PTR3E Thermal Transfer Printer Operator and Technical Reference Manual
Panduit Corp. Identification Products Division 1819 Atlanta Hwy. Cumming, GA 30040-1069 Phone: 888-506-5400 Fax: 770-889-9264 Copyright © Panduit Corp. 2001.
This manual will guide you step by step in the set-up, operation, and troubleshooting of the PTR3E Printer. If you have problems not covered call Technical Support at 1-888-506-5400, ext. 7470. SAFETY PRACTICES The following general safety practices supplement the specific warnings and cautions elsewhere in this manual. They are recommended precautions that must be understood and applied during the operation and maintenance of the equipment covered herein.
INFORMATION TO USER NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
PREFACE PTR3E OPERATOR MANUAL The PTR3E Operator Manual contains basic information about the printer such as setup, installation, cleaning and maintenance. It also contains complete instructions on how to use the operator panel to configure the printer. The following is a brief description of each section in this manual. SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW This section contains a discussion of the printer specifications and optional features. SECTION 2.
Preface TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW Introduction . . . . . . . . . . General Printer Specifications Character Fonts . . . . . . . . Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2-3 4 5 6 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface SECTION 5. INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS IEEE1284 Parallel Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 RS232C Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 SECTION 6. TROUBLESHOOTING Initial Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the IEEE1284 (Parallel) Interface Using the RS232C (Serial) Interface . . . Error Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION The Panduit PTR3E Thermal Transfer Printer is a complete, high-performance on-site labeling system. All printer parameters are user programmable using the front panel controls and the DIP switches. All popular bar codes and 14 human-readable fonts, including a vector font and two raster fonts, reside in memory providing literally thousands of type styles and sizes.
Section 1. Printer Overview GENERAL PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATION PTR3E PRINT Method Direct or Thermal Transfer Speed (User Selectable) 2 to 10 ips 50 to 250 mm/s Print Module (Dot Size) .0049 in. .125 mm Resolution 203 dpi 8 dpmm Maximum Print Width 4.1 in. 104 mm Maximum Print Length 49.2 in. 1249 mm MEDIA Minimum Width .87 in. (22 mm) Minimum Length .63 in. (16 mm) Maximum Width 5.0 in. (128 mm) Type Maximum Caliper Die Cut Labels, Fan-Fold or Continuous .010 in. (.
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Section 1. Printer Overview PHYSICAL SPECIFICATION PTR3E DIMENSIONS Wide 10.4 in. (265 mm) Deep 17.1 in. (435 mm) High 13.4 in. (341 mm) WEIGHT 39.
SECTION 2. INSTALLATION INTRODUCTION This section will assist you in taking the PTR3E from the shipping container to the application environment.
Section 2. Installation UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION Consider the following when unpacking the printer: • The box should stay right-side up. • Lift the printer out of the box carefully. • Remove the plastic covering from the printer. • Remove the accessory items from their protective containers. • If the printer has been stored in a cold environment, allow it to reach room temperature before powering it on. • Set the printer on a solid, flat surface.
Section 2. Installation Verify that you have the following materials when unpacking: • Printer • Power Cord • Extra Ribbon Core • Operator and Technical Reference Manual Power Cord Printer Operator Manual Extra Ribbon Core SETTING UP THE PRINTER Consider the following when setting up the printer: • Locate a solid flat surface with adequate room to set the printer.
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Section 2. Installation LOADING LABELS Follow these steps to properly load labels into the PTR3E: Top Access Door Side Access 1. Open the Top Access Door by swinging it up and to the left. Open th e Side Ac c ess Door by swinging it to the rear of the printer. Door Label Roll Retainer Print Head Head Latch 2. Open the Print Head Assembly by pushing the Head Latch toward the rear of the printer.
Section 2. Installation 5. If using roll labels (or tags), load the roll onto the Label Supply Spindle so that the printing side of the labels faces upwards as it unwinds from the roll. Push the roll all the way to the inside of the printer and push the Label Roll Retainer snugly against the outside of the label roll. 6. If using fanfold labels set them on a flat surface behind the printer. Pass the labels (printing side up) through the slot in the rear of the printer. 7.
Section 2. Installation Inside Label Edge Guides Label Hold Adjustable Label Down Edge Guide Route under Label Guide Sensor Assembly Sensor Positioning Adjustment 11. Adjust the outside Label Edge Guide until it touches the outside edge of the label and tighten the thumb screw. Make sure the labels are also touching the inside edge guides. CAUTION: Using media narrower than the maximum print width may cause excess head wear due to the label edge. See page 15 for precautions. 12.
Section 2. Installation LOADING THE RIBBON Ribbon Rewind Ribbon Supply Spindle Spindle Label Print Head Assembly 1. Open the Top Access Door by swinging it up and to the left and th e Side Ac c e ss Door by swinging it toward the rear of the printer. Top Access Door Side Access Door 2. Open the Print Head by rotating the Head Latch toward the rear of the printer. The Print Head is s p rin g -loa d ed and will automatically open as soon as the Head Latch is disengaged. 3.
Section 2. Installation 6. Load the ribbon behind and over the top of the Ribbon Rewind Spindle and tape it to the Extra Ribbon Core. Make sure it matches the ribbon path shown in the diagram. 7. Manually turn the Rewind Spindle to wrap the ribbon onto the core one to two turns to secure it. Tape Ribbon Core Ribbon Rewind Spindle 8. If the labels are already loaded, close the Print Head Assembly by pushing downward on the green tab until it latches closed.
Section 2. Installation OPERATOR PANEL LCD DISPLAY PANEL LINE FEED POWER LABEL PRINT RIBBON OFFSET ERROR PITCH ON LINE DSW1 DISPLAY DSW2 DSW3 (Not Used) The PTR3E Operator Panel consists of five LED indicators, two momentary contact switches, two DIP switches, four adjustment potentiometers and one LCD Display. All of these are accessible from the front of the printer. They are used to set the printer operating parameters and to indicate the status of the printer to the operator.
Section 2. Installation RIBBON: LED, illuminated when ribbon motion sensor does not detect any ribbon motion (ribbon out). ERROR: LED, illuminated when there is a system fault such as an open print head. ON LINE: LED, illuminated when printer is ready to receive data. It is turned on and off by toggling the LINE key. LINE: Momentary switch. Pressing this key toggles the printer between the on-line and off-line mode. When the printer is on-line, it is ready to receive data from the host.
Section 2. Installation REAR PANEL AC Input: Input 115V 50/60 Hz connector. Use the cable provided. AC Fuse: Input power protection. Type 3A/250V. Interface Slot: Connector for Plug-In Interface Module Memory Card Slot: Connectors for optional PCMCIA Memory Cards. (Inside Side Cover) EXT: External signal connector, AMP 57-60140. DC 5V: Power for accessory items.
Section 2. Installation SWITCHES AND SENSORS Ribbon End Sensor: This sensor is a motion detector that signals the printer when the ribbon supply is turning. Head Open Switch: When the print head is opened, this switch is activated and the printer will stop printing. Label Sensor Unit: This sensor unit contains two types of sensors, one for label gap and one for Eye-Mark sensing. The sensors are adjustable over a limited range.
Section 2. Installation LABEL SENSOR ADJUSTMENT The Label Sensor Assembly can be positioned to match the location of the label registration hole/gap/edge. The diagram below illustrates the relative position of each sensor along the Label Sensor Unit and its range of movement. To position the sensors, use the adjustment knob located outside and below the print head assembly.
SECTION 3. CONFIGURATION PRINTER DIP SWITCH CONFIGURATION DIP Switch Panels There are two DIP switches (DSW2 and DSW3) located underneath a snap-on cover on the front panel. These switches can be used to set: • Thermal transfer or direct thermal mode • Label sensor enable/disable • Head check mode • Hex dump mode • Single job or multi-job buffer • Operation mode In addition, a third DIP switch is located on the RS232C Serial Adapter card and is used to set the RS232C transmit/receive parameters.
Section 3. Configuration Head Check Selection (DSW2-3). When selected, the printer will check for head elements that are electrically malfunctioning. DSW2 DSW2-3 SETTING ON OFF Disabled OFF ON Enabled 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 Hex Dump Selection (DSW2-4). Selects Hex Dump mode (see page 37). DSW2 DSW2-4 SETTING OFF Disabled ON Enabled ON OFF 1 2 3 4 5 6 Receive Buffer Selection (DSW2-5). Selects the operating mode of the receive buffer.
Section 3. Configuration Print Speed Adjustment (DSW2-8). See page 27. Mode Selection (DSW3-1 and DSW3-2). Selects the operating mode of the printer. Batch/Continuous disables the label taken (dispense option) sensor. DSW3-1 DSW3-2 SETTING OFF OFF Continuous OFF ON Tear Off ON OFF Cutter ON ON Dispenser DSW3 ON OFF 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Label Sensor Selection (DSW3-3). Enables or disables the Label Pitch Sensor.
Section 3. Configuration External Signal Type Selection (DSW3-6, DSW3-7). Selects the type of output signal. DSW3 DSW3-6 DSW3-7 SETTING OFF OFF Type 4 OFF ON Type 3 ON OFF Type 2 ON ON Type 1 Repeat Print via External Signal (DSW3-8). Allows an external device to control the reprint of the label in the print buffer.
Section 3. Configuration Baud Rate Selection (DSW1-5, DSW1-6). Selects the data rate (bps) for the RS232 port. DSW1 DSW1-5 DSW1-6 SETTING OFF OFF 9600 OFF ON 19200 ON OFF 4800 ON ON 2400 Protocol Selection (DSW1-7, DSW1-8). Selects the flow control and status reporting protocols. See Section 4: Interface Specifications for more information.
Section 3. Configuration PRINTER ADJUSTMENTS The LCD Panel on the PTR3E is used in conjunction with the LINE and FEED switches by the operator to manually enter printer configuration settings. Many of the settings can also be controlled via software commands and in the case of conflict between software and control panel settings, the printer will always use the last valid setting.
Section 3. Configuration Normal Mode The printer initially powers on in the ONLINE mode. The user can access the User Settings using the following procedures: Display lists the current ROM version of the printer during the initialization process. INITIALIZING ROM V00.00.00 ONLINE QTY:000000 The LCD will display the ONLINE status on the top line and the bottom line will contain the label quantity (QTY) status.
Section 3. Configuration PITCH OFFSET ± 00mm The label Pitch distance from the leading edge (the edge that comes out ofthe printer first) of a label and the leading edge of the next label. The leading edge position of the label can be adjusted relative to the print head +/- 49 mm in increments of 1mm. Once the position is set, it can be fine adjusted +/- 3.75mm using the PITCH potentiometer on the Adjustment Panel. 1.
Section 3. Configuration If the printer has print job(s) in memory, selecting YES will cause the job(s) to be cleared. The default selection is number Be sure you want to cancel the print job(s) before selecting yes as the job(s) cannot be recovered and will have to be retransmitted to the printer. CANCEL PRINT JOB YES NO 1. 2. CANCEL PRINT JOB COMPLETED 3. 4. Use the LINE key to step the underline cursor to either the YES or NO selection.
Section 3. Configuration 2. PRINT OFFSET V:+0000 H:+000 IGNORE CR/LF YES NO Vertical Offset is the distance down from the leading edge (the edge of the label that comes out of the printer first) to the first vertical print position. A positive setting moves the first print position down the length of the label. Horizontal Offset is distance that the label image is shifted to the right or left on the label.
Section 3. Configuration CHARACTER PITCH PROP FIXED ADVANCED MODE This selection allows you to set the default character pitch to either fixed character spacing or proportional character spacing. 1. Use the LINE key to step the underline cursor to the desired setting. 2. Once the correct setting is underlined, pressing the FEED key will accept the setting and advance the display. Note: This command can be overridden by the PR or PS Character Pitch Commands.
Section 3. Configuration AUTO ONLINE FEED YES NO FEED ON ERROR YES NO REPRINT W/FEED YES NO FORWARD/BACKFEED DISTANCE DEFAULT FORWARD/BACKFEED DISTANCE XXXmm EURO CODE D5 SELECT LANGUAGE ENGLISH 32 This selection specifies whether or not the printer will automatically feed a blank label when it is placed in the Online mode. 1. Use the LINE key to step the cursor to desired setting. If Yes is selected, the printer will feed a blank label anytime it enters the Online mode.
Section 3. Configuration PRIORITY SETTING COMMAND LCD SERVICE MODE This selection allows the user to assign a priority for Print Darkness, Print Speed and Print Offset. 1. Use the LINE key to step to the desired priority. If LCD is selected, the setting established via the LCD display/menu system will be used for an incoming label job, regardless of any different command settings.
Section 3. Configuration DEFAULT SETTING MODE Occasionally it is desirable to reset all printer configuration settings to their original default conditions. This allows the operator to start reconfiguration of the printer starting from a known set of conditions. You enter the Default Setting Mode by pressing the LINE and INITIALIZING FEED keys while simultaneously powering the printer on. The ROM V00.00.00.00 printer will emit one long beep after which the FEED and LINE keys should be released. 1.
Section 3. Configuration 4. 5. If the printer did not beep and print a status label, turn the printer off and check your data stream for errors and start the download process over. If the custom codes are correct, press the FEED key to accept them and terminate the download process. If they are incorrect, turn the printer off without pressing the FEED key and begin the process again.
Section 3. Configuration have enough range, then you will have to change the pitch setting using the LCD front panel display. 6. Press the FEED key to stop the printer. 7. To exit the Test Label mode, power the printer off and then back on. Adjusting the PITCH potentiometer will affect the stop position of the label. BACKFEED OFFSET When a label is printed it must be correctly positioned for dispensing and application.
Section 3. Configuration DISPLAY COUNTER VALUES The internal counters are used to track the number of kilometers of media that has been processed through the printer, the number of labels cut and/or the number of label dispensed. These values can be used to track component life for service and maintenance functions. The current counter settings are displayed on the Factory/Service mode Test Label. To print the Factroy/Service Test Label, the following procedure must be used: 1.
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SECTION 4. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE INTRODUCTION This section provides information on user maintenance for the PTR3E. This section contains the following information. • Adjusting the Print Quality • Cleaning the Print Head, Platen and Rollers • Cleaning the Sensors • Replacing the Print Head • Replacing the Fuse PROCEDURES ADJUSTING THE PRINT QUALITY The PTR3E printer has two different means of adjusting the quality of the print: print darkness and speed.
Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance Print Potentiometer The fine adjustment for Print Darkness is the PRINT potentiometer on the operator panel. It provides a continuous range of adjustment, allowing you to make precise changes. Use a small cross-point screwdriver, turning clockwise for darker print and counterclockwise for lighter print. NOTE: The PRINT potentiometer adjustment will affect the darkness in all of the command code speed ranges, i.e.
Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD, PLATEN AND ROLLERS Supplies Needed: PTR-CLN printer cleaning kit Includes: 4 oz. (116 ml) bottle cleaning solution with MSDS, cleaning pens, 100 swabs, 12 alcohol wipes and instructions Cleaning the Print Head and Platen 1. Turn the printer OFF and remove the power cable. 2. Open the Top Access and Side Access doors. 3. Open the Print Head by pushing the Head Latch toward the rear of the printer.
Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance Cleaning the Rollers and Guides 1. Th e La be l Lo a d Dri ve is loc ated underneath the Label Hold-Down. It should be cleaned of any label residue or foreign material. The Label Hold Down Roller is located on the underneath side of the Label Hold Down. It should also be cleaned of any residue or foreign material. 2. There are two Label Edge Guides used in guiding the labels through the printer. They should be cleaned of any residue or foreign material.
Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance REPLACING THE PRINT HEAD The print head on the PTR3E printer is a user-replaceable item. If it becomes damaged for any reason, it can be easily removed and replaced. Contact Technical Support for information on obtaining a new print head. Supplies needed: No. 2 Phillips screwdriver (a magnetic tip is helpful), Replacement Print Head (available through Panduit Printer Repair Department) 1. Turn the printer OFF and remove the power cable. 2.
Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance 6. View the Print Head from the front of the printer. Locate the center mounting screw on the top of the assembly. Unscrew this screw and set it aside. 7. The Print Head should now be loosened from the top of the assembly by grasping either side and carefully pulling it down. Print Head Mounting Screw Print Head Head Latch Print Head Connector 8. Disconnect the signal and power cables from the print head connectors and set the Print Head aside.
Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance REPLACING THE FUSE Supplies needed: 250V 3A Fuse 1. Turn the printer power OFF and remove the power cable. 2. On the back of the printer, locate the Fuse Cap on the right-hand side of the AC connector. 3. Unscrew the cap and remove the defective fuse. 4. Replace with a new 250V 3A fuse. 5. Screw the cap back onto the printer and replace the power cord.
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SECTION 5. INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS INTERFACE TYPES The parallel interface for the PTR3E printer is a high speed, bi-directional interface that conforms to the IEEE1284 specification (ECP mode on some computers). The interface is also compatible with the older Centronics parallel interface standard. If it does not detect the correct IEEE1284 signals I the interface connection, it will automatically operate in the standard Centronics mode which is much slower.
Section 5. Interface Specifications RS232C SERIAL INTERFACE The High Speed Serial Interface is a Plug-In Interface Module. The PTR3E comes standard with parallel interface.
SECTION 6. TROUBLESHOOTING This section has been compiled to help you produce output on the PTR3E. Use this section to make sure the basics have been checked before deciding you are unable to proceed any further. The section is divided into four parts: • Initial Checklist • IEEE1284 Parallel Interface • RS232C Serial Interface • Error Signals INITIAL CHECKLIST 1. Is the printer powered up and On-Line? 2.
Section 6. Troubleshooting 5. When you send the print job to th eprinter, and it does not respond, do you get an error message on your PC that says “Device Fault” or something similar? This may mean that the computer doesn’t know the printer is there. Verify that: a. Both ends of the cable are securely inserted into their respective connectors. b. The printer is On-Line. c. The cable is not defective. USING THE RS232C (SERIAL) INTERFACE 1.
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