MF DIGITAL Spectrum 2 Operator's Manual

MF DIGITAL Spectrum 2 Operator's Manual

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Operator's Guide

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  • Page 1 Spectrum2 Thermal Printer Operator’s Guide...
  • Page 2 Warranty MF DIGITAL warrants to the original purchaser that the equipment that you have purchased is free from defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of time as follows: Duplicator Electronics & Mechanical Parts...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Table of Contents Introduction Minimum PC Requirements Printer Installation Overview Quick Setup Directions Installation - Unpacking Installation - Parts Identification Installation - Connecting the Printer Spectrum2 Printer Driver Installation Printer Driver Installation for Windows 98 Printer Driver Installation for Windows NT Printer Driver Installation for Windows 2000 and XP Label Software Installation...
  • Page 4 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Cleaning the Print Head Printhead Replacement Printhead Replacement Procedure Troubleshooting Section Quick Recovery Strategy Test CD Strategy Common Printer Issues Clearing Improper Placement of CD Printer is not printing checklist Print Quality CD Positioning Errors CD Printing Techniques Section Spectrum2 CD Media &...
  • Page 5 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Autoloader Port Autoloader Port Pinouts: Error Codes for Status LED...
  • Page 6: Spectrum2 Printer Operator's Guide Document Revision

    The MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 CD Printer shown Spectrum2 CD Printer The MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 CD Printer is a thermal transfer printer capable of printing labels up to 600 dots per inch (DPI) on several types of CD-R, DVD-R or CD-ROM media surfaces, using appropriate wax/resin thermal transfer ribbons.
  • Page 7: Minimum Pc Requirements

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 • Standard CD-R / DVD-R media tray • Quick change, easy and fast ribbon thread feature • Local store, 1.5 MB memory for local print image storage • Ribbon saver feature, maximizes ribbon life •...
  • Page 8: Printer Installation Overview

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Printer Installation Overview The Spectrum2 User’s Guide includes two Setup sections and Appendix. Quick Setup Directions • These are brief instructions for printer and software setup by technical computer users Standard Setup Directions •...
  • Page 9: Quick Setup Directions

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Quick Setup Directions Unpack Printer • Remove Printer from shipping box and foam inserts Printer is shipped with: • Power cable • Parallel cable • Printer Software (CD-ROM disc) • Printer is shipped with a black ribbon installed •...
  • Page 10: Installation - Unpacking

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 the Spectrum2 Software CD-ROM • The CD labeling software is located in the Spectrum2 Designer directory • Follow standard software install (add program) procedures and select the Setup file for the Spectrum2 Designer application Start CD labeling software (Spectrum2 Designer) •...
  • Page 11 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Unpacking • Open the top of the box • Lift the Spectrum2 by gripping the underside of the narrow sides of the unit • Set the Spectrum2 and foam on a sturdy, flat surface •...
  • Page 12: Installation - Parts Identification

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Installation - Parts Identification You should become familiar with the parts of the printer before attempting to operate it. See the Maintenance section of this manual for help installing printer ribbons. • Power switch •...
  • Page 13: Installation - Connecting The Printer

    Figure 3: Spectrum2 data and power connections Connecting the Printer The MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 has only three main connections for operation: • AC power connection – for 110/220 VAC power • Parallel port connection – DB-25 “straight through” cable • Serial for automation Before operating the Spectrum2, make sure these connections have been made: •...
  • Page 14: Spectrum2 Printer Driver Installation

    Spectrum2 for the first time. The printer driver installation varies with the version of Windows used (see detailed instructions for specific version of Windows). The printer driver allows the MF DIGITAL CD Labeling software or other labeling programs to be used with the printer.
  • Page 15: Printer Driver Installation For Windows 98

    • Double Click Drivers Folder • Click on Spectrum2 folder • Double Click Win98 Folder • Select PPRO_G2.INF and then Click OK • Click OK again • Confirm that MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 is selected and Click Next • Select LPT1: Port...
  • Page 16: Printer Driver Installation For Windows Nt

    • Select the CD-ROM Drive that has the Spectrum2 Software CD • Double Click Drivers folder • Double Click Spectrum2 folder • Double Click WinNT folder • Double Click Color folder • Select PPNTC600.INF • Click Open, then Click OK • Select MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 Color...
  • Page 17 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 • Click Next • At Printer Name Click Next • Set settings to Not Shared • Click Next • When prompted to print test page, Select No • Click Finish • Re-start Computer...
  • Page 18: Printer Driver Installation For Windows 2000 And Xp

    • Double Click WIN2000 folder • Select Spectrum2, Click Open • Click OK • Highlight MF DIGITAL Spectrum2, Click Next • Select Yes to set printer as default, Click Next. This makes the Spectrum2 printer selected first over other printers attached to the computer.
  • Page 19: Label Software Installation

    Document Revision: 102803 Label Software Installation The MF DIGITAL Label Software (named Spectrum2 Designer) is a graphics program with built-in disc label templates that allow the design and creation of labels to be printed on CD media. The Spectrum2 Designer software is supplied on the Spectrum2 Software CD-ROM.
  • Page 20: Windows Nt: Installation Of Spectrum2 Designer Software

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Windows NT: Installation of Spectrum2 Designer Software: • Place Spectrum2 Software CD into CD-ROM drive • From Windows Desktop, Click on: Start Icon, • Select Settings • Click on Control Panel • Double Click on Add/Remove Program Icon •...
  • Page 21: Printer Operation

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Printer Operation Once the Spectrum2 is properly connected to the host computer, printer ribbon installed, and the printer driver and Spectrum2 Designer software are installed on the host computer, the printer is ready for use. CD Printing Sequence •...
  • Page 22: Printer Ribbon Installation

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Printer Ribbon Installation The thermal transfer ribbons used by the Spectrum2 must be installed correctly for proper label printing. See the Maintenance section for ribbon installation instructions.
  • Page 23: Cd Label Printing

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 CD Label Printing Printing a CD Label with Spectrum2 Designer To begin printing labels on CD media, first follow the Power Up and Loading procedures outlined in the Printer Operation section. 1) Select the Print from the File Menu of the Spectrum2 Designer software 2) Make sure the Spectrum2 is selected as the printer to be used.
  • Page 24: Control Panel Operation

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Control Panel Operation Spectrum2 keypad The Control Panel consists of three buttons and status LEDs, which controls the operation of the Spectrum2 as described below. TRAY READY PRINT STATUS START ACTIVE Figure 5: Spectrum2 Control Panel Tray Button...
  • Page 25: Manual Loading Cd Media

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 This LED indicates error conditions by flashing error codes (See error code list section) Active LED This LED lights when printer is processing data or printing Manual Loading CD Media Prior to loading the CD Before manually loading or unloading discs into the Spectrum2, first make sure the power is on and the ‘Ready’...
  • Page 26: Cd Label Printing

    Document Revision: 102803 CD Label Printing For those new to the Spectrum2 CD printer, MF DIGITAL recommends experimenting with a single CD and using a label design that only covers part of the CD (for example a vertical bar). This allows repeated prints on the CD (by rotating the CD) and observing changes made by adjusting the printer driver and label software settings.
  • Page 27: Maintenance: General

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Maintenance: General To keep the Spectrum2 functioning at its best, follow these Usage Guidelines: Storage • Keep the Spectrum2 on a flat, stable surface. • Keep the Spectrum2 in a room temperature environment, and away from excessive heat or cold Startup and Shutdown •...
  • Page 28: Maintenance: Printer Ribbon Installation

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Maintenance: Printer Ribbon Installation Printer ribbon: Supply roller Take up roller Figure 8: Direction of ribbon travel shown with arrows Chassis Lock Figure 9: Printer Chassis shown closed and open...
  • Page 29: Installing Print Ribbon

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Installing Print Ribbon The Ribbon Installation procedure is easiest to perform with the CD tray open. It is recommended that the Spectrum2 be turned OFF during ribbon installation. General information • The Spectrum2 uses ribbon rollers to hold the supply ribbon (ribbon rolled on tube) and the take up core (empty cardboard tube).
  • Page 30: Printer Ribbon Installation Chart - Part 1

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Printer Ribbon Installation Chart – Part 1 Remove Cover Locking clips • Remove the top cover by carefully lifting and pulling forward. Remove used ribbon from printer Note: Ribbon rollers are held in place by locking clips secured by thumbscrews.
  • Page 31 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 hole in printer frame Open printer chassis • Open printer chassis • Loosen chassis knob to release chassis lock Note: Lift chassis up using handle on side of the chassis. Printer chassis will Chassis Lock stay in vertical position when it is fully opened.
  • Page 32: Printer Ribbon Installation Chart – Part 2

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Printer Ribbon Installation Chart – Part 2 Feed ribbon from Supply to Take up Roller • Take end of ribbon from Supply Roller and pull toward the rear of printer • Take ribbon around backside of Take up Roller •...
  • Page 33 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 • Ribbon can also be wound by pressing Start and Print buttons simultaneously • Ribbon change complete - check software settings for proper color or black ribbon selection prior to printing. When installing a mono-color blue or red ribbon, please follow the instructions below in order to disable the ribbon sensor: Note: •...
  • Page 34: Installing Spacer For Color, Mono-Color Blue And Red Ribbon)

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Installing Spacer for Color, Mono-Color Blue and Red Ribbon) A spacer is used to prevent color, mono-color blue and red ribbons from sliding back and forth on the supply spindle. Please see below for installation instructions. •...
  • Page 35: Maintenance: Printhead

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Maintenance: Printhead Figure 10: Printer open showing printhead Cleaning the Print Head If the CD prints begin to look smeared or develop vertical streaks, it may be time to clean the print head. The printhead uses a row of heat producing "printing elements" to heat the ribbon to transfer label ink to the disc.
  • Page 36: Printhead Cleaning Procedure

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Figure 11: Printhead Unit. Chassis Release Button is located inside case Figure 12: Printhead cleaning with ribbon removed Printhead Cleaning Procedure • If tray is in, press Tray Button to extend tray • Remove the top cover by carefully lifting and pulling forward. Set the cover aside. •...
  • Page 37: Printhead Replacement

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 • Printer will wind slack ribbon at power ON, or pressing Start and Tray button simultaneously will also wind slack ribbon. Printhead Replacement Figure 13: Printhead partially removed Replacing the Printhead A damaged printhead may leave “white” vertical lines through all labels, requiring replacement of the printhead for proper label appearance.
  • Page 38: Printhead Replacement Procedure

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Important: The printhead's power connection has three black ground wires. The ground wires must be connected to the pins of the power connector closest to the center of the print head. Printhead Replacement Procedure Power Connection Print Control Securing Screw...
  • Page 39 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 • Note the position and orientation of the connectors • Remove printhead from cable connectors, and place aside • Attach cable connectors (noting orientation) to new printhead • Lightly hold printhead in place and tighten the two Philips head screws •...
  • Page 40: Troubleshooting Section

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Troubleshooting Section Quick Recovery Strategy • Clear error condition (if needed, see Error Code Chart at end of this document) • Press “START” key (to reset printer) or power printer OFF and then power back ON •...
  • Page 41: Printer Is Not Printing Checklist

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Printer is not printing checklist Use list below to determine cause for non-printing printer error. Cables and connections • Check “Status” LED for flashing Error Code. (See ERROR CODES Chart below) • Check all power connections, and make sure the printer is ON and “Ready” LED is •...
  • Page 42 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 • As the computer starts up it will display a message on how to check computer BIOS setup. • Usually, this requires pressing the DEL or ALT or F2 or some other key •...
  • Page 43: Print Quality

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Print Quality Fuzzy prints and smudges • Make sure the CD print surface is a printable (lacquer or matte) surface. • Check the CD surface for fingerprints, oils, etc • Clean the printing surface of the CD •...
  • Page 44: Cd Printing Techniques Section

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 CD Printing Techniques Section The Spectrum2 CD Printer offers a convenient way to print labels on CDs, this section describes ways to get the best possible printouts within the printer's labeling capabilities. • The Spectrum2 Printer automatically selects default print density setting, (lightness or darkness of print) which is called the Strobe Setting based on what type of ribbon is installed in the printer (black or full color) and on the print mode (300 DPI or 600 DPI mode).
  • Page 45: Spectrum2 Cd Media & Ribbon Selection Guide

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Spectrum2 CD Media & Ribbon Selection Guide For best results, use the CD Media and Ribbon Section Guide to choose the appropriate CD Media, Ribbon, and Printer Strobe setting for your CD labeling job. Label Project: Label Project: Project Printing Tip...
  • Page 46: Graphics Tips

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Labels the print best Labels the print best Labels that may not Label Graphics in monocolor are: in color are: print properly are: • Text only • Text only • Large single • Line art and Clip •...
  • Page 47 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Color Graphics Most clip art in Windows Meta File format (WMF) provide good results. JPEG, BMP, and TIFF files may use dithering of CMY colors; you may need to use a Photo or Paint program to adjust color density to achieve best results.
  • Page 48: Common Label Issues

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Common Label Issues Issue Cause Possible Correction Label is too light or too Strobe Setting is either to If label is too dark dark high or too low. The decrease Strobe Setting. Strobe Setting controls If label is too light printhead heat and print increase Strobe Setting.
  • Page 49 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Photo or Paint program density of text prior to and imported to label import to the label program) program. Also change CMYK values to minimize dithering. See Optimizing Color Labels. Graphics appear light or Some colors in graphic Use Paint or Photo incomplete...
  • Page 50: Strobe Setting Examples

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Strobe Setting Examples Strobe Setting Examples Strobe setting is too low • Print is light or no print at all • Shaded graphics light or not printed Strobe setting is correct • Text and graphics are clear •...
  • Page 51: Cd Media & Strobe Setting Examples

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 CD Media & Strobe Setting examples Recommended CD media, ribbon type and strobe setting Silver CD discs (also called lacquer finish disc) Recommendations: • Use with black ribbon • Strobe setting: 54 White Coated CD discs (with smooth surface) Recommendations: •...
  • Page 52: Printer Driver Settings: Win 98

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Printer Driver Settings: Win 98 The key printer driver settings for the Spectrum2 CD printer are: • Strobe Setting (controls lightness and darkness of label) • Color or Black Ribbon selection. This setting needs to match the type of ribbon (black or color) installed in the printer.
  • Page 53 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 discs. While the value of the Auto Setting is not shown, typically for black ribbon it is 54 and for a color ribbon is 54. • For manually setting the Strobe Setting, use the Slider Bar to adjust strobe over a range of values.
  • Page 54 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803...
  • Page 55: Spool Settings

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Spool Settings • Set spool settings as indicated below: • Go to Printer Properties • Click the Details tab and click Spool Settings • If you are operating a standalone printer click Spool print jobs so program finishes printing faster.
  • Page 56: Printer Driver Settings: Win 2000 / Xp

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Printer Driver Settings: Win 2000 / XP Strobe and Ribbon Color Settings The key printer driver settings for the Spectrum2 CD printer are: • Strobe Setting (controls lightness and darkness of label) • Color or Black Ribbon selection (this setting needs to match the type of ribbon, mono-color or color, installed in the printer) To adjust Printer Driver settings from Windows 2000: •...
  • Page 57 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Strobe Setting Adjustment Ribbon Color Setting: this should match type of ribbon installed in printer Strobe Setting: the higher the value, the darker the label • From the Printing Preferences Window • Click on Print Strobe number box •...
  • Page 58: Spool Settings

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 • For Auto setting: use Auto Checkbox to set Strobe to Auto. When checked, printer will use factory default settings that should work with most standard CD discs. While the value of the Auto Setting is not shown, typically for black ribbon it is 54 and for a color ribbon is 54.
  • Page 59: Printer Driver Settings: Win Nt 4.0

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Printer Driver Settings: Win NT 4.0 Strobe and Ribbon Color Settings The key printer driver settings for the Spectrum2 CD printer are: • Strobe Setting (controls lightness and darkness of label) • Color or Black Ribbon selection (this setting needs to match the type of ribbon, mono-color or color, installed in the printer) To adjust Printer Driver settings from Windows NT 4.0: •...
  • Page 60 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Strobe Setting Adjustment Ribbon Color Setting: this should match type of ribbon installed in printer Strobe Setting: the higher the value, the darker the label • From the Printer Properties Window • Click on Print Strobe number box •...
  • Page 61: Spool Settings

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 the value of the Auto Setting is not shown, typically for black ribbon it is 54 and for a color ribbon is 54. • For manually setting the Strobe Setting, use the Slider Bar to adjust strobe over a range of values.
  • Page 62 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Spool Settings (cont.) • With the Spectrum2 printer selected, click File / Print / Properties. • Click the Advanced tab • Click on Metafile Spooling • If you are operating a standalone printer click Off. •...
  • Page 63: Optimizing Color Labels

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Optimizing Color Labels Optimizing Color Labels For full color printing, the Spectrum2 CD Printer uses a paneled ribbon that includes a Cyan (blue), Magenta (Red), and Yellow panels, commonly referred to as CMY colors. The printer mixes (by dithering) these colors to create the colors on the label.
  • Page 64 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803...
  • Page 65 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 In addition to the standard colors are the basic colors, which provide more color choices, but may appear to print lighter than they appear on-screen. Additional colors Seven basic colors (Note: white is not Preparing Color Graphics for import into the CD Label Program The CD Label Program allows import of several standard graphics files, including versions of BMP, JPG and TIF file formats.
  • Page 66 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Advanced Recommendations: • In Photo and Paint programs, if possible, select colors that mix only two of the three CMY colors to minimize dithering. • In Photo and Paint programs, adjust contrast and brightness settings to make "brighter"...
  • Page 67: Cd Printing Techniques Chart

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 CD Printing Techniques Chart Use this chart to help address printing issues. Area Issue Reason Suggestion Additional tips With black Check Strobe Try a Strobe setting CD media may not ribbon: Text setting...setting of of 54 and increase be suitable for created in the...
  • Page 68 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 3. Change to white White coated media coated CD provides flatter / media for better smoother printing results surface compared to some types of silver CD media Text or graphics Printer may not See above.
  • Page 69 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803...
  • Page 70 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 CD Printing Techniques Chart With color For best text quality ribbon: Text use one of the created in the printer’s seven Spectrum2 primary colors as a Designer program text color. does not print clearly Also, check strobe setting.
  • Page 71 CD and printed on all contact your reseller label file to allow discs or MF DIGITAL quick problem service department solving Dot or spec on Dust particles on Check printer for Take care not to...
  • Page 72: Thermal Transfer & Inkjet Cd Printer Comparison

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Thermal Transfer & Inkjet CD Printer Comparison The Spectrum2 series of printers use thermal transfer technology to apply resin type ink to the surface of a plastic CD or DVD disc. Thermal transfer printers have a print head that heats portions of a ribbon as disc moves under the printer head, as the disc goes past the print head the resin type ink cools and adheres to the surface of the disc.
  • Page 73 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 applications white inkjet type graphics on silver / Printer allows wide coated media gold media range of label types Spot color on silver on white coated media Mixed text and color graphic on white coated media Not recommended Permanent Labeling...
  • Page 74: Supported Ribbon And Ribbon Specifications

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Supported Ribbon and Ribbon Specifications The MF DIGITAL Spectrum2 supports the following thermal transfer ribbons. Vendor Ribbon Type Spindle Width Labels per ribbon MF DIGITAL Black 130MM • 2361 full CD labels • 4,000 to 6,000 partial CD labels •...
  • Page 75: Autoloader Port

    Detected Detected Ground Ground Note: • P_CCMD and O_CCMD must receive a logic low pulse of at least 70ms for the command to be valid. • MF DIGITAL Autoloaders send valid P_CCMD and O_CCMD pulses of 800ms. Autoloader Port Pinouts:...
  • Page 76 Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Figure 19: DB-9 Female type connector on printer...
  • Page 77: Error Codes For Status Led

    Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide Document Revision: 102803 Error Codes for Status LED The Status LED is located on the front of the printer. Number of Area to check Action Flashes Timeout Power OFF / Power ON printer Ribbon out Install new ribbon, press START No CD No CD in tray.

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