems Win- dows Printer Driver. - Page 28 To load Thermal Transfer Ribbon at each print station: Fully seat a roll of coated-side-in ribbon on the print station’s Supply Mandrel. You will feel resistance as the spring clip on the mandrel secures the roll. Ensure that the ribbon unwinds to the right and under the roll. Fully seat an empty cardboard takeup core on the associated Rewind Mandrel.
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Page 29: Loading Label Or Tag Media
Loading Label or Tag Media The QLS-4100 X is capable of printing on a wide variety of media types and sizes and is designed to accept media up to a 12” OD (outside diameter) roll capacity on a 3” ID (inside diameter) core. The QLS-4100 X positions the printed image correctly by utilizing either a trans- missive or reflective sensor to detect the begining of a label or tag. - Page 30 Flip the Drive Roller Lift Lever clockwise to open the drive roller. Remove the Media Retainer from the media supply mandrel by first loosening the small nylon retaining screw then sliding the Media Retainer away from the printer and off the mandrel. Orient the roll so that the labels are coming off the top and to the right.
- Page 31 Thread the media through the Media Sensor Assembly and then through the Media Travel Roller assembly. Continue to thread the media through each of the print stations over the platen rollers. Finally, thread the media between the drive roller and pressure roller so that it exits from the front of the printer.
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Page 32: Adjusting The Media Sensor
Adjusting the Media Sensor The QLS-4100 X is equipped with two intelligent media sensors. One sensor is used for Gap or Notched media types and the other is used for Reflective media type. Under normal operation, the sensor has to be calibrated to the media type being used only once. -
Page 33: Calibrating Media
Calibrating Media Calibrating the printer for the type of media being used is essential and is the first procedure that must be performed prior to printing and whenever the media type is changed. If the printer is not properly calibrated, any of the following may occur: •... - Page 34 Press the SELECT key. The display will show the following prompt: Place Liner @ Sensor Then Press Select Press and hold the FORM FEED/ADVANCE key until the liner is inside the sensor bracket. On notched media, temporarily slide the media out so that it is com- pletely clear of the sensor assembly.
- Page 35 If calibration was unsuccessful, the following message will be displayed: Pause: Gap Calibration Bad The printer will then re-initiate the calibration procedure. After successful calibration, press the PRINT/PAUSE key to return the printer to a Ready state. Note The QLS-4100 X is capable of sensing media with a maximum gap or notch size of 50 mm.
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Page 36: Calibrating Reflective Media
Calibrating Reflective Media Lift each of the printheads for this calibration routine in order to conserve ribbon. Disengage the drive roller by turning the Drive Roll Lift Lever clockwise. Position the reflective mark so that the red light from the reflective sensor passes through the mark. - Page 37 Press the SELECT key. The display will show the following prompt: Place Mark @ Arrow Then Press Select Press and hold the FORM FEED/ADVANCE key until the reflective mark is posi- tioned behind the Media Sensor Assembly and in close proximity to the guide arrow indicated on the center plate.
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Page 38: Calibrating Continuous Media
Calibrating Continuous Media Press the PRINT/PAUSE key until the printer display shows Pause on the display. Press PREV or NEXT key until the Calibrate menu is displayed. Pause: Calibrate Continuous Press the + or - key until Continuous is displayed. Press the SELECT key. -
Page 39: Keypad Controls And Menus
4 Keypad Controls and Menus The QLS-4100 X features an intuitive, easy-to-use Control Panel consisting of a backlit LCD display, status LED indicators, and a multi-function keypad. The Control Panel permits the user to change settings and make adjustments on-the- fly without the need for a host computer. -
Page 40: Keypad Layout And Functions
Keypad Layout and Functions The keypad buttons perform the following general functions: PRINT/PAUSE • toggles the printer between Ready and Pause state • pauses or resumes printing FORM FEED/ADVANCE • feeds the media by one calibrated label length each time the key is pressed, or continually advances the media when the key is held CANCEL •... -
Page 41: Print / Pause Key
Print/Pause When the printer is idle (i.e. not printing labels), the PRINT/PAUSE key will toggle the printer between a Ready state and a Pause state as indicated on the display. While the printer is printing labels, pressing the PRINT/PAUSE key will put the printer in a Pause state and label printing will halt until the PRINT/PAUSE key is pressed again. -
Page 42: Menu Functions
Menu Functions The following list outlines all of the menus that are accessable via the user inter- face. Some menus, as noted, are only accessible when the printer has been paused using the PRINT/PAUSE key. Some menus, like the Cutter menus, are only available when a specific option has been enabled or is in use. -
Page 43: Print Speed
Print Speed This function allows you to choose the printing speed. The QLS-4100 X is capable of printing at speeds of 2 - 7 ips (inches per second) in 1 ips increments. To set the Print Speed via the front panel: Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until the Speed menu is displayed. -
Page 44: Print Intensity
Print Intensity The printhead intensity determines the temperature of the printhead heating ele- ments. The amount of heat applied to the thermal transfer ribbon determines the darkness of the print. The amount of heat that is actually applied to the film by the printhead is determined by two factors: •... - Page 45 To set Print Intensity via the front panel: Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until the Intensity menu is displayed. Pause: Intensity Head 1 = 12 Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key to cycle through the intensity menus for each of the four print stations.
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Page 46: Print Offset
Print Offset By default, when printing on media with registration marks (gaps, reflective marks, etc.), the printer will place the label image area between the registration marks. You can, however, use the print offset adjustment to adjust print registration in fine increments or to move the printed image completely relative to the sensor mark. -
Page 47: Label Counter
Label Counter The QLS-4100 X can dynamically display either the ongoing total number of la- bels that have been printed since the printer was last powered up or the number of labels that have been printed within any specific batch or print job. The printer’s label counting feature can also be turned off. -
Page 48: Windows Print Mode
Windows environment as outlined in the instructions provided with the Win- dows driver. When using the QuickLabel Systems Printer Driver for Windows to print to the QLS-4100 X, the printer automatically enters Windows Print Mode whereby data transmitted from the PC software application is sent to the printer as a bitmapped image. -
Page 49: Mirror Mode
Mirror Mode The QLS-4100 X has the ability to print labels in a mirror image format. This format is useful when printing on transparent media to be applied to a transparent surface such as glass. This format is available only in standard mode (when using Color QuickLabel 99 Pro software or the printer’s protocol). -
Page 50: Cutter Flag
Cutter Flag When using an optional Cutter/Stacker accessory, it is possible to enable or dis- able the insertion of extra blank tags to demarcate or flag the end of a batch. When enabled, the printer will automatically insert one long and one short blank tag between batches. -
Page 51: Cutter Offset
Cutter Offset When printing on media with registration marks (gaps, reflective marks, etc.), the printer will place the label image area between the registration marks. If neces- sary, you can adjust the location of the cut line relative to the printed image. The Cut Offset can be used to move the cut line forward or backward with respect to the top of the label. -
Page 52: Print Line Adjustment
Print Line Adjustment Print Line Adjustments allow you to align the printing of each of the four print stations to obtain accurate color registration in the media travel direction. These adjustments are made for print stations 1, 2, and 3 using print station 4 as a stationary reference. - Page 53 To perform a Print Line Adjustment: Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key to cycle through the Print Line Adj menus until the print station you want to adjust is displayed. Pause: Print Line Adj Head 1 = -4 Press the + or - key to shift the selected print position in the desired direction. Increasingly positive values will move the print position up on the label.
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Page 54: Cross Web Adjustment
Cross Web Adjustment Cross Web Adjustments allow you to align the printing of each of the four print stations to obtain accurate color registration across the width of the label. These adjustments can be made for print stations 1, 2, 3 and 4. One print station is typically used as a reference and left unchanged while the other three stations are adjusted relative to the reference station. - Page 55 To perform a Cross Web Adjustment: Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key to cycle through the Cross Web Adj menus until the print station you want to adjust is displayed. Pause: Cross Web Adj Head 1 = < 5 Press the + or - key to shift the selected print position for the selected print station. The value range is <16 to 0 to 16 >.
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Page 56: Ttr Sensor
TTR Sensor This function is for use by QuickLabel Systems’ technicians when performing diagnostics at the factory. In general use, the TTR Sensor should always be enabled. Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until the TTR Sensor menu is displayed. -
Page 57: Calibrate
Calibrate Calibrating the printer for the type of media being used is essential and is the first procedure that must be performed prior to printing and whenever the media type is changed. If the printer is not properly calibrated, any of the following may occur: •... -
Page 58: Test Print
Test Print The QLS-4100 X is equipped with a number of built-in test patterns used for check- ing color alignment, print quality, and printhead integrity. To perform a Test Print: Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until the Test Print menu is displayed. Pause: Test Print Test Pattern: 1 in *... -
Page 59: Factory Reset
Factory Reset The factory reset feature of the QLS-4100 X returns all parameters available through the printer’s front panel to their factory default values. Use the procedure below to perform a factory reset. Press the PRINT/PAUSE key until the printer is in the paused state. Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until the Factory Reset menu is displayed. -
Page 60: System Upgrade
Selecting System Upgrade causes the printer to reset itself in preparation for a firmware upgrade. This procedure is performed infrequently, and requires a PC computer and QuickLabel Systems’ upgrade software. If it is necessary to per- form a system upgrade, refer to the instructions that are included with the upgrade software. -
Page 61: Qls Settings
QLS Settings This function prints all of the current settings of the printer. To print current printer settings: Press the PRINT/PAUSE key until the printer is in the paused state. Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until the QLS Settings menu is displayed. Pause: QLS Settings SELECT to print Press the SELECT key to print out a listing of the current settings for the QLS-... -
Page 62: System Baseline
System Baseline This function is used to synchronize printing when using multiple QLS-4100 X printers. If you are sending the same image file to two or more printers and notice that the image prints in different vertical locations, you can use this function to move the system baseline of a printer. -
Page 63: Ttr / Media
TTR / Media TTR/Media allows to select printhead heat and history that has been tailored to a specific media and ribbon combination. This feature enables the QLS-4100 X to print on an even wider range of specialty materials. To change the TTR/Media type: Press the PRINT/PAUSE until the printer is in the paused state. -
Page 64: Ttr Drop
TTR Drop The QLS-4100 X is equipped with QuickLabel Systems’ patented RibbonRation technology. This feature automatically determines when to enable or disable each of the four print stations thus consuming thermal transfer ribbon only when a particular color is needed. -
Page 65: Operation
5 Operation To prepare the QLS-4100 X for printing, make sure that: • Power connection has been made • Communication connections have been made between the host and the printer • Compressed air has been supplied to the printer if RibbonRation™ will be used •... -
Page 66: Printing With The Qls-4100 X
Memory Test (16M) The second display will show the printer model, QLS-4100 X, followed by the system firmware version number. Periodically, QuickLabel Systems may provide upgraded firmware to add functionality to the printer. You may visit QuickLabel Systems’ website to check for updated firmware. -
Page 67: Operating Without Compressed Air
When you download a label to a printer, the printer will begin printing the label as long as the printer is in the READY state. You will note that Color QuickLabel 99 software will temporarily put the printer in a PAUSE state while it is downloading your label. -
Page 68: Printer Indicators
Printer Indicators When power is on, the printer has four indicator lights that provide a visual cue to the printer’s current state. Indicator Function POWER When the green POWER indicator light is illuminated, the printer is ready to operate. Assuming the printer is properly set up and a label has been downloaded or a test pattern has been selected pressing the PRINT/PAUSE key will cause printing to begin. -
Page 69: Error Messages
Error Messages The following pages show a number of possible error messages that may be en- countered during operation. Instructions are provided on how to clear the condi- tion that caused the error message to be displayed. ERROR: Media out or sensor is off media •... - Page 70 Warning Whenever you are not using the printer, leave the the drive roll in the open position. This will prevent flat areas from developing which could result in print quality or media slip issues. Drive Roll Up • Indicates that the drive roller is in the up position. The printer cannot resume printing until the drive roller is lowered.
- Page 71 Printheads Disabled • Displayed after the self-test when the printer is powered on with one or more of the heads already lifted. The printer indicates which heads have been disabled upon power up. Deletes all labels SELECT to confirm • Displayed when the CANCEL key is pressed while a batch is being printed. Press- ing the SELECT key will cancel all pending labels in the batch.
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Page 72: Color Alignment
Color Alignment Color alignment refers to the alignment of each color with respect to the other colors: Print Line adjustment refers to the vertical adjustment of a color’s print position on the media. Cross-Web adjustment refers to the horizontal adjustment of a color’s print posi- tion on the media. - Page 73 You will also examine the block patterns to observe both the horizontal and verti- cal alignment. If any color appears horizontally misaligned, the cross web values require adjustment; if any color appears vertically misaligned, the print line ad- justment values require adjustment. When the black box prints without any color shadows and the block pattern ap- pears correctly aligned, the color alignment is optimal.
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Page 74: Print Line Adjustment
Print Line Adjustment Print Line Adjustments allow you to align the printing of each of the four print stations to obtain accurate color registration in the media travel direction. These adjustments are made for print stations 1, 2, and 3 using print station 4 as a stationary reference. - Page 75 Printing will continue throughout the adjustment process until the printer is paused or the operating state of the printer is changed. The pattern on the test labels will show each of the current print stations providing a visual indication of how much adjustment each print station location needs.
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Page 76: Cross Web Adjustment
Cross Web Adjustment The best method for evaluating web alignment is to examine the Proc. Block Test Pattern. Lack of alignment in the test print indicates poor web alignment. Press the PRINT / PAUSE key to pause printing. Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until you select the Cross Web Adj submenu. Before beginning web alignment, set all the web alignment values to “0”. -
Page 77: Evaluating Print Quality
Evaluating print quality Press the PRINT / PAUSE key to put the printer into the pause mode. Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until the Test Print menu is displayed. Press the + or - key to scroll through the test patterns and select Test Pattern: x in. at a width that is appropriate for the width of your media. -
Page 78: Advancing The Media
Advancing the Media The FORM FEED/ADVANCE key can be used to advance the media by one full label or tag length each time the key is pressed, or continually media when the key is held. To advance the media: Press the PRINT/PAUSE key if necessary until Pause is displayed. Press the FORM FEED/ADVANCE key once and release to advance the media by one label or tag length. -
Page 79: Adjusting The Print Speed
Adjusting the Print Speed When setting the print speed, you must consider the characteristics of the media and ribbon in use as well as the print intensity that will be selected. All of these factor into obtaining the best possible printed image quality. It may be necessary to adjust these after printing has commenced to determine the optimal print speed. -
Page 80: Enabling / Disabling Ribbonration
Color QuickLabel 99 software or the ® QuickLabel Systems Windows Printer Driver. The software will always override any setting that has been made on the front panel of the printer. To Enable / Disable RibbonRation™ from the Printer Control Panel: Power off the printer if it is on. -
Page 81: Printing Labels
Printing Labels To print labels, you need to send a label from QuickLabel Systems’ Color QuickLabel 99 Pro software program, or from a 3rd party application via the ® QuickLabel Systems Windows Printer Driver. Refer to the Appendix D and E of this manual for basic instructions in setting up the software. -
Page 82: Printing Test Patterns
Printing Test Patterns The QLS-4100 X is equipped with a number of built-in test patterns used for check- ing color alignment, print quality, and printhead integrity. To perform a Test Print: Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS key until the Test Print menu is displayed. Pause: Test Print Test Pattern: 1 in *... -
Page 83: Advanced Adjustments
6 Advanced Adjustments Your QLS-4100 X has been carefully set at the factory to print optimally using your specific type of media and ribbon. This chapter describes how to perform ad- vanced adjustments that may be needed when specialized media is used in the printer. -
Page 84: Printhead Tangency Alignment
Printhead Tangency Alignment The proper alignment of the printhead over the platen roller produces optimum transfer of ribbon to the media. Although this mechanical adjustment is a factory setting, there are situations where a slight repositioning of the platen support strut will optimize print quality on different media types and thicknesses. -
Page 85: Printhead Angularity Adjustment
Printhead Angularity Adjustment The color registration is monitored on the right side of the label as it exits the printer. The Test Print (Proc. Block CMYK) on the display provides a test pattern for adjusting the Print Line and Cross Web values. There is a mechanical adjust- ment for aligning the color registration on the left side of the label which positions all printheads precisely parallel to each other. -
Page 86: Thermal Transfer Ribbon Tension
Thermal Transfer Ribbon Tension The QLS-4100 X features an automatic ribbon tensioning mechanism to ensure consistent tension from a full to empty ribbon supply roll. Normally, a manual ribbon tension adjustment is not required. However, if you notice film wrinkling or one of the colors smudging, you can adjust the tension to alleviate these condi- tions. -
Page 87: Printhead Lift
Printhead Lift Your QLS-4100 X printhead is mounted to a center-pivoting shaft. This permits even pressure to be applied by the printhead across the width of the media. When using narrow media, the Printhead Lift Screw allows you to relieve unnecessary pressure of the printhead against the platen roller. -
Page 88: Adjusting System Baseline
Adjusting System Baseline This function is used to synchronize printing when using multiple QLS-4100 X printers. If you are sending the same image file to two or more printers and notice that the image prints in different vertical locations, you can use this function to move the system baseline of a printer. -
Page 89: Maintenance & Repair
7 Maintenance and Repair Your QLS-4100 X is designed for long-life and trouble-free operation. In order to keep your printer operating at optimal performance, some periodic maintenance maintenance is required. This chapter covers the following: • List of recommended tools for performing maintenance and repairs. •... -
Page 90: Recommended Tool List
Recommended Tool List The following is a list of recommended tools for maintenance and repair of the QLS-4100 X. 3/16” X 4” long Slotted Screwdriver 3/32” X 4” long Slotted Screwdriver #2 1/4” X 15/16” Phillips Screwdriver #2 1/4” X 8” Phillips Screwdriver #1 3/16”... -
Page 91: Routine Cleaning
To maintain clear and crisp printing, these parts should be cleaned frequently. The printheads in particular require regular cleaning. QuickLabel Systems recommend that these surfaces be cleaned when changing a roll of media or ribbon. -
Page 92: Printhead Replacement
Printhead Replacement After normal use or as a result of a failure, the printheads will eventually need to be replaced. Some symptoms of printhead failure include: • Significant reduction in printed image darkness that cannot be corrected by using an increased print intensity. •... - Page 93 Reconnect the three harness connectors to the replacement printhead. Position the printhead under the bracket and move the printhead around until it seats into the two locating pins in the bracket. Tighten the captive mounting screw 1/4 turn to secure the printhead to the bracket. Reinstall the platen roller on print station #1 if it was removed.
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Page 94: Platen Replacement
Platen Replacement Platen rollers are like tires on a car, in that they wear with use. After continued normal use, it may be necessary to replace the printhead platen rollers. After prolonged use, one or more rollers may develop flat areas which will affect print quality. -
Page 95: Drive And Pressure Roll Replacement
Drive and Pressure Roll Replacement After prolonged use, the drive roller or pressure roller may develop flat areas, which will impede consistent media travel. When this occurs, the roller will require replacement. The following procedures explain how to remove and replace the drive roller and pressure roller. - Page 96 Loosen the set screw on the inner side of the drive roll and pull the roller to the outside against the frame plate. This will reduce the side play on the roller. Tighten both set screws on the inner drive roll side. Pinch Roller Replacement Turn the printer off and unplug the AC power cord.
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Page 97: Changing The Fuse Or Line Voltage
Changing the Fuse or Line Voltage Your QLS-4100 X has been configured for your line voltage at the factory. Should you need to replace the fuse(s) or reconfigure the printer for a different line volt- age, follow the procedure outlined below. Tools Needed Small, flat-blade screwdriver Turn the printer off and unplug the AC power cord. -
Page 98: Firmware Upgrades
QLS-4100 X. A firmware upgrade should only be performed when available new functionality is needed or when a firmware upgrade is re- quired for compatibility with QuickLabel Systems’ software. Selecting System Upgrade causes the printer to reset itself in preparation for a firmware upgrade. -
Page 99: A Physical Data
Appendix A Physical Data QLS-4100 X... - Page 100 QLS-4100 X Dimensions * all dimensions are in Inches QLS-4100 X...
- Page 101 QLS-4100 X Dimensions * all dimensions are in Inches QLS-4100 X...
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Page 102: B Specifications
Appendix B Specifications QLS-4100 X... - Page 103 QLS-4100 X Specifications Printing Method Thermal Transfer, Spot and CMYK Process Color Print Stations 4 printheads Registration Accuracy +/- 0.5 dot typical (0.0015”, 40 microns) Ribbon Management User selectable, patented RibbonRation™ systems conserves thermal transfer ribbon automatically using air-operated cylinders. Resolution 300 dpi Print Speed...
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Page 104: C Replacement Parts
Appendix C Replacement Parts QLS-4100 X... - Page 105 10787-001 Cord, Power * Recommended Spare Parts Parts specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact QuickLabel Systems Technical Support to identify the correct parts and obtain current pricing. Please have the serial number of your printer available. QLS-4100 X...
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Page 106: D Color Quicklabel 99 Pro Setup
Appendix D Color QuickLabel 99 Pro Setup QLS-4100 X... - Page 107 The following guide explains how to configure Color QuickLabel 99 Pro software for use with the QLS-4100 X printer. If you are using and older version of soft- ware (i.e. Color QuickLabel), please contact QuickLabel Systems for an upgrade. Configuring Color QuickLabel 99 Pro from Create and Print Note Skip to step 4 if you are configuring the Print application.
- Page 108 Open the File | Print Seup menu. The following screen will appear: Choose QLS-4100X Single Sided from the Select Printer pulldown list. Select the capacity of the memory card being used or none from the RAM Card Size pulldown list. Note If none is selected, all images will be sent to the internal 512 Kb memory.
- Page 109 Network - Used to communicate with a printer in a networked environment. Printer status cannot be transmitted back to the host when using this communication method. The QuickLabel Systems Windows Printer Driver must be installed to use this communication mode.
- Page 110 Select the appropriate Printer Mode: Bidirectional and Unidirectional communication Select DUAL for parallel and serial port connection or COM for serial only con- nection. Dual is recommended for best data transfer speed. Network communication Select the QLS-4100 Windows Printer Driver from the Available Printers pulldown list.
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Page 111: Windows Printer Driver
Appendix E Windows Printer Driver Setup QLS-4100 X... - Page 112 Windows Printer Driver Setup The following guide explains how to configure the Windows Printer Driver for use with the QLS-4100 X printer. Configuring the Windows Printer Driver From the Start menu, select Settings | Printers (Windows 98/Me/NT/2000) or Start | Printers and Faxes (Windows XP). Right click on the QLS-4100 X Win- dows printer driver and select Properties.
- Page 113 Click on the Paper tab. Choose a pre-defined label size from the pulldown list or enter a label width and length for a custom size. Choose Portrait or Landscape to correspond to the desired orientation of the printed image. You may also enter a default number of copies and print offsets.
- Page 114 Click on the Device Options tab. If a Cutter or Cutter/Stacker option will be used, place a check mark in the Enable Cutter box. If RibbonRation will be used, place a check mark in the Enable Ribbon Ration box. The Print-Time menu is enabled by placing a check mark in the Enable Print-Time Menu box.
- Page 115 Click on the Color tab. Select Process or Spot depending on the mode of opera- tion being used. If Process is chosen, select CMY or CMYK for the desired image separation method. If Spot is chosen you will be given the option to enable or disable each of the print stations by checking or unchecking the box next to each head.
- Page 116 Click on the Graphics tab. Select the desired halftoning method for your image. A representation of the output effect each halftoning method will have is shown to the right. Generally speaking, Coarse, Medium, and Fine work best for line art and vector-based graphics such as clip art.
- Page 117 Click on the Intensity & Speed tab. Select the desired default print intensities for each of the print stations and select the print speed. If the Print-Time menu is enabled, these default settings can be changed just prior to printing each print job. QLS-4100 X...
- Page 118 When the Print-Time menu is enabled, the processed image can be saved along with the print-time settings into an file which can later be recalled for printing. This is feature is useful for creating pre-processed label formats for printing in a pro- duction environment where you do not wish to have the operator make content changes to the printed label.