AstroJet M1 User manual

AstroJetTM M1

COLOR PAGE

PRINTER

OPERATOR MANUAL

ASTRO MACHINE CORP.

630 Lively Blvd.

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Phone: (847) 364-6363

Fax: (847) 364-9898

www.astromachine.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

THIS EQUIPMENT PRESENTS NO PROBLEM WHEN USED PROPERLY.

HOWEVER, CERTAIN SAFETY RULES SHOULD BE OBSERVED WHEN

OPERATING THE ASTROJET M1 PRINTER.

BEFORE USING THE PRINTER, YOU SHOULD READ THIS MANUAL

CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES, SAFETY

WARNINGS, AND INSTRUCTIONS:

 Keep hands, hair, and clothing clear of rollers and other moving parts.

 Avoid touching moving parts or materials while the machine is in use. Before clearing a jam, be

sure machine mechanisms come to a stop.

 Always turn off the machine before making adjustments, cleaning the machine, or performing

any maintenance covered in this manual.

 The power cord and power supply supplied with the machine should be plugged into a properly

grounded, easily accessible wall outlet near the machine. Failure to properly ground the

machine can result in severe personal injury and/or fire.

 The power cord and wall plug is the primary means of disconnecting the machine from the

power supply.

 DO NOT use an adapter plug on the line cord or wall outlet.

 DO NOT remove the ground pin from the line cord.

 DO NOT route the power cord over sharp edges or trap it between furniture.

 Avoid using wall outlets that are controlled by wall switches or shared with other equipment.

 Make sure there is no strain on the power cord caused by jamming it between equipment, walls

or furniture.

 DO NOT remove covers. Covers enclose hazardous parts that should only be accessed by a

qualified service representative. Report any cover damage to your service representative.

 This machine requires periodic maintenance. Contact your authorized service representative for

required service schedules.

 To prevent overheating, do not cover the vent openings.

 Use this equipment only for its intended purpose.

In addition, follow any specific occupational safety and health standards for your workplace or area.

This manual is intended solely for the use and information of Astro Machine Corp., 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 Corp. nor

any of its agents or employees shall be responsible for any inaccuracies contained herein.

AstroJetTM is a registered trademark of Astro Machine Corp.

Memjet® is a registered trademark.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher

TABLE OF CONTENTS

i

SECTION 1 – Getting Acquainted 1

Front View 1

Rear View 2

Print Engine View 3

Ink Tank Door View 4

Control Panel Button/LED Indicators 5

SECTION 2 – Installing the Printer 6

Contents of Packaging 6

Choose a Location 6

Unpacking and Setup 6

Remove Service Station Transport Tab and Shipping Tape 7

Assembling the Printer 8

Connecting the Printer 9

Connecting to the Computer 9

Install the Printer Driver 10

Install the Ink Tanks 12

Install the Printhead Cartridge 14

Removing the Head Media Guide 17

Install/Remove Envelope Attachment Spacers 18

Setting up the Feed 19

SECTION 3 – Operating the M1 Printer 21

Setting Up a Job in MS Word 21

Printer Driver Properties 23

General Tab 23

Layout Tab 24

Import/Export Tab 26

Services Tab 26

Using the Printer Toolbox 27

Updating Firmware 33

SECTION 4 – Maintenance 34

Replacing the Ink Tanks 34

Cleaning Ink Tank Contacts 35

Cleaning/Replacing the Printhead Cartridge 37

Replacing the Service Station 43

Replacing the Ink Waste Tray 47

Replacing the Sheet Separators 47

Jams in the Printer 48

Cleaning 49

Shipping or Transporting the Printer 51

SECTION 5 – Troubleshooting Guide 54

The Memjet® Printhead 54

The Printer 55

Errors and Warnings 56

Appendices 61

Appendix A – AstroJet M1 Specifications 61

Appendix B – Supplies and Optional Hardware 61

Index 62

Printer Maintenance Schedule 65

Control Panel LED Sequences 67

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ii

NOTES

______________________________________________________

SECTION 1

GETTING ACQUAINTED

1

SECTION 1 – Getting Acquainted

Front View

1.

Cancel LED Button – Cancels the job being printed.

2.

Paper LED Button – Press to stop printing, press to restart printing. Press switch to

continue printing.

3.

ON/OFF LED Button – Use to turn power ON or OFF during idle time and

maintenance.

4.

Rear Guide – Holds the media against the Front Plate.

5.

Rear Guide Support – Supports the paper/media.

6.

Adjustable Media Guide – Adjusts to hold the paper/media against the

Envelope/Paper Register Guide.

7.

Envelope/Paper Media Guide – All printing is registered against this Guide. It has

adjustable positions for envelopes and paper.

8.

Top Cover – Provides access to the Print Engine.

9.

Front Cover – Provides access to the Service Station and Ink Tanks.

SECTION 1

GETTING ACQUAINTED

2

Rear View

1.

Main Power Switch, Receptacle and Fuse – Plug in power cord here. Switch turns

main power ON/OFF. (Use the Control Panel LED Power switch to turn off machine for

cleaning and maintenance). Fuse protects the Printer’s electronic circuits.

2.

USB Port Connection – The USB cable attaches to the Printer here.

3.

Network Connection – The network cable plugs in here.

4.

Envelope/Paper Media Guide – All printing is registered against this Guide. It has

adjustable positions for envelopes and paper.

5.

Adjustable Media Guide – Adjusts to hold the paper/media against the

Envelope/Paper Media Guide.

6.

Rear Guide – Holds the paper/media against the Front Plate.

7.

Rear Guide Support – Supports the paper/media.

8.

Counter – LCD displays number of pieces run for a given job. The Reset button zeros

the Counter.

SECTION 1

GETTING ACQUAINTED

3

Print Engine View

1.

Printhead Latch – When closed, connects the Ink Revolver Couplings with the

Printhead Cartridge. When opened, retracts the Ink Couplings from the Printhead

Cartridge and provides access to the Printhead Cartridge for cleaning and replacement.

WARNING! Never attempt to open the Printhead Latch manually, severe damage will

result. Use the Printhead Release button function in the Toolbox utility on your PC or

press the Printhead Latch Release Button (See #4 below).

2.

Ink Revolver Couplings – Connect the ink hoses to the Printhead Cartridge. The

Printhead Latch extends and retracts the couplings from the Printhead.

3.

Printhead Cartridge – Memjet® Printhead produces an 8.5" wide full color print area.

4.

Printhead Latch Release Button* – Button inside opening will initiate a Printhead

Latch release cycle. If system is primed, runs a full system deprime cycle before the

Latch is released. Lightly press the button with a non-conductive tool.

*Same function can be accessed through the Printer Toolbox User Interface screen on your computer.

5.

Print Ink Channels Button* – Prints 5 bars (1 bar from each ink tank) to indicate how

well the Printhead Nozzles are working. Press the button with a non-conductive tool.

*Same function can be accessed through the Printer Toolbox Diagnostics screen on your computer.

6.

Clamshell Latches – Lift both latches at the same time to open the top half of the Print

Engine. DO NOT open while the Printer is operating. DO NOT lift the Clamshell more

than 60 degrees. DO NOT let the Clamshell drop, close it gently.

SECTION 1

GETTING ACQUAINTED

4

Ink Tank Door View

1.

Ink Tank Securing Latches – Used to hold the Ink Tanks in the slots.

NOTE: Please be sure that both sides at the bottom part of the latch are engaged.

2.

Ink Tanks – Printer has 5 Ink Tanks: Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, Black, Black

3.

Ink Waste Tray – Catches any waste ink produced by the system. Tray is filled with

absorbent material. Tabs located at the left and right sides of the tray secure the tray to

the print engine frame. Please be sure the tabs click in to secure the tray's position.

4.

Service Station – Cleans the Printhead Cartridge of excess ink and debris, keeps the

Printhead hydrated and protected when not in use, captures ink used to keep nozzles

clear, and acts as a base to support media during printing.

SECTION 1

GETTING ACQUAINTED

5

Control Panel Button/LED Indicators

The Control Panel has 3 buttons with LED indicators.

POWER (ON/OFF) – Turns Printer power ON and OFF.

Turn off power for cleaning and maintenance

PAPER (STOP JOB/RESUME) – Stops Paper Feed or

Resumes Printing.

 Press to Stop Paper Feed Immediately. Printer

will clear media in Printer and stop.

 Press to Resume Printing. Restart printing after a paper feed error (such as a paper jam or

running out of paper).

CANCEL (CANCEL JOB) – Cancels a Job.

 Press to Cancel a Job. Once the Printer has stopped, pressing this button clears job from Printer

and Print Queue in Driver. NOTE: Cancelled Jobs must be reloaded before printing can resume.

MORE TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDES on page 54.

FOR A LARGER CHART TO MOUNT ON THE PRINTER, SEE END OF THIS MANUAL.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

6

SECTION 2 – Installing the Printer

Contents of Packaging

1.

M1 Printer

2.

Ink Tanks – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Black

3.

Printhead Cartridge

4.

Media Side Guides: Registration (Fixed) and Adjustable –

mounting screws attached to Printer

5.

Rear Media Support Guide

– thumbscrew attached to Printer

6.

Media Support Wedges: Narrow and Wide

– mounting hardware attached to Rear Media Support Guide

7.

Envelope Attachment Spacers (pkg. of 2)

8.

AC Power Cord

9.

USB Cable

10.

Operator Manual

11.

Driver Software CD

Before using the Printer the following must be done:

 Choose a location for the Printer

 Unpack and assemble the Printer

 Remove the Service Station Transport Tab and Shipping Tape

 Plug in the Printer and connect it to the computer

 Install the Printer Driver

 Install the Ink Tanks

 Install the Printhead

 Set up the feed on the Printer

Choose a Location

The Printer must be placed on a sturdy level worktable or cabinet at least 9" from any walls. Use the

Bubble Gauge mounted on the Print Engine (or a small level) to make sure the Printer is level. Protect

the Printer from excessive heat, dust, and moisture. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight.

Unpacking and Setup

Remove the Printer and its parts from the carton. Remove all packing tape. The screws that attach the

various parts of the guides to the Printer are under the tape in their respective positions.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

7

Remove Service Station Transport Tab and Shipping Tape

1. Open the Top Cover.

2. Release the two latches (one on either side of the

Print Engine). Open the top half of the Clamshell by

lifting both levers at the same time.

CAUTION

HOLD ONTO BOTH LATCHES WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE PRINT

ENGINE CLAMSHELL TO PREVENT DAMAGE.

DO NOT ALLOW THE CLAMSHELL TO DROP OR SLAM CLOSED.

TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE INK LINES, A STOP LIMITS RAISING THE

CLAMSHELL MORE THAN 60°.

3. Remove the cardboard Transport Tab [A]

from the Service Station.

4. Remove the tape [B] securing the Head

Media Guide. (If necessary, wipe off any

tape residue from the Head Media Guide

surface [C].)

5. Carefully close and latch the Upper

Clamshell. Then close the Top Cover.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

8

Assembling the Printer

Install the Adjustable Side Guide with two screws [1]:

Install the Envelope/Paper Side Guide with the two screws [2]

provided.

Attach the Rear Paper Support using the knob [3] provided.

NOTE: The two outside holes fit over the socket head screws.

Install the Rear Guide using the thumbscrew and washer [4]

provided. The washer goes between the screw and the Rear Paper

Support.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

9

Connecting the Printer

Plugging in the Printer

Plug the power cord into the receptacle [1] at the rear of the Printer. The internal

power supply in the Printer is rated 115 to 240VAC, 50/60 Hz.

CAUTION

DO NOT USE AN ADAPTER PLUGS OR EXTENSION CORDS

TO CONNECT THE PRINTER TO THE WALL RECEPTACLE.

DO NOT USE OUTLETS CONTROLLED BY WALL SWITCHES.

DO NOT USE OUTLETS THAT SHARE THE SAME CIRCUIT

WITH LARGE ELECTRICAL MACHINES OR APPLIANCES.

Connecting to the Computer

The Printer connects to the computer through the USB Port [2].

A Network Port [3] is provided when operating in a network environment. See

“Network Connection Setup” in the “Using the Printer Toolbox” section.

Turning Power ON and OFF

Powering Up Printer:

1. Press the Main Power Switch on the Rear Panel.

2. Press the Power Button on the Control Panel.

Powering Down Printer:

CAUTION

WHENEVER POWERING DOWN UNIT, ALWAYS:

1. PRESS THE POWER BUTTON ON THE CONTROL PANEL.

2. WAIT FOR THE PRINTER TO STOP PROCESSING.

3. THEN PRESS THE MAIN POWER SWITCH ON THE REAR PANEL.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

10

Install the Printer Driver

For the Printer software to operate properly check that the computer system meets these minimum

requirements:

 Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1. Supports 32 and 64

bit systems. (You must have administrative privileges on the system.)

NOTE: Win 8 and 8.1 will only work in desktop mode. No Win 8 metro apps will be supported

(applications that work in a Win 8 only environment).

 Microprocessor: Pentium II, 2 GHz minimum (Pentium Dual Core, 2.5 GHz or better, is optimal)

 System memory: 2 GB minimum; or as recommended for your operating system.

 Free hard-disk space: At least 10 GB.

 Web Browser: Firefox recommended; Chrome, Safari, and Opera also supported.

 CD/DVD drive.

 USB 2.0 port (ports will be identified as “USB2” or “Enhanced” in the Device Manager)

 Microsoft .Net Framework version 3.5 (for 32 bit systems) or Microsoft .Net Framework version 4

(for 64 bit systems) must be installed. NOTE: Even if you have a higher .NET Framework version

installed; version 3.5 or 4 must also be installed, or the Toolbox will not open.

IMPORTANT: Before installing the Printer software (Toolbox and Driver), you should temporarily

disable all antivirus programs and firewalls. In addition, you must be logged onto the system with full

administrative privileges (admin rights).

NOTE: If installing over USB, do not plug in the USB cable until prompted.

1. Check that Printer is plugged in and turned OFF.

Disconnect the USB connection if you have plugged it

in already. Install the disk supplied with the Printer in

your CD drive. When the AutoPlay Window opens,

click “Run Setup.exe” to start.

2. Install Printer Software. Make sure the computer

system meets the minimum requirements and

you have followed the other instructions listed on

the screen. Click “Install Printer Software”.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

11

3. License Agreement. Check “I accept…” then

click “Next>”.

4. Printer Connections. Click “Configure to print

using USB”. Then click “Next>”.

5. Installing Printer Software. Software

download begins.

6. Would You Like to Install This Device

Software? Click “Install”.

7. Connect Device Now. Turn Printer ON and

connect the USB cable. Don’t click on either

button. The software will finish installing.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

12

8. Finished software installation. Do not check the

Print Test Page as the Printer is not set up yet.

You can check the “Set this printer as the default

printer” at this time. Click “Next>”.

9. Install Printer Software. Click “Exit” to close

the CD.

10. Restart the computer to complete the installation.

Install the Ink Tanks

The Printer uses one Printhead Cartridge and five Ink Tanks (two

Black, one Cyan, one Magenta, and one Yellow). Install the Ink Tanks

as follows:

1. Open the Printer Toolbox. Go to the Start Menu and open

the “Toolbox”. You will see System Status information in the

upper left corner of the User Interface window. Note that the

“CKMYK” boxes are empty.

2. Click “Replace Ink Tanks”. This

disconnects Printer communication

with the Ink Tanks and allows safe

installation and replacement. Once the

“Confirm” screen displays, it is safe to

install the Ink Tanks.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT press

“Continue” until after you have

installed the Ink Tank(s) and closed

the Ink Tank Latches.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

13

3. Open the Ink Tank Door (hinged at

bottom). Open the three Latches [A].

4. Remove the Ink Tank(s) from packaging.

5. Insert the Ink Tanks (labels up) into their

appropriate color slots [B]. Close the three

Ink Tank Latches.

INSTALLATION TIP: Make sure the

Ink Tanks seat properly. Insert the Ink

Tank into the appropriate Ink Station,

then pull the Ink Tank back about an

inch and push forward firmly to insure

that the Ink Nozzles penetrate the seals

on the Ink Tanks.

6. Click “Continue” on the Confirm

screen, then “Refresh Ink Levels”

on the User Interface screen. The

ink colors fill in as the Ink Tanks

are installed. If the ink colors do not

fill in after a few seconds, click

“Replace Ink Tanks” again and reinstall the Ink Tank(s).

7. Close the Front Cover.

WARNING!

The ink in the Ink Tanks may be harmful if swallowed. Keep new and used

Ink Tanks out of reach of children. Discard empty tanks immediately.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

14

Install the Printhead Cartridge

The Printhead Cartridge is a delicate precision device. Handle with extreme care to avoid damage and

issues that could degrade print quality.

CAUTION

 Use electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection when handling.

 Hold the Printhead Cartridge by the handles ONLY.

 DO NOT touch the ink couplings, nozzle surface or electrical contacts.

 DO NOT unpack the Printhead Cartridge until the Printer is ready for

installation. Once unwrapped, delay in installing the Printhead can

compromise print quality due to dehydration.

 DO NOT place an unwrapped Printhead on any surface before installing.

Protect the Printhead from scratches, dust, fibers, dirt and other

contaminants at all times.

1. With the Printer power ON, open the Top

Cover. Press the Printhead Latch Release

Button [1]. The Printer will run a routine, then

the Latch will pop open [2].

NOTE: Remove the Cap Protectors on the

Ink Nozzles [3]. Be sure to open the Latch

fully to retract the Ink Nozzles.

CAUTION

DO NOT PRY OR MANUALLY LIFT THE PRINTHEAD LATCH OR THE

LATCH MAY BREAK. ONLY OPEN THE LATCH USING THE RELEASE

BUTTON ON THE PRINTER OR THE PRINTHEAD RELEASE COMMAND

IN THE PRINTER TOOLBOX.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

15

2. [A] Carefully remove the

Printhead Cartridge

from the foil packaging.

Tear at notch or cut end

with scissors.

[B] Remove the

protective plastic cover.

Hold the Printhead by the

handle and unclip the

cover from the Printhead.

[C] Remove protective

strip from the Printhead

Electrical Contacts.

DO NOT allow removed

strip to touch the electrical

contacts.

[D] Remove protective

strip from the Printhead

Nozzles. Hold the Printhead

by the handle. Pull the strip tab and slowly peel the strip from

the Printhead.

DO NOT pull the strip at less than a 45° angle from the Printhead surface.

DO NOT allow removed strip to touch the Printhead Nozzles.

3. Carefully insert the Cartridge into the compartment at an angle [4], with the Printhead surface

facing down and the Ink Nozzles facing the Ink Hoses. Once it is seated, gently tilt the Cartridge

back until it snaps into an upright position [5]. DO NOT FORCE the Cartridge into position.

SECTION 2

INSTALLING THE PRINTER

16

4. Wet the Printhead Surface. This ensures

that the Printhead will prime correctly.

Open the Top Cover. Release and lift the two

latches at the same time to raise the Print

Engine Clamshell. Moisten the Printhead

nozzles using distilled water and a damp,

lint-free cloth, wiping end to end. (Gray

strip located below orange strip.) Close and

latch the Print Engine Clamshell.

CAUTION

HOLD ONTO BOTH LATCHES

WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING

THE PRINT ENGINE CLAMSHELL

TO PREVENT DAMAGE.

DO NOT ALLOW THE CLAMSHELL

TO DROP OR SLAM CLOSED.

TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE INK

LINES, A STOP LIMITS RAISING

THE CLAMSHELL MORE THAN 60°.

5. Close the Printhead Latch [6]. The Printer

will start up and prime ink into the Printhead.

This may take a few minutes. Make sure that

ink is flowing through the hoses.

6. Watch the Toolbox screen. Notice that some of the

information is in red. As the Printer circulates ink

and primes the system these fields should turn black.

7. When the Printer stops processing and all the fields

in System Status are black, the Printer is ready for

use. Close the Top Cover.

NOTE: The Printer may take up to 12 minutes to set

itself up during initial startup. This is normal.

Page is loading ...

AstroJet M1 User manual

AstroJet M1 User manual

Other documents