Eclipse LP2344 & TLP2344 User’s Manual User’s Manual No. 980158-001 ©1997 Eltron International Inc. Rev.
FOREWORD This manual provides installation and operation information for the Eclipse LP2344 and TLP2344 printers, manufactured by Eltron International Incorporated, Simi Valley, California. TECHNICAL SUPPORT If for any reason you require product technical support, please contact the Distributor where you purchased your equipment. If they cannot help you, or at their direction, Eltron Technical Support can be reached at: Eltron International Incorporated 41 Moreland Road Simi Valley, CA.
WARRANTY INFORMATION We Need To Hear From You! To Establish Your Warranty Period And Provide Access To Technical Support, Send Us Your Product Registration Card Today! Eltron warrants the mechanism, control electronics and power supply, under normal use and service, to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of purchase by the end user.
Table Of Contents Getting Started Introduction . . . . . . Unpacking Your Printer Check List . . . . . . . Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 # 5 7 Operation Controls & Indicators . . . . . . . . . Loading Labels or Tags . . . . . . . . Transfer Ribbon Loading . . . . . . . Label Variations and the Label Sensor .
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Getting Started 1 Getting Started This section provides information on the installation of the printer and software. Introduction The Eltron Eclipse LP2344 (direct thermal) and Eclipse TLP2344 (thermal transfer) printers are rugged 4" wide low priced industrial printers. The Eclipse printers designed for industrial environments, such as, receiving docks, assembly lines, production inspection points.
Getting Started Features • 4 inches per second (ips) print speed helps increase productivity & efficiency • Large 8 inch media roll capacity for production printing reduces the need for frequent label loading. • Flash Memory makes firmware updates seamless. • Supports over 20 types of bar code symbologies. • High resolution print head for sharp graphics and text. 2 980158-001 Rev.
Getting Started Unpacking Your The printer is shipped in a carton and protecEclipse Printer tive bag. Keep all packing material in case you need to move or re-ship the printer. Avoid touching the electrical connectors to prevent electrostatic discharge damage while setting up the printer. CAUTION CAUTION 980158-001 Rev.
Getting Started Swing open the printer’s front door. The door has a magnetic latch for easy access. Remove the tape retaining the Front Door Insert Cover while holding the Front Door. Remove Tape 4 980158-001 Rev.
Getting Started Check List Your Eclipse printer kit contains the items listed below. • An Eclipse LP2344 or TLP2344 printer. • Create-A-Label Tools software disk with online documentation. CRE ATE -A Tool -LABE s L • Printer User’s Guide & EPL2 Programming Manual. pse Ecli anual r' M Use r's L2 e EP mm al ra u og an M Pr 980158-001 Rev.
Getting Started • Ribbon Rewind Core (TLP2344 only). Rewind Core (50 2" mm ) (10 4" 0m m) P EP ER MO TOR ST • AC Power Cord If any items are missing, contact your dealer for replacement parts. Label and tag supplies can be purchased directly from ELTRON. Refer to Appendix B for complete supplies ordering information. 6 980158-001 Rev.
Getting Started Installation The following sections will guide you through the installation of the printer and Create-ALabel Tools software. Step ➊ Place the printer in a suitable location that alAttach Power lows easy access to all sides of the printer. The printer should never be operated while resting on it’s side or upside down.
Getting Started Attach the AC power cord to the AC power receptacle in the rear of the printer. Figure 1-3 Printer: Insert AC Power Cord Attach the AC power cord to a grounded (three prong) electrical outlet of the proper voltage. Figure 1-4 Electrical Outlet Insert AC Power Cord Verify the required voltage on the printer’s model number label on the backside. 8 980158-001 Rev.
Getting Started Step ➋ Parallel Interface Attach Interface Attach a suitable parallel printer cable from the Cable computer to the Centronics interface connec- tor at the back of the printer. Snap the bale lock to the Centronic’s connector to secure the interface cable to the printer. Figure 1-5 Parallel Connector Serial Interface Attach a suitable serial printer cable from the computer to the DB-9 RS-232 Serial interface connector at the back of the printer.
Getting Started Step 3 When the power switch is moved to the ON (1) Applying Power position, the POWER and ERROR Indicators should alternately flash indicating that the printer is out of paper. If the indicators fail to flash and label stock is not loaded, then refer to Appendix A - Trouble Shooting. Step 4 Start your computer. After DOS has loaded, insert the Create-A-Label Tools diskette into I n s t a l l your floppy disk drive.
Operation 2 Operation This section provides information on the operation of the printer. Controls & All the printer controls and indicators, except Indicators for the power switch are on the front panel. There are two (2) indicator lights and three (3) control buttons on the front panel. Indicator Lights 980158-001 Rev.
Operation The POWER The printer’s POWER SWITCH is located on SWITCH back panel of the printer. Placing this switch in the ON (1) position will apply power to the printer. Place this switch in the OFF (0) position to remove power when you have finished using your printer. See Figure 1-1 in Section 1. The POWER The POWER indicator light is green when Indicator power is on. The POWER indicator light will flash on and off when the PAUSE is enabled.
Operation The FEED The printer is equipped with a label FEED butButton ton. The printer will feed a single label each time the FEED button is depressed. This is referred to as a Form Feed. If the FEED button is pressed and held, the printer will feed a single label, stop, feed a single label, stop, and so on until the FEED button is released. The CANCEL The CANCEL button resets and terminates Button any print operation in progress.
Operation Loading Labels Your printer can print on continuous direct or Tags thermal paper, direct thermal adhesive backed labels or non-adhesive tags. Loading either labels or tags are easy, (the feed direction of tags is different). Refer to Appendix B for a list of supplies available from ELTRON. CAUTION DO NOT TOUCH the printhead or the electronic components under the printhead assembly.
Operation Label Loading Open the top (and right side) cover on the Step ❶ printer. Slide the Roll Retainer Guide down to the end of the Label Roll Support. Figure 2-1 Opening the Label Roll Retainer Arm Roll Retainer Guide P EP ER MO TOR ST Label Roll Support 980158-001 Rev.
Operation Label Loading Open the Printhead Assembly by pushing the Step ➋ release lever to the right, towards the back of the printer. The printhead assembly will pop open. Releasing the lever allows it to snap back. Figure 2-2 Opening the Printhead 2" (50mm) 4" (100mm) OR PER MOT EP Push Lever ST (50 2" mm ) Release Lever ) OR PER MOT EP (10 4" 0m m ST 16 980158-001 Rev.
Operation Label Loading Slide the Label Width Adjustment Tab to the Step ➌ outside stop and rotate up. Figure 2-3 Label Width Adjustment Guide (50 2" mm ) Slide (10 4" 0m m) 1 P EP ER MO TOR ST 2 TAB 980158-001 Rev.
Operation Label Loading Slide a roll of labels onto the Label Roll Guide Step ➍ and onto Label Roll Support. Labels feed from the top and towards the front of the printer. Push the roll to the back of the support and slide the Label Roll Guide against the label roll to hold it in place. Figure 2-4 Loading the Label Roll Label Roll Support & Guide (5 0 2 " mm ) Label Stock (1 0 4 " 0m m ) PER MOT EP OR ST Label Roll 18 980158-001 Rev.
Operation Label Loading Thread the label stock through the Label SenStep ➎ sor Assembly and then between the Platen (drive roller) and the Printhead. Figure 2-5 Load The Labels Printhead (50 2" mm ) (10 4" 0m m ) Label Stock Label Sensor Assembly OR PER MOT EP Platen T (50 2" mm ) (1 0 4 " 0m m ) P EP ER MO TOR ST For easy label stock threading, slide half of label into the side of the Label Sensor Assembly and guide it through the label path.
Operation Label Loading Rotate the Label Width Adjustment Tab down Step ❻ and slide it over until it is flush with the label stock. Check the location of the Through Sensor, refer to Appendix A for adjustment information. Figure 2-6 Adjusting the Guide Arm 5 0 m2 " m) m) TOR P EP ER MO 1 20 ST 2 Tab 980158-001 Rev.
Operation Label Loading Close the printhead by pressing down on both Step ❼ sides of the front of the printhead assembly. Press Here Press Here Figure 2-7 Closing the Printhead 980158-001 Rev.
Operation Label Loading Adjust the label pressure control knob to match Step ❽ the label stock in use. Knob Figure 2-8 Pressure Control Knob 2" (50mm) 4" (100mm) RM PPE OT OR Label Width Pressure Control Knob Settings 2" or Less 2" Greater Than 2" 4" Step ❾ Press the Feed button once to verify that the la- bels advance. Close the printer’s front door and top (and side) cover. The printer is configured for direct thermal printing with the “O” command for the TLP2344 printer.
Operation Transfer Ribbon Slide the appropriate thermal transfer ribbon Loading roll onto the Ribbon Supply Tube. Step ❶ Figure 2-9 Installing Transfer Ribbon Ribbon Take-up Tube (50 2" mm ) (10 4" 0m m) Ribbon Supply Tube Ribbon Supply Tube Transfer Ribbon 980158-001 Rev.
Operation Transfer Ribbon Open the printhead assembly. See Figure 2-2. Loading Step ❷ Thread the transfer ribbon between the Label Sensor Assembly and the Printhead Bracket. Continue threading the ribbon between the Platen (above the labels) and the Printhead. Figure 2-10 Ribbon Loading Path (50 2" mm ) Printhead (10 4" 0m m) Transfer Ribbon ER MOT OR Label Sensor Assembly For easy ribbon threading, slide half of ribbon between the side of the Label Sensor Assembly and Printhead Bracket.
Operation Transfer Ribbon Wrap the transfer ribbon from the front of the Loading printhead assembly to the backside of the ribStep ❸ bon take-up tube. Attach the ribbon to the rewind core (fiberboard tube) on the ribbon takeup tube with tape. Figure 2-11 Attaching Ribbon to Rewind Core Tape Rewind Core Close the Printhead Assembly, see Figure 2-7. Close the printer’s front door and top. The printer is configured for thermal transfer printing with the “O” command for the TLP2344 printer.
Operation Label Variations Your printer is equipped with a sensor capable and the of detecting the gap between labels while they Label Sensor are being printed. This feature depends on the ability of the sensor to “see through” the label liner between labels. Due to manufacturing differences in label stock, the sensor may have difficulty distinguishing the difference between the labels and the liner. When this occurs, the printer ERROR Indicator (AMBER/ORANGE) will switch on.
Operation AutoSense Load labels into the printer. Do not use the Gap Sensor auto-dispense/peeler mode for this procedure. Adjustment Press and hold the PAUSE and CANCEL control buttons with the power on. Release the CANCEL button first and then release the PAUSE button. The printer will start feeding labels automatically. The printer will automatically adjust the gap sensor and measure the label length.
Operation Cleaning The As you use your printer, the printhead may bePrint Head come dirty resulting in poor print quality. Whenever new labels are loaded into the printer, the print head should be cleaned with a Cleaning Pen. Cleaning Pens (P/N 800105-001) are available directly from ELTRON. Supplies can be ordered from ELTRON by calling 1(800) 3444003. Step ➊ Open the printhead assembly and remove any labels loaded in the printer, see Figure 2-2. Hand rewind the labels back onto the roll.
Appendix A This section addresses the most common isTrouble Shooting sues user’s may face with operation and configuration of the printer. The first trouble shooting reference source is the Common Problems Trouble Shooting table on the following page. Eltron International also provides a variety of information and user support services: • Internet: Web Address: http://www.eltron.com e-mail: techsup@eltron.com ftp: //ftp.eltron.com • BBS: (805) 579-3445 The BBS supports data rates up to 28.
Common Printing Problems Trouble Shooting Guide Problem Solution or Reason POWER indicator does not light GREEN when power 1. Check power connections from the switch is turned to the ON (1) printer to the outlet. position. 1. Verify that the labels are the correct With the POWER indicator type. light GREEN, the printer ap- 2. Check that the roll is loaded with the dipears to be working, but rect thermal side facing up. nothing is printed. 3.
Problem Solution or Reason Printer cuts (melts) through 1. Verify that the printing heat is set to it’s the transfer ribbon. The ribrecommended level. See Printer Media bon is advancing at the same Temperature Settings, Appendix A. rate as the label stock. GREEN and AMBER are alternately flashing. 980158-001 Rev.A 1. Check for Out-of-Media condition or missing labels in the middle of a roll. 2. Check that the ribbon and label stock are correctly routed. 3.
Serial Interface The printer’s serial port is configured with the Communication “Y” command for the printer. See the EPL2 Configuration programmer's manual for details.
Printer Tag The printer uses a moveable sensor to detect Sense Through index holes/notches in tag stock. The sensor Hole Position position is indicated by the green arrow at the front of the label guide that is visible with the printhead open. The sensor can be moved by squeezing the two locking tabs, located under the label guide, and sliding the sensor in or out. For proper sensing, ensure that the sensor is aligned with the center portion of the index hole/notch.
Printer Media This table describes the recommended ribbon, Temperature media, and heat settings for the printer. Settings Ribbon Part No. Ribbon Type Heat Setting Media Type Media Part No.
Printing: • Direct thermal and thermal transfer printing • Selectable constant print speeds of 2 or 4 inches per second (ips) • 203 dots per inch (8 dots/mm) print resolution • IPHC (Intelligent Print Head Control) for high quality printing in all orientations • Maximum print width: 4.
Bar Codes Two Dimensional Bar Codes (Optional): • PDF417 (TLP \-2046/417 only) • Maxicode • Bar codes can be printed in four directions" 0 , 90, 180, and 270 degrees • Bar code modules (“X” dimension): .005" (.12mm) to .050" (1.27mm) Standard Fonts: • Five alpha-numeric fonts from .049 inches (1.25mm) to .23 inches (6.
• Minimum media width: 1.12" (28.6mm) • Maximum media length: 6.0" (152mm) (with standard memory) • Minimum media length: 0.38" (9.7mm) • Thickness (including liner): 0.003" to 0.010" (.076mm to .250mm) • Supply roll capacity: 8" (203mm) maximum O.D. (outer diameter) and 3" (76.2mm) minimum I.D. (inner diameter) • Fanfold stock can be fed through a slot in the rear panel of printer Ribbons: • Standard widths: 1.3" (33mm), 2.5" (64mm), 3.3" (84mm), 4.
Environmental: • Operating Temperature: 40 degrees F to 105 degrees F (5 degrees C to 40 degrees C) • Storage Temperature: -4 degrees F to 158 degrees F (-40 degrees C to 70 degrees C) • Humidity: 10% to 95% non-condensing • Ventilation: free air Options: • RS-422 Interface • Standard memory expands up to 384K Flash memory expansion up to 8 Mbytes • Media Length up to 18" (560mm) • Create-A-Label III software • Windows Printer Driver • Used with Eltron’s KDU (Keyboard display unit) for a stand alone printin
Appendix B Supplies and Accessories can be ordered from Supplies and your Eltron dealer where you purchased your Accessories printer or by calling ELTRON at: 1(800) 344-4003 Accessories Accessories available for the Eclipse printer are listed below. Always refer to the ELTRON part number when placing an order.
Direct Thermal Thermal Transfer 40 980158-001 Rev.A Typical Applications Shipping Inventory Tracking Shipping Inventory Tracking Product Labeling Compliance Labeling Features Low cost Ease of use Low Environmental Durability Limited Label Life Will fade and/or discolor when exposed to heat, sunlight, and chemicals.
980158-001 Rev.A 41 Thermal Transfer High temperature environments Medical applications Outdoor environments Environments with chemicals Compliance labeling Hard Resin Synthetic Label High environmental durability High physical durability Excellent aesthetic appearance Most expensive label/tag combination Retail applications where labels are handled Excellent for most applications Compliance Labeling Typical Applications General Better environmental durability.
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Appendix C Using The Windows Printer Driver The Windows printer driver provides control of several printer features when printing from Windows software applications. These features are accessed through the “Settings / Printers” control panel on the Windows 95 Start menu. Paper (Label) Size Before creating a label, the paper size for the currently loaded labels must be selected in the control panel.
Print Quality, The print darkness or density can be changed Print Density by using the Print Quality option. If print looks faded when printing at high speed, select a higher darkness number for the Print Quality setting. If horizontal lines seem to run together, select a lower darkness number. To access this menu, select the Device Options tab from the printer setup control panel. HINT 44 Print density is also affected by print speed.
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