MCX Touch Controller

USER MANUAL

Firmware version 5.x

Last edited 20 November 2024
Copyright © HSA Systems

HSA Systems A/S | +45 6610 3401 | www.hsasystems.com

MCX Controller User Manual

1 About
This manual details how to use the HSAJET® MCX 4.3" Touch Controller.

The HSAJET® MCX Touch Controller is used with the MCX printers or printheads (either Compact
or Satellite version) and the design software MCX UniDraw f/ Windows. MCX Printers are also
compatible with Loftware design software.

Please visit www.hsasystems.com for information about updates to your device or software.

Disclaimer
HSA Systems is continuously working to improve this product. Therefore, we retain the right to
make changes to the product at any time, which may not be reflected in this version of the manual.

For further assistance, please contact your local distributor.

It is the sole responsibility of the owner to install and use the equipment in a manner that will not
cause accidents, personal injury, or property damage. Likewise, it is the sole responsibility of the
user to ensure that the data printed by the device is correct.

At the time of shipping, HSA Systems has done extensive testing to validate that the unit functions
correctly.

Warranty
HSA Systems provides a 24-month warranty from the time of dispatch.

The warranty is rendered null and void if the product is altered, modified, or repaired by other than
HSA Systems’ technicians or in case of misuse or lack of proper maintenance.

For further information, please refer to HSA Systems’ General Terms & Conditions for Sales &
Delivery.

Warning: Do not connect or disconnect cables with power connected.

Installation to be done by authorized personnel.

Copyright © HSA Systems

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MCX Controller User Manual

Table of Content
1 About ...................................................................................................................... 2
2 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 4
2.1 MCX Compact print system parts ................................................................. 5
2.2 MCX Satellite print system parts ................................................................... 8
2.3 The outside of the MCX Compact Printer .................................................... 12
2.4 The outside of the MCX Satellite Printhead................................................. 13
2.5 The outside of the MCX Satellite Main Unit ................................................. 14
3 Navigating the MCX Menus ................................................................................. 15
4 Selection of a Print Job ....................................................................................... 18
4.1 Adding new job(s) ....................................................................................... 20
5 Production ............................................................................................................ 21
5.1 Enter prompt values .................................................................................... 23
5.2 Ink information ............................................................................................ 25
5.3 Printing a batch (limited print count) ............................................................ 26
5.4 Printing a database (list) ............................................................................. 28
5.5 Printing from a predefined list ..................................................................... 31
5.6 Enabling live adjustment ............................................................................. 33
5.7 Using the SBS (Side-By-Side) printer ......................................................... 37
6 Job Setup.............................................................................................................. 39
6.1 Resolution................................................................................................... 40
6.2 Flip.............................................................................................................. 41
6.3 Repeat ........................................................................................................ 42
6.4 Job offset .................................................................................................... 43
7 Service Menu ........................................................................................................ 44
7.1 Purge .......................................................................................................... 45
7.2 I/O Test ....................................................................................................... 46
7.3 Sleep .......................................................................................................... 47
7.4 Test print..................................................................................................... 47
7.5 Export System Report ................................................................................. 47
8 Printer Setup ........................................................................................................ 48
9 Settings................................................................................................................. 49
10 Basic Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 50
11 Reference Section ................................................................................................ 52
11.1 Nozzle modes ............................................................................................. 52
11.2 Side-By-Side features ................................................................................. 53
12 Support ................................................................................................................. 54
12.1 Manuals ...................................................................................................... 54
12.2 Supported software..................................................................................... 54
13 Manufacturer ........................................................................................................ 55

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2 Introduction
This manual guides the operator through the menus of the HSAJET® MCX 4.3" Touch Controller
and explains in detail how to use the controller for the print process, service of the printer, and
setting hardware parameters.

The print job layout is designed on a Windows PC using the MCX UniDraw software.
MCX Printers are also compatible with Loftware design software.

Please note that the examples used in this manual are in English.

It is recommended to use a touch pen for operation of the touch screen. A touch pen is supplied
with the controller.

This documentation covers both variants of the MCX system:

• HSAJET® MCX Compact
• HSAJET® MCX Satellite

Where the systems differ, this is clearly indicated.

The drawings and photos in this manual may show accessories that are not
included parts of the product.

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2.1 MCX Compact print system parts

Basic parts:

MCX 4.3” Touch Controller with USB input (optionally as Panel Mount version)
1
Power supply, connects to 100/240V AC and the MCX Printer (included)
2 MCX Compact Printer (0.5”-2.0” or SBS)

Optional accessories:

MCX I/O Interface Box, connects using a 15 pin HD DSUB connector with supplied cable

External print sensor (PNP)

Encoder

Beacon 3 colour

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2.1.1 MCX Compact Printers

22501010 22501020 22501030

HSAJET MCX 0.5" Compact HSAJET MCX 1.0” Compact HSAJET MCX 1.5" Compact
Printer (1 pen) SC Printer (2 pens) SC Printer (3 pens) SC

22501040 22502010
HSAJET MCX 2" Compact HSAJET MCX 0.5” Compact
Printer (4 pens) SC Printer (2 pens) SBS SC

72000120 (used with 1-2 pens)

PSU AC/DC Adaptor 60W f/MCX, 24V

or

72000130 (used with 3-4 pens)

PSU AC/DC Adaptor 90W f/MCX, 24V

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2.1.2 MCX Touch Controllers

The MCX Touch Controller is available in two versions, either for free mount or as inset panel
mount. Functionally, the two are identical.

22101000
HSAJET MCX 4.3" Touch Controller

The controller pairs with all MCX printer types. Must be connected to
printer at all times.

22102000
HSAJET MCX 4.3" Touch Controller – panel mount

Including panel mount bracket and USB Extender for panel mount.

The controller pairs with all MCX printer types. Must be connected to
printer at all times.

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2.2 MCX Satellite print system parts

Basic parts:

1 MCX 4.3” Touch Controller with USB input (optionally as Panel Mount version)

2 MCX Satellite Main Unit. Connect to 24V DC or optional power supply

3 MCX Satellite Printheads (0.5”-2.0”) - maximum 4 pens per main unit.

Optional accessories:

MCX I/O Interface Box, connects using a 15 pin HD DSUB connector with supplied cable

External print sensor (PNP)

Encoder

Beacon 3 colour

Power supply, connects to 100/240V AC and the MCX Main Unit (NOT included with Main Unit)

MCX Satellite Printer cable (2 or 5 m). One per printer

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2.2.1 MCX Satellite Printers

22601010
HSAJET MCX Satellite 22601020
0.5" Printhead (1 pen) SC HSAJET MCX Satellite
1" Printhead (2 pen) SC

22601030 22601020
HSAJET MCX Satellite HSAJET MCX Satellite
1.5" Printhead (3 pen) SC 2" Printhead (4 pen) SC

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2.2.2 Controllers
The MCX Touch Controller is available in two versions, either for free mount or as inset panel
mount. Functionally, the two are identical.

22101000
HSAJET MCX 4.3" Touch Controller

The controller pairs with all MCX printer types. Must be connected to main
unit at all times.

22102000
HSAJET MCX 4.3" Touch Controller – panel mount

Including panel mount bracket and USB Extender for panel mount.

The controller pairs with all MCX printer types. Must be connected to main
unit at all times.

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2.2.3 MCX Satellite Main Unit

22601000
HSAJET MCX Satellite Main Unit

Printers and touch controller must remain connected while power is on.

AC/DC Adaptor 60W f/MCX, 24 for 1-2 pen

AC/DC Adaptor 90W f/MCX, 24V for 3-4 pen

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2.3 The outside of the MCX Compact Printer

For simplicity, the MCX 0.5” Compact Printer (1 pen) version is used as an example. Connectors
are identical on larger models.

1) Ink cartridge slot

2) Signal and power to MCX Touch Controller
3) Connecter to MCX I/O Interface Box
4) Power connector
5) Threads for bracket

1) Front plate with grooves

2) Built in product sensor
3) Ink cartridge

The MCX numbers the sockets (pens) from inside-out (starting at the printer body), see illustration
below:

The sockets must be filled according to layout size, starting from pen 1.

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2.4 The outside of the MCX Satellite Printhead

For simplicity, the MCX 0.5” Satellite printhead (1 pen) version is used as an example. Connectors
are identical on larger models.

1) Ink cartridge slot

2) Signal and power to MCX Satellite Main Unit
3) LED for power status
4) Threads for bracket

1) Front plate with grooves

2) Built in product sensor
3) Ink cartridge

The MCX numbers the sockets (pens) from inside-out (starting at the printer body), see illustration
below - no matter how the head is oriented.

The sockets must be filled according to layout size, starting from pen 1.

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Introduction MCX Controller User Manual

2.5 The outside of the MCX Satellite Main Unit

1) Power Switch and status LEDs

2) Power connector, for HSA MCX
powersupply or 24V direct
3) Connector for MCX Touch
Controller
4) Connector for MCX I/O interface
box
5) Printhead connectors. See
connection guide

Do not connect both MCX power supply and 24V direct at the same time

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Navigating the MCX Menus MCX Controller User Manual

3 Navigating the MCX Menus

On the MCX controller, menus are organised in a hierarchical structure. In this section, see how to
understand and navigate the menus.

Menu items

A menu item is a rectangular button, often decorated with

an illustrative icon. The text below the icon is based on
language selection.

Most menu items have sub menus.

This menu on the left is the main menu.

Exiting a sub menu

When in a submenu, use the X in the upper right corner to

exit.

In settings menus, there is no save button. All changes

made are automatically saved when the menu is exited.

Pagination

Some menus have multiple pages. In this case, switch

between pages using the left and right pagination buttons
at the bottom of the screen.

A counter indicates number of pages.

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Navigating the MCX Menus MCX Controller User Manual

Tab pages

Some menus have a tab bar at the bottom.

The active tab is highlighted.

Option fields

For some settings, the operator can choose between

several values. An option field is visible, indicated by six
dots in the right side of the field.

Press the unit field to open a new screen with the options
available. Choose a new option or click the X to close
window.

Dimension input

In several sub menus, it is possible to set a value and to

change units.

Click the unit field (red square) to change unit between

imperial (decimal) and metric. The value automatically
converts.

To edit the value, click the value field (green square) to

open a numeric keyboard (example A).

Example A

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Navigating the MCX Menus MCX Controller User Manual

Keyboard
A full keyboard will open when it is possible for the operator
to insert a string.

Use the icons in the upper right corner of the screen to

toggle between available keyboards or select the numeric-
only keyboard.

To enter accents (example: á ø ü ...) hold the specific letter

key for a few seconds. A menu with accents based on the
character will pop up.

Press the check mark in the lower right corner of the

keyboard to accept input.
Production tile

From the main menu, you can access the production

screen, illustrated on the left.

The production screen is active during printout. The

production screen consists of 4 different tiles. Each tile
shows a variable related to the current print job.

Example A
You can click the header of each production tile to expand
it to full screen. Click again to return to normal view.

In Example A on the left, the print count is expanded to fit

screen.

If the optional function is enabled, there is an icon

(hammer/screwdriver in lower left corner) in the production
screen for live parameter editing.

This enables the operator to make fine adjustments to

relevant print parameters while in print.
The parameters are stored permanently, (1) (print offset) in
the current layout, (2) (pen offset and pen stitching) in the
Live parameter adjustment hardware parameters.

Please note, that hardware parameters (2) are configurable

only on printer models with more than 1 pen.

Press the X to return to production screen.

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Selection of a Print Job MCX Controller User Manual

4 Selection of a Print Job

On the MCX controller, only one print job can be selected and processed at a time. A print job is a
print job layout file, which defines the dimensions and the content of the specific print job.

Main menu

To select a print job, click the main menu item ‘Job

Selection’ (1), or click the top bar when not in active
production (2)

Job selection screen

The MCX controller will display a list of stored jobs. The

current job is highlighted.

If there are more than eight jobs on the unit, the list is
paginated. Use the arrows left or right (1) to toggle between
pages (present when multiple pages available).

Select a job by pressing the job name. Use (2) to get

information about the job. See example A on the left.

Use the toggle icon (3) to sort print jobs: A-Z in ascending
order, or last added date in descending order (newest first).
Job information, example A

If permitted, it is possible to delete a job using the bin icon

(4).

Press the check mark (5) to load the job (loading takes a
few seconds).

The job selection screen will display the last 32 jobs added.
Adding newer files will push out the oldest.

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Selection of a Print Job MCX Controller User Manual

Delete file

If the feature is allowed, a delete icon appears in the lower

left corner.

Select this to permanently delete the selected file.

As illustrated, the controller natively supports every script

and file name.

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Selection of a Print Job MCX Controller User Manual

4.1 Adding new job(s)

To add print jobs to the MCX Printer, this can either be done by using a USB key or an Ethernet
upload function in the HSAJET® MCX UniDraw software tool.

4.1.1 Transfer via USB media

The job file(s) must be placed in the root folder of the USB key.
When inserting the USB key into the MCX controller, all job files are automatically imported. The
operator will be given a notification on the screen.

If you transfer a duplicate job name to the controller, you will be asked to confirm overwrite as
illustrated below.

Please note that all print jobs are automatically deleted from the USB key after transfer.

4.1.2 Transfer via Ethernet

The MCX UniDraw software has an ethernet upload function, where the MCX Printers IP address
and hostname should be typed in. Once connected, it is possible to transfer job files directly to the
MCX Printer.

The MCX controller can store up to 32 jobs. Additional jobs will overwrite older jobs.

Consult the HSAJET® MCX UniDraw User Manual for detailed instructions about how to transfer
print jobs from UniDraw to the MCX Controller via Ethernet.

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

5 Production
In this section, find a walkthrough of the Production screen on the MCX controller.

Main menu

The actual print process is controlled from the production

screen. To access the production screen, press the
‘Production’ menu item on the first page of the main menu.

Notice: The production screen will automatically show if the

test print function is in use.

Production screen overview

When entering the production screen, print mode is
inactive. The tiles (2) (Conveyor speed / print speed / print
count) will display 0 at this time as there is no production.

Start printing by pressing the green ‘Play’ button (1).

If allowed, the parameter adjust icon (4) is also displayed.

This must be enabled under "Behaviour"

When pressed, the bottom of the screen will change and a

red ‘Stop’ button is available. See Example A.

In the production screen, ink levels are visible (3). Each

Example A displayed with amount of ink remaining, in order of
connection.
In a multi-pen printer, the cartridges are always numbered
from the printer body and out.

Example B The status bar is displaying print job name (5). This can be
clicked to select another job, directly from the production
screen.

The status bar colour will change from blue to red if the ink
cartridge is empty or extracted and an error icon will appear
(see example B). Click the icon for explanation of error.
The Ink Information tile will also display an ‘X’.

To leave the Production screen, press the X in the top right

corner (not possible in print mode).

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

Production mode
In print mode, the information tiles show statistics of the
production.

(1) Current speed, measured in m/min.

(2) The number of prints since last start

(3) Average prints per hour.

If the feature is allowed, the parameter icon (4) will open

the live parameter edit where the operator can fine adjust
print parameters.

Zoom example

Any of the tiles can be zoomed. See zoomed example on

the left. Click again to show all tiles.

To stop production, press the red stop button.

For jobs with set number of prints

If the job has a set number of prints (database or batch
count), progress information is added under the print count.

The format is:

Current / Total count (percentage)

Note that the print count is since last start and may not
reflect total progress.

Example: Database has printed 300 already at print start,

out of 3000. After 5 prints the tile would read:

Print Count

5
305 / 3.000 (10.2 %)

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

5.1 Enter prompt values

Print jobs may be designed to force the operator to enter one or more values that are unknown
when designing the print job, e.g., LOT number, expiry dates, etc.

If a print job contains prompts, the prompt screen appears for each prompt. See prompt screen
overview and explanation below.

Prompt screen overview

Numbers below correlate with numbers in the Prompt
screen overview on the left.

(1) Value field in which the operator can enter the prompt
value. Upon clicking the field, a keyboard will appear. The
keyboard appearance depends on the type of content the
operator is prompted to edit (see examples A, B and C
below).

(2) Accept content and continue.

(3) Cancel prompt process.

Example A

Keyboard for static text (may be limited to numbers or to a

certain length). This is defined when the print job is
designed in the MCX UniDraw software.

Example B, date input

Select date of month displayed in (1).

Clicking the month/year will select unit, a larger unit every

time: month, year, decade. Selecting a value in (1) will
again select lower unit: decade, year, month.

The format of the printed date is determined when the job

is designed. For instance, the date may be entered as
day/month/year but printed as “21 (DEC)”.

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

Example C

Keyboard for entering numeric values.

Prompt Confirmation

After entering a value for each prompt configured for the

print job, the MCX controller displays an overview of all
values entered. Edit buttons allows for reediting values.

Pressing the check mark in the lower right corner confirms

the values and printing starts.

Pressing the X in the lower left corner cancels the prompt

input and returns to production screen (cancelling print
start).

Validating prompt using PIN

During a print job design it is possible to specify a PIN code

used for prompt. This PIN is meant to allow a supervisor to
double check entered prompt values.

The PIN may only be removed at job design and is

individual to each job.

Warning: If something causes the print process to stop, the prompts must be entered again. This
includes taking out the cartridge during print for cleaning.

You can design prompts to remember last value.

It is recommended to have a procedure in place to validate prompt input.

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

5.2 Ink information

Ink Information tile

The Ink Information tile can display additional information.

When pressing the ink level bar (area highlighted on the

left), information about the inserted ink cartridge is shown.
d

Example A

The ink information screen is a tab-screen. Toggle

between screens using the icons in the lower left corner.

Example A shows name of ink [1], the amount remaining

in percent [2] and some actions [3,4,5]

Example B ("i" icon) displays additional information.

To purge [3] hold the button a few seconds while not in

print mode. The corresponding cartridge will shoot on all
channels to produce a fully black image.
Example B

In the MCX SBS printer there is a function "Eject" [4]

which disables the displayed cartridge. This is an
electronic and more safe way to replace a cartridge during
6:4 or 9:1 mode.

Finally, if permitted the operator can adjust the voltages

[5].

In some cases it might be desired to adjust the voltage or

pulse width slightly. This is available if permitted in printer
settings.

The values may be adjusted +/- 20% from the default

values. Displayed is the adjustment. 0V / 0 uS is nominal
values.

The setting for each ink type is remembered across jobs

and power cycles, until next time it is change. The setting
is for all inserted inks of same type.

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

5.3 Printing a batch (limited print count)

During a print job design, it is possible set up a prompt asking the operator at print start how many
prints to do. This is known as “BATCH COUNT”.

“Batch count” should not be confused with “Batch Number”, which typically describes a certain lot of
products.

The batch count function is useful for printing in e.g., label numbering where the number of labels
is important, before another action should be taken.

Batch count visible in operator interface

The batch count input is shown to the operator as any other

(numeric) input. The question is configured by the print job
designer.

When using the batch print function, a number is shown

below the print count showing current progress.

Batch complete

A dialogue is shown to the operator once all prints are

done.

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Warning: If the cartridge is extracted during a batch print, the printout operation will stop. At restart,
the operator will again be asked for batch size, showing default value.

Example: operator enters 500 prints to be done. 200 prints are done, and the cartridge is extracted for
cleaning. At restart, the operator is again prompted with last / default (500).

It is the operator’s responsibility to have procedures in place to print the correct final amount.

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

5.4 Printing a database (list)

During a print job design, it is possible to turn the job into a database (list) print job.
The database is stored in the job itself, not editable or accessible by the operator. Each record may
only be printed once.

There is a set limit on the amount of data you can import into the MCX.
• Maximum 1 mio records
• Maximum 100 MB data

Please note, that database on the MCX is single use. Once a job is done, it disappears from the
controller.

It is possible to stop before the end of the database is reached. Next start will continue from the
first not-printed record.

5.4.1 Important about completion of records

The printer will resume from the last completely printed record. A print is considered complete
when the last part of the canvas has left the LAST pen in the system. Some / all the readable part
may have been printed, even when the layout itself has not completed.

In this example, #13 is not complete, and this number will print again.

When designing for list print, it is recommended to keep the canvas as “tight” as possible around
the content, to prevent misunderstanding about when a print is complete, as in the example below.

Here, the area with a red shade must also pass the print head to register as a complete print.

This is especially important when there are multiple heads connected in the satellite
configuration. Take this example installation:

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

Following the rule from before about prints not completed before passing last pen ("B"), it is clear
that boxes 8 and 9 are complete, while 10,11,12 and 13 are started. 10,11 and 12 are printed but
not completed in the data list.

For this reason, when production is stopped on the controller, all items between "A" and "B"
should be considered waste. If print is stopped here, the first print after start would be 10.

Warning: When printing from a database, it is important to stop print mode before the printer is
turned off or power to the printer is cut.

Progress of the database is not saved during print. The print job is only saved when the print mode
is stopped on the controller. If the printer is turned off or if power to the printer is lost during print, the
controller will continue from last save.

Example: start at 1, print until 100 where power is cut. Next start is from 1 again.

IT MUST BE GUARANTEED THAT PRINTER WILL NOT LOSE POWER DURING PRINT OF A
DATASET

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

During production, the current / total (percentage) is shown as in the batch count example in the
section above.

Production Completed

Once all records have been completed, a notice is shown

to the operator.

Notice that the job has been removed.

From here, the controller will have no job loaded.

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5.5 Printing from a predefined list

During a print job design, it is possible to load a database (.txt or .csv files) and use this as a
predefined list, where each record defines the content to print, filling one or more content. In this
mode, the same record is printed again and again. Essentially this is matching a template (your
layout) with data (the imported list).

Settings to activate use of predefined list:

Check the prompt (1) to activate this mode

Enter the question for the operator (2)

Select column to search (3)

Using this method, thousands of jobs with identical layouts but different content can be replaced by
a single layout and a list. Consider this sample list:

ID Name Size SEQID

12 John Doe 12x15x19 187
13 Jane Dole 6x4x13 165

Layout design contains fields from the database – which may be different from the field to search.

Each time the production starts, the user is prompted to enter a search value:

If the operator enters “13”, the layout will print “165” in position (1), and “Jane Dole” in position (2).

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The value entered must match exactly, otherwise the print will not start. Input is case sensitive, so “ABC”
is different from “abc”.

It is recommended, but not required, to search using a numeric value.

If a non-existing value is entered, the prompt question will be repeated.

As with normal list print, the extent of the list should be enough to cover most applications. It has
been tested with 1 million rows and 50 fields.

The fields may contain text in any language or writing system, however the field receiving the
content should be assigned a font able to display the selected content.

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5.6 Enabling live adjustment

If enabled, it is possible for the operator to adjust certain settings from the production screen.

Which features are available for live adjustment is set in the Behaviour menu:

Parameter Shourtcut:

If enabled, live adjustment is available.

Ink adjustment screen:

If enabled, ink parameters may be modified by clicking on

the individual cartridge

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5.6.1 Live adjustment: Parameters

If the printer is not in print mode, the shortcut from print screen will open the machine parameters
(printer setup), with every option available. When the printer setup is closed, the production screen
will be shown again.

If the parameters shortcut is used while production is activated, the "Live Adjustment" will be
shown.

Live setup is not available when the job is used with batch count prompt, in order to guarantee the
correct number of prints executed.

This menu allows operators to modify / fine tune relevant parameters "live" in order to get a perfect
print. Compare this to focusing a camera.

The parameters will be stored in the controller when the

operator has not interacted with the menu for about 0.5
seconds.

A small "saving" screen (spinner) may be shown for a

brief moment.

During the update of the parameters, prints may be missed or destroyed for a few seconds before the
parameters are refreshed.

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

The parameters (toggle between tabs at the bottom of the screen) available are:

Print offset

This is the offset for the current job, and not the global
print offset.

Use the + / - buttons to change the value by 1 mm, or

click the number to enter a number directly.

Horizontal stitching
This is only available on SBS printer vesion and 2,3 and
4 pen models.

The values are offsets compared to the nominal values

in horizontal stitching. A positive value shifts the print on
the particular pen against feed direction. A negative value
makes the pen print earlier.

Values are stored in machine parameters.

If the printer is according to specifications, these values

should be close to 0.

Vertical stitching

This is only available on SBS printer version and 2,3 and

4 pen models.

Overlap for pens, values are stored in machine

parameters.

Typically these values should be around 6-9 dots.

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

5.6.2 Live adjustment: Ink parameters

Every ink inserted in the MCX printer has operating parameters (voltage and pulse width)
according to the manufacturer's specifications. However, in some instances, it may be desired to
modify the ink parameters slightly.

If enabled, the ink parameter adjustment is done from the ink details. Press the green bar in the
production screen, then press the pencil icon.

These settings are not available while printing.

The ink parameter adjustments are per type, so that any adjustment of, eg. a K3010ai ink cartridge in
pen 1 will affect all inks of the same kind in use.

The modifications are stored even after a switch-off, for the inktype, until changed again. To prevent
operator from changing settings and keepin them modified, set changes and disable the function
again in the Behaviour menu.

Adjustment of ink parameters.

In this example, the voltage has been increased by 0.9V,

and the pulse width by 0.20 uS.

You adjust the offset, not the absolute value.

It is possible to set values +/- 20 percent.

Adjusted cartridges will be indicated by a small lightning

symbol.

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

5.7 Using the SBS (Side-By-Side) printer

The MCX SBS is designed to make the cartridges work in "team" so that the production can
continue uninterrupted even if it is necessary to extract a cartridge for replacement or cleaning.

The SBS printer can work in 4 different modes:

5.7.1 Uninterrupted Mode (6:4 or 9:1)

In this mode, the printer will automatically switch between two cartridges in a determined pattern.
It is possible to use either a balanced mode or a mode preferential to one cartridge.

If a cartridge is extracted, the remaining will take over all the prints.

Figuratively, the print is as below:

Balanced mode 6:4 with both cartridges

inserted.

9:1 is similar, but with 9 prints from [1],

A pen is extracted but production may

continue

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Production MCX Controller User Manual

5.7.2 Double Resolution

In double resolution mode, the two cartridges cooperate to produce the same image. Both need to
inserted to produce.

As a result, the resolution is doubled while keeping the same speed.

Principle of double resolution illustrated here

with two different colours in the text. The
resulting output will appear darker because
double the amount of drops are placed.

5.7.3 Dual Colour

In dual colour mode, the two cartridges print data from a double height job, but in the same
position. This is typically made for applications where part of the message should be printed in a
different colour.

Note: the design must be made for this mode.

Jobs made for dual colour can not be loaded in others modes on the SBS printer.

Principle of dual colour. Above sample of the

layout, done in 2 cartridges height. The print is
done with both cartridges from the layout
combined.

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Job Setup MCX Controller User Manual

6 Job Setup
From the Job Setup screen, it is possible to configure the print job currently loaded. The changes
made here are stored in the print job and recalled every time the job is loaded in the future. The job
setup defines how the print job will be printed.

Main menu

To access the Job Setup menu, press the ‘Job Setup’ icon
in the first page of the main menu.

Job Setup screen

On the left is an overview of the submenus in the Job
Setup menu. Numbers correlate with the numbered list
below.

(1) Change resolution of the print job

(2) Change orientation of the printout

(3) Change no. of print repetitions

(4) Change print offset (delay)

The submenus are explained in detail in the following sections.

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Job Setup MCX Controller User Manual

6.1 Resolution
The Resolution menu item is disabled if the machine parameter settings ‘Horizontal resolution’ is
set to ‘Hardware’.

If the ‘Resolution’ menu item is enabled, it is possible to alter the vertical and/or the horizontal
resolution individually for each print job.

Resolution menu screen

Vertical:
Choose between 300 and 600 dpi.

Horizontal:
Enter a value between 100 and 2400 dpi.

The max. speed is calculated based on hardware

capability.

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Job Setup MCX Controller User Manual

6.2 Flip
In the Flip menu, the operator can change print orientation. This is useful when printing the job on
the backside of transparent materials. Find explanations of the different Flip Modes below.

Flip menu screen None:

Will print as designed. Example:

Vertical:
Top and bottom are switched. Example:

Horizontal:
Left / right edges are flipped. Example:

Both:
Flipped along both (rotate 180°). Example:

Using vertical flip together with multiple satellite heads has influence on the
configuration.

The vertical flip is done in the layout full height and not according to each head.

When using this, the head connections should change accordingly.

Example:

Normal setup : 3+ 1 pen

Layout flipped vertically

This causes the text to be broken between heads.

Head order changed

Print is now correct and flipped vertically.

Or, redesign the layout

to make it correct when it's flipped (field positions changed)

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Job Setup MCX Controller User Manual

6.3 Repeat
In the Repeat menu, the operator can configure repeat prints per print start signal.

Repeat menu screen

Repeat Print:
Number of prints repeated. Set the value to anything
above 1.

Repeat Distance:
Distance between prints. See below.

Endless:
If enabled, the printer will continue to print the same
message while the sensor is active, at the given repeat
distance. In this setting, the repeat count is removed.
Effectively same as setting repeat count to “unlimited”.

Before the first repeat, layout offset is applied – see

Example A
example in the left.

(2) is layout length

(3) is repeat distance entered. From start of print to next

start of print.

If a value less than the layout length is entered (1), the

repeat distance will be equal to layout length plus the
entered value.

Thereby, 65 and 15 will be equal on a 50mm long layout.

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Job Setup MCX Controller User Manual

6.4 Job offset

In the Offset menu, the additional distance for the individual layout to print start can be entered.
This is useful if a particular job should start earlier / later into the box compared to all other jobs in
general. Changing this setting will not affect other jobs.

Layout offset is explained below. Set trigger offset (1) to match the distance from sensor (2) to the
printer, then adjust layout offset for the position of the layout on the media (3).
Trigger offset is applied to all layouts. Print position is stored individually in the layout. Refer to
installation manual for instructions on hardware parameters.

In the example above, the small box has a different layout offset (green) than the long box (red). If
the box is moving right to left, the offset is to the left side of layout. If the box is moving left to right,
the offset is to the right side of the layout.

In the example below, the print start for the layout will be combined distances of (1) and (3).

Notice that the offset is to the layout edge, not the content edge. The white area in the layout is
counted as well, there is no edge trim.

In this example, the red square is the box. Offset to the layout is not to “TEXT” but to either side of
the layout (green arrows).

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Service Menu MCX Controller User Manual

7 Service Menu
From the Service menu, the operator can carry out typical maintenance functions. This section
offers an overview, but each function will be detailed further in the following sections.

Main menu

To access the menu, press ‘Service’ from the second

page in the main menu.

Example A

In the Service menu, there are 5 functions:

(1) Purge

(2) I/O Test

(3) Test Print

(4) Sleep

On second page, the function to export system report

Use this in any case when you suspect the controller to
have issues. Insert a USB, and send the resulting report
file to the account manager.

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Service Menu MCX Controller User Manual

7.1 Purge
The purge function is a clean out of all nozzles in the ink cartridge placed in the printer. This will
print a 100% black bar. Make sure to place a paper/cloth under/in front of the nozzles before
purging, as the purge occurs regardless of the web moving or not. The controller has an internal
timeout for max purge time.

Purge screen

To purge, press the pen icon for the relevant pen. For
satellite model, select head below

The screen will turn black around the pen to indicate

purge action.

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Service Menu MCX Controller User Manual

7.2 I/O Test

The I/O Test menu offer options to verify that inputs (print trigger, encoder, or electric inputs) work
as intended.

The I/O Test screen has a tabbed menu at the bottom of the screen. The operator can choose
between I/O (start sensor connector), Bea (beacon function) and Enc (encoder function). All three
options are explained in the following sections.

7.2.1 I/O tab

The I/O test is mainly used for the main print trigger. The I/O tab screen is detailed below.

I/O Test screen, I/O tab

(1) When the print trigger (start sensor) is blocked, the

circle turns green. The adjacent word indicates if the
controller expects input from an external source (I/O
connector) or internal source (the product sensor under
the print head). Please note that there may be slight
delay of the green signal.

(2) Testing of external input and external output.

7.2.2 Beacon tab

Switch to the Bea tab in the bottom of the screen to test the function of the beacon (if a beacon is
connected).

I/O Test screen, Beacon tab

Press a colour (red, yellow, or green) to turn the beacon

on/off (in the selected colour).

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Service Menu MCX Controller User Manual

7.2.3 Encoder tab

Press the Enc tab in the bottom of the screen to test the encoder (if one is connected).

I/O Test screen, Encoder tab

(1) If the speed is > 0 it means that the encoder is
connected and working. Calibrate measurement with a
tachometer to verify that the measurement is accurate.

(2) Reset distance measurement. This can be used to

verify that a given distance in the physical world is
measured correctly by the encoder. Once this is ensured,
the same function can be used to measure the distance
from the print trigger to the print head.

(3) Encoder direction, clockwise or counter clockwise.

7.3 Sleep
From the ‘Service’ menu, press the ‘Sleep’ button to make the screen go black (turn off backlight).
Press the screen again to wake up the controller.

7.4 Test print

Press ‘Test Print’ to load a fixed, non-editable, test print. This can be used to verify the function of
the settings and the controller in general. The test job itself will respect layout and parameter
settings made.

In each pen, the test print must appear somewhat like this. Between vertical lines is 1" (25.4mm)

7.5 Export System Report

In case something needs to be reported to developers, use the menu "Export System Report".
Insert a blank USB stick and press this icon.
A zipped/compressed file containing report files will be created on the stick. Send this file to HSA
Systems.

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Printer Setup MCX Controller User Manual

8 Printer Setup
The hardware setup is where the controller is configured for the physical surroundings (orientation,
encoder, trigger, etc.) around it, in order print correctly.

This usually needs to be done only once (unless the physical surroundings changes).
Please refer to the HSAJET® MCX Installation manual for further information.

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Settings MCX Controller User Manual

9 Settings
In Settings, the controller user interface can be adjusted. Settings made here do not affect printing.

This is typically used at installation time and should be used by authorized personnel only. Please
refer to the HSAJET® MCX Installation manual.

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Basic Troubleshooting MCX Controller User Manual

10 Basic Troubleshooting
For basic troubleshooting, follow this guide.

Cartridge idle (warning)

The printer knows approximately for how long the ink of a

given type can be left unused.

If the warning on the left appears, the ink cartridge

should be serviced for optimal performance. This is not a
requirement, but a recommendation.

Note: the time is determined by manufacturer's datasheet

and may be shorter than actual dryout time.

The top bar is red

The status bar at the top of the screen is red if the MCX
controller detects an error. The triangle with an
exclamation point will be flashing.

Click this triangle to get an explanation of error.

In the example on the left, the cartridge is not inserted.

For a 2-pen printer, “pen out” (with red top bar) will be
shown if the job is made for 2 pens, and only 1 inserted.

If the job is for 1 pen, the socket closest to the body must
be used.

Non-approved cartridge inserted (warning)

The MCX printer only works with approved ink cartridges.

The error message on the left indicates, that the inserted

ink cartridge is an incorrect type of ink cartridge.

Approved HSAJET® ink cartridges are available from

your local HSA Systems distributor.

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Basic Troubleshooting MCX Controller User Manual

Approved but not recommended cartridge The designer of the job can choose to select a
recommended cartridge. If the operator inserts an
approved cartridge, but one that is different from the
recommended cartridge, the operator is given a warning,
and is being asked to confirm the choice.

Print distorted, incorrectly placed, or fuzzy The installation is not done right. There are several
factors that influence print quality, appearance and
position, some factors act against each other. Ask
qualified personnel to make a correct installation,
according to the installation manual.

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Reference Section MCX Controller User Manual

11 Reference Section
Please refer to this section for definitions and lists.

11.1 Nozzle modes

The controller can use the two nozzle rows in different ways, depending on setting.

To understand this, it is important to remember the

appearance of the cartridge.

There are two nozzle rows. Assume the nozzle rows are
named “A” and “B”. They are offset by 1 pixel.

During print, the nozzle(s) place pixels at the right time

when moved relative to the media

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Reference Section MCX Controller User Manual

The 5 nozzle modes supported by MCX are:

Row A Row B Alternating HighSpeed HighRes

Alternating between Row A and B are

Alternating between A
A and B every both used to form
Only row A Only row B and B per print
column of pixels double resolution
(complete layout)
printed vertically

Encoder recommended but not strictly required Encoder required

11.2 Side-By-Side features

The MCX 0.5” Compact SBS (Side-By-Side) Printer (2 pens) has additional settings for how the
two cartridges cooperate.

If a job is designed for an SBS model, the cartridges may work in either 9:1 ratio or 6:4 ratio, when
both are inserted and approved.

Each of the circles represent a single print.

When a cartridge is near empty, the ratio switches to 1:9 / 4:6.

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Support MCX Controller User Manual

12 Support
12.1 Manuals
Please refer to the following documents for further information:

HSAJET® MCX Compact Quick Start

Short manual to get you started on the MCX Compact printer
Guide
HSAJET® MCX Satellite Quick Start
Short manual to get you started on the MCX Satellite print system
Guide
HSAJET® MCX Installation manual Details how to install the MCX printer

HSAJET® MCX UniDraw Manual Details the software used to make print jobs

HSAJET® MCX Remote Protocol Details how to remotely control MCX Printer

For further support, contact your local HSA distributor.

12.2 Supported software

12.2.1 UniDraw
UniDraw is developed and supported by HSA Systems. For support for UniDraw software, please
contact your local HSA distributor.

12.2.2 Loftware NiceLabel

MCX Printers can be used with Loftware design software. For support for Loftware design
software, please consult Loftware’s website www.loftware.com.

Loftware drivers for MCX printers are available from Loftware’s website.

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Manufacturer MCX Controller User Manual

13 Manufacturer

HSA Systems A/S | Herluf Trolles Vej 116C | 5220 Odense SØ | Denmark
+45 6610 3401 | [email protected] | www.hsasystems.com

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