CONTENTS

INKS AND FLUIDS INFORMATION .................................4

Storage .........................................................................5
Fire Risk .......................................................................5
Spillages and Disposal .................................................6
GENERAL .........................................................................7
START-UP .........................................................................8
START-UP PROCEDURE A300SE+ ................................9
SHUT DOWN ....................................................................10
Shut Down - Opaque Printers ......................................10
INK RESERVOIR REPLACEMENT ..................................10
INK AND MAKE-UP CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT ........13
MAIN FILTER REPLACEMENT ........................................14
DISPLAY CONTRAST ......................................................15
Interface Types .............................................................15
QVGA screen ..........................................................15
SVGA touchscreen ..................................................15
PRINTER CONTROL ........................................................15
Control Panel ...............................................................15
SVGA (Touchscreen) ..............................................15
QVGA ......................................................................18
Topic Keys ..............................................................22
GENERAL PURPOSE KEYS ............................................23
Help Key .................................................................25
Currency Key .........................................................25
Lockout ..................................................................25
Password System ..................................................26
Navigation and Operation ............................................26
Unicode Character Entry ..............................................27
QVGA ......................................................................27
SVGA ......................................................................27
Importing and Exporting Data ......................................28
USB .........................................................................28
CREATING A MESSAGE ..................................................28
Font Options .................................................................29
Clock Options ...............................................................30
Special Fields ...............................................................33
To Enter a Barcode ......................................................33
Prompted/Text Field/Password ...............................35
Custom Scripts ........................................................35
1

Create/Insert a Serial Number ................................36

Create/Import Logos .....................................................37
To Import a Logo ..........................................................39
To Save the Message ...................................................39
To Print a Message from the Message Store ...............40
To Print the Message ...................................................40
PRINT PARAMETERS ......................................................40
Print Offset ..................................................................40
Print Delay ....................................................................40
Print Width and Height .................................................41
Print Height .............................................................41
Print Width ...............................................................41
Message Orientation ....................................................41
Reverse Printing .....................................................41
Invert Printing ..........................................................42
Inverse Video ..........................................................42
Repeat Printing .......................................................42
To Import/Export a Message(s) ...................................43
BACK-UP PRINTER ..........................................................45
To Create a Back-up ....................................................45
To Restore from the USB Device .................................46
PRINTER STATES ............................................................47
FAULT FINDING ...............................................................48
CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD .........................................50

A-SERIES plus SYMBOLS

The following symbols are used in this manual. Where they appear next
to a procedure or instruction, they have the significance and importance
of written warnings and cautions.
Eye protection must be worn.
Protective clothing must be worn. Use adequate protective
gloves. Consult the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The equipment must be switched off and power removed.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Inks and Fluids Information
Domino supplies Safety Data Sheets (SDS) giving specific safety
information with each of its ink, make-up and wash fluids. There are
also warnings on each container. The following are general basic
requirements:
Proper standards of industrial practice relating to cleanliness and
tidiness must be maintained.
Inks and their containers must be stored and handled with care.
Smoking or the use of naked flames (or other sources of ignition) in
the vicinity of any inks or solvents is highly dangerous and therefore
strictly inadvisable.
All who come into contact with inks must be properly instructed in
their use.
Directions for safe working practices vary according to the environment.
The following are broad principles so that necessary precautions may be
taken:
Contact with the mouth must be avoided. Therefore eating,
drinking or smoking, or any personal habits or actions which may
transfer ink to the mouth, must be avoided.
Contact with the eyes must be avoided. Suitable eye protection must
always be worn whenever there is any risk of splashing or misting. If
ink does get into the eyes, first aid treatment is to flood the affected
eye for 15 minutes with saline solution, (or clean water if saline
solution is not available), taking care not to allow the water to run
into an unaffected eye. Medical aid must be obtained immediately.
Eyewash is available from Domino (Pt.No. 99200).
Most inks contain solvents which may injure the skin. Good
working practice must always be employed and risk assessments
carried out. Safety Data Sheets are available that give advice on
personal protective equipment. Most gloves only offer limited and
short term exposure protection and must be changed after any
splashing and on a frequent basis.
4

 Many inks contain materials which vaporise easily and can be

inhaled. Good ventilation is necessary.
Any used cleaning materials, e.g. rags, paper wipes, are a potential fire
hazard. They must be collected for safe disposal after use.After
exposure to ink, all possible traces must be washed off as soon as
possible at the nearest washing facility.
It is possible to control the A-Series Plus printer remotely. If
operated in this manner it is vital that the remote UI is disconnected
before carrying out any cleaning or maintenance on the printer.

Storage
Printing inks must be stored in well ventilated buildings, in areas set aside
for the purpose and chosen for safety in case of fire. All fluids must be
stored in accordance with local regulations.

Fire Risk
For an electrical fire, do not use water. If water must be used, such as in
the case of a Nitro-cellulose ink fire (see below) the power MUST BE
REMOVED first.
Many inks contain Nitro-cellulose as the binder and remain highly
flammable when dry. Observe all warnings given on the machine and
the following safety instructions:
If there has been an accumulation of dried ink, do not use metal
scrapers to remove it, as they can produce sparks.
If dry Nitro-cellulose based ink ignites, it will generate its own
oxygen and can only be extinguished by lowering the temperature
with water.
If a Nitro-cellulose fire occurs, ENSURE THAT THE
ELECTRICAL POWER IS IMMEDIATELY REMOVED
FROM THE PRINTER BEFORE water is used to extinguish the
fire.
Fire risk is a most important consideration where printing inks are stored
and used. The degree of fire hazard will vary considerably from one type
of ink or wash to another.

Water-based inks will not burn, although inks based on water-alcohol

mixtures may burn if there is sufficient alcohol present. Prolonged
exposure of water-based systems to high temperatures may evaporate the
water to give a flammable residue.
Solvent-based inks offer a greater degree of hazard depending on the
particular solvent or solvent combination. When there is a particular
hazard the appropriate information is given on the SDS.
The printers place small electrostatic charges on the ink drops used for
printing. In most circumstances, such as when they arrive at the print
surface, these electrostatic charges are either conducted away or cannot
accumulate. However, during maintenance, print drops may be
collected in a container, such as a beaker. It is essential that this container
is made of conducting material and is securely connected to ground/
earth. The electrostatic charges will then be safely conducted to ground/
earth.
If there is a fire, there is a likelihood that dangerous fumes will arise from
printing inks. For this reason ink must be stored where it can be reached
quickly by the fire fighting service, and where it will not spread beyond
the store.

Spillages and Disposal

WARNING:

Some dried inks are highly flammable.

Clean up all ink spillages immediately. Do
not allow the ink to dry or allow any buildup of dried ink spills.
Spillages must be cleaned up as soon as possible with the appropriate
solvent materials and with regard to the safety of personnel. Care must
be taken to prevent spillages or residue from cleaning up entering drains
or sewage systems.
Inks and associated fluids are materials which conduct electricity.
Therefore, power to the printer must be switched off while spillages
inside the printer cabinet are being cleaned up.
Printing inks and associated fluids must not be treated as ordinary waste.
They must be disposed of using approved methods according to local
regulations.
6

INTRODUCTION
General
This document contains basic operation instructions for Domino
A-Series plus single-jet models and variants, as well as the dual-jet
A-Series plus Duo variant printer.
For detailed operation and maintenance information for A-Series plus
printers, refer to the A-Series plus Printer Operations and Maintenance
Manual.

OPERATION
Start-Up
Note: For A300SE+ Start-Up refer to page 9.
Press and hold the Start/Stop
button on the membrane.
The green indicator on the power and start/stop buttons flash.
A progress bar and the Domino logo displays on the screen.
The status bar displays defaults/printer status.
If the Install Wizard is enabled:
The language screen displays. Select the required language.
The printer model screen displays. Highlight and select the model.
The wizard screen displays. Select the required Installation/Printer
setup/Print set-up option and then select Finish.
The printer is now ready to print messages.
Note: If switching on the Jet, the printer takes approximately 2 minutes to
reach Standby and 2-3 minutes to reach Ready to Print state.
It is also possible to power the printer to a standby state from the off state.
This is done by pressing the Power
button on the membrane for
approximately two seconds. Non-printing functions (such as creating
messages) can be performed whilst the printer is in this status.

Start-Up Procedure A300SE+

Note: Air supply must comply with requirement ISO 8573-1 7 44:2001.
CAUTION: If the air supply is removed from an Opaque printer and then reapplied the printer will revert to the Printer Off state and will
not automatically start up in wake-up mode.
Power Disconnected-Air Off
Mains Ready Indicator: Off
Printer Status: Off

Power Connected-Air Off

Mains Ready Indicator: Off
Printer Status: Off

Power Connected-Air On
Mains Ready Indicator: Off
Printer Status: Off

90 Second Delay

Power ConnectedAir On
Mains Ready Indicator: On
Printer Status: Off

Power Disconnected Air On

Mains Ready Indicator: Off
Printer Status: Off

Start-Up
Follow the Start-Up
procedure as described on page 8.

Shut Down
CAUTIONS:

(1) Do not switch off power to Opaque printers.

(2) If the air supply is removed to the A300SE+ printer at
any time, power will immediately be removed.

(3) If the air supply is removed from an Opaque printer and

then re-applied, the printer will revert to the Power Off
State and will not automatically start up in wake-up
mode.
To shut down the printer in a controlled manner, press and hold the
Power
button for approximately 3 seconds.
To shut down the printer in an uncontrolled manner, press and hold the
Power
button for approximately 10 seconds.
To switch the printer between Ready to Print and Standby, use the
Start/Stop
button. From the Ready to Print state, this will take the
printer to the Standby state and from the Standby state it will take the
printer to the Ready to Print state.

Shut Down - Opaque Printers

The opaque printer must not be powered off; it must only be left in
standby mode, where wake-up mode will automatically start.
CAUTION: Opaque printers must not be left in Wake-up mode for more
than 2 weeks. If this does occur, the ink system must be flushed.

Ink Reservoir Replacement

CAUTION:For Opaque printers, it is necessary to change the damper
and main filter as part of this procedure, therefore, follow
the procedure below, then refer to page 14 for main filter
and damper replacement.
The messages Ink change needed in less than 24 hours and, later, Ink change
needed in less than 2 hours will appear near the end of the reservoir life (if
a long-life system is being used, these warnings will appear at 300 hours
and 24 hours before the end of reservoir life). Printing will not continue
beyond the expiry of the reservoir life.
It is necessary to enter the reservoir quality code of the new reservoir and
reset the reservoir replacement alarms, using the following procedure:

10

WARNING:

Smoking or the use of naked flames (or

other sources of ignition) in the vicinity of
any inks or solvents is highly dangerous and
therefore strictly inadvisable.

(1) Switch the printer to a standby state using the proper procedure,
i.e ensure the jet is off.
(2) Press the Machine Setup key
and enter the password if
required.
(3) Press the Production Data button
and then function key
marked Change Reservoir and the screen will change to show a
prompt requesting input of the Quality Code printed on the
label of the new ink reservoir.
(4) Type in the reservoir quality code.
(5) Press the function key marked Submit Code.
If the correct code is typed in, the information bar will display "Quality
Code OK - Fit Reservoir", the reservoir run time will be reset and the
alarms cancelled. Proceed to step (6).
If the number is typed inaccurately, it can be corrected by typing in
again. If an invalid code number is typed, the number will not be
accepted and messages in the information bar will indicate the problem,
e.g. Incorrect ink type, Ink out of date, or Resvr already used (an old reservoir
number). Replace the reservoir.
(6)
Switch off the printer.
Replace the reservoir as follows.
CAUTION: Opaque reservoirs must be shaken vigorously for at least 2
minutes prior to fitting.
Notes: (1) Tissue will be required for this procedure.
(2) The make-up reservoir is non-replaceable.
Remove the ink cartridge (See next page). Unscrew the manifold
locking ring, lift the manifold out of the reservoir and secure the
manifold into the manifold retainer inside the top of the ink cabinet.
Fit a cap to the reservoir. Push the metal reservoir retaining bar and pull
the reservoir forward to remove.
To fit a new reservoir, reverse the above procedure. When the printer
is next switched on, it will display "Bleeding Ink System - Please Wait..."
11

Manifold
Retainer

AM_0029a.eps

AM_0030.eps

Reservoir
Retaining Bar
AM_0031.eps

Removing the Ink Reservoir

Refitting the Ink Reservoir

12

Ink and Make-up Cartridge Replacement

WARNING:Smoking or the use of naked flames (or
other sources of ignition) in the vicinity of
any inks or solvents is highly dangerous and
therefore strictly inadvisable.
CAUTION: Opaque ink cartridges must be vigorously shaken for at least 2
minutes prior to fitting and must NOT be left on the manifold.
Leave the ink manifold seal in place and only fit the ink
cartridge when a request appears on the display.
Note: If only small amounts of ink are being used by the printer, it may not be
necessary to fit an ink cartridge. Leave the ink manifold seal in place
and only fit an ink cartridge when a request appears on the display.
Messages Add Ink Cartridge or Add Make-up Cartridge will appear
on the screen when the ink or make-up cartridges need replacing, and
the amber alert will illuminate.
The ink cartridge is rotated anti-clockwise and the make-up is rotated
clockwise to free them before being lifted away. This mechanism
ensures that the cartridges cannot be fitted onto the wrong manifold.
To fit a cartridge, remove the sealing tab (see below). Remember to
shake opaque ink cartridges prior to fitting and push onto the correct
manifold.
Rotate and
lift cartridges
to remove.

Remove the
sealing tab
using a 6mm
Allen Key

When refitting,
press cartridge
firmly down to fit.
AM_0029.eps

Cartridge Replacement

Remove the
sealing tab
using the
cartridge
opening tool 67378
AM_0033a_2.eps

If the make-up cartridge is not replaced, the make-up reservoir will

empty and the ink viscosity will eventually go outside its operating
limits. Also, head flushing will not be carried out when the printer is
shut down and ink may be deposited on the print head components.
Thus, although the printer can still be used, head faults may occur.
13

Main Filter Replacement

CAUTION:Ensure the main filter is not mistaken for the damper
module as these parts are similar in appearance.
Notes:(1)Tools required:Lint-free tissue to catch any escaping ink.
16mm spanner (see step (4))
Protective clothing (especially safety glasses).
(2) Filters must not be re-used.
The printer must be shut down and both cartridges removed.
(1) Release the securing screw and pull out the ink system.
(2) Move the filter to the front of the ink system and make a note of
the pipe connections (see diagram below).
(3) Remove the bungs from the new filter and retain for use on the
old filter.
(4) Remove the connectors from the old filter and fit to the new
filter in the same orientation (as noted in step (2)). The
connections should be finger tight, then tightened 1.5 turns with
a spanner.
(5) Fit the bungs removed in step (3) to the old filter.
(6) The filter will now need bleeding at low pressure as follows:
(a) Enter the Machine Set-up area
and select the Service
button.
(b) Select Diagnostics, then Test Routines.
(c) A list of test routine options will be displayed, use the up/
down cursors to scroll to the Bleed Filter option and select
Run Test.
(d) The printer will now automatically run the printer at a low
pressure to bleed any air from the ink system. Allow this
routine to complete, following any on-screen instructions.
(7) Replace the filter to its original position and refit the cartridges.
Inlet

AM_0038.eps

Main Filter Replacement

Outlet

MG300_1

Damper Replacement

Note: This procedure is the same for the damper replacement, but note that the
pipe connections differ. Apart from Opaque printers, the damper should
never need replacing.
14

Display Contrast
Interface Types
Two types of interface are available - the SVGA (touchscreen) or
QVGA. The functionality and layout of these are the same; however the
operation differs.
QVGA screen
The display contrast can be adjusted by pressing the shift
and printer
setup
buttons together to enter the adjustment mode, then use the
buttons to increase/decrease the contrast and the
buttons to
increase/decrease the brightness. Pressing the Select
button will save
these settings.
Note: Exiting by using shift
and printer setup
buttons will
temporarily apply the settings but the printer will revert to the original
settings when it is restarted.
SVGA touchscreen
The display contrast can be adjusted by selecting Machine Setup
then pressing the Configuration key
. Next, press the User
Config> Editor View > LCD
, then select Brightness.
Using the

button adjust the brightness.

Printer Control
Control Panel
SVGA (Touchscreen)
There are only three permanent keys on the membrane of an SVGA
printer; the Power Key, Start/Stop Key and Alert Key. All other
functions and keys are available on the Touchscreen.
The Topic keys are contained in a pull down menu bar at the top left of
the Touchscreen area. The keyboard is displayed using the tab in the
bottom right.
The Function keys are displayed to the left of the screen, touch the
screen in the relevant place to access these menus.
Where relevant, the Select key will display to enable options or selection
of a currently highlighted object.
15

The single-jet variant touchscreen display is as shown below and on the

following page:

Title Bar

Help Key

Topic Keys
Print and Operating
Symbols

Ink Life Hours

and Time to
Next Service

Touchscreen Front Panel (Home Screen)

Enable/Disable
Print*
Topic Key Tab
Keyboard Tab

Topic Keys Hidden

16

Connectivity
Symbols

Working Area

Send to
Print*
Function keys

Select
Key

Status/Alert
Bar
Zoom

Outline

Cursor and
Select Keys

Screen Number
Select
Key
Topic Key
Tab

Keyboard
Tab

Keyboard

Keyboard Displayed

*Button function
differs, refer to
"general purpose
keys" table on
page -23 for
function

SVGA Screen Display

Function keys will appear automatically when needed, such as the select
key, softkeys, menu and keyboard tabs, etc. As shown in the top screen
above, keys such as Send to Print, Outline and Zoom will appear in the
relevant menu (in this case Message Editor). The cursor keys allow the
cursor to be positioned within the message, either per component, per
page or to the end/beginning of the message.
OSK Setting The OSK (On Screen Keyboard) can be changed in the
(SVGA) printer. There are six keyboard layouts to select from: Latin
(Roman), Greek, Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.

To set the OSK, within the Machine Set-up menu

select:
Configuration
> Regional Settings > OSK Set-up. Select the
required OSK from the list and press OK.
17

QVGA
The printer is controlled through the front panel. There are two types
of keys:
Permanent keys with fixed functions (majority of keys)
Function keys (softkeys) with functions that can change.
The main areas of the QVGA front panel are identified in the diagram
below.
Function Keys
Power
Key

Display

Cursor Keys
A-Series plus

Select
Key

Start/Stop
Key
Send to
Print

Help

Character
Set Keys

Topic
Keys
Data Entry Keys

Front Panel Keyboard Layout

The display presentation has the following basic structure.

Screen Number

Title Bar

Connectivity
Symbols
Softkeys

Scroll Bar
Print and
Operating
Symbols

Status/Alert Bar

Working Area

Display Presentation (QVGA)

18

Status/Alert bar shows status information. When a printer alert is

raised, it displays alert information. When the alert condition is cleared,

the alert message is cleared (and status will be displayed). If two or more
alerts exist simultaneously, the highest priority alert is displayed; if both
are the same priority then the most recent will be displayed. Display
messages are detailed in Part 5 of the Operation and Maintenance
manual (supplied on disc).
Working area provides a general presentation area for the function in

use.
Softkeys, up to four key options display, in QVGA these correspond to
the four function keys immediately to the left of the screen, for SVGA
simply touch the touchscreen.
Screen number provides a numerical identity for each screen.
Scroll bar shows that the screen detail, in the working area, extends off
the display. Either use the up and down cursor keys in QVGA or press
above or below the scroll bar tab in SVGA to show the hidden detail.
Print and operating symbols show the printer status, a print symbol
indicates that the printer is ready to print, an alert symbol indicates that
there is an unacknowledged alert. See table below.
Connectivity symbols show items that are connected to the printer.

USB indicates that a USB device is fitted. See following table.

19

QVGA SVGA
Icon Icon

Description

Connectivity (top right of screen)

Service or Feature Key is fitted

USB

Print/Operating (bottom left of screen)

Jet On

Jet Off

Printer is printing
Transitional status (i.e. printer is going from Jet On to
Jet Off)
The printer software is communicating with the front
panel (normal operation)
A remote connection to the printer is established
Caps Lock is on (QVGA only)
Unicode key (SVGA, contained within the numeric
keyboard) or Unicode is active (QVGA)
Unicode and Caps Lock is active (QVGA only)

20

Reservoir 1st warning - there are 24 hours remaining in

the reservoir. For extended life ink systems this is 300
hours remaining (a new reservoir should be obtained).
Reservoir 2nd warning - there are 2 hours remaining in
the reservoir. For extended life ink systems this is 24
hours remaining.
The reservoir has expired and must be changed
immediately. Printing has stopped.
Active region (Jet 1) indicator for Duo variant printer1
Active region (Jet 2) indicator for Duo variant printer1
Active region (Jet 1) indicator for Duo variant printer2
Active region (Jet 2) indicator for Duo variant printer2
1These
2These

icons are seen in the Service area.

icons are seen in the Message area.

Start/Stop

The start/stop key is pressed to enable the printer to enter a ready to

print status. It is necessary to press the switch for at least 2-3 seconds as
a precaution against accidental use. The switch also carries a green
indicator.
Red Alert Indicator shows that the printer has a fault which prevents

printing. The indicator flashes (the beacon, if fitted, is steady state) while
the alert is unacknowledged and is extinguished when the fault is cleared.
Amber Alert Indicator shows that the printer has a fault that requires

attention. The indicator flashes (the beacon, if fitted, is steady state)

while the alert is unacknowledged and is extinguished when the fault is
cleared.
21

Topic Keys
Each topic key opens sets of screen options.
Message Editor Provides access to the message
creation utilities.
Message Store

Provides access to the stored

messages. Use to save messages.

Print
Parameters

Provides access to the utilities

controlling the message being
printed, e.g. message orientation.
These parameters are saved with the
message.

Machine Setup Provides access to the printer for

and Service
service and printer setup.

22

Lockout

When security is set, this key will

log out the current user.

Home

Pressing this key from most screens

will revert the printer back to the
Home screen.

General Purpose Keys

Power On/
Off

Switches power on to the printer. It

will initialise the printer to a standby
state. If pressed for 2 seconds whilst
on, the printer will carry out a shutdown procedure and power off, if
pressed for 10 seconds it will cause
the printer to perform an emergency
shut-down.

Start/Stop

Powers the printer to a ready to print

state. If pressed whilst in a ready to
print state, it will take the printer to
a standby state.

Cursor Keys

Four keys used to move the cursor

around the screen.

Select Key

Select the currently highlighted

option, either inserting it into the
message or opening the properties.

Select softkey option on the screen

Function
Keys (QVGA to the right.
only)
Back

Press to go up a menu level.

23

Send to Print From Message Editor, Message Store

(Enable/
and some areas of print parameters,
Disable Print) this sends the currently selected
message to print.
From the home screen, this enables
and disables the printing.

+3

Delete Key

Deletes entries immediately to the

left of the cursor.

Outline Key
(SVGA only).
Key
combination
for QVGA

Within the Message Editor, puts an

outline around each individual
component (such as dates, text) in
the message.

Press this key to select the top left

Alternative
Character Set blue character on character keys on
- Left (Blue) QVGA or change the keyboard to
show alternative character set 1 on
SVGA

24

Alternative
Character Set
- Right
(Green)

Press this key to select the top right

green character on each character
key on QVGA or change the
keyboard to show alternative
character set 2 on SVGA

Numeric
Keyboard
SVGA

Press this key to change the keyboard

layout to show the numeric keys on
the keyboard

Unicode
Entry SVGA

Within the Numeric keyboard, use

this key to enter Unicode characters.

Keyboard
Press these keys to switch between
layout SVGA alphabetic or qwerty keyboard layout
for the SVGA printer.
Shift Lock
Key

Changes characters to lower case

until pressed again to return to upper
case characters.

Shift Key
Hold down to change the character
(QVGA only) case (from upper to lower or vice
versa).
Alert Key

Opens the alerts list. Alerts can be

acknowledged within this dialogue.

Help Key
Help Key Provides access to help information
concerned with the current menu screen.
Currency Key
Currency Key Provides entry for currency characters.
Pressing this key generates minor currency
symbols (e.g. p, c, etc.) pressing with the
Shift key generates the major currency
symbol (e.g. , $, etc.)
Lockout
Pressing the Lockout key prevents unauthorised changes through the
front panel or interference while the printer is unattended. With
Lockout selected, control of the printer is restricted to switching on,
switching off and inspecting the message being printed. Access to all
other functions requires the use of the appropriate password, provided
this has been set, users can log in and have access according to their access
25

rights. An administrator can set-up new users. Only administrators have

access to the security setup area of the printer.
To enable the lockout function, security must be enabled within the
Machine Setup area. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance manual
for details on the security area.

Lockout Screen

Password System
Entry to the Lockout area of printer control is unrestricted, all other areas
can, if required, be protected by password. It is advisable to assign a
unique password to the administrator account. In the event of the
administrator password being forgotten, contact Domino.
A user can change their password using this screen (see above).

Navigation and Operation

To delete a character in the Message Editor and any editable field, move
the cursor to the right of the object to be deleted and press the delete
key. Note that new characters are always inserted immediately in front
of highlighted characters.
Values can be typed in, or changed by using the increment/decrement
keys. Values which have ! adjacent to the !
! keys are effective
immediately. Other values become effective only when OK or the
equivalent is selected using the function keys.
Numeric values can be altered by using the

keys.

To navigate through screens, use the function

keys at the side to
open the required menu and use the up level button
to move back
a level in the menu.
26

To select items, use the left/right cursor keys

to scroll through the
options, and press the select button
to select the required option.
If the information in a screen spans multiple pages (indicated by a vertical
scroll bar appearing down the right-hand side of the screen), use the up/
down
cursors to move between the fields and pages. For SVGA
printer variants, press the area in the scroll bar above or below the slide
to move through the pages.
To navigate between the Duo variant printers two print regions, use the
keys in the Message Editor.

Unicode Character Entry

QVGA
Certain characters, that are not represented by a key, are available for
printing. They can be entered into the Message Editor or a data entry
dialog using their Unicode identity.
This is done by holding down both alternative character set keys + ,

Use the left, right keys to select 9 or X. Selecting 9 will turn on the
Unicode entry mode, this is confirmed by "U" being displayed in the
bottom right of the screen. The printer can now accept unicode values.
Enter the required 4 digit unicode value (hex) e.g 00A5 is the Japanese
Yen symbol, then press + again, the printer will prompt to confirm
the unicode value entered, highlight the tick ( 9 ) and press the select
key to enter into the message, repeat this for further character
entries.
Pressing the shift lock key will change the Unicode icon to
that both Unicode and Caps lock are active.

, showing

To exit the Unicode mode, press both alternative character set keys
again.
SVGA
A unicode symbol
on the numeric keyboard of the SVGA printers
allows unicode to be entered directly. Press this, then enter the unicode
value.

27

Importing and Exporting Data

USB
A USB device can be used to back-up and restore all of the configuration
data of the printer. A selection of back-up types are available: Full,
Service and Messages (see page 45).

Creating a Message
Simple messages can be entered in the Message Editor using the
keyboard.
(1) Press the Message Editor topic key
.
(2) Type in the message using the keyboard.
It is also possible to change the format of the message, such as font height,
bold, inter character gap, etc. and enter different components into the
message, such as clock data, serial numbers, shift codes, text fields. These
functions are described below.
For the Duo variant printer, the message contains two regions (one for
each jet). A message format is associated with each region. The top
region displays information for Jet 1 and the bottom region for Jet 2, as
shown below. Creating a message is performed exactly the same as for a
single-jet message (unless indicated). To navigate between the two
regions, use the
keys to move the cursor to the desired region.
Region 1 (Jet 1) currently the active
region
Region 2 (Jet 2)
Message format
for each region

Active region indicator

(currently Jet 1)

Message Editor Screen for A-Series plus Duo Variant Printer

28

Font Options
This menu allows access to: Font Height, Bold, InterChar Gap and
Message Format Set.
Font (character) size, bold characters and double spacing can be selected
as function key options. Pressing the key activates the option and all
subsequent entries will be size/bold/spaced accordingly, until the option
is modified
Font size is indicated by the vertical size of the cursor. If a larger font
size is inserted into a multi-line message, the other characters will be
automatically arranged around the larger characters.
The Message Format Set allows different rasters (message formats) to
be stored in the printer. The printer can store/manage up to 8 message
formats in the Message Format Set. Messages created can use any of these
8 message formats. For the Duo variant printer, a message format is
associated with each region of the message.
In the Message Editor it is possible to open the properties or relevant
setting dialogue for inserted formats by using the left/right cursor keys
to highlight the entry and pressing the select button
.
The Font (print) Heights available will depend on the currently
selected message formats. (For the Duo variant printer, a message format
is associated with each region of the message being edited. The available
Font Heights will depend on the message format associated with the
currently active region.) Select the required height and press OK notice
that the cursor height will change accordingly in the Message Editor.
The Bold setting will actually add a number of extra drops, meaning
instead of printing 1 line of vertical drops, the printer will print the
selected number (a suggested amount would be 1). The next text
entered into the message will then be in bold.
InterChar Gap is the distance between each character, this can be
increased or decreased.

29

Clock Options
Date and Time fields and shift codes can be created and inserted into the
message.
To insert either a date or time field, he required field from the list in the
screen and press the select key.
Templates for both Date and Time fields
exist in the printer as standard and it is
possible to add to these templates. An
example of the actual printed text is shown.

Formats are used to build the date and time fields, a table of the formats
follows on the next page:
Date Codes:
%A

Date (01 to 31)

%G Month Name

%B

Day of Year (001 to 366)

%J

%C

Julian Year (0 to 9)

%K Week Number (01 to 53)

%D

Year (00 to 99)

%L

Day Number (1 to 7)

%E

Year (1970 to 2038)

%P

Julian Day (001 to 366)

%F

Month (01 to 12)

Day Name

Time Codes:
%H

Hours (00 to 23)

%N Seconds (0 to 59)

%I

Quarter Hours (01 to 96)

%O Alpha Hours

%M

Minutes (0 to 59)

30

Clock Offsets can also be set and applied to any of the clock templates.
This can be useful when coding a sell or use by date that is a set number
of days ahead of todays date.
To set, select an offset from the list in the Clock Offsets screen and press
Change. Change the name if required and set the offset amount. It is
best to leave one of the offsets at zero for clock fields that do not require
any offsets.
To insert an offset into either a date or time field, open the Properties
screen for the Date or Time field and select the offset required.
In this example, the offset A has been
applied to the time field HH:MM.

Shift Codes can be entered into the message, these must be set within
the Machine Setup Area:
To Set and Enter a Shift Code
The shift codes are set via the Machine Set-up menu

, as follows:

(1) With the Machine Set-up selected, press the Configuration

button, then select Machine Print Settings > Clock Dep. Options >
Shift Codes.
(2) Use the up/down cursor arrows to navigate to the start and end
time, then use the left/right arrow to increment/decrement the
time for the first shift.

31

Use the Up/Down

cursor to move,
then enter the
required data

Use the left/right

cursor to move to
the next shift

Three shifts

(3) Enter a shift code label - this will display in the message if the
shift is inserted.
Note: The Message Editor will space the message to allow for the longest of the
shift code labels.
(4) Press Reset Shift to reset the current shift back to zero.
(5) Use the up/down arrow to return to the top line "Shift Code"
then use the right cursor key to page to the next shift.
(6) Repeat the process for all required shifts. There is a total of 24
shifts available.
(7) Press OK when the shifts are set.
(8) Once the shift codes are set, they can be entered into a message
via the Message Editor. Within the Message Editor, select Clock
then Shift Code.
(9) The screen will display the shift codes as set previously. Press
Select to enter a shift code into the message. The name of the
current shift will be displayed in the message.

32

Special Fields
Fields such as Serial numbers, text fields, custom scripts, bar codes and
logos can be created and inserted from within this area.

To Enter a Barcode
The A-Series Plus printer currently supports the following barcodes:
1D or Linear Barcodes

EAN 13

Numeric only, 12 digit chars max (1 digit number system, 5 digit

manufacturer code, 5 digit product code and 1 check digit).
Numeric only, is an 11 digit UPC A code that is compressed into
a 6 digit UPC E code (a compressed version of UPC A, note that
not all UPC A codes can be compressed).
Alphanumeric, can encode the 26 uppercase letter set (A to Z),
the numeric set (0 to 9) and 7 special characters (space $ - . / +
%) may also contain a check digit, but has no restriction on
length.
Alphanumeric, can encode the 26 uppercase letter set (A to Z),
the numeric set (0 to 9) and 7 special characters (space $ - . / +
%), contains 2 check digits but has no restriction on length. Uses
additional unique circle codes ($), (%), (/) and (+) to encode
the full ASCII set.
Alphanumeric, can encode the full ASCII set Code sets A and B
and compresses double numeric digits Code set C, has no
restriction on length.
As Code 128, except that after the start code there will be a
FUNC1 code, also () are not included in the coding.
13 numeric digits - 12 user specified and 1 check digit.

EAN 8

8 numeric digits - 7 user specified and 1 check digit.

2/5
Industrial

Numeric only, has no restriction on length.

UPC A
UPC E

Code 39

Code 93

Code 128
EAN 128

Numeric only, has no restriction on length.

2/5
Interleaved
2/5
Standard

Numeric only, has no restriction on length.

33

Numeric only, has no restriction on length but has bearer bars

2/5
Interleaved (one above and one below the barcode).
Bars
14 numeric digits using Interleaved Code 25 symbology

ITF 14

2D Barcodes
ASCII values 0 to 255 (extended ASCII 128 to 255). 1-64
characters (excluding check digits). Reed-Solomon check digit
algorithm (error correction).
Twenty-four square symbols with even number of rows and
columns in sizes (not including quiet zones): 10x10 to 26x26
modules
(steps of 2 modules per side), 32x32 to 52x52 modules
Data Matrix
(steps of 4 modules per side), 64x64 to 104x104 modules (steps
(ECC 200)
of 8 modules per side), 120x120 to 144x144 modules (steps of
16 modules per side).
Six rectangular symbol size versions (not including quiet zones):
8x18 and 12x26 modules (1 data region), 8x32 and 12x36
modules (2 data regions) and 16x36 and 16x48 modules (2 data
regions).
Square two-dimensional machine readable codes. Model 1 or 2.
Error Correction Level L, M, H or Q. Dimensions are 21x21,
25x25 or 29x29. Payload (1 64): Any character in the range
QR Code 0x0000 to 0xFDFF. Characters in the range 0xNN40
0xNNFC, where NN = 0x81 0x9F or 0xE0 0xEA and
characters of the form 0xEBNN where NN = 0x00 0xBF, will
be encoded as Kanji (Shift JIS System).

Notes:

(1)

(2)

34

A-Series PLUS printers can currently print 10x10, 12x12,

14x14, 16x16, 18x18, 20x20, 22x22, 24x24, 26x26,
32x32, 8x18, 8x32, 12x26, 12x36, 16x36, and 16x48
data matrix symbols. The amount of data that can be contained
within a data matrix symbol is dependant on the data matrix
size.
A-Series Plus applies a limit of 64 characters to unrestricted
codes.

With the Message Editor

selected, select Special Field
, then
Barcodes
then select the type required, either Barcodes
or 2D
Codes
.
Within this menu, barcodes can be created and saved. Once saved, a list
of the barcodes will be displayed, to insert the barcode into the message,
simply highlight the required barcode and press the select button. A
graphic representation will then be shown as part of the message.
Further information relating to barcode and 2D code creation specifics
can be found in the Operation and Maintenance Manual (supplied on
the disc).
Prompted/Text Field/Password
Prompted field - Promtps the user to enter specific data when the

message is sent to print.

Text Field - Allows the insertion of a blank (open) are into the message,
to allow for example, pre-printed information on the substrate to show
thorough.
Password - Allows a password to be applied to individual lines within
a message (same password for all lines).

Custom Scripts
These are externally created special custom clocks and serial numbers.
For details of text fields and custom scripts, please refer to the Operation
and Maintenance Manual.

35

Create/Insert a Serial Number

Numbers can be numeric or alphanumeric.
(1) With Message Editor selected, select Special Field
, then
Serial Number
. Initially, this screen may be empty, but as
serial numbers are created and saved, they will be displayed in a
list.
(2) Press New to create a new serial number.
The screen will change to show the parameters controlling the serial
numbering. These include the start number (first limit), finish number
(second limit) and the change between messages (step size). If the start
number is below the finish number the change (step) will be
incremental, i.e. positive. If the start number is above the finish number,
the change (step) will automatically be decremental, i.e. negative. If
required, the same serial number can be entered into a selected number
of messages before it is changed (Repeat Count). Also, the language for
the serial number can be either English (default), Arabic or Farsi.
More advanced serial numbers can be set up, to include a letter-type
prefix or suffix and batch linking between two serial numbers (batch
linking on A300+/A200+ only). For advanced settings and further
information refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual (supplied
on the disc).

36

Create/Import Logos
Logos are created and stored in the logo store before use in a message.
Logos are created on a user defined matrix (representing the possible
drop positions). Space around the logo (padding) is part of the logo and
provision for this must be included in the matrix size.
QVGA

(1) Within the Message Editor, select Insert Special Field, then Logo.
Initially, this area will be blank, but as logos are imported or
saved, a list of available logos will be shown here. To insert a
logo from the list into the message, press the Select button.
(2) To create a new logo, open the Logo Editor by selecting New.
Enter the width and height of the logo (in drops), to create a
grid and press OK.
Note: Depending on the font height, the height(s) available may be restricted,
although it is still possible to create a larger size but it will not be possible
to enter this into a message where it exceeds the message height.
(3) A grid of this height and width will now display. Use the cursor
keys to navigate the drop position, and use the Select button to
toggle the drop position on or off.
(4) Use Dot Continuous to turn on the drop position, without the
need to press the Select button for every square.
Note: A square will display in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen to show if
the Dot Continuous function is enabled. The grid reference is also
displayed.
Current Drop
Position
Horizontal Grid
Position

Dot Continuous
Function
(enabled)

Vertical Grid
Position

Logo Editor

(5) When the logo is complete, press Save As to save the message.
Enter the required name and press OK. This logo should now
appear in the list of saved logos.
37

SVGA

The SVGA logo creation is similar to the QVGA, except that it has
slightly more options available. Create the logo in the same way as
described above, but note the extra functions (shown below). Refer to
the Operation and Maintenance manual (supplied on disc) for further
information.
Grid

Use arrows to
move cursor
around grid

Dot Continuous
Function (enabled)
Dot Clear
Continuous
Function

Logo Editor

With Dot
Continuous Off,
use the dot
button to enter a
dot on the grid

Basic line entry with dot continuous option (Shown above)

Enables shapes to be cut, copied and pasted.
Create shapes such as lines, squares and circles, etc.
Create text and apply formatting (italic, bold or underline).
Import existing logos and apply formatting (flip horizontal/
vertical).
Zoom

38

To Import a Logo
Logos are imported using a USB device:
Notes:

(1)

The following path is required on a USB device when importing

logos: usb_updates/user/data/logos (see graphic below). Enter
the logo to import in the "logos" folder.
(2) Logos must be monochrome Windows bitmap files. They are
also restricted by the size of the logo grid.
(1) With the required logo saved to the USB device, plug it into the
USB slot on the left side of the printer.
(2) Within the Machine setup menu , select
>
Configure Upgrade. Select from the Upgrade list Logos, and press
Start Config Upgrade.
Select Logos from
List

Pathname for USB Device

To Save the Message

Once the message has been created, it is possible to save the message
from within the Message Editor by pressing the Save/Clear key.
Notes:

(1)
(2)

If the message in the Message Editor has already been saved,

pressing the Save/Clear button will clear the Message Editor.
It is also possible to save the active message (in the Message
Editor) via the message store, by pressing the Save key.

39

To Print a Message from the Message Store

All saved messages will appear in the message store listed by name. To
print a message from within the store, highlight the required message and
press the Send to Print
button. The message will now be printed at
each print go signal.

To Print the Message

With the printer in a Ready to Print state:
(1) Simply press the Send to Print
button on the membrane, to
print the currently selected message.
The message will now be printed at each Print Go signal.
Note: If an on-line message is changed in any way, it is necessary to press the
Send to Print button again to implement the changes.

Print Parameters
Once the message has been created, the print parameters allow the way
in which it is printed to be set, such as offsets, height and width, delays,
orientation, etc.

Print Offset
This positions (adds an offset to) the message on the substrate. With the
required message open in the Message Editor, press the Message Offset
icon, then select either the forward or reverse offset
(reverse is normally used when traversing the print head) enter in the
required distance (in strokes).

Print Delay
This is the distance between the sensor and the print head. Press Message
Offset
, then select the Print Delay
icon.
CAUTION: This is a global setting and will therefore affect all messages.
Enter in the distance (in strokes).

40

Print Width and Height

The print height and width can be set.
Notes:

(1)
(2)

Print Height

The print width will only be affected if using an internal stroke

rate.
Print Height and Width are machine settings and are not saved
with the individual messages

This is adjusted as a percentage of the full height. The changes are instant
and will affect all printed messages.
Print Width
This is only effective when using an internally generated stroke rate. Use
the keys to increment/decrement the print width (measured in strokes).

Message Orientation
Allows the message to be printed in reverse and/or inverted and also
inverse video.
Note: Reverse and Invert print apply to the whole message, inverse video only
applies to subsequent text entered.
Reverse Printing
There are 4 options available: Printer setting, Flip, Counted or Continuous.
Printer Setting is effectively off as this will not apply and reverse/invert
setting over and above the printer settings.
Flip is effectively on as it will set the reverse/invert settings to the
opposite of the printer settings.
Continuous - with the count set to the required number (e.g. 2), the
message will print first in the initial state orientation for the next 2
product detects, it will then print the opposite (reversed or inverted) for
the next 2 product detects, etc.
Counted - this is set in conjunction with the repeat print function. Set
the count to the required number (e.g. 3), the message will then be
printed in the initial state for 3 prints and then the opposite (reversed or
inverted) for 3 prints. See below for the repeat printing option.

41

Invert Printing
Invert print operates in the same way as the Reverse Print option. Please
see above for details.
Inverse Video
This will print the message in inverse video (white text on a black
background). Set to either On or Off. When set to On, any subsequent
entries will be in inverse video.
Repeat Printing
There are 3 options available: Off, Continuous and Counted.
Continuous enables the current message to continuously print whilst the
print go signal is active. Repeat Pitch is the distance from the start of one
message and the start of the next and is measured in strokes. Update Each
Print? will update any variable information (serial numbers, clocks etc.)
with each print.
Counted enables the current message to be printed for a specified number
of extra times whilst the print go signal is active (set Use print go to end to
Yes) - note that this is in addition to the initial print, i.e. if a count of 5
is entered, 6 prints will occur. Repeat Pitch and Update Each Print? are the
same as for Continuous above.

42

To Import/Export a Message(s)
(1) Select the Message Store, then navigate to Store Manager
>
Import/Export.
(2) If the USB device does not contain any appropriate folders, the
only option available will be Create Folder, select this to create a
folder.
If no folders are present
on the USB device, this
is the only option.

Press Folder Options, then

Create Folder to open this
screen. Name the folder
and press Create.

Create a Message Folder on the USB Device

(3) If several folders already exist on the device then these will be
displayed in a list. Highlight the required folder to import from
or export to.
Select the required folder
and press either Import
From or Export To.

Select Message Folder on the USB Device

(4) To export messages saved on the printer to the USB device,

select Export to. A list of the currently saved messages will
display, either use the select
key to select the required
message (this will add a 9 next to the name) or Select All to
mark all messages for export. Select Export to begin the export
to the USB device.

43

It is also possible to export an entire message store to the USB

device.
Either use the select
key to select
individual messages or press Select All to
select all of the messages, then press Export
to export to the USB device. Export Message
Store will export the entire message store to
the USB device.

Export Messages to the USB Device

(5) To import messages saved in a folder on the USB device, select

the folder from the list and press Import From. A list of the
messages contained in this folder will be displayed, as for the
export process above, either mark individual messages to import
or select Select All. It is also possible to import a new message
store into the printer.
Either use the select
key to select
individual messages (note the 9next to the
names in this example) or press Select All to
select all of the messages, then press Import
to import from the USB device. Import as a
New Store will import the entire store into the
printer, regardless of individual selections.

Import Messages from the USB Device

If either destination contains messages of the same name, it is possible to

either overwrite, rename, ignore the message or abort the operation.

44

BACK-UP PRINTER
There are 4 types of file information that can be saved to a USB device:
Full, Messages, Service and Production. These save different
information to a USB memory device: Full copies the entire printer
configuration; Message copies all the messages in the current message
store. Both Full and Message back-ups can be copied (restored) to other
printers or retained to restore the original printer settings.
The Service and Production files can be copied from the printers
software files, this provides information for a service engineer, such as log
files, jet characterisation information and email information. These file
types cannot be copied back to the printer as they are for information
only.

To Create a Back-up
(1) Insert the USB memory stick into the USB slot at the side of the
printer.
(2) In the Machine Set-up menu
, select Back-up
then
Back-up to USB.
(3) From the list, select the type of back-up required.

Note: Full Back-up can take up to 40 minutes to complete.

(4) Press Start Back-up to begin. The screen will change to show the
progress of the back-up.
(5) A prompt will display when the back-up is complete and will
inform if successful, "Full back-up to USB successful".
(6) The file has now been copied to the USB device and can be
used to restore to either the same printer or another printer.

45

CAUTION: If restoring information to a different printer, it is essential that

the printer hardware is of the same version level. Please contact
your local office for advice.

To Restore from the USB Device

Only Full or Message back-ups can be used to restore to a printer. The

information will be used to override the current settings in the printer.
Note: It is necessary to restart the printer as part of the restore procedure.
(1) Insert the USB device containing the back-up file(s).
(2) In the Machine Set-up menu
, select Backup
then
Restore Options.
(3) Select the type of restore required, then press Recover Back-up. If
more than one back-up of the same type is found a prompt will
display asking for confirmation of which back-up to restore.
Note: Full back-ups and larger message files may take a few minutes to
complete.
(4) A progress bar will display. Once complete, a prompt such as
"Messages restored to printer successfully" will display to show
whether the restore was successful.
(5) Press OK to exit the screen.

46

Printer States
Shown below are some printer states, these are displayed on the Alert/
Status bar at the bottom of the screen.
Status: Standby
The ink system is inactive but the User Interface can still be used.
Status: Getting ready to print
Once completed, the printer should be in a ready to print state.
Status: Ready to print
If a message is on-line, it will print on receiving a product detect signal.
Status: Not ready to print
Printer changing from Ready to print to jet on only or standby state.
Status: Heating
Printer is heating the print head to the optimum temperature for the ink.
Status: Ink system standby
Ink system is pressurised and active, but the jet is off.
Wake-up Mode Cycle Waiting
Opaque only - this indicates that the wake-up software is on - it can also
change to state as below.
Wake-up Mode Cycle Running
Opaque only - The wake-up software is active, it will run the pump for
3 mins in every 20 to stir the ink.

47

Fault Finding
Issue

Possible Cause

Not Printing, error Gutter Blocked Nozzle

Dry is displayed

Remedy

Go to

>

>

Diagnostics, then select Clear

Nozzle and press Run Test
Blocked Nozzle or With Printer in standby,
dirty print head
clean the print head, see
page 48.

Ink on deflector plates

and/or charge electrode,
possible faults could be:
Ink detected on Charge
Electrode
Charge detection has failed
Fall back jet modulation in
use
Deflection EHT has
tripped
No print occurs but
Faulty sensor
message has been sent.
Faulty encoder

Check the sensor and its

position
Check the encoder is
outputting signals (can be
seen via the Ext I/F screen)
Incorrect setting of Check that the active level
sensor
is set correctly
Print delay and/or Check the delay and offset
offset set incorrectly for this message are suitable,
adjust as required.
This button will toggle
Enable/Disable
printing within the Home
(Send to Print)
screen, so only necessary
button has been
pressed whilst in the action is to press button
again.
Home screen

48

Issue

No indicators showing
A300SE+

Possible Cause

No air supply

Remedy

Restore air supply

Low pressure input Ensure input pressure

on air supply
>5bar
In-line fuse failure Replace in-line fuse

49

Cleaning the Print Head

Loosen screw and pull out
the Charge Electrode. Clean
in the slot with relevant wash,
dry using lint free tissue.

Clean any ink residue from

deflector plates
Clean any ink residue from
gutter area
SW_0150.eps

A-Series plus Print Head

Loosen screws and pull out

the Charge Electrodes.
Clean in the slot with relevant
wash, dry using lint free
tissue.
Clean any ink residue from
deflector plates

Clean any ink residue from

gutter area
AD_0001.eps

A-Series plus Duo Print Head

50