Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’re interested in learning more about proper toggle assembly set up, elongating the life of your printhead(s) or any other Zebra Printer related questions, don’t wait another minute.

Contact Advanced Automation today!

Paper – the most widely used substrate can be printed using a variety of methods, is suitable for most label and tag applications, but not recommended for highly-durable, harsh environment or extended life use. A wide variety of grades are available.

Polyethylene – a tough, stretchy plastic film with very good low temperature characteristics. Tyvek® is a common high-density polyethylene (HDPE), typically used as a tag for its tear strength and puncture resistance.

Polypropylene – similar to polyethylene but stronger with a higher temperature resistance. Kimdura®, a biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP), is synonymous with this type of film, but due to its household name can cause you to be outbid. There are hundreds of polypro options available for when superb durability and longevity are required.

Polyester – a strong film with excellent strength, clarity, dimensional stability and resistance to moisture, solvents, and oils. Typically the most expensive substrate within the poly family, but also the most durable.

Foil, PVC, Metalized Paper… – these and other materials are used to a lesser extent as facestocks, but each feature unique attributes making them ideal for niche applications.

There are many other factors such as caliper (thickness), coated/uncoated, and imprint method that will affect a quote. Take the guesswork out of the equation; call your Advanced Automation labeling expert, John Tiffany, at 800.728.8889  ext. 203 or contact us to get the perfect solution for your thermal labeling application(s).

Zebra 5049 Wax Ribbon Users:
We recommend customers currently using Zebra 5049 wax ribbon to transition to either the 2100 or 5319 wax ribbon instead.  Both alternatives are less expensive than the 5049, but we’re confident you won’t notice much, if any decline in performance.  The Zebra 5319 is one of the most popular Zebra wax ribbons if you’re looking for the most reliable and immediate transition.

Zebra 4100 Resin Ribbon Users:
We recommend customers currently using Zebra 4100 resin ribbon to transition to 5095 resin ribbon.  The Zebra 5095 resin ribbon offers a much broader range of acceptance on different substrates without any darkness setting changes by the customer.  Although slightly more expensive, you definitely see an improvement in print quality and even more importantly when using a resin ribbon, durability and staying power.

If this discontinuation affects you and you have any questions regarding the alternatives or what consequences there may be for changing ribbons, don’t hesitate to contact your Advanced Automation team.  We can easily arrange for some sample ribbon to be sent your way for testing prior to a true transition.  We’re here to support you throughout the entire process!

The Compact4 Mobile Mark II is designed for installation on forklift trucks and mobile stations. It can operate from a connection to a forklift’s battery and its vibration proof design makes it the perfect choice for warehousing logistics.  Were other mobile thermal printers struggle to perform, the Datamax Compact4 Mark II shines.  This printer works especially great in a fixed mounted fork lift setting where it successfully stands up to the rugged environment in which it has to perform.

The Datamax O’Neil Nova series is for customers who need faster speed, high capacity label rolls, and thermal transfer as an option. These printers are the most compact printers in their class. Featuring all-metal casing, they are tough enough for harsh industrial environments, yet quiet enough for office use.

Advanced Automation recently just worked with a client to overcome their own forklift printing challenges using the Datamax O’neil MP Compact4 Mark II Mobile printer.  They were using a desktop clam-shell type printer of a rival manufacturer, but were consistently losing printers due to their non-ruggedness.  After a demo of the Compact4 Mark II, they were convinced and rolled the Datamax line out to the rest of their forklifts.

Are you struggling with successful mobile thermal printing challenges?  Look no further than Advanced Automation and our complete line of mobile thermal printer solutions.  We’ve got the answer you’re looking for!

Datamax O\'neil MP Compact4 Mark II

In our estimation, their Zebra printhead hadn’t been cleaned once since the printer arrived at their facility. The inventory barcode labels they produce looked horrible and we were impressed that even the very best barcode scanners out there could still read them. To resolve this issue, our Zebra Technician simply cleaned the printhead the best that it could be done. With that simple step, which every Zebra Printer owner should know and perform regularly, their Zebra 105SL came back to life!  Obviously there is still a few small streaks, but considering that’s printhead is over 2 years old, the print looks great.

Wow, what a difference.  Clean your Zebra Printheads folks.  Do it regularly! If you’re not sure how to properly clean a Zebra Printhead, let us know or visit this Advanced Automation, Inc. blog frequently as we have it lined up for a very nearby future post.

If you are ever interested in Zebra Printer Repair or have any other questions you’d like to see answered, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re more than happy to continue doing our best to provide value to those around us!

Zebra Printhead Results

Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive into thermal printhead discussion that aims to give you a better understanding on how to elongate their life, maintain optimal printing resolution as well as common maintenance tips.  If you can’t wait for these tips and tricks, you know you can always rely on Advanced Automation and can simply give us a buzz or an email with your questions.

In the meantime, below is one of our first videos showing you how to perform a Pause Test with a ZM400 Zebra printer in order to determine the condition of your Zebra printhead.  You can see in the image to the right, the comparison of two separate Pause Test results… one with a good Zebra printhead and one with a bad Zebra printhead.

Need help with your thermal printheads or need pricing on replacement costs?

Click here to view the embedded video.

By request of several of our customers as well as it being just a good idea, Advanced Automation will begin to release several “tips, tricks & good things to know” videos and blog posts to address some of the most common issues we see in the field.  We’ve already begun filming and putting together our first few video release.

Once these “tips, tricks & good things to know” have been posted, we will also archive them on our Advanced Automation website so you can always access them for any reason.

Do you have an issue or topic you’d like to see Advanced Automation address?

The most flexible, rugged handheld platform Psion Telkogix has ever built.

The Psion Omnii™ XT10 is the first of our next-generation industrial mobile computers built around Open Source Mobility: our revolutionary commitment to modularity, open innovation and customisation.

Omnii™ XT10 delivers serious processing power, packaged in one adaptable product platform.
- Modular performance: buy exactly – and only – what you need
- Extreme versatility: delivers for the widest range of users, uses and environments
- In-the-field flexibility:  quickly add new upgrades, hardware plug-ins and software on the go
- Future-proof technology:  one device can be redeployed and reconfigured for business change
- Lowest lifetime TCO:  protect your investment, and save up 30% on hardware replacement costs

Compromise can often enter into IT buying decisions. But with the flexible Psion Omnii, that risk is removed: it’s always fit for purpose – whatever your business demands.

Advanced Automation is your partner for assisting you with your existing fleet of Psion Teklogix mobile computers as well as help you configure new implementation of Psion hardware.  The Psion Omnii is simply another example of why Psion Teklogix continues to be a leader in the mobile computing field.

To learn more about the Psion Teklogix Omnii or how Advanced Automation can help you with your Psion Teklogix questions or needs, contact us today!

Liquid Lens Technology = Automatic Variable Focus - The DataMan 8000 Series is the first industrial handheld reader to offer integrated liquid lens technology. The adjustable focus of the liquid lens gives the maximum depth of field flexibility for an image-based handheld reader.

Superior Code Reading Advancements – The DataMan 8000 Series is powered by Cognex patented IDMax® technology and two powerful algorithms, 1DMax™ and 2DMax™, that provide the most advanced decoding available for reading virtually every type of code, every time, with unsurpassed read rates.

Ethernet – The DataMan 8000 Series readers are the first to offer Ethernet communication capability in a handheld reader.

The DataMan 8000 Series represents a true breakthrough for industrial handheld readers and are available in two models:
• DataMan 8500. The DataMan 8500 readers incorporate patented UltraLight® technology from Cognex for superior image formation on any mark type and surface.
• DataMan 8100. Includes all the features of the DataMan 8500 readers, with bright field illumination. The DataMan 8100 readers are ideal for applications that require superior code reading performance without specialty lighting.

Cognex Dataman 8000 Data Sheet

Let Advanced Automation help you learn more about Cognex and how the Dataman 8000 Series can benefit you!

Click here to view the embedded video.

As Zebra has previously announced, the last service date for the S600 printer is rapidly approaching. As of September 30, 2010, technical support and service for these printers will no longer be available through Zebra. Spare parts will be available only while supplies last while print heads will continue to be available. The ideal replacement product for the S600 is Zebra’s S4M, which offers outstanding value for many applications.

Advanced Automation has and will continue to support S600 as long as possible.   Our Zebra printer service technicians can keep your Zebra S600 thermal printers rolling providing any needed parts are available.  Worst case scenario, we’ll work with customer to upgrade them into the current model or any other model that fits their thermal printing needs.

Let us know if you have questions or if we can help you make decisions regarding your Zebra S600.

One of the newest product introductions to be announced is the upcoming release of the LXE Marathon Rugged Tablet!  There are several rugged tablets out there and knowing the solid performance reputation that LXE has, the Marathon Rugged Tablet shouldn’t disappoint.

Below is the “official” press release from LXE:

The Marathon Field Computer
- for the Mobile Worker in the Real World.

August 12, 2010

LXE Marathon Mobile Computer

LXE, a division of EMS Technologies (NASDAQ: ELMG), announced today the introduction of its Marathon™ field computer. The Marathon field computer introduces a new form factor in mobile computing, with a larger screen size and greater computing power than a PDA, smaller size than a laptop, and multiple data-capture and connectivity options. Taken together, the Marathon field computer provides new levels of usability for the mobile worker in field-force automation, route accounting, and public safety.

Stephen Newell, LXE general manager, says the Marathon field computer fills a critical market need for workers in mobile environments. “Between PDAs and laptops, there is plenty of technology that offers mobility, but every solution before the introduction of the Marathon field computer has come with sacrifice – whether it’s a lack of ruggedness, small screen size, or awkward ergonomics. The Marathon computer fills a void in the market for a fully-rugged, PC-based experience with the right balance of screen size and ergonomics. An uncompromised technology experience for mobile workers equals an uncompromised service experience for their customers.”

Side View

The Marathon field computer weighs less than a kilogram, and is powered by an Intel® Atom processor that runs full Windows® 7 or Windows® XP operating systems. It combines multiple built-in data-entry options, including a 7” outdoor-visible touchscreen, full QWERTY keyboard, integrated fingerprint reader that doubles as a mouse, and a high-resolution color camera. The unit’s available desk and vehicle SmartDock cradles allow one-handed undocking and

user-friendly peripheral interfaces. Additional bolt-on accessories include a mag stripe reader, 2D imager, and extended life batteries for 8- and 12-hour continuous operation, all of which attach securely to the unit while maintaining the overall IP-65 rating for protection against dust and water.

The Marathon field computer connects via Gobi™ WWAN radio. The Gobi technology means the Marathon computer can connect through either GSM- or CDMA-based mobile carriers.

Top View

The computer can also connect to a local area Wi-Fi network via 802.11 a/b/g/n. Bluetooth connectivity provides users with the potential to connect various peripherals wirelessly.

The Marathon field computer will begin Beta site deployments in September, with shipments to preorder customers scheduled for December. Said Newell, “We are energized by the positive response that the Marathon computer has already received from our reseller partners and early adopter customers around the world. We look forward to serving their mobile workers – and changing the way they do business in the field.”

The LXE Marathon Rugged Field Computer is definitely going to be  a great new tool for any company.  If you’re interested in the LXE Marathon Rugged Tablet and would like to take a closer look at this device, give us a call or feel free to send us an email at any time.

The Customer Challenge

NASCAR is a high-tech sport where seconds separate the winner from the rest of the pack. It has a U.S. fan base of 75 million and through its three major series, Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck, sanctions more than 1,500 races at 100 tracks in 39 states, Canada and Mexico. The average attendance at an event is greater than 120,000 and fans spend some $3 billion annually on NASCAR officially licensed products.

Since its founding in 1948, it has helped define the racing industry and pushed automotive racing technology to the bleeding edge. But while the automotive technology took off, data collection technology lagged behind and the use of pencil, three-part paper forms and dry erase boards perpetuated. It would often take at least 15 minutes for that information to be available to all the other team members. Racing strategy is based on data. Many times the team would not get the data in time to make strategic decisions before the next pit stop. Red Bull Racing needed a way to collect and share more data in real time.

The MobileDemand Solution

The MobileDemand xTablet offered the mobility, processing power, ease of use and ruggedness needed to automate data collection, saving vital crew time before the race and shaving precious seconds during the race. The goal of using the xTablet T7000 ultra mobile computer was to automate data collection for the team to speed the sharing of information for quicker decision making.

What started out as a search for a product to replace a standalone bar code scanner produced a single, rugged PC with bar code scanning to automate routine and time consuming tasks. As the first NASCAR team to adopt the rugged xTablet PCs, Red Bull Racing has been able to take advantage of the Mobile Demand devices to give them a competitive edge.

The xTablets:

• Run Windows 7 in a fully mobile PC environment
• Run the team’s racing software
• Have a built-in bar code scanner that saves 60 to 90 minutes before each race in putting tire sets together
• Allow the teams to set up their own secure wireless network with built-in WiFi
• Let them send data anywhere at any time with built-in cell phone receivers
• Turn notes into real-time data with handwriting recognition
• Stand up to the intense heat, dust, rain and other hazards in typical race conditions
• Withstand repeated abuse, such as multiple drops to concrete or asphalt
• And, most importantly, enable sharing critical, real-time data that speeds race-day decision making and can potentially keep vehicles and drivers out of harm’s way

The tablets are being used by the spotter, tire specialists and the gasman to record and compute data. Integrated bar code scanners assist the tire specialist in organizing the race tires throughout the weekend. Timing and scoring provides the spotter with information to assist the driver throughout practices and actual races. And the tablet PC allows the gasman to provide fuel data to the race engineer in real time. “You would not believe the interest we’ve had from the other guys (NASCAR teams) wondering what we have, what we do with it,” said Chris Lambert, spotter,Red Bull Racing. “NASCAR itself has looked at it with us. There is no keeping this a secret around the track.”

The Results

“We’ve sped up the data flow probably more than a hundred fold,” said John Probst, TechnicalDirector, Red Bull Racing.“ The tire guys said thefirst weekend we had the tablets at the track it saved them 90 minutes just in sorting tires.” One example of that efficiency is the fact that tire specialists can use the built-in bar code scanner in the tablet to scan all the tires prior to the race and build sets of four for change outs during pit stops. By using that one function alone they now save 90 minutes before every race matching tires for sets.

The versatility and ruggedness of the tablet PC give the team a competitive advantage because it runs the team’s racing software on Microsoft Windows 7 and provides a quick, comprehensive data collection and sharing solution. And, unlike off-the-shelf PCs, the military rugged tablet PCs will survive an entire 39-event racing season.

When a multi-million dollar race is on the line, seconds matter. Now, the Red Bull team shares critical information in real time through a single, integrated automated data collection system that saves seconds, minutes and hours at every event. It’s setting a new standard at the track.

Contact Advanced Automation to learn more about how Mobile Demand rugged tablets can take you to the next level!

* This Case Study was produced and made possible by Mobile Demand!

Red Bull Taps Mobile Demand Video

Click here to view the embedded video.

When it comes to the implementation and installation of a wireless infrastructure in your warehouse, there are plenty of things to think about. What is the size of the warehouse? 10,000sq ft.? 500,000sq ft.? Are there divisions? Pallet racking, if so, how high. What kind of inventory is kept within the warehouse? What is the work flow and the intensity of it? What type of devices will be used for mobile computing? Hand held mobile computers? Vehicle mounted computers? These are just some basic questions that hopefully someone who’s implementing a wireless backbone would think about on the front end.

We recently received a call from a customer who had a situation where workers who, according to them at the time, believed they fell out of wireless range, lost connection and then had to reboot the mobile computer to regain a connection. They couldn’t figure out what was happening and obviously their own wireless infrastructure was working against them. A day later a couple of Advanced Automation wireless experts stopped by for a quick warehouse site survey to begin looking into the situation. After locating all of their access points and performing wireless coverage tests throughout their warehouse, the problem was easily identified. Over saturation, or simply put… TOO MUCH COVERAGE!!! (see right)

Advanced Automation was able to determine that there were no less that 14 different access points within wireless signal range at any given point.  That’s 14 different access points that the mobile computer is trying to sort through to communicate.  Advanced Automation programmer and wireless expert Jeff Clover said, “This causes interference and confuses the device trying to roam.  When you only have 3 non-overlapping channels (1,6,11), you don’t want a lot of access points on the same channel within range.”  This is a great example of what happens when either a company who’s expertise lies elsewhere takes on a wireless infrastructure project, or a company does it themselves.  They simply don’t understand the technology and strategy needed to efficiently and successfully set wireless infrastructure up.

What can be done? The first thing  would be to reduce the number of access points in the warehouse.  It’s overkill and think of what this company could have save purchasing half the number of access points they did?  Secondly, the signal output for each access point should be decreased from the max of 100mw, down to around 20-30mw.  (The image to the left represents the wireless coverage with the original number of access points still in place, but with the signal strength reduced.) Thirdly, the access points will also need to be repositioned to better fit the layout of the warehouse.  At the same time, make sure that every access point on the same channel are as far away from each other as possible.  With this configuration interference should AND was nearly eliminated.  The key is to reduce interference, but minimize the dead spots which you can see from the diagram included with this study.  The illustration to the right shows a much cleaner wireless layout that achieves the sharp decrease in AP interference and increases efficiency and production within their warehouse.

These illustrations only represent this Advanced Automation customer’s specific warehouse and internal operations.  Every warehouse is different and can present it’s own unique challenges when trying optimize wireless infrastructure coverage and efficiency.  It never hurts to have some who understands, not just the end goal, but how to most efficiently and optimally get there.   It’s worth it in the end!

Thanks for reading and happy bar code scanning!