ViewPlus
Emprint
Tactile
Graphics and Braille Embossing Printer, powered by Tiger
Owner's
Manual
Congratulations
on purchasing a ViewPlus Emprint™ haptic color printer Powered by
Tiger! Share documents with virtually anyone using color and tactile
printouts. The ViewPlus Emprint™ combines reliable Tiger Technology with HP
quality color ink resolution. The ViewPlus Emprint™ Powered by Tiger is the
first full-color ink Braille and tactile graphics printer.
The
ViewPlus Emprint™ Powered by Tiger adds color ink print to a tactile output
using a user-friendly USB interface. Print on many different types of
media, from lightweight copy paper to heavy cardstock, up to 9 inches wide.
Patented
roller-die technology means ViewPlus embossers print at a 20 dots-per-inch
graphic resolution and automatically convert colors and gray scale into
variable dot heights. The sound-absorbing roller die makes Powered by Tiger
embossers much quieter than other Braille printers.
ViewPlus
embossers use the standard Windows printer driver to mix text and graphics in
mainstream Windows software like Word and Excel. Use the computer to
adjust settings and preferences. Print documents exactly how they appear
on the screen.
Use the
Tiger Software Suite to take braille translation and tactile graphics to a new
level. The Tiger Formatter is a Microsoft add-in that gives you advanced
tools for translation and embossing. Tiger Designer enables basic editing of
documents for quick drawing and braille needs. Translator serves as a basic
translation tool for almost any Windows software- including PowerPoint and
Corel Draw.
Keep up to
date by checking the ViewPlus Technologies, Inc. Internet site
at:
ViewPlus Emprint Model Number:
VPT1300-00
USER'S Manual
FCC
Compliance Statement (USA)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
FCC Warning: Changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Note the following:
- The use of a non-shielded interface cable with
the referenced device is prohibited.
- The length of the power cord must be 3 meters
(10 feet) or less.
Compliance Statement (Canada)
This
digital apparatus is in conformity with standard NMB-003 of Canada.
Cet appareil num?rique est conforme à la
norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Compliance Statement (Germany)
Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs:
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass der Drucker der
Maschinenlärminformationsverordnung 3. GSGV, 18.01.1991 entspricht: Der höchste
Schalldruckpegel beträgt 70 dB(A) oder weniger gemäß EN27779-1991.
Compliance Statement (Europe)
Warning: This
product meets the interference requirements of EN55022. In a domestic
environment, this product may cause radio interference in which case, the user
may be required to take adequate measures.
Compliance Statement (Korea)
This apparatus complies with
CISPR22 requirements.
International Compliance
|
EN55022 ClassB:1998 |
Emissions series |
|
EN55024:1998 |
Immunity characteristics |
|
EN61000-3-2:2000 |
Power line harmonics |
|
EN61000-3-3:2001 |
Power line flicker |
|
EN61000-4-2:2001-04 |
Electrostatic discharge |
|
EN61000-4-3:2002-09 |
Radiated susceptibility |
|
EN61000-4-4:2004 |
Electrical fast transient/burst |
|
EN61000-4-5:2005-11 |
Surge |
|
EN61000-4-6:2004-11 |
Conducted immunity |
|
EN61000-4-8:2001-03 |
Magnetic Field Immunity |
|
EN61000-4-11:2004 |
Input voltage interruptions/DIPS |
Read all of
these safety instructions before using the embossing printer. In addition, follow
all warnings and instructions marked on the embossing printer itself.
- Do not place embossing printer on an unstable surface.
- Do not place embossing printer near a radiator or heat source.
- Do not block or cover slots and openings in the
embossing printer's cabinet; do not insert objects through slots.
- Use only the type of power source indicated on
embossing printer's label.
- Connect all equipment to properly grounded electrical
outlets.
- Do not use frayed or damaged power cord.
- The use of an extension cord with the embossing printer is not
recommended.
- Unplug embossing printer before cleaning it; always clean it with
a piece of damp cloth only.
- Do not spill liquid into embossing printer.
- Except as specifically explained in the user's manual,
do not attempt to service the embossing printer by yourself.
- Detach the embossing printer from power source and refer to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
- If the power cord or plug is
damaged.
- If liquid has entered the
embossing printer.
- If the embossing printer has been dropped or
the cabinet is damaged.
- If the embossing printer does not
operate properly or exhibits a distinct change in performance.
- Only adjust those controls that are covered by
the operating instructions.
Tiger
drivers for Windows 2000/XP (Home, Professionsl, Tablet) and Windows 2003 Server are included with your printer. Follow
the instructions from the installation program.
The paper output tray has been removed prior to
shipment in order to prevent damage. The tray has a pull out
extension
which is lighter grey colored. The extension slides out and then the
upper
portion folds out to extend the tray to its full length. There
are metal
brackets with pins on either side of the front opening of the case
above the paper input
tray. Line up the slots on the side of the tray over the pins and
slide the tray in until it drops into place. For convenience the
output tray
can be removed to load new media on the input tray. An optional
stack paper tray is available for larger stacks of paper.
This can be purchased separately.
- The ViewPlus Emprint™ has a power module with a power
socket, on/off switch, and a compartment holding two fuses on the back
side. A sticker next to the power module
indicates what specific fuses are required for the embossing printer. If the embossing printer
will not power on, it might be necessary to replace the fuses.
Shows the power module in the back
of the embossing printer
- Insert the power cable plug into the Emprint™ power
connector and the other end of the power cable into a grounded outlet or
ViewPlus recommends connecting to a surge protector.
- Turn the embosser on by pressing the power switch to
the On or "I" position. The part of the switch towards the
center of the embossing printer should be pressed down.
Shows the power switch in the back
of the embossing printer
- Attach data cable.
- A USB printer cable was
included in your box.
- Attach the flat end of the USB data
cable to the USB port of the host computer, and then attach the other end
to the embossing printer. The USB connection is located on the back side
of the embossing printer.
Shows the USB connector in the back of the embossing printer
Please follow the easy steps to install your
Tiger driver. They can also be found on your installation CD
(:DocsSetup(language code)index.html)
Included with your Emprint™ are starter
cartridges. HP27 - black and HP28-tri color. Your embossing
printer should be turned on so that the cartridge holder will move to the
correct position for the installation of the cartridges. The
standard replacement cartridges are VPT9014 (or HP56) for black and VPT9015 (or HP57) for Tri Color.
The
ViewPlus Emprint automatically checks alignment for the tactile dots at the
beginning of each print job. If the embossed output of your Emprint seems
to be incorrectly aligned, please ensure that the embossing printer is on a flat, even
surface. It is possible to bend the body of the embossing printer and cause the
ViewPlus embosser to be out of alignment. After a paper jam, it is also possible for the embosser to be incorrectly
aligned if you simply continue to
print. Start a new print job, allow the ViewPlus Emprint to automatically
align, and check the new document to see if the alignment is good.
If
the embossed dots do not seem to be aligned, or there is a problem with the
alignment of the embossed image with respect to the printed image refer to service
section of the manual.
(The
buttons are described from left to right order.)
- Cancel ??" Pressing this button during
printing will stop the print job or clear error status.
- Resume ??" Use this button to eject paper. Pressing this button during the
embossing phase of a print job will interrupt the embossing.
Press resume again to continue the
print job, or cancel to abort the print job.
- Option - The button within
the big dark area of the panel (indentation at lower left) is the optional
resume button. It has the same function as the other resume button. Holding
down this button on power up will initiate the printing and embossing of a
system information page. It will load paper, print and emboss information
such as the serial number, the firmware version plus some adjustment values for
the embossing and ink modes. If this function completes without error, the
embossing printer is functioning properly.
Error
Alerts
During printing the printer driver is
monitoring the status of the print job .If problems occur during printing
the embossing printer will inform the user of the error by showing a dialog box
on the screen. This will only
happen if the embossing printer is connected locally
to the computer via the USB interface. This will not happen with network
or BlueTooth connections.
- Paper Out ??" (High-Low) Load
new print media to the input tray and press the cancel button to clear the
error status warning. Now any print
job which was sent but not printed before the error occurred should be resent.
- Paper Jam ??" (High-Low-High) Remove the jammed paper and press cancel
to clear the error status warning. Now
any print job which was not printed before the error occurred should
be resent.
- Alignment error / Emboss head
stalled ??" (High-High_Low) Press cancel to
clear the error status warning. Try
printing again. If the problem
persists contact ViewPlus support.
- Print data error ??" (Low-High) Press
cancel to clear the error status warning.
- Ink Carriage stalled ??" (High-Low-Very Low) A paper jam might cause the ink carriage to stall.
Please clear the paper from the paper path and free up the ink carriage
inside of the embossing printer. See B in the Paper Handling section also.
- Rear Paper Path Extension - The rear paper path extension
of the embossing printer is not properly installed. Please firmly attach the rear paper
path extension to fix the problem.
- No ink cartridges ??" (High-High-High)
Open the lid of the embossing printer and insert
at least one ink cartridge (see the installation instructions supplied
with your ink cartridges). Your
Emprint uses HP 56 ??" Black and HP 57 ??" Tri-color ink cartridges. The
embossing printer will not emboss if there are no ink cartridges installed
because the HP system
will not load paper. Close lid and
continue operation.
- Housing open ??" (Low) Close the lid of the embossing printer and continue
operation. If error status warning does not clear that make sure the lid is not
crooked and verify that the black plastic lever to the right of the ink cartridges
is being hit by the pin protruding from the inside of the lid. An error message will be displayed if
you try to print with the lid open.
The
ViewPlus Emprint™ takes stacks of single sheet print media. Insert the paper
from the front into the input tray.
Shows the input tray in the front of
the embossing printer
Paper jams
can occur in the main body of the embossing printer or in the rear paper path extender.
To check and clear paper jams please follow the steps below.
Note: Always pull the paper from the center
of the visible side or with one hand on each edge of the paper so the
pulling force is distributed. This way it is less likely that the
sheet
will be torn into pieces which might be harder to remove.
- If the embossing printer is indicating a paper jam, turn the
embossing printer off.
- Open the housing lid and check for paper inside. If there is paper present, in most cases
it can be removed from the area where the ink cartridges would move over the
paper. (If the ink cartridges are
stuck on jammed paper, move them manually over to the right side).
- First try to free the paper
from underneath the flat metal part towards the front of the embossing printer by
pulling the paper towards the back of the embossing printer.
- Then try to free the paper
from underneath the small metal rollers towards the back of the embossing printer
by pulling the paper towards the front of the embossing printer.
- If you cannot remove the paper using the methods
described in the previous steps or if the area underneath the lid is free of
paper, check for paper within the rear paper path extender.
- To remove the rear paper path extender press the
buttons on the left and right sides of the accessory and pull it away from
the embossing printer. Remove any paper jam inside the embossing printer.
- To check the inside of the rear paper path extender,
press the button on top of the accessory and lower the access door. Remove
any paper jam from inside the rear paper path extender and close the door
again.
- Reinsert the rear paper path extender into the embossing printer
until both sides snap into place.
- Turn on the embossing printer, then reprint the document.
During
installation of the Tiger printer driver, a number of Tiger screen fonts are
installed into the Windows font folder. These are standard true-type
(.ttf) Windows fonts. It is very important for users to choose the screen
font and point size that is converted properly to the desired braille or other
tactile representation.
Each Tiger
screen font appears as standard Roman characters on the screen and prints with
the ViewPlus embosser as braille dot patterns (DotsPlus™). More will be
described below.
If the
point size is not set correctly, text may be incorrectly positioned or overlap
other text or graphics. Most Tiger fonts should be used at a point size
of 36. This gives a vertical spacing on one-half inch. Any fonts
intended for use with other spacing have the point size given explicitly in its
name. For example, the ViewPlus Translator uses Braille29Tgr font and
sets the point size at 29 to ensure the correct vertical spacing.
Characters
in fonts that are not recognized by the Tiger printer driver will be printed
as graphic images of the visual character. In this way, tactile
images of Roman characters and symbols can be produced. The point size of
the font may have to be increased. If you wish to emboss
DotsPlus™ Braille, you must simply change the font to one of the ViewPlus
Tiger fonts, and it is not necessary to use the ViewPlus Translator.
More
information about the fonts included can be found on your installation CD in
the Tiger/Docs folder.
The Tiger Software Suite is part of your embossing printer package. Instructions for installation and use come with the
software package.
The Tiger printer driver provides user access
to setting options on the ViewPlus embosser from a local or networked
computer. Open the Tiger printer driver properties by going to
Start/Settings/Printer and Faxes. The Legacy mode property tab is only
accessible if the embossing printer is connected locally via the USB port.
Illustration of Tiger tab
- How
To Print
- By checking Emboss, the Viewplus
Emprint™ will create embossed output.
- By checking Ink, the Viewplus
Emprint™ will create inked output.
Note: By checking both Emboss and Ink (default), the embossing printer will create both embossed and inked output.
- In 2 in 1mode, the embossing printer will generate
embossed output from every odd page and inked
output from every even page of the document. This is useful if
editing is done on either the embossed page or the printed page.
There would be two pages in the document.
- Emboss Standard Texts if checked standard text fonts
will be printed in ink and embossed as text. The default is for
this to be unchecked. The standard text fonts will be printed in
ink only.
- Printer Preview This checkbox (default is unchecked) toggles the embossing printer
preview option. If printer preview is selected the printer driver will
provide
the user with a previewing dialog prior to the execution of the print
job.
- Image - Contrast and brightness settings
for embossed output.
- Contrast: The default setting is 0.
The range is from -100 to 100. Increasing the contrast increases the
dot height difference of two colors that have intensities that are nearly the
same. Increasing the contrast makes the light colors lighter and makes the
dark colors darker.
- Brightness: The default setting is 0.
The range is from -100 to 100. Increasing the brightness is useful
if you want to increase the intensity of all the colors. This is
useful if the lines in the drawing are thin and light.
- Media
thickness -
Select the type of paper you want to use. The choices are:
- Braille paper (Default 1) - This is the default
setting.
- Light Braille Paper (Default
2)
- Copy Paper (Default 3)
- Card Stock (Default 4)
- Plastic Sheet (Default 5)
- Premium Copy (Default 6)
- Transparency (Default 7)
- Custom - Custom types may be added
(use the Add button). Assign a name and set the low punch force
(1-20); default is 11, and the high punch force (7-30); default is
25. Custom pages may be removed. Or you can “View” the punch
forces for the selected media. You
can view a default media, but you cannot change the name, the high dot
value or low dot value.
Illustration of Media Type Punch Forces
-
Media Surface
- Plain paper
- Photo paper, glossy
- Other Photo paper
- Premium plus Inkjet transparancy film
- Other transparency film
- Brochure & flyer, glossy
- Brochure & flyer, matte finish
If any
changes are made in the Tiger printer driver settings, you must click on the apply
button. If the embossing printer acknowledges the changes, it will beep once.
Illustration of Legacy Setting Tab
This mode
allows access to the legacy braille embosser emulator settings.
- Paper size - Standard pages sizes or custom
page sizes may be selected.
- Margins - Set the margins to 0 if you are
using a program which sets its own margins.
- Extra space between lines - The default spacing is .05
inches. It increases in .05 increments up to .25 inches.
- Characters per line - When margins or page size is
changed, this number also changes.
- Lines per page - When margins or page size is
changed, this number also changes.
- Text/graphics mode - You can choose either text or
graphics.
- Dots per character - Choose between 6 or 8.
- Automatic text wrapping - When checked the text is
wrapped to the next line. If it is not checked, it is possible to lose characters from long lines.
- Download custom braille table - The ViewPlus Emprint™ can
hold up to 8 custom defined braille tables. Clicking on this button
opens a Load Table window and a user-defined braille character set from
ASCII value 0 to 255 can be downloaded to the ViewPlus Emprint™. The
braille character sets are typically stored in braille conversion table
files (*.BCT). This file format is editable in Notepad and allows the
user to create user definable conversion tables. Go to the www.viewplus.com/support for additional
information about this mode.
Illustration of Load Braille Table Tab
The service tab provides several servicing
functions for your Emprint™.
- Pen Calibration - Performs a calibration of
the black and color ink cartridge. This procedure needs
at least two sheets of plain paper in the input tray.
- Print Test Page - Prints a test page to
exercise the embossing printers ink and embossing mechanism. This procedure needs at
least one sheet of plain paper in the input tray.
- Ink/Emboss Alignment Calibration - The function should be
used if the ink image does not line up with the emboss output. After the
test page has been printed, an input dialog box opens.
The print out shows an array of
boxes marked with numbers. Please enter the number of the
box that best matches the ink and emboss output.
- Emboss Head Calibration - This prints the alignment
page for the embossing head. In order to produce perfect dots on the
special Tiger platen, the embossing head needs to be aligned with the
grooves. This procedure prints out a 10 by 10 pattern of dots of which one dot
looks perfectly aligned. After the test page has been printed, an input
dialog box opens. The user is
prompted to enter the number of the best vertical line and horizontal line
of the dot. The rows and columns are numbered from the left to right and
top to bottom, respectively, starting with 1.
- Emboss Skew
Calibration -
This prints the skew calibration pattern. The pattern is 10 vertical lines
of which one is a perfect aligned line. Please count the number of lines
from left to right starting with 1. The user is prompted to enter the best
line number.
- Ink Cartridge Levels - This dialog box shows the status
of the ink cartridges. It shows how much of ink is left in the cartridges
(in percent).
Now that the
installation is complete, you should be set to print a document. These
are the steps that you should follow to print:
- Open Microsoft Word, or other Windows word processing
programs.
- There are tips for using various Windows applications
at: http://www.viewplus.com
- If you are printing math equations, look at the
directions for using MathType. MathType is an add-on application
for word processors. It greatly simplifies the writing of
equations. For more information about MathType and ordering, please
refer to our web site.
- Make sure a ViewPlus embosser printer and the correct
paper size are selected. The paper size depends on the paper that is
loaded in the ViewPlus embosser. You can either open an existing
document that you want to print, or start with a new one. Example
documents can be found at on the ViewPlus web site.
- You should select the appropriate Tiger screen font
and draw or import any kind of images - the driver will automatically
translate the graphics and English text to tactile images and braille or
DotsPlus .
- If you wish to translate to uncontracted (grade 1) or
contracted (grade 2) braille, use the ViewPlus Formatter a program
in your Tiger Software Suite.
Then
print the file just as you would print to any other printer.
For
pricing, ordering, and additional information on any of the following products,
consult the
ViewPlus web site.
- Audio Graphing Calculator
VSW9004-00
The
ViewPlus AudioGraphing Calculator (AGC) is a self-voicing Windows
application that equalizes access to scientific calculation and graphing for
people who are blind or dyslexic. It includes a standard on-screen calculator
and a powerful function evaluator as well as the capability of computing and
viewing functions visually and as an audio plot. The audio tone plot gives AGC
users access on a time scale comparable to access by people without print
disabilities to visual plots on standard graphing calculators.
VSW0100-00
The Tiger
Software Suite is the complete solution for producing braille and graphics by
harnessing the full power of MS Word and Excel. The press of a button
automatically formats documents created for an ink printer.
- Emprint Ink Cartridges
- VPT9014 - Black
- VPT9015 - Tri-color
- Expanded Output Paper Tray
VPT9026-00
This replacement tray is designed for larger print jobs.
VPT9108-00
The printer
stand is a floor stand with baskets and wheels designed to hold the ViewPlus
embossers.
- Level 1 Support - 2 hours
- Level II Support - 10 hours (complimentary w/
Pro)
- Level III Support - unlimited (one year)
With
ViewPlus' options for software training and support, you can tailor a package
that best fits your needs. All software inquiries will be answered by
trained representatives via email or fax. Annual software support
packages include the use of the AGC and MS Office software compatible with
ViewPlus embossers. Packages include matters related directly to use of
ViewPlus products. We do not provide network support.
Each
software inquiry counts toward allotted time for support as follows: each question
by email will be billed at 10 minutes, phoned in questions at 15 minutes.
ViewPlus reserves the right to limit each call to one question or a maximum of
15 minutes per call.
It is
important to choose a suitable location for the ViewPlus embossing printer. The
cable length between the embossing printer and the host computer should not exceed ten
feet (three meters). The location should be sturdy and flat. The
embossing printer should not be exposed to direct sunlight, extreme heat, cold, dust or
humidity. The AC power outlet must be compatible with the plug of
the embossing printer's power cord. Dot quality should be monitored; poor alignment
can cause permanent damage to the platen of the ViewPlus embosser.
Software
updates can be downloaded from the ViewPlus Technologies web site. You should
occasionally check the web site for the latest developments. There is
also a support page with helpful hints on the web page. Additional
support packages can be purchased from ViewPlus Technologies.
http://www.ViewPlus.com
Technical
support questions asked:
- Contact your ViewPlus embosser sales representative if
you did not purchase directly from ViewPlus Technologies
- Via e-mail to support@viewplus.com, or
- By a telephone call to the ViewPlus Technologies
office at 541-754-4002 (M-F from 9-5 Pacific Standard Time
ViewPlus
Technologies has a 1 year full parts and service warranty for the
ViewPlus Emprint. There is a 30 day unconditional return policy
in US.
The full
warranty information was shipped with your ViewPlus embossing printer. In order
to get service and technical support, it is necessary to completely fill out
and return the warranty form. You will be asked for the serial number of
your ViewPlus embossing printer when you call for support or request online
support. There are several ways to register the warranty
- To register by mail, complete the warranty form, cut it
out, and mail it to ViewPlus Technologies.
- To register by fax, complete the form and fax it to
ViewPlus Technologies at (541) 738-6505.
An extended
warranty and maintenance plan is available through ViewPlus Technologies or
your ViewPlus representative. A copy of this plan was shipped with your
ViewPlus embossing printer. View
Extended Warranty on the ViewPlus web site.
Availability
is limited to customers with valid existing warranty.