SOFTWARE

Modes of operation
Stand alone or PC controlled

Stand alone operation
Message entry is achieved via the keypad and LCD screen. The most commonly used functions are made accessible with the corresponding icon key located directly below the display.

PC Control (RS-232 Link)
By using our Apprentice Software package, messages can be created on your portable PC and downloaded to the Merlin unit's memory through an RS-232 cable.

PC Control (TCP/IP Network)
By using our Connect Software package, messages can be created on a networked PC and sent to your Merlin printers at their dedicated network address. This provides centralized control of factory wide printing by allowing you to control what is being printed on each production line. The Alpha Dot Connect software runs on Windows 95, 98 or NT. An ‘auto detect' feature automatically detects new printers on the network.

Design software for PC control
Simple, easy to use and powerful software design / control capability

Create your own print images
Alpha Dot Apprentice and Connect Software allows you to create your own print images, quickly and accurately.

The intuitive software allows operators to work quickly
Simply create the following; shift codes, dates codes, sequential numbering, times codes, graphics and barcodes etc. A graphical preview allows you to view what is designed before it is printed. The software is WYSIWYG and supports all Windows ‘True Type fonts and graphics.

Supports all file types
All major graphic file types can be imported to allow easy creation of graphical images. Including pcx, bmp, jpg, pga, and tiff.

External data capture
Prints dynamic data received from external packaging machinery PLC's.

Complete barcode capability
Alpha Dot software includes the unique capability to print the full barcode library.