Operating the AstroJet Image Blaster

Transcription

ASTRO
ASTROJET™ IMAGE BLASTER
High-Speed Inkjet Printer
Installation, Operating, and Parts Manual
REQUIREMENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
An IBM or Compatible Pentium 100 Megahertz PC or better.
Windows 95 or 98 installed.
A minimum of 10 Megabytes of free hard disk space.
At least 16 Megabytes of RAM.
A 2X CD ROM or better.
An 800 X 600 SVGA Monitor or better.
Parallel (Centronics) printer cable, no longer than 6 feet.
The Parallel Port must be set to the EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) setting in the
CMOS of the computer.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
THIS EQUIPMENT PRESENTS NO PROBLEM WHEN USED PROPERLY. HOWEVER, CERTAIN
SAFETY RULES SHOULD BE OBSERVED WHEN OPERATING THE ASTROJET IMAGE BLASTER
SYSTEM.
BEFORE USING THE PRINTER, YOU SHOULD READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW
THE RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES, SAFETY WARNINGS, AND INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
Keep hands, hair, and clothing clear of rollers and other moving parts.
2.
Always turn off the machine before making adjustments, cleaning the machine, or performing any
maintenance not covered in this manual.
3.
Turn power off, including conveyor when not in use.
4.
Keep this manual with the printer for future reference.
5.
If you have any questions contact your local Astro Machine Corporation Distributor.
CAUTION
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE CONNECTED TO
A PROPERLY GROUNDED OUTLET. FAILURE
TO DO SO CAN CAUSE ELECTRICAL SHOCK!
This manual is intended solely for the use and information of Astro Machine Corporation, its designated
agents, customers, and their employees. The information in this guide was obtained from several
different sources that are deemed reliable by all industry standards. To the best of our knowledge, that
information is accurate in all respects. However, neither Astro Machine Corporation nor any of its agents
or employees shall be responsible for any inaccuracies contained herein.
ASTROJET is a registered trademark of Astro Machine Corp.
Hewlett-Packard is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Corporation.
Windows 95 and Windows 98 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines.
All other TradeMarks are the property of their respective holders.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 – Introduction
Section 2 – Getting Acquainted
1
3
Printhead Carriage
Media Sensor
Reflective Tape
Media Thickness Knob
Bulk Ink Supply Tray
Control Panel
Interface and Power Panel
Encoder
Section 3 – Installation and Setup
7
7
8
9
11
12
12
13
13
AstroJet System Software Tutorial
Bundle and Bag Breaks
Starting up
Preparing a Job
Running a Job
Printing Tips
Databases
15
28
29
29
30
30
31
The Inkjet Cartridge
Jams in the IMAGE BLASTER Printer
Cleaning the IMAGE BLASTER
35
39
40
Inkjet Cartridges
ASTROJET Printer
ASTROJET Software
43
45
46
Specifications
Supplies and Optional Hardware
49
50
Section 5 – Maintenance
Section 6 – Trouble Shooting Guide
Parts Manual
7
Choosing a Location
Installing Image Blaster on Base
Installing the Encoder on Kirk-Rudy Base
Installing the Inkjet Cartridge
Plugging in the Image Blaster
Connecting the Image Blaster to the Computer
Installing the Software on the Computer
Adjusting the Image Blaster to the Media
Positioning the Printer Output on the Media
Section 4 – Operating the IMAGE BLASTER
Appendices
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
6
15
35
43
49
i
51
Notes
ii
Section 1 – Introduction
Section 1, Introduction, describes how this manual is arranged. The manual covers
the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer.
Section 2, Getting Acquainted, introduces the AstroJet Image Blaster and describes
the major components, controls, indicators, and important areas with which the user or
operator should be familiar.
Section 3, Installation and Setup, describes how to install the software and get the
AstroJet Image Blaster ready for printing.
Section 4, Operating the AstroJet Image Blaster, describes how to set up the
AstroJet Image Blaster and software to run a job.
Section 5, Operator Maintenance, shows how to replace inkjet cartridges, how to
safely and quickly clear paper jams, and how to care for your AstroJet Image Blaster.
Also, covered in this section are tips and suggestions that will help you increase
efficiency and avoid problems.
Section 6, Trouble Shooting Guide; gives advice on how to remedy problems that may
occur during use of the AstroJet Image Blaster.
Appendices, is where important but infrequently used information is presented. The
appendices are arranged as follows:
Appendix A, Specifications, lists the more important AstroJet Image Blaster
characteristics, e.g., electrical, physical, etc.
Appendix B, Supplies and Optional Hardware, presents a list of supplies for the
AstroJet Image Blaster and optional equipment which will further enhance its
operation.
Parts Manual, is a break down of the parts in the Image Blaster.
1
Notes
2
Section 2 – Getting Acquainted
The AstroJet Image Blaster is a high-speed printer that can be mounted on many
different feeder bases. It can print addresses, bar code, return addresses, bitmapped
graphics, and special messages using TrueType scaleable fonts simultaneously at
speeds up to 30,000 postcard size (3.5 X 5.5 inch) mail pieces per hour.
Before getting into the operation of the AstroJet Image Blaster, there is some basic
information necessary for its efficient and problem-free use.
The main areas of the AstroJet Image Blaster printer are shown in the following
drawing. These areas are described in the paragraphs that follow.
Printhead Carriage
The AstroJet Image Blaster has six printhead cartridges. There are two sets of rails on
the print head carriage, each with banks of cartridges that correspond to printing areas
in the software. The printheads are arranged a follows:
Heads 2,3, and 4 are banked together and share the same rail.
Heads 5 and 6 are banked together and share the rail with head 1.
In addition to the above configuration the AstroJet Image Blaster is available with two
additional cartridges for a total of eight. How the inkjet cartridges are installed and
replaced will be covered in Section 3.
3
The AstroJet Image Blaster layout software shows the position of the heads and how
they are banked together. For more information on this feature, please check Section 4
Operating the AstroJet Image Blaster or the help section of the AstroJet Image Blaster
software.
You can move the various printing banks from side to side to position the information
properly on the media. There is a metal tab on each bank that shows the location and
printing area of each printhead. This feature makes setup of the AstroJet Image Blaster
quick and accurate.
Media Sensor
The media sensor senses the leading edge of the media and communicates this to the
software. It is very important that the media sensor be kept clean.
Reflective Tape
A piece of reflective tape is supplied in the Image Blaster Kit. This tape is installed on
the feeder base directly under the Media Sensor and provides a positive reflective
surface to activate the printer.
Media Thickness Knob
The Media Thickness Knob is to the right of the STANDBY button on the side cover. It
adjusts for media thickness and is turned counter-clockwise for thin media, and
clockwise for thick media. The AstroJet Image Blaster may be adjusted for media up to
1-1/4” thick.
Bulk Ink Supply Tray
The AstroJet Image Blaster may be equipped with the HPC6119A Bulk Ink Supply
cartridges using the bulk ink supply tray. Refer to Section 3 – Installation and Setup for
information on how to install these and the regular ink cartridges.
Control Panel
The control panel is on the front of the unit and contains the controls and indicators
used to set up and operate the AstroJet Image Blaster
When you first turn on the AstroJet Image Blaster, you see the Image Blaster welcome
screen, and the STANDBY key is lit. The chart below describes the function of the
keys:
4
CONTROL / INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
OPERATOR DISPLAY
Indicates AstroJet Image Blaster status including
menus and error messages. Any display readout
indicates that the unit is ON.
ON LINE
When this indicator button is lit, the AstroJet
Image Blaster is ready to accept data from your
computer and begin printing. Turns the printer on
and off line.
PREVIOUS
When in menu mode, will scroll to the previous
selection. When in select mode, will scroll
through choices.
NEXT
When in menu mode, will scroll to the previous
selection. When in select mode, will scroll
through choices.
SELECT
Locks and unlocks selection when in the menu
mode.
TEST
NOT FUNCTIONAL
RESET
NOT FUNCTIONAL
STANDBY
Toggles the printer between the ON LINE and
STANDBY modes.
MENU
To access the Menu press the STANDBY key to put the printer in the on line mode and
then press the ON LINE key to take the print off line. This action will place the AstroJet
Image Blaster in the MENU mode and permit access to the following settings and
adjustments:
•
Left Margin Setting
•
Purge
•
Counters
Interface and Power Panel
The interface and power panel can be found on the left side of the AstroJet Image
Blaster. It contains an outlet for an interface cable, Centronics parallel port, main power
switch, fuse, power cord receptacle, interface, encoder, and feeder connection.
5
Encoder
The Encoder is mounted on the base unit and controls the printing of the information on
the media.
Refer to Section 3 – Installation and Setup for more information about the encoder and
its installation.
6
Section 3 – Installation and Setup
Before using the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer for the first time, the following
procedures must be performed:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Choose a location for the AstroJet Image Blaster system
Install the Image Blaster on the base unit
Install the Encoder in the base unit
Installing the inkjet cartridges
Plug in the AstroJet Image Blaster
Connect the AstroJet Image Blaster to the computer
Install the AstroJet software
Adjust for media thickness
Position the printed output on the media
Choosing a Location
Ø The AstroJet Image Blaster Printer should be installed on the feeder base
and attached to your computer with a printer cable not more than 6 feet in
length.
Ø Use a grounded electrical outlet. DO NOT USE AN ADAPTER PLUG!
Ø Do not use outlets that are controlled by wall switches.
Ø Do not use an outlet that shares the same circuit with large electrical
machines or appliances.
Ø Protect the AstroJet Image Blaster from excessive heat, dust, and
moisture – avoid placing the system in direct sunlight.
Installing Image Blaster on Base
A template and two (2) 123-0182 1/4-20 bolts 3/4 inch long and two (2) 123-211 1/4-20
bolts 1-1/4 inch long, (2) 23-102-30 studs, and (2) 23-102-35 eccentric studs are packed
with the Image Blaster. The template pictured below is used to locate the position of the
four mounting holes of the Image Blaster on the base unit. This is done in the following
manner:
1. Disconnect the base unit from the power supply.
2. Locate the 23-100-35 template over an area of the base units’ transport belts.
The cutout in the template is the total available area that the print heads on
the Image Blaster can print in. Make sure that there are no rollers or other
obstructions in this area on the base.
3. With the front (thin end) of the template facing toward the front and
perpendicular to the direction of travel of the transport belts, mark the four
holes on the base. Use a square to make sure that the cutout in the template
is perpendicular to the transport belts.
7
NOTE: The rear edge of the template has to be flush or hanging over the back
of the base unit. You cannot mount the Image Blaster forward of the rear of the
base due to its design, but you can have it hanging over the back of the base.
4. Clamp the template to the base and drill and tap four 1/4-20 holes in the base
top.
5. Fasten the Image Blaster to the base top on the right-hand side using the two
1/4-20 3/4inch long screws provided.
6. Install the 23-102-30 Studs using the 2 holes on the left-hand side of the
Image Blaster using the 1/4-20 X 1-1/4 inch screws provided.
NOTE: Two different style studs are provided in the kit. Use the studs that are
symmetrical. The second set of eccentric studs is only to be used if the holes are
not properly centered.
7. Lock the Image Blaster to the base locking the latches on the studs.
8. Install the Reflector Tape on the base unit directly below and centered on the
Media Sensor.
Installing the Encoder on Kirk - Rudy Base
Before operating the Image Blaster, the encoder that is supplied with it should be
installed on the conveyor tapes of the Kirk – Rudy Base.
1. Disconnect the base unit from the power supply.
2. Loosen the first transport belt guide on the conveyor unit directly under the
Image Blaster unit and slide it out of the way.
3. Remove the two clamp screws and attach the encoder over the shaft that the
belt guides are attached to.
4. Align the encoder assembly on the belt by lifting the spring-loaded roller.
Tighten the two clamp screws.
8
5. Plug the encoder cable into the encoder connector on the Image Blaster.
Installing the Inkjet Cartridges
NOTE: For optimum image quality during the run, refer to Cleaning the Printhead on
page 38.
HP 51645A Inkjet Cartridges
The AstroJet Image Blaster is configured with 6 inkjet cartridges standard or 8 as an
option. The cartridges are installed as follows:
•
Remove the inkjet cartridge from its packaging, taking care not to touch the
copper contacts, the metal plate, or the gold printhead. Remove the
protective tape from the printhead.
•
The cartridges are held in place by latch mounted on the inkjet cartridge
holder. Release the latch by raising it vertical.
•
With the cartridge’s
printhead pointing
down, slide the
cartridge into the
holder and push
down and toward the
contacts in the
holder.
•
Make sure the
cartridge is seated in
the holder then close
the latch to secure
the cartridge in the
holder. Do not force
the latch into place.(See the diagram.)
•
Repeat the above for the remaining cartridges.
9
HP C6119A Ink System Cartridges
In addition to the standard Inkjet Cartridges, the AstroJet Image Blaster can be
equipped with the HP C6119A bulk ink supply. This system will print 10 times the
amount of media as the standard cartridge can print. A holder for these cartridges is
included with each AstroJet Image Blaster Printer. To use, simply attach the Bulk Ink
Cartridge holder on the rear of the printer cover with the screws supplied. To install the
cartridges follow the directions below:
•
Remove the printhead from its packaging, and slide the reservoir out of the
left side of the system packaging. Do not throw the packaging away until the
system is installed in the printer. There are important directions on the
packaging for attaching the pen to the reservoir. Do not attempt to remove
the ink reservoir from its diamond-shaped box. (See the caution labels on the
bottom panel of the ink reservoir. It is also important that the ink reservoir
does not get squeezed during the installation process. Squeezing the
reservoir could cause ink to seep out of the printhead.
•
Place the reservoir in the tray that hangs from the back of the printer. There
are 4 notches in the tray. Each notch will accommodate two reservoirs. Do
not route the hoses at this time. Take care to not squeeze the reservoirs
when placing them in the tray.
•
The system can be connected with the help of the directions located on the
printhead packaging. The valve should be inserted into the clip on the pen
until a clicking sound is heard or the operator feels the valve snap into place.
The valve and clip are symmetrical so there is no special orientation. Insert
the tubes into all of the printheads before the tape is removed from the
printheads. The tape will prevent the printhead from being damaged and will
help keep ink from leaking out of the printhead.
•
Remove the tape from the printheads one at a time and insert them into a
holder beginning with the holder closest to the reservoir. It is important to
take the tape off of the printheads so that proper electrical connection is made
with the holder.
10
•
Install each printhead in turn taking care to route the hoses through the hose
guide and away from moving parts. Make sure that the hoses are not bent or
pinched as this would impede the flow of ink to the printheads
Once the connection is made between the printhead and the ink reservoir, it cannot be
taken apart without damaging the system. It is best if the system is left in the AstroJet
Image Blaster Printer, but sometimes that is not possible. When handling the system, it
is important to keep the pen as close to the reservoir as possible without letting it go
below the reservoir.
If the printhead is held more than 10 inches above the reservoir, air will be drawn into
the cartridge. Air inside of the pen can not only cause print defects, it can also cause
the pen to stop printing before all of the ink has been used. If the printhead goes below
the reservoir, ink will seep from the printhead, potentially damaging the system. Read
the Caution on the back of the reservoir.
The reservoir and printhead should always be held together when handling the system.
The system should never be held or carried around such that the print head or reservoir
is dangling by the tubing. These actions could cause loss of ink.
11
Plugging in the AstroJet Image Blaster
Make sure that the main power switch of the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer is in the
OFF position.
1. Connect one end of the power cord to the rear of the AstroJet Image Blaster
in the corresponding receptacle.
2. Plug the other end into a 120-Volt AC, 60 Hz. Grounded outlet.
CAUTION
DO NOT USE AN ADAPTER PLUG OR EXTENSION CORD TO CONNECT
THE AstroJet Image Blaster PRINTER TO THE WALL RECEPTACLE!
Connecting the Image Blaster to the Computer
In order for your computer and the AstroJet Image Blaster to work together, you will
need to connect them with a parallel cable. The cable is connected between the
parallel port on the computer and the printer. The cable used to connect the AstroJet
Image Blaster to the computer must not exceed 6 feet long.
Installing the Software on the Computer
1. Install the CD in the computer. The CD should start automatically. If it does
not click on Start button, then select Run. Type “D:\Setup.exe” (where D is
the CD drive) and click OK.
2. The AstroJet Setup Menu will appear on your screen. It contains five options.
Install Printer Software
Read the Manuals
Browse this CD
Install Adobe Acrobat – This is version 4.0 of Adobe Acrobat for reading and
printing the Operator Manuals.
www.astromachine.com – This is a link to our web site if you are connected to
the Internet.
3. Click on “Install Printer Software” and then click on the AstroJet Printer model
you wish to install. Follow the instructions on screen. Use default settings
only.
Note: If the message “Setup Can Not Execute the Following Program:
C:\ProgramFiles\Astrojet III\DeReg.exe” or ”The following file is in use and
can not be updated” appears, click on Cancel button and continue with the
installation.
4. If this is a new printer installation (not a software update) skip #6. Your
software and firmware are installed and configured.
12
5. If this is software and firmware update you must download new bios to the
printer. Connect printer to the computer and turn it on. Open AstroJet Control
Panel and click on Advanced… button then Update BIOS button. Follow
instructions on screen.
6. Be sure to fill out and mail registration sheet to insure that you will be notified
of all updates to the software and firmware.
Adjusting the Image Blaster to the Media
Before operating the Image Blaster must be set to the proper height for the media being
printed.
1. Turn the media thickness knob on the Image Blaster clockwise until the media
can be positioned under the printheads of the Image Blaster.
2. Turn the knob counterclockwise until the guide rollers on the print carriage
assembly just touch the media.
3. Turn the base unit on and feed several pieces of media to check the
adjustment.
Positioning the Printed Output on the Media
Once the media thickness control is set you may position the printheads so that they
print in the proper place on the media. The printhead bands are held in place by a
thumbscrew in each cartridge holder. Loosen the appropriate screw and slide the
printhead to position it. Run a sample copy or the purge routine to determine the
position of the printheads.
13
Notes
14
Section 4 – Operating the AstroJet Image Blaster
Once the AstroJet Image Blaster is installed on the feeder base, the software has been
installed on the computer, and the printer has been supplied with ink cartridges, it is
ready to print. Using your existing database, you create a Layout template and Job file
with the AstroJet Layout Editor software. The computer sends the job to the printer
through the AstroJet Control Panel. The AstroJet Image Blaster then prints the Job with
both the addresses and other information you input in the layout.
This section explains how the AstroJet Image Blaster System is used and is divided into
five main categories:
•
Software Tutorial
•
Starting Up
•
Preparing a Job
•
Running a Job
•
Printing Tips
AstroJet System Software Tutorial
Description of the Software
The following is a brief tutorial on how to use the AstroJet Printer Software. A more
detailed description of the various parts of the software may be found in the AstroJet
“Help” menu that accompanies the software. It is assumed that you have experience in
navigating through Windows. If you are new to computers or are not familiar with
Windows many books are available that can help you.
The software is divided into two parts, The AstroJet Layout Editor and the AstroJet
Control Panel. When the AstroJet Printer Software was loaded on the computer, the
two icons shown below were placed on the desktop.
The AstroJet III folder was placed in your Program Files. This is the place where all of
the AstroJet software resides. The AstroJet Layout Editor, AstroJet Control Panel and
Help files are located in this folder along with the AccuJet Data folder. The AccuJet
Data folder contains several additional folders. These folders contain all of the
information required by the AstroJet Printer Software to create and run the job. The file
structure is illustrated below:
15
1 AstroJet III
1 AccuJet Data
0 Bios
0 Databases
0 Fonts
0 Jobs
0 Logos
0 Projects
The latest version of the system Bios is stored here.
This folder is used to store your databases.
When a job is printed from the AstroJet Control Panel
the fonts and logos used for that job are rendered in a
format that the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer can use.
These rendered fonts and logos are stored in this folder
for future use when the job is run again.
The Jobs folder shows information about the job such as
total number of records, the template used to layout the
job, resolution, and last record processed.
The Logos folder can be used to store any logos in
Windows .BMP format that are used with the job.
This folder stores all of the information necessary for the
software to format and run the job.
The AstroJet Layout Editor is used to create the job. The AstroJet Control Panel is
used to send the job you created to the AstroJet Printer. All jobs are designed in the
AstroJet Layout Editor. This is where we will begin with this tutorial.
Starting the Software
Double click on the AstroJet Layout Editor icon to open the program and we will
begin.
The first screen that appears is the
“Welcome to the AstroJet Layout Editor”
screen. There are three choices,
"Create a new template?", "Modify an
existing template?”, and “Modify an
existing template with a replacement
database?”. Click on the “Create a new
template?” and then click on the Next>>
button.
The “Layout Wizard – Select Database”
screen will appear. Click Next>> to
continue. The “Open” window is used to search and select the database. The
1 Databases folder in the AstroJet software is the default. You should store your
databases in this folder. Select the database type from the drop down menu. Next,
select the appropriate database and click Open to open the database. For more
information on databases and how to prepare them for the AstroJet refer to
DATABASES at the end of this section.
16
The Wizard will switch to the “Database View – (file name)”. The first record of the
database will be displayed. There is a series of arrows just below the record. These
can be used to step through the records as follows:
Move 1 Backward
Move 10 Backward
Move 10X Backward
Move to First Record
Record Position
Move 1 Forward
Move 10 Forward
Move 10X Forward
Move to Last Record
Record Number
Click Next>> and the “Layout Wizard – Stock Properties” window will open. Select the
size and/or type of stock that you will
be printing on. There are many
standard envelopes available. Select
one by using the drop down menu
next to Standard or select Custom
and enter the Width and Length of the
piece. You may save the custom size
by giving it a name and clicking on
Save As…. When you have
completed this step, click Finish. The
“Layout Editor – Untitled” screen will
appear.
When a new template is initiated the “Layout Editor – Untitled” screen appears. When
the software was installed on the computer, the printing banks were set up according to
the Image Blaster’s configuration. The white lines in the display represent the print
cartridges and how they are positioned in your particular printer. The print cartridges are
arranged on two sets of rails as follows:
17
The IMAGE BLASTER Printer is available with eight printheads as an option. The
banks may be arranged together or separated to align the print on the media. It is not
recommended that you change the printing bank setup in the software. The heads that
are banked together can not be separated.
Before continuing, spend a little time exploring the “Layout Editor – Untitled” screen.
The AstroJet Image Blaster uses six
print heads. To eliminate the unused
heads, click on Setup, then Print
head. Click on the boxes in the
window for the head positions that are
not used (heads 7 and 8) and deselect them. Then click OK. The
bands in the layout that are remaining
represent the print heads on your
particular model of AstroJet Printer
and are properly banked together.
In the top line of the display, you see the following items:
File
View
Fields
Setup
Tools
Help
Each of these controls a drop down menu that permit choices that perform the tasks
required to set up the job. The second line contains icons that represent those tasks.
18
The drop down menus duplicates the function of some of the icons. For the purpose of
this tutorial, we will use the icon buttons to set up a sample job.
Setting up the Job
When you first opened the job you set the size of the piece. The piece size may be
changed at any time during or after the setup of the job by clicking on Setup and then
Envelope Size or by clicking on the Envelope Size icon on the menu bar.
Click on this icon and the Envelope Properties window will open. Select either
Standard or Custom. Press the OK button. If you choose Custom you may use any
number or fraction from 3 inches up to 15 inches in width and from 5 inches up to 17
inches in length. When you press the OK button, the Layout screen will adjust the view
of the media to the size selected automatically. If you intend to use the Custom size
again, save it by giving it a name and clicking on Save As next to Custom. You must
enter a name for this feature to work.
Refer to the screen image on page 18. The corresponding print banks will show on the
screen in white. These banks can be moved together or separately in sets in the same
way that they can be changed on the printer. The maximum printing area on the Image
Blaster with 6 heads is 3 inches.
To the right of the template image are numbers. These correspond to the printheads
and are marked with the same numbers on the AstroJet Printer. Also, to the right is a
line. This guideline can be moved to any point on the layout to assist you in lining up
the fields or information that you will be adding. To get all of the information to line up
on a particular bank move the line close to the position desired for the lines and right
click on the mouse while the guideline is selected with the mouse pointer.
The next step is to build the job on the layout. When you click on the “Text Field
Properties” icon the “Layout Editor – Text Field Properties” window will open. This
window permits you to enable up to 24 lines of information and data with up to 4000
characters per Text Field. Enable one
button for each line of type style in the
layout. If you wish to make additions,
deletions, changes in the style of type, or
the number of lines, you can click on this
icon anytime during the setup or before
you run the job to make changes. For the
purposes of this tutorial, we are going to
enable the first 4 lines and set them up
according to the picture. Line 1 will be for
the database address. Line 2 will be for
the company name in the return address.
Line 3 will be for the rest of the return
address. Line 4 will be for an additional message on the media.
19
After enabling the lines, select the style of font, size of type, and whether the type
should be bold, italicized, underlined or struck through.
The down arrow will permit you to access the other
sixteen lines of data that are available for use. Click OK to
continue.
The software returns to the Layout Editor screen and the
data selected will be displayed at the bottom right hand
corner of the media layout called the blotter area. Use the
mouse to move each line into the general area of the
layout where they will be finally positioned. Once you
have done this, place the cursor on the field that will
contain the variable address from your database and double click on the left mouse
button.
The following window will appear on the screen. This window allows you to layout the
variable address fields in their proper order.
Use the drop down box in the upper right hand corner of the window to add fields from
your database in their appropriate position in the layout. Click on the
eliminate blank lines in the database. The
icon to
icon will disable all the information in the
layout. The
icon selects the standard barcode font and displays the information
using a fixed default font. The database may be setup in any format that conforms to a
standard address. Database fields may be combined on a particular line and
punctuation and spaces may be added. When finished click OK.
NOTE: The database Field may be edited at any time by double clicking on it.
To add a fixed return address to the media double click on the first line in the return
address. The following window will appear. Type the information as shown in that
window. Each line that uses a different type or style of type is entered by means of an
Text Filed Editor window. When you have completed the entry below click OK.
20
The next step is to enter the rest of the return address. Double click on the second line
in the return address area in the layout and enter the following in the “Text Field Editor –
Field 3” window:
Once you click the OK button, the second line will appear as you typed it in the “Layout
Editor” window. To the right of the media
layout is a vertical line, you can drag this line
to the position where you want the
information from the two edits to line up and
then right click on the line. The lines will
then line up with each other.
The AstroJet Software has the flexibility to
allow you to add additional information to your layout in any position on it. For the
purpose of this tutorial, we will add the following line at the bottom of the layout:
21
You may add as many messages to the layout in any position on the media by simply
enabling an Address Line in the “Text
Field Properties” window and dragging
the line from the blotter area to the
position you would like to have it
appear on the media. Then double
click on the line and enter the
information in the “Text Field Editor”
window.
The Logo icon is used to add logos and graphics in .BMP format to your design.
When you click on the “Logo” icon or
access it from the Fields drop box,
under Logos, the “Layout Editor-Logo
Properties” window appears. You may
add up to eight logos to the layout. Each
logo is selected by first activating one of
the Logo Enable buttons and then
typing in the file name and location. You
can also click on the folder icon and
browse for the desired file. The default
is the logo folder located in the AstroJet
software. Use this folder to store logos.
The AstroJet is a 600-dpi printer. When
creating graphics or logos for use on the AstroJet, 1” is equal to 600 pixels. A logo or
graphics that is 300 pixels tall will print the width of a single print head or 1/2” high. If
you wish to print a logo or graphic that would span two or more banked printheads it has
to be taller than 300 pixels.
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Once you have found the logo you wish to use,
click OK. The screen will return to the Layout
Editor and the logo will appear in the lower right
hand corner to the right of the media layout in
the blotter area. Use your mouse to place the
logo or graphic on the layout as illustrated. The
logo can be edited with Windows paint by double clicking on it.
Press this button to add the USPS bar code to the address. Press the number 1
Enable button and then select the Field where the bar code is located in the database.
Then press OK. The bar code
will appear in the lower right
hand corner of your screen just
below the layout in the blotter
area. Click and drag the bar
code to its position under the
address as shown.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The bar
code displayed in the Layout
Editor view is a representation of
the positioning of the bar code
on your layout. If you use the
data base view function in the Layout
Editor, the bar code will appear the same
for each record. When the record is printed
on the AstroJet Printer the bar code will be
the correct one for each zip code in the
database.
You may also add a barcode with the “Layout Editor”. This is used when the barcode
appears as a five plus four in one data field and a separate two-digit delivery point in
another field. Click on the Text Field Properties icon and Enable a font. Click OK.
Drag the field to a position under or over the address and double click on it. When the
“Text Field Editor” window opens, click on the barcode icon to select the “Astro USPS”
font. Then select the fields that contain the barcode information from the drop down box
and combine them on the same line without any spaces. Click OK and position the
resulting image on the layout.
The image will appear as follows: | ~FIELD_4~ | | ~FIELD_5~ | When in database view
the actual barcode for each address will display.
The actual database records can be viewed by clicking on the Template/Database
View icon. A set of arrow buttons will appear below the icons that will permit you to step
through the records or search for specific records..
Saving the Template
Now that you have designed the template using the layout editor, it is time to save it.
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Click on File and select either Save Template or Save Template As… and the “Save
As” window will appear. You must give the template file a unique name with the
extension “.AJPJT” then click Save. The Template will be saved in the AstroJet Data
1Projects folder.
Saving the Job
IMPORTANT: Before exiting the “Layout Editor” you must create a job so that the data
base and the layout can be
output on your printer. To
do this select, File and
then select New Job. The
“Layout Wizard – Select
Print Range” window will
appear. Click Next>> to
select “Database View –
(database name)“. At this
point, it is possible to
select a specific range of
records to be output. To
set the range select the
starting record that you
wish to use by using the database advance buttons. Click on the left (4
4 É) to choose the
starting record. Use the same buttons to step to the last record you wish to print and
click on the right button (É3
3 ) to set the end of the job.
Selection of specific records to print can be done anytime by following this procedure.
Always save the job to make the range changes permanent.
If you wish to print all of the database records then skip this step and click on Next>>.
The “Save As” window will appear. The default is the layout file name is displayed.
Click save to save it or enter a unique name for the job with the “.AJJOB” extension and
click Save.
The template and the job that have been created are now ready to be printed. Close
the layout window by clicking File and then Exit.
Running the Job
Before running the job make sure that the AstroJet Printer is turned on and properly
connected to the computer.
There are two ways that a job can be selected to be run. One is from the AstroJet
Control Panel button in the “Layout Editor”.
The other is from the “AstroJet
Control Panel” icon on the desktop of the computer.
For the purpose of this tutorial, double click on the “AstroJet Control Panel” icon on the
desktop. The following window will appear:
24
By clicking on the Open Folder 1 icon, the Load Job window will open. Choose the job
you just created and then click Load Job.
25
The database information will now display in the Control Panel. The arrows below the
database information can be used to step through the data. In addition, a Search
, Search next
, and Jump
buttons are available to help you find a
specific record in the database. Simply click on the search or jump button and fill in the
requested information. The following is a list and description of each search variable:
Variable
Default
Description
Search For
Must be filled
in.
This field specifies the criteria the search must find. It can be
a complete or partial, word or phrase. If it is Case Sensitive,
check the box in the Options and make sure that the Search
For is precise. If the criteria are in a specific field in the
database it can be specified in the Look In box.
Case Sensitive
0
Specifies whether upper and lower case characters should be
treated as identical in searches. Non-zero value specifies
searches are sensitive to the case of letters. 0 calls for case
insensitive searches.
Search direction All
0
Specifies a search the entire database. Non-zero value forces
searches of the entire database in the forward direction,
proceeding from the first record to the last. A “0” value in the
Limit causes a directional search from the current position
base on Search Forward, and Search Limit.
Search Direction
Forward
0
Specifies the direction of the search, either forward or
backward. A number in Limit specifies forward searches, “0”
specifies backward. Not used when Search All is set to a nonzero value.
Look In
(All Fields)
Specifies the field the search will look in to. The value string
must be a valid field name for the database in use, or (All
Fields). If the Look In value doesn’t match a valid field name
(All Fields) is used instead.
Limit search to:
0
Specifies the maximum number of records to search. “0” is
implied to mean the number of records from the current
position to the end of the database in the specified direction.
Not used Search All is set to a non-zero value.
Template
“”
The last search template specified. This is the default pattern
to be searched for.
NOTE: The
icon is used to search for the next record. The arrow in the icon
shows the direction that the search is moving through the database. When the last
record is found that meets the criteria in the search the “Control Panel – Search”
window will reappear.
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A description of the Control Panel controls follows:
1
2 3 4 5 6
13 14 15
16
7 8 9 10
17 18 19
1. Name of the Job file.
2. Current database record.
3. These buttons and the ones to the right are
used to step through the database.
4. Search is used to find a record that contains
specific information.
5. Continue searching for the same specific
information.
6. Jump to a specific record by number.
7. The 1 is used to open the job file to be used.
8. The ü verifies the integrity of the database.
9. STOP will pause the printing process
10. GO is used to start printing the job
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11 12
20
11. This button will print one piece for setup.
12. This button will open the Layout Editor.
13. This area shows the status of the download
process.
14. The number of the current record is displayed
here.
15. The number of records in the printer buffer is
displayed here.
16. The total number of records in the current
database is displayed here.
17. The status of the printer is displayed here.
18. This is the number of the first record in the
database selected for printing.
19. This is the number of the last record in the
database selected for printing.
20. These buttons control the resolution of the
printed image.
NOTE: When the job is running the display in the lower right hand corner of the Control
Panel will tell you the speed of the printer in Inches Per Second (ips) and the
approximate number of pieces being processed per hour. This only displays when the
Printer is connected and printing pieces.
Bundle and Bag Breaks
A Bundle and a Bag Break feature are available in the AstroJet Control Panel Software.
This feature will permit you speed up the conveyor to separate the pieces according to
USPS regulations. The various mail management software available for presorting
have the ability to prepare your database to conform to Post Office regulations. We will
not go into this part of the presorting, but we do suggest that you become familiar with
the software you are using to presort your database. The USPS provides a wealth of
information on their presorting regulations. Some of these are:
1. “Domestic Mail Manual” (DMM), published by the USPS and available by
subscription by calling (202) 783-3238.
2. “Postal Bulletin” which provides corrections and additions to the DMM on a
regular basis. You can subscribe to this by calling (202) 512-1800.
3. There are also several informative, free booklets available from your local
Post Office and the USPS on the subject of preparation of presorted mail.
4. Much useful information can also be obtained from the USPS web site at
www.usps.com.
The bundle and bag break windows can be found under the Advanced… button on the
Control Panel. When you click on this button the “Control Panel – Advanced Settings”
window will appear. At the bottom of the window there are two buttons, Bag Break and
Bundle Break. The functions of these buttons are similar. They are provided to permit
you to separate bags of mail and bundles in the same job. You can use either or both
of these to separate the pieces.
To use this feature you must first put a non-alpha or numeric character in your
database, either in one of the existing fields or create a field for the character. You may
use any character except the tilde (~). All presorting software is capable of preparing
28
your database in this way. For example we used (*) for bag break and (##) for bundle
break.
Once you have loaded your job in the control panel, select Advanced…, then select
Bag Break, the above window will appear. You can enable these functions by clicking
on the Enable Breaks to select it.
Select the field where the break character was placed in the database. If you used a
character other than the (*) place that in the Break Sequence block. Select the
measure of the break delay in inches, seconds, or pieces. Then input in the amount
required for removing the items from the catch device. The conveyor will speed up for
the selected period to create a space between breaks. Then click OK.
If you require a Bundle Break repeat the above sequence, but use a different character
or field to designate this function. Remember you can not use any alpha or numeric
character or the tilde (~) for this function.
Start the printing process by clicking the GO button. When the AstroJet Control Panel
software reaches a break character the conveyor will speed up for the predetermined
period that you selected to create a space between the bundles.
Starting Up
Each time you turn on the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer check the print quality. If the
quality is poor, purge the printheads as described in “Purge the Printheads” under
Preparing a Job.
Preparing a Job
The AstroJet Image Blaster Printer allows any necessary settings to be made from the
MENU on the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer LCD Display control panel. A description
of these settings and adjustments and how to perform them, follows:
NOTE: THE AstroJet Image Blaster MUST BE OFF-LINE FOR THESE SETTINGS
TO BE CHANGED.
Clearing the Counter
To reset the piece counter to 0 at the beginning of a new job, proceed as follows:
1. Turn the printer off-line.
2. Use the PREVIOUS or NEXT key to bring COUNTERS to the top line.
3. Press the SELECT key, the asterisk will disappear and MACHINE CYCLES with a
number will appear.
4. Press the RESET key to reset the counter to “0”.
5. Press the SELECT key to lock in the selection, the asterisks will reappear.
Setting Print Resolution
To set or change the Print Speed:
1. Turn the Printer off-line.
29
2. Use the PREVIOUS or NEXT button to bring PRINT SPEED to the top line in the
display.
3. Press the SELECT key, the asterisk will disappear.
4. Use the PREVIOUS or NEXT key to select the desired speed LOW, MEDIUM, or
HIGH. (For details refer to Section 6.)
5. Press the SELECT key to lock in the selection. The asterisk will reappear.
Purge the Printheads
It is necessary to Purge the printheads, especially when the AstroJet Image Blaster has
been idle for a period of time:
2. Use the PREVIOUS or NEXT key to bring PURGE to the top line of the display.
3. Press the SELECT key. The asterisk will disappear.
4. RUN a sheet of clean media through the AstroJet Image Blaster.
5. Check that there is a consistent pattern printed on the media. If not, repeat Step 4
until the pattern is consistent.
6. Press the SELECT key to exit the purge function. The asterisk will reappear.
Setting Left Margin
To increase the gap at the lead edge of the piece:
2. Use the PREVIOUS or NEXT key to bring LEFT MARGIN to the top line.
3. Press the SELECT key. The asterisk will disappear.
4. Use the PREVIOUS or NEXT key to select the desired left margin in 0.1-inch
increments.
5. Press the SELECT key to lock in the selection. The asterisk will reappear.
Running a Job
Set up the base unit feeder per the manufacturer recommendations. Turn on the
AstroJet Image Blaster and the computer. Click on the Control Panel icon and open the
job. Click GO to download the job into the AstroJet Image Blaster’s memory. Press
SELECT on the printer to start printing and then start feeding the media.
Monitoring the Job
The AstroJet Image Blaster may be stopped from printing by clicking on the STOP
button on the control panel or by pressing the SELECT key on the printer without
affecting the job. The printer will resume printing at exactly the same point when it is
restarted. Be sure to turn off the feeder before stopping the printing process.
30
Printing Tips
Types of Media
The AstroJet Image Blaster will print on many types of mailing media, but some
restrictions apply. As with any other printing process, the texture of the media has a
direct effect on both the print quality and the ink drying time. It is best to test each new
type of media to determine performance levels before beginning the Job.
Since coated and plastic types of paper do not easily absorb ink, smearing may occur.
Print may appear fuzzy on very porous paper. Another cause of fuzzy printouts is
excessive buildup of dust within the machine, or a printhead is too far away from the
media. Be aware, that when printing in the High Quality mode, drying time for the ink is
longer than in the other modes. In addition, when humidity is high, drying time is
increased.
Media Thickness
The AstroJet Image Blaster will handle pieces up to 1-1/4”” thick (1.250”). All folds must
be crisp and even.
CAUTION
DO NOT use stapled pieces in the AstroJet Image Blaster.
DO NOT use paper- clipped pieces in the AstroJet Image Blaster.
These methods of binding the mail piece will damage the printheads, affect print
quality, and may seriously damage your printer. The Astro Warranty Policy will
not cover components damaged through improper use.
The USPS does not accept this type of mail for its automated equipment.
Databases
The AstroJet Image Blaster System is capable of handling many types of databases.
There are, however, some limitations. To avoid problems we offer the following
suggestions to help you improve the operation of your AstroJet Image Blaster System.
Large ODBC Databases
Random accessed ODBC databases are not indexed on the first column. As a result
the performance of the printer may get slower and even stop when using very large
databases. To prevent this from occurring, the following actions can be taken before
the database is loaded into the AstroJet Image Blaster software:
1. The user can convert the ODBC database to a text database (*.CSV file) with the
Layout Editor, and then subsequently open the project with that alternate
database. The Layout Editor explicitly indexes text databases, so performance is
not an issue for these files. Note: the Layout Editor retains ODBC field names in
the first record of the *.CSV file, so when you select it later, you should check off
that the “first record contains field names”.
31
2. The ODBC database vendor should be encouraged to index their database (on
the first column ascending). The index may be packaged as part of the database
file, or as a separate index file – depending on the format of the database.
3. The users can index the database themselves. To do this, you will need a
database management program for the database type you have. For example to
index an Access database (*.mdb files) require Microsoft Access, and to index
dbase III, IV and V (*.dbf) use Microsoft FoxPro.
4. Use sufficiently small ODBC databases that this effect doesn’t affect printing.
If the database has been saved in the ODBC format there are additional safeguards that
have been added to the layout Editor and Control Panel to warn you and offer a means
of changing the database and improving the performance of the system. The following
solutions have been programmed into the AstroJet Image Blaster software:
1. The Layout Wizard generates a warning when an ODBC database has been
selected. There is no way for the Layout Editor to determine if the database is
indexed, so the user is warned of the potential consequences of selecting an
ODBC database.
2. The ODBC to CSV converter was added to the Layout Editor, so users have a
viable alternative to using ODBC databases directly.
3. A timer has been placed in the Control Panel that monitors ODBC reads. When
reading of a record exceeds a threshold, the Control Panel stops the job with a
timeout error.
Converting ODBC Databases to *.CSV (Comma Separated Value Format)
To convert an ODBC database to a Comma Separated Value file, use the following
procedure:
1. Create a new project, or open an existing project in the Layout Editor that uses
the ODBC database you wish to convert. For purposes of this discussion, the
example will be “MY SAMPLE.DBF”.
2. From the “File” menu select “Convert Database”.
3. A wizard is started which tells you the conversion is about to occur, and that it
may take awhile. It also tells you the converted database will be stored in your
databases folder, under the current name with .CSV tacked on the end. In
example the output would be “MY SAMPLE.DBF.CSV”.
4. Press “Next” to start the conversion, or “Cancel” to quit. If you start the
conversion, you will not be able to interrupt it – the process will continue until the
conversion is complete.
5. Exit and restart the Layout Editor. From the Startup Wizard select “Modify an
existing project with a replacement database”. Work through the wizard and
select the converted database, in this case “MY SAMPLE.DBF.CSV”.
6. You can ignore the warning about database structure, because in this case the
structure will be identical.
32
7. The wizard will ask about # of fields per record – leave it at 0, is the “First record
is used to record field names” – check this box, and delimiter information – leave
the defaults. Press “Next” or “Finish”.
Your project is now associated with the converted database. Access to any record in
the database should be almost instantaneous and the Control Panel should always
provide individual page information faster than the printer can supply stock.
Indexing a Microsoft Access *.MDB file
To index an Access database file for use with the Layout Editor and Control Panel you
will need Microsoft Access ’97 (or 2000). This should be installed on the target system
to ensure the same leave of ODBC is available to Access and the Layout Editor and
Control Panel. Then follow this procedure:
1. Start ACCESS and open the database file, (for example: “MY SAMPLE.MDB”.
2. Select the table to be used - here it is “MY SAMPLE”.
3. Click the “Design” button. A window displaying the characteristics of each field
(column) in the database is drawn.
4. Select the first row by clicking in the blank gray square to its left. This selects the
characteristics of first column.
5. At the bottom left click in the cell to the right of the heading “Allow Zero Length”
to display a drop down arrow, from which you will select “yes”.
6. Click the cell to the right of the heading “Indexed” to display a drop down arrow,
from which you select “Yes (Duplicates OK)”
7. Exit Access.
Indexing a dBase III, IV, V, FoxPro (*.DBF) File
To index a dBase file for use with the Layout Editor and Control Panel you will need
Microsoft FoxPro. This should be installed on the target system to ensure the same
leave of ODBC is available to Access and the Layout Editor and Control Panel. Then
follow this procedure:
1. Start FoxPro and open the database file, (for example: “SAMPLE.DBF”.
2. Select the table to be used - here it is “SAMPLE”.
3. If you are asked about the character set to use, select 1252 – Windows ANSI.
4. From the “View” menu select “Table Designer”. A tabbed dialog wills popup.
5. Select the “Fields” tab. Note the name of the first field. Select the Indexes tab.
6. In the cell under Name, type the name for your index. In this case “SAMPLE”.
7. Once this is entered other fields become available. Fill in the following fields:
A. Order – click to show an up arrow (ascending)
B. Type – select regular
C. Expression – enter the field name you noted above
D. Filter – leave blank
33
8. Click “Okay” and “Yes” to make structures permanent.
9. Exit FoxPro.
34
Section 5 – Maintenance
This section shows you how to care for and replace inkjet cartridges; clear paper jams,
and perform routine operator maintenance to the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer. Other
problems such as not printing, poor print quality, etc., are also covered. Special tips
and suggestions to help you increase efficiency and avoid problems are also included.
The Inkjet Cartridge
The AstroJet Image Blaster inkjet cartridges must be replaced when out of ink, when
print quality is poor, or when purging and cleaning have not helped the image quality.
The Approximate life of the HP 51645A Inkjet cartridges based on 3 lines of 20
characters at 10-point size per address is:
High Quality
50,000 addresses
Standard Quality
100,000 addresses
Draft Quality
200,000 addresses
This figure can vary depending on the font selected.
NOTE: In high volume printing applications, it is strongly recommended that the HP
C6119A Ink System Cartridge be installed in the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer.
Using this system, the number of prints per cartridge will increase by a factor of
ten.
To Replace the HP 51645A Inkjet Cartridge:
1. Remove the cartridge by pulling the top toward you until the cartridge is free
from the retaining latch. Lift the cartridge up and out of the holder.
2. Remove a new print cartridge from its packaging, taking care not to touch the
copper contacts, the metal plate, or the gold printhead. Remove the
protective tape from the printhead.
3. With the gold printhead pointing toward the rear of the unit, slide the bottom
edge of the cartridge down along the front of the bracket until it slides partly
into place.
4. Press the upper part of the cartridge toward the bracket until it clicks into
place under the retaining clip of the bracket.
5. Repeat this procedure for each cartridge.
CAUTION
Never shake, drop, or hit the cartridge against the palm of your hand or any
other hard surface. Shaking the print cartridge does not “mix” the ink and
hitting the cartridge against a hard surface does not clear the nozzles Both of
these actions actually hurt the print quality because they allow bubbles to
form near the ink firing chambers. These bubbles prevent the nozzles from
firing causing white streaks in the print image.
35
To Replace an HP C6119A Ink System
1. Remove the cartridge by pulling the top toward you until the cartridge is free
from the retaining latch. Lift the cartridge up and out of the holder.
2. Remove the reservoir from the holder. Take care to not disconnect the
supply hose from the cartridge.
3. Remove the printhead from its packaging, and slide the reservoir out of the
left side of the system packaging. Do not throw the packaging away until the
system is installed in the printer. There are important directions on the
packaging for attaching the pen to the reservoir. Do not attempt to remove
the ink reservoir from its diamond-shaped box. (See the caution labels on the
bottom panel of the ink reservoir. It is also important that the ink reservoir
does not get squeezed during the installation process. Squeezing the
reservoir could cause ink to seep out of the printhead.
4. Place the reservoir in the tray that hangs from the back of the printer. There
are 4 notches in the tray. Each notch will accommodate two reservoirs. Do
not route the hoses at this time. Take care to not squeeze the reservoirs
when placing them in the tray.
5. The system can be connected with the help of the directions located on the
printhead packaging. The valve should be inserted into the clip on the pen
until a clicking sound is heard or the operator feels the valve snap into place.
The valve and clip are symmetrical so there is no special orientation. Insert
the tubes into all of the printheads before the tape is removed from the
printheads. The tape will prevent the printhead from being damaged and will
help keep ink from leaking out of the printhead.
6. Remove the tape from the printheads one at a time and insert them into a
holder beginning with the holder closest to the reservoir. It is important to
take the tape off of the printheads so that proper electrical connection is made
with the holder.
7. Install each printhead in turn taking care to route the hoses away from moving
parts. Make sure that the hoses are not bent or pinched as this would impede
the flow of ink to the printheads
Once the connection is made between the printhead and the ink reservoir, it cannot be
taken apart without damaging the system. It is best if the system is left in the AstroJet
Image Blaster Printer, but sometimes that is not possible. When handling the system, it
is important to keep the pen as close to the reservoir as possible without letting it go
below the reservoir.
If the printhead is held more than 10 inches above the reservoir, air will be drawn into
the cartridge. Air inside of the pen can not only cause print defects; it can also cause
the pen to stop printing before all of the ink has been used. If the printhead goes below
the reservoir, ink will seep from the printhead, potentially damaging the system. Read
the Caution on the back of the reservoir.
36
The reservoir and printhead should always be held when handling the system. The
system should never be held or carried around such that the print head or reservoir is
dangling by the tubing. These actions could cause loss of ink.
Storage
Short-term storage is defined as less than 2 days or less than 1 day in a hot and dry
environment. Long-term storage is defined as more than 2 days or more than 1 day in a
hot and dry environment.
Short-term Storage
Leave the cartridge in the AstroJet Image Blaster for short periods of time,
2 days or less.
The next time that the AstroJet Image Blaster is used, the printhead may
have to be cleaned per the cleaning instructions, below.
Long-term Storage
HP 51645A
Keep the printhead in an area that is relatively free of dust and paper
particles that is not too dry
Place the cartridges in a Tupperware container with a damp sponge or
towel to maintain humidity and prevent the printhead from drying out.
When the cartridges are ready to be used again, the printhead will need to
be cleaned.
HP C6119A
Care must be taken with the storage of this cartridge. The cartridge and
reservoir must not be separated once they are connected. The cartridge
must be stored above the reservoir in order to maintain the proper internal
system pressure. The best way to keep the pressure regulated is to
rubber band the system together with the cartridge resting on top of the
reservoir.
Keep the printhead in an area that is relatively free of dust and paper
particles and is not too dry
Place the cartridges in a Tupperware container with a damp sponge or
towel to maintain humidity and prevent the printhead from drying out.
When the cartridges are ready to be used again, the printhead will need to
be cleaned.
Disposal (Both types of Cartridges)
The cartridge may be disposed of in normal manner.
If there should be an ink spill, use soap and water to clean up any problem
areas. Abrasive soap also works well to get the ink off of hands.
37
Cleaning the Printhead
In order to achieve good print output; maintenance of the printhead is required. Paper
fibers and dust can build up on the printhead degrading the print quality. Proper
printhead maintenance will allow the cartridge to produce good print quality its whole
life. A cotton Tex Wipe® and distilled water is one of the best ways to wipe ink and
other build-up off of the printhead. A Tex Wipe® is 100% cotton, high-density cloth with
no chemical additives. Something comparable is adequate to wipe the nozzles. A good
choice of wipe would have the following qualities:
Soft
Fiberless
No chemical additives
Moist with distilled water
A cloth should NOT be:
Abrasive
Dry
Made of small fibers that can be left behind on the cartridge’s nozzle plate
Never use the following to wipe the printhead:
Industrial paper towels – these cloths usually contain a high recycle content and
are abrasive
Toilet paper – this is usually not fiberless
Sponge – particles from the sponge can be left behind on the nozzle plate
The cloth must be soft so that it does not scratch the printhead. It should be fiberless
because small fibers on the cloth can be left behind and block the nozzles of the
cartridge. The cloth must be moist or it will scratch the printhead. Scratches on the
printhead prevent the ink from coming out of the nozzle straight. If the ink drops do not
come out of the nozzles straight they will not land on the paper in the proper place
causing fuzzy text. Distilled water is better than tap water because tap water contains
an unmonitored amount of minerals. During wiping, the water cleans out the nozzles
and the firing chambers. A small amount of water mixes with the ink in the chambers.
Over time, the minerals in tap water can leave behind deposits in the chambers that
block it completely. A blocked chamber will show up as a white streak in text or
graphics.
The direction and force of the wipe is also important to note. During wiping, harmful
particles on the top of the printhead can be wiped into the nozzles if you are not careful.
The cartridges need to be wiped in a certain way to obtain optimal print quality.
It is important to wipe the cartridge nozzles in the direction of the nozzle rows for
optimum print quality. See below:
38
HP 51645A
HP C6119A
Purging the Nozzles
If the printhead sits inactive for a period of time, ink may dry in the nozzles. Printing
may not remove these “ink plugs” from the nozzles. White streaks will then show up in
the printed text or graphic. In order to obtain better print quality, these ink plugs need to
be forced out or purged. A Purge routine is built into the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer.
It can be accessed from the control panel in the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer. Refer
to Section 4 – Operating the AstroJet Image Blaster, under Preparing a Job; Purge
the Printheads. If this does not solve the problem then proceed as follows:
1. Wipe the printhead with a wet cloth as described in Cleaning the Printhead above.
2. Perform the Purge routine from the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer LCD Display
panel.
3. Wipe the printhead again with a moist cloth.
NOTE: For more information refer to the Troubleshooting Print Heads in Section 6 –
Trouble Shooting Guide.
Jams in the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer
If a jam occurs, TURN THE AstroJet Image Blaster OFF LINE. The missed addresses
can be recovered at the computer from the control panel by stepping back to the place
in the job where the jam occurred. No data will be lost.
Some possible reasons for jamming are:
1. Multiple pieces of media pass at once.
2. Damaged media, such a dog-eared (turn down corners).
3. Media that is not stiff enough may not be usable. Media that meets Postal
stiffness requirements for automated feeding is acceptable in the AstroJet
Image Blaster.
4. Envelopes that are caught under the flap of another envelope or stuck to one
another may cause jamming.
39
5. Feeding rate set too fast.
Removing Jammed Media
1. In most cases, it is possible to remove the jammed media by gently pulling it
by its exposed corners. All pieces of the jammed media must be removed
from the feed path.
2. Use the control panel in the AstroJet Image Blaster Software to recover any
lost addresses.
3. Restart the job by putting the AstroJet Image Blaster back ON LINE and
resume printing by using the GO button on the AstroJet Image Blaster
Software Control Panel.
Cleaning
WARNING
THE AstroJet Image Blaster PRINTER IS A PRECISION MACHINE THAT
SHOULD BE CLEANED REGULARLY TO INSURE MANY YEARS OF
SERVICE. BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE DISCONNECT
THE MACHINE FROM ITS POWER SOURCE!
The AstroJet Image Blaster and its base feeder unit must be regularly cleaned of
accumulated paper dust and ink. Depending on the types of media that are run, paper
dust may accumulate within the printer and on the transport. To properly clean the
AstroJet Image Blaster, unplug it from the power receptacle and remove the covers.
Refer to the parts manual for this.
The internal areas are best cleaned with a vacuum that has a soft brush attachment to
help loosen the dust particles. Take care not to damage the PC Boards or electrical
wiring.
The exterior of the machine may be cleaned with any standard household cleaner which
is non-abrasive and does not contain plastic harming solvents.
CAUTION
Never spray or pour cleaners directly on or into the AstroJet Image Blaster
Printer. Excess liquid could harm electronic parts. Always dampen a rag with
the cleaner and apply it to the parts to be cleaned.
40
Cleaning the Media Sensor
Periodically check the media sensor located on the mounting bracket at the entrance of
the Image Blaster. The sensor should be clean and free of accumulated paper dust.
Use a soft lint free cloth to clean the sensor and the reflector tape material.
41
Notes
42
Section 6 – Trouble Shooting Guide
The following trouble shooting guides are provided to assist you in solving any problems
that might occur with the AstroJet Image Blaster Printer or its software. We have tried
to make them as complete as possible. The best advice we can offer is to make sure
that the system is setup properly, plugged in, that it has an adequate supply of ink
before attempting to trouble shoot any problem.
Inkjet Cartridges
HP 51645A Print Cartridges
CONDITION
Cartridge will not print
PROBLEM
Sheet is blank even after it has
gone underneath cartridge(s).
White streaks in text or graphics
Black streaks around text
43
SOLUTION
•
Check to make sure the tape
is off the printhead
•
Remove and reinsert the
cartridge into the carriage
holder
•
Install a new print cartridge
•
Re-insert the cartridge into
the carriage
•
Wet wipe and purge the
cartridge (There are clogged
nozzles.)
•
Clean interconnects
•
Insert a new Print Cartridge
•
Wet Wipe the cartridge
(There is ink buildup).
HP C6119A Print Cartridges
CONDITION
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
•
The system will function
properly with as much as 4
inches of visible air in the
tube. Connect the system
and use it to print
•
Check to make sure the tape
is off the printhead.
•
Remove and reinsert the
cartridge into the carriage
holder.
•
Install a new print cartridge.
•
Re-insert the cartridge into
the carriage.
•
Wet wipe and purge the
cartridge (There are clogged
nozzles.)
•
Clean interconnects.
•
Insert a new Print Cartridge.
Black streaks around text
•
Wet Wipe the cartridge
(There is ink buildup).
Ink is seeping from the nozzles
•
Verify that the reservoir is
below the cartridge
(Approximately 4 inches.
•
Verify that the reservoir box
is not being pinched.
•
Hold the cartridge below the
reservoir until ink starts to
seep out of the nozzles.
Once the ink is running
freely, keep the cartridge
above the reservoir.
•
Wet wipe the cartridge to
clean up any spilled ink.
Air in the tube
Cartridge will not print
gone underneath cartridge(s).
White streaks in text or graphics
The System is not printing
because the cartridge was held
more than 10 inches above the
reservoir
gone underneath cartridges(s).
44
AstroJet Image Blaster Printer
PROBLEM
No communication
Improper output (address information out of order, misfeeding,
etc.)
REASON
REMEDY
Improper cabling
Use Proper cable (see Sect. 3)
Unit not receiving power
Check plug connections, on/off
switch and fuse on back panel (see
Sect. 2)
Wrong interface settings
Check software or data base on PC
Static electricity
Turn AstroJet Image Blaster of and
on
Dirty media sensor
Clean media sensor
Extra lines; losing data
Data base problem
Check data in data base program
Not printing on media
Media not positioned properly
1.
Adjust print band vertically
2.
Adjust media margin setting on
AstroJet Image Blaster
Print too light or missing
character dots
Clogged or dirty printheads
Either purge or clean cartridges
Running out of ink
Replace inkjet cartridges
Media jams
Double feeding
Adjust feeder
Media is curled or bent
Uncurl media
Media is too thin
Media must be at least 0.008”
WARNING
DO NOT REMOVE THE SIDE COVERS OF THE ASTROJET PRINTER
THERE ARE HIGH VOLTAGES PRESENT BEHIND THE COVERS!
45
AstroJet Image Blaster Software
ERROR MESSAGE
Template File is Corrupt
PROBLEM
The AstroJet Image Blaster
Control Panel can not open the
related .ajpjt file.
SOLUTION
Re-open AstroJet Image Blaster
Layout Editor and attempt to
open the file.
Re-save the file and attempt to
open the AstroJet Image Blaster
Control Panel again.
If the file still will not open in the
AstroJet Image Blaster Layout
editor, restart the computer and
try again.
Try a backup or older copy of the
.ajpjt file
Job Loading Failure
A problem arises loading the job
file.
Click on Remove Job, if you
know the file is out of date and
no longer in use.
Click on Recreate Job to reopen the Layout Editor, then click
on the File Menu and select New
Job, select the print range and
Click on Next>> to continue.
Click Next>> again and then
save the job with a new name.
Click on Cancel to return to the
Control Panel and select another
job file.
Template View Warning
New Fields missing from layout
screen
Due to the design of the
database management software,
it is not possible to display
records simultaneously in the
Layout Editor and Control Panel.
When you click OK the Layout
Editor will switch automatically to
the Template View.
Fields not visible in blotter area
on Layout Screen.
The line may be piled up on top
of each other. Click and drag the
first line into the appropriate
Printhead Area.
Caution: If an attempt is made
to switch to Database View in
the Layout Editor, a fatal error
will occur and any unsaved
information will be lost.
Open the Address Field property
sheet by right clicking on one of
the existing address lines or by
selecting Address from the Fields
Menu. Select OK. The fields
should re-appear in the blotter
area.
46
Software continued…
ERROR MESSAGE
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
New Fields missing from layout
screen. Continued…
Fields not visible in blotter area
on Layout Screen.
Right click on one of the fields
that has already been positioned
and click OK on the field property
sheet an they should re-appear
Right click on one of the fields
that has already been positioned
and click OK on the field property
sheet an they should re-appear
Printing in Wrong Location on the
mailing piece.
Printing too far to the Left or
Right.
Make sure that the size of the
mailing piece entered in the
Setup Menu is correct.
Make sure that the mailing piece
on the Layout Screen looks
EXACTLY the way you want your
piece to look. Use the rulers to
verify that the fields are located
the proper number of inches form
the edges.
Adjust the left margin setting.
Check the product detection
sensor to verify that it is properly
aligned.
Printing Too High or Low
Check image on layout screen.
Adjust the paper guide, or
individual printheads on their
mounting brackets to adjust how
far from the bottom edge of a
piece the fields are printed.
47
Notes
48
Appendices
APPENDIX A – Image Blaster Specifications
The information (electrical and physical dimensions, etc.) on the AstroJet Image Blaster
is presented here for your reference. Specifications are subject to change without
notice.
PRINT QUALITY
(Dots Per Inch)
Executive
Letter
Draft
600 x 600 dpi
600 x 300 dpi
600 x 150 dpi
PRINT SPEED
(Inches Per Second)
600 x 600
600 x 300
600 x 150
Up to 25 ips
UP to 50 ips
Up to 80 ips
IMAGE AREA
Total of 3 inches (4inches available as option)
MEDIA SIZES
3” W x 5” L to 17” W
PRINT MECHANISM
HP 51645A Inkjet Cartridge or HP C6119A Bulk Ink System
INKJET CARTRIDGE
NUMBER
6 cartridges
(additional 1” of printing area available)
INKJET CARTRIDGE LIFE
(approximate)
Addressing:
GRAPHICS AND LOGOS
Allows printing of Bitmapped graphics, logos, and pictures
SOFTWARE AND FONTS
Windows 98
All Windows True-Type fonts
PRINT COLORS
Black, Fast Drying Black, Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue
INK
Water based requiring drying assistance for coated stock
OPERATOR DISPLAY
OPTIONS (LCD)
Counter, Print Resolution, Purge, Media Length, Left Margin,, BIOS
Version
PC INTERFACE
Centronics Parallel Cable
DIMENSIONS
11” H x 14” W x 28” D (AstroJet Image Blaster only)
ELECTRICAL
100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz @ Amps
Max 1 1/4“ thick
High Quality
1,050,000 characters
Standard Quality
Draft Quality
(three line address labels only, logos and other printing not
included in the above)
WEIGHT
49
APPENDIX B - Supplies and Optional Hardware
The following supply items and optional hardware are available from your Astro
Machine Distributor:
Supplies
Black Inkjet Cartridges
HP 51645A
Fast Drying Black Inkjet Cartridges
HP 6195A
Red Inkjet Cartridges
HPC6173A
Yellow Inkjet Cartridges
HPC6168A
Green Inkjet Cartridges
HPC6169A
Blue Inkjet Cartridges
HPC6170A
Black Bulk Ink Supply
HP C6119A
Optional Hardware
Portable Drying Unit
Cabinet with Shelves
Friction Feeder
5 ft. Conveyor with stand and Drop Tray
Delay Box for Bundling Mail Jobs
Base Unit w/ Feeder, Dryer, Conveyor
Delay Box for Bundling Mail Jobs
50
IMAGE BLASTER PARTS LIST
51
52
KEY#
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
*
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
PART #
23-100-11
94-100-10
94-100-24
123-0461
123-1343
123-1234
23-102-14
23-102-17
23-102-18
123-0757
23-102-13
156-103-11
123-0034
156-103-12
23-101-05
23-102-11
23-102-10
123-1318
23-102-27
23-101-09
123-1315
123-0148
123-0185
123-0764
23-100-04
123-0182
123-0612
123-1204
123-0293
123-1210
123-1336
23-100-18
23-100-22
23-102-08
23-100-30
23-114-00
23-113-00
123-1061
23-100-20
123-1136
23-106-05
123-0075
DESCRIPTION
COVER, R/H SIDE
CONTROL PANEL PRINTER REV.2
BRK'T., PCB MOUNTING
SCREW, 6-32x3/16 PH RND HD ZINC
IMAGE BLASTER DECAL
SCREW, 4-40x3/16
GEAR 24 TEETH
SPRING
PLATE
SCREW, SET 6-32x1/4 STD CUP PT
SHAFT, WORM
WORM GEAR - 20 TEETH
ROLL PIN, 1/8 X 5/8
HELIX ANGLE WORM
CHANNEL SUB-ASS'Y., L/H "U"
GEAR, 16 TEETH
RACK, GEAR
SPRING PIN, 1/4" DIA 420 SS
BRK'T., FRONT MOUNTING
PLATE ASS'Y.
BEARING, SAE 841 BRONZE THRUST FLANGED
WASHER, 7/16OD X .200ID X 1/32
SCREW, 10-32x3/8 SOC CAP
SCREW, 10-24x1/2 SOC HD
FRAME, R/H SIDE
SCREW, 1/4-20x3/4 SOC CAP HD
SCREW, 6-32x1/4 PAN HD
SCREW, 6-32x1/4 BTN HD SOC CAP
KNOB, HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
SCREW, 10-32x3/8 BTN HD SOC CAP
SCREW, 1/4-20x1/2" SOC HEAD ALLOY BLACK
FRONT CHANNEL, "U"
GUIDE WELD., CABLE
SHAFT, GEAR
TRAY, BULK INK
PLATFORM ASS'Y., 6 CARTRIDGES
PHOTOSENSOR
BRK'T., SENSOR
SCREW, 8-32x1/4 PH TRUSS HD SS
ROLLER
BEARING, 1602 DS
QTY.
1
1
1
5
1
12
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
3
1
8
4
2
1
10
4
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
2
KEY#
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
53
PART #
23-106-09
23-100-39
23-106-07
23-106-08
23-106-06
23-106-10
23-106-03
23-101-06
23-102-12
23-102-09
95-100-32
123-1135
23-100-05
123-1023
123-0683
123-1308
123-0981
123-0654
97-100-65
123-0928
21-500-20
23-100-26
23-100-14
123-0975
123-1313
23-100-32
97-100-48
97-500-22
23-105-01
23-100-40
97-500-00
25-500-30
23-100-37
23-100-38
23-102-28
23-109-29
23-102-32
23-102-31
123-1221
23-100-19
123-011
23-102-30
DESCRIPTION
PIVOT
DECAL, FEEDER
BRK'T., R/H
PLATE
BRK'T., L/H
SCALE GUIDE- BLACK
ROLLER, HOLDER
CHANNEL ASS'Y., R/H "U"
GEAR, 16 TEETH
SCREW, SET
STANDOFF
FRAME, L/H SIDE
SCREW, 4-40x5/16 PANHEAD PH
SCREW, 6-32x5/16 PH UNDRCUT SS
POWER ENTRY MODULE
NUT, 4-40 HEX
RECEPTACLE, CIRCULAR
CABLE BRACKET
SCREW, 4-40x1/2 PH BIND HD
WIRE HARNESS, CENTROINCS CABLE
STANDOFF
COVER, L/H SIDE
SCREW, 4-40x1/4 PH UNDRCT SS
POWER SUPPLY
TUBES SUPPORT RACK
CABLE SPRING
FLEXIBLE CABLE (6 OR 8 DEPENDING ON VERSION)
BRK'T. ASS'Y., ENCODER
DECAL, MEDIA THICKNESS
PROCESSOR PC BOARD
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
DECAL, ENCODER
DECAL,INTERFACE
BLOCK
PIN
HOOK
PIN
HANDLE, RECTANGULAR BLK THERMOPLASTIC PULL
REAR CHANNEL, "U"
SCREW, 1/4-20x1 SOC CAP
STUD
*OPTIONAL FOR 8-HEAD VERSION
QTY.
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
16
1
4
12
1
4
3
1
2
1
4
1
5
1
1
6
6
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
54
KEY#
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
PART #
23-500-05
23-500-11
21-500-04
25-500-10
21-500-01
21-500-03
95-100-32
25-500-30
23-500-03
23-500-08
123-1313
123-0252
123-1135
AD407
97-500-01
97-500-00
23-100-26
23-100-05
123-0928
97-100-65
21-500-20
21-500-15
DESCRIPTION
FIBEROPTIC SENSOR ASSY.
WIRE HARNESS, ENCODER EXTN.
POWER INLET GROUND
WIRE HARNESS, BASE/CONVEYOR INTERFACE
WIRE HARNESS, INLET MOD HOT
WIRE HARNESS, POWER INLET-NEUTRAL
STANDOFF
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
WIRE HARNESS, GROUND
WIRE HARNESS, 15VDC IN
POWER SUPPLY
WASHER, STAR #6 EXTERNAL ZINC
WIRE HARNESS, PWR SUPPLY. CONTROLLER
PRINT HEAD DRIVER PC BOARD (HP45)
PROCESSOR PC BOARD
STANDOFF
FRAME, L/H SIDE
SCREW, 4-40x1/2 PH BIND HD
CABLE BRACKET
WIRE HARNESS, CENTROINCS CABLE
INTERFACE CABLE
QTY.
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
4
1
2
1
1
1
55
KEY#
23.
24.
25.
26.
*
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
**
PART #
123-0024
123-0237
97-500-22
23-114-00
23-113-00
23-102-08
97-100-48
AD409
23-100-18
23-100-22
94-100-10
94-100-24
23-100-11
23-100-04
23-102-24
23-100-20
23-106-01
23-105-01
23-100-19
25-500-11
23-100-35
DESCRIPTION
SCREW, 10-32x3/8 PH TRUSS HD MS ZINC
WASHER, STAR #10 EXTERNAL
FLEXIBLE CABLE (OPTIONAL 8)
SHAFT, GEAR
CABLE SPRING
CABLE, CONTROL PANEL
FRONT CHANNEL, "U"
GUIDE WELD., CABLE
CONTROL PANEL PRINTER REV.2
BRK'T., PCB MOUNTING
COVER, R/H SIDE
FRAME, R/H SIDE
BRK'T. ASS'Y., FRONT MOUNTING
BRK'T., SENSOR
ROLLER ASSY.
BRK'T. ASS'Y., ENCODER
REAR CHANNEL, "U"
WIRE HARNESS, FEEDER INTERFACE
INSTALLATION TEMPLATE
* OPTIONAL FOR 8-HEAD VERSION
** NOT SHOWN
QTY.
1
3
6
1
1
1
6
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
Notes
Copyright © 2000 Astro Machine Corporation
Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
12/20/2000

Operating the AstroJet Image Blaster

Transcription

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