Tamron LS6 User manual

1

Section 1: Getting Started.............................................................3

Introduction and Safe Operation..................................................4-5

General Description........................................................................6-8

Battery Information.......................................................................9-11

Quick Start with the VIPER™ LS6...................................................12

Ribbon Loading & Selection......................................................13-14

Label Loading....................................................................................15

Keyboard......................................................................................16-20

Section 2: Working with the VIPER™ LS6................................21

Using the VIPER™ LS6...............................................................22-24

Creating Labels

Creating Text ..................................................................25-27

Creating Serializations ...................................................28-31

Creating Symbols............................................................32-33

Creating Lines .................................................................34-35

Creating Boxes......................................................................36

Creating Data Lists.........................................................37-38

Creating Bar Codes........................................................39-40

Creating Date/Time Stamps..........................................41-42

Using the Pages Function...................................................43

Setting up the VIPER™ LS6.......................................................44-47

Using File Manager ..........................................................................48

Interfacing with a Computer............................................................49

ViperLink™..................................................................................50-52

Using Remote Printer Utility..........................................53-54

Printer Cleaning Instructions...........................................................55

Printer Troubleshooting..............................................................56-59

Warranty Information …..................................................................60

General Specifications .....................................................................61

Replacement Parts and Accessories.............................................62

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3

SECTION 1

GETTING STARTED

INTRODUCTION & SAFE OPERATION

4

The VIPER LS6 Thermal Transfer Portable Printer is the complete printing

solution for Electricians, Assemblers, Installers, Maintenance & Repair,

Construction, and Network Communications Personnel. This versatile on-site,

on-demand printer provides users with the ability to save, retrieve, and edit

custom or serialized labels for wire and cable marking, component labeling,

network labeling, safety identification, and general facilities identification.

This manual will guide you step by step through the set-up, operation, and

troubleshooting of the VIPER™ LS6 Printer. If you have problems not covered

herein, contact your local Panduit Sales Representative, call Panduit

Technical Support at 866-871-4571, or call Panduit Customer Service at 800-

777-3300. More information is available on the Internet at www.panduit.com.

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

The following general safety practices supplement the specific warnings and

cautions depicted elsewhere in this manual. They are recommended

precautions that must be understood and applied during the operation and

maintenance of this printer.

Do Not Operate In An Explosive Environment

Do not operate the printer in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.

Operation of this printer in such an environment constitutes a definite safety

hazard.

Do Not Operate In Wet Or Damp Areas

Do not operate this printer in wet or damp areas. Operation of the printer in

such an environment constitutes a definite safety hazard.

Do Not Substitute Parts Or Modify Equipment

Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install

substitute parts or perform an unauthorized modification to the printer or its

accessories. The proper components for service and repair may be obtained

from Panduit Corp.

INTRODUCTION & SAFE OPERATION

5

WARNING:

When the printer has been in use for an extended period of time, the

printer motor may become hot. DO NOT touch the printer motor with

bare hands.

Information to USA Users

NOTE: This printer has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a

Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. These limits are

designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when

the printer is operated in a commercial environment. This printer generates,

uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not used in accordance

with this instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. Operation of this printer in a residential area is likely to

cause interference in which case the user will be required to correct the

interference at his own expense.

Information to Canadian Users

This digital apparatus does not exceed Class A limits for radio noise

emissions for digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations

of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques

depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class A

prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le

ministere des Communications du Canada.

It is possible that infrequent electrical phenomena (static discharge, power

line fluctuations) may cause printer function to be temporarily interrupted. In

this case, the printer will usually reset itself. In extreme cases, the user should

remove then re-apply power (battery pack and/or AC Adapter).

Printer Power Supply

The VIPER LS6 is supplied with a NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery. This

battery is re-chargeable. The life expectancy of the NiMH battery is

approximately 500 charge/discharge cycles. After the NiMH has surpassed its

useful life, it must be disposed of properly. DO NOT PLACE THE SPENT

NiMH BATTERY IN AN UNAPPROVED TRASH RECEPTACLE. All NiMH

batteries should be disposed of according to local rules and regulations. It is

strongly recommended that the NiMH battery be recycled.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

6

RS232 Serial

Port

Cutter Knob

LCD Display

AC Adapter Plug

Ribbon

Door

Label Door

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

7

The VIPER LS6 printer kit contains each of the following items:

1. VIPER LS6 thermal transfer portable printer

2. TPDEMO direct thermal labeling tape sample

3. LS6-RWBLK, black wax ribbon cartridge

4. LS6-ACS, 120 VAC adapter and battery charger

5. LS6-BP, NiMH rechargeable battery pack

6. LS6-CLN, package of 5 cleaning cards

7. LS6-MAN-A, operator’s manual in English*

8. Hardside carrying case

9. Product registration and warranty card

*Operator’s manuals are also available in other languages.

Optional accessories and replacement parts are listed on page 62 of this

operator’s manual.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

8

Print Technology

The VIPER LS6 prints labels using thermal transfer printing technology. The

print head melts ink contained on a thin web of ribbon material allowing the

ink to transfer to the label material. The print head operates at a resolution of

203 dots per inch (dpi).

Smart Label Roll – See page 15

The VIPER LS6 label supplies are wound on a label cartridge that is plugged

into a socket in the printer. The label cartridge is read by the printer operating

system. The operating system AUTOMATICALLY selects the appropriate

printer settings. Also, the operating system will keep track of the number of

labels used from each roll and report the remaining labels to the user unless

labels are manually removed.

Ribbon Cartridge – See page 13

The ribbon material, which contains the thermal transfer ink, is housed in a

plastic housing to keep it clean, and to allow for easy installation and

replacement. Ribbons are available in wax, hybrid, and resin materials.

Battery Pack – See page 9

A 12 volt battery powers the VIPER LS6. The battery is a rechargeable NiMH

(Nickel-Metal Hydride) type which offers longer life than an equivalently sized

Ni-Cad (Nickel-Cadmium) battery. Also, NiMH batteries are more

environmentally friendly than Ni-Cad batteries, resulting in less stringent

recycling requirements.

AC Adapter / Battery Charger – See page 9

An AC Adapter is included for powering the VIPER LS6. The AC adapter is

compatible with international power systems (100 – 240 VAC). The VIPER

LS6 includes an internal overnight battery charging circuit. The AC Adapter is

used to power the charging circuit. This circuit is intended to charge a

completely discharged battery pack in less than 15 hours.

Label Cutter

A manually operated label cutter is included. The VIPER LS6 will

automatically place the printed label in the proper position for cutting.

Carrying Case

A custom carrying case to protect and transport the printer and accessories is

included.

PC-KIT – See page 47

An upgrade kit consisting of a serial cable for connection to a personal

computer (PC) and a CD of ViperLink software. The PC-KIT is used to

communicate between a PC and the VIPER LS6 printer.

BATTERY INFORMATION

9

A 12 volt NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery comes with the VIPER LS6

printer. The battery is PARTIALLY CHARGED. Panduit recommends

charging the battery for 15 HOURS PRIOR TO USE. Charging of the

VIPER LS6 battery should be accomplished ONLY with Panduit Model LS6

AC Adapter/Battery Chargers (Part No. LS6-ACS, which is supplied with the

printer). The user MUST manually activate the battery charger with the LS6

powered on to start the charging process (see Charging the Battery below).

NOTE: The Battery (LS6-BP) should only be removed during its own

replacement or during the replacement of the Lithium Battery. Charging

of the NiMH battery pack will only occur while the battery (LS6-BP) is

installed INSIDE of the VIPER LS6 printer.

NOTE: The battery may lose capacity after extended periods of non-use,

and may require several charge/use cycles to recover to its full capacity.

Charging the Battery

1. Connect the AC Adapter to the printer at the AC Adapter Plug.

2. Plug the AC Adapter into an ordinary wall outlet.

3. Turn the Printer On.

4. Wait for the printer to cycle through its start up screens.

5. From the Home Screen press the key to enter the setup menu.

6. Next, use the arrow keys to scroll down to Utilities. Select Battery next

to Utilities and press the key.

7. The current charge level of the battery will appear on the screen briefly.

8. The printer will then prompt to Start charger now? 1-Yes 2-No

9. Press 1 first and then press any other key to begin charging or Press 2 to

exit the battery charging prompt screen and return to the setup menu.

10. Press to end charging. A fully charged battery will completely darken

the status bar vertically.

BATTERY INFORMATION

10

NOTE:

• Completely charge the battery pack before use. The operating system

reports the battery charge status.

• Completely drain the battery pack before charging. The operating system

will warn the user on power up and power down of low battery conditions.

• Consult your local guidelines for instructions on proper disposal of spent

battery packs.

Battery Removal

1. Remove battery door by using a coin to depress the tab.

2. Remove battery by unplugging and lifting it out of the battery

compartment.

3. Re-install the battery by reversing steps 1 and 2 ensuring that the battery

is firmly plugged into the plug connection on the printer.

Battery

Door

Battery

Compartment

Adjustable

Strap

BATTERY INFORMATION

11

Lithium Battery

The VIPER

TM

LS6 uses a Lithium coin-cell battery to preserve the printer

settings and stored files when the main battery pack is removed and the AC

Adapter is not plugged in.

Do not leave the main battery pack out for extended

periods of time, as this will drain the Lithium cell.

Do not remove the Lithium cell as this may result in

a loss of all stored settings and files.

If the printer does not preserve the printer settings and files when both the

battery pack and the AC Adapter are disconnected, then the Lithium cell

should be replaced using the procedure below.

Replacing the Lithium Battery

1. Plug-in the AC Adapter to preserve the stored settings and files during the

battery replacement.

2. Remove the main battery pack to gain access to the lithium cell.

3. Peel away the lithium cell warning label to expose the lithium cell in a

plastic holder. Save the warning label.

4. With your finger, firmly push on the circular plastic tab holding the cell in

place to slightly eject the lithium cell from the holder.

5. Noting the polarity markings on the cell, remove the cell and replace it

with a Panasonic CR2032 or equivalent. The cell should snap in place

when properly installed. This common cell can be found at most office

and computer supply stores.

6. Replace Warning Label over Lithium Battery.

7. Replace the main battery pack.

QUICK START WITH THE Viper™ LS6

12

1. Plug in the AC adapter.

2. Install a ribbon cartridge. (See section entitled “RIBBON LOADING &

NOTE: A ribbon is not required for TPDEMO, the thermal paper roll

supplied with the printer.

3. Install a label cartridge. (See section entitled “LABEL LOADING” on page

15.)

4. Turn ON the printer by pressing . If the low battery message

appears, select 2 to disregard and continue. (For detailed battery

charging instructions, see page 9.) The home screen will appear:

5. You may immediately begin typing text at the home screen or otherwise

press the key to enter the Tools menu. (See detail instructions for

creating tools beginning on page 23.)

6. From the home screen, press the key to print your label.

RIBBON LOADING & SELECTION

13

The VIPER™ LS6 uses a cartridge based ribbon (wax, resin, or hybrid) to form

legends on labels. The ribbon is loaded into the printer by the following steps:

1. Open the ribbon door on the side of printer.

2. Rotate the ribbon lock knob into the open (unlocked) position

[Counter clockwise].

3. Remove slack from the ribbon by winding the left roller of the ribbon

cartridge.

4. Insert the ribbon cartridge into the printer, the web of the ribbon

should slide freely between the rubber roller and the print head.

5. Rotate the ribbon lock knob into the closed (locked) position –

[Clockwise].

6. Close the ribbon door on the side of printer.

7. Install a label cartridge. (See LABEL LOADING on page 15.)

8. Press the key to advance the ribbon forward.

Ribbon

Lock Knob

Ribbon

Cartridge

Ribbon

Door

RIBBON LOADING & SELECTION

14

Use the chart below to determine the ribbon cartridge part number that is

recommended for your application.

VIPER™ LS6 label media and ribbon compatibility chart

Recommended Ribbon

Label Material

Black Wax

LS6-RWBLK

Black Hybrid

LS6-RHBLK

Black Resin

LS6-RRBLK

White Resin

LS6-RRWHT

Vinyl, Self-Laminating X X

Heat Shrink X X

Vinyl Cloth X X

Vinyl Tape, White X

Vinyl Tape, Colored X X

Polyester, White X

Polyester, Clear X X

Polyolefin X X

Non-Adhesive

Polyester

X X

Thermal Paper No ribbon required

LABEL LOADING

15

Each roll of labels or tape used in the VIPER LS6 is uniquely identified by the

mandrel holding the labels. This allows the operating system to automatically

set the printer for optimum usage of each label. Also, the operating system

keeps track of the remaining labels on each roll. Use steps 1-5 below to load

each label roll.

1. Ensure that the printer is turned OFF. If the printer is on, press the

and keys to turn the printer off. Insert the Label Roll into the socket

as shown above until it is firmly seated.

2. Ensure that the ribbon knob is in the locked position.

3. Insert the end of the label roll into the label guide path (see yellow

arrows). This requires positioning the label width guide to the proper

width. IF THE WIDTH GUIDE IS NOT LOCKED INTO A WIDTH

NOTCH, LABEL RECOGNITION FAILURE MAY OCCUR.

4. Labels should be inserted into the label path until resistance is met –

approximately ½”.

5. Turn the printer ON. Press the key to position the label for printing.

6. You are now ready to begin printing!

Label Roll

Socket

Label Roll

Width Guide

(Push Down to

Adjust)

Cutter Knob

(Pull Forward for

Cutting)

Label Door

Label Feed

Path

Mandrel

KEYBOARD

16

Print Key

Enter Key

Shift

Key

Power

On /

Off

Directional

Arrows

Space

Key

Label

or

Ribbon

Feed

Key

Tools

Key

Delete

Key

More Function Keys

Caps lock

Text size

Change page

Rotate label

Read label mandrel

Print multiple copies

Print selection of pages

Setup /

Escape Key

KEYBOARD

17

Basic Keyboard Functions

KEY / SYMBOL COMMON FUNCTIONS

POWER

Turn the printer ON, then turns

the printer OFF.

SETUP/

ESCAPE

Activate the Setup Menu from the home

screen or back out of internal menus.

DELETE

Delete characters or tools.

TOOLS

Used for creating serializations, symbols,

data lists, boxes, lines, bar codes, and

date/time stamps.

FEED

Advance labels and ribbon.

Pressing then reverse feeds

labels and ribbon.

UP

ARROW

Move cursor up one line.

DOWN

ARROW

Move cursor down one line.

RIGHT

ARROW

Move cursor one space to the right.

LEFT

ARROW

Move cursor one space to the left.

PRINTING

Print label.

Print multiple copies of the entire label.

Print a selection of pages from the label.

A print job can be terminated by pressing

any key.

SPACE

Insert a blank character.

ENTER

Complete a selection or move the cursor to

the next line.

SHIFT

Access alternate functions or characters.

KEYBOARD

18

Using the Shift Key

Press the shift key once to access the functions listed in the table below.

PRESS

SHIFT FIRST

THEN

PRESS

RESULT

Turn the printer OFF.

Delete all items on a label and return

formats to default values.

Delete all items on the current page only.

Does not delete current formats.

Left, center, or right justify the label items.

Reverse feed the label media.

Any

Alphabetic

or Numeric

Key

Enter secondary function from keypad

overlay onto text screen.

Enter the = symbol onto text screen

Increase the text size.

Decrease the text size.

Move forward one page in the current label.

Move backward one page in the current

label.

Rotate the label 90 degrees in the clockwise

or counterclockwise directions.

Print multiple copies of the entire label(s).

KEYBOARD

19

Press the shift key twice to access the functions listed in the table

below.

PRESS

SHIFT FIRST

THEN

PRESS

RESULT

Display the version of firmware currently

installed on the printer.

Delete all items on the entire label. Does

not delete current formats.

Activate or deactivate fit checking. Fit

checking automatically checks the size of

the label items to determine if they will fit on

the label. Fit checking occurs after each

new item is entered onto the home screen.

If fit checking if deactivated, the printer will

only perform fit checking before printing.

Reverse feeds the label media.

Any

Alphabetic

Key

Enter lower case character if caps lock is

on. Enter upper case character if caps lock

is off.

Activate or deactivate caps lock.

Move cursor to home position on the home

screen.

Move cursor to end position on the home

screen.

Move cursor to far right position of current

line on the home screen.

Move cursor to far left position of current

line on the home screen.

Automatically read the label mandrel in

order to restore default formats for a new

label roll or to enter an exact label length for

continuous tape.

Print a selection of pages from the label.

Press the shift key three times in a row to exit the shift mode.

KEYBOARD

20

Using the Delete Function

The four methods available for deleting labels are listed in the table below.

PRESS

FIRST

THEN

PRESS

RESULT

Delete individual characters or items on a

label.

Delete all items on the current page only.

Does not delete current formats.

Delete all items on the entire label. Does

not delete current formats.

Delete all items on the entire label and

return formats to default values.

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Tamron LS6 User manual

Tamron LS6 User manual

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