Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

Instruction Sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

I.Features and advantages of UniSmart system..............................................................2

II.UniSmart Box and Accessories ....................................................................................3

III.Operation Guide for UniSmart Box ..............................................................................4

1. Power Supply .............................................................................................................................. 4

2. UniSmart Mode Guide................................................................................................................ 5

3. Instructions for Scan Mode......................................................................................................... 7

IV.Firmware Upgrading for UniSmart Box........................................................................7

1. Installation Instruction for UniSmart USB driver....................................................................... 8

2. Installation of Apex upgrade software pack ........................................................................ 12

3. Installation of Apex upgrade data pack..................................................................................... 15

V.Index...........................................................................................................................17

Index 1 Common errors and solutions ....................................................................................... 17

Index 2 UniSmart chip list ......................................................................................................... 18

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

I.Features and advantages of UniSmart system 

UniSmart system is designed for writing, resetting and testing multiple chips. It consists of
semi-programmed chips and UniSmart Box.

¾ Flexible for inventory control

A UniSmart chip board could be created to be multiple chip models.

¾ Green and cost-saving

UniSmart chips could be recycled, reused and rewritten using UniSmart Box.

¾ Multi-functions
UniSmart box could be used for chip writing, resetting and testing.

¾ All-in-one for multiple brands

Laser Chipping solutions for HP、Canon、Lexmark、IBM、Dell、Samsung、Xerox、Epson、Minolta
and OKI in one UniSmart Box.

¾ Convenient chip upgrade

Remote firmware/new models upgrade via UniSmart Box.

¾ Encrypted
Both UniSmart Box and UniSmart chips are encrypted and can’t be used with chips or chip
programming equipment from other suppliers.

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

II.UniSmart Box and Accessories 

Power Interface USB Interface LED Display UniSmart Box

Function button P1 interface Test Head

1. UniSmart Box
UniSmart Box consists of Box body, functional buttons and LCD display. F1 and F2 are used for page up
and page down, C is used to back and Fn for operation confirmation.

2. UniSmart Test head

It is used for data transmission between UniSmart Box and UniSmart chips. There are 14 types of
testheads designed according to different chip shape, which can be used for operation on all chip models
that current Unismart system supports. Please choose the right testhead with code in accordance with the
PCB code. Some PCBs share a same testhead, which is clearly indicated in the chip compatible list.

3. Unismart supporting kits

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

To increase the operation efficiency, supporting kits are provided for easy contraposition.

Flatwriter:
Designed for chips with small contact face and chips with rugged back, to fix chips to make sure accurate
contraposition between chip contact and testheads.
UniSmart Pad:
Stop chips from slipping during operation and protect the chips from damage caused by static.

Flatwriter UniSmart Pad

III.Operation Guide for UniSmart Box 

1. Power Supply 
Connect the power adapter to AC power socket and then connect the DC plug to the power interface of the
UniSmart Box, self checking of the UniSmart Box will be finished after a short” Bee” alarm. LCD screen of
the UniSmart Box will be in power saving mode as shown in figure 1.0, the UniSmart Box is standby.

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

Figure1.0

Note
1. AC Power：Input :AC100-240V 50Hz；Output:DC15V / 1000mA，Ф6.5；
2.Make sure the power adapter you use is provided by Apex, to avoid damage to the Unismart box.
3.The UniSmart box time will be set in accordance with your PC local time. In case that the UniSmart
time difference reaches +/- 48 hours, it won’t work correctly and please contact Apex for maintenance.

2. UniSmart Mode Guide 
Press the Fn button under saving mode to enter the main menu as shown in figure 1.1

Figure1.1

Long press F2 button to see Unismart hardware version # , firware version # , device serial #(MCU ID)
and remaining programing/resetting times. As is shown in figure 1.2.

Figure1.2

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

Press the Fn button under the main menu interface to select the operation mode and enter the printer
vendor selection interface (figure 1.3). Press F1 or F2 to go up or down then press Fn to select the model.
Fig 1.4 shows the interface for PCB code selection, Figure 1.5 shows the interface for chip model/yield
selection and Figure 1.6 shows the interface for programming/resetting selection. Press Fn or button on
the testhead to program/reset chips. Press F1 to turn to chip check mode, as shown in figure 1.7.

Figure 1.3 Figure 1.4

Figure1.5 Figure1.6

Figure1.7
A. Press Fn or button on the testhead to program/reset chips. “Commm.fail” will be shown when the
operation fails, then please recheck whether the testhead matches with the chip PCB you program.Press
C button to reselect model and page yield.
B. Upon completion of the chip programming/resetting, press F1 to change the user interface to chip check
function and press Fn or button on the testhead to confirm the check operation, the screen appears "Check
OK" to indicate the chip hardware and data programming are finished or “Comm. Fail” for failure.

Note
1.Refer to the Unismart chip compatible list to make sure the chip model selected in the UniSmart menu
is in accordance with the PCB code.
2.UniSmart chips could be rewritten or changed to another model/yield even if the chip is used only if chip
hardware is identical and not damaged.

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System
 

3. Instructions for Scan Mode   

Scan Mode is provided for detecting an unknown chip which has been programmed but mixed up by
accident. Use Scan Mode to find out the chip status (chip model, chip yield and chip use status) as shown
in Figure 1.8.

Press F1 under main menu interface to enter Scan Mode, as shown in figure 1.8.

Figure1.8
Choose the corresponding test head in accordance with the Chip PCB code refering to UniSmart chip list
to detect the chip information, as shown in figure 1.9.

Figure1.9

Press F1(Skip) to skip to the Unismart Mode for further operation(reprogram, reset or chip check) of the
chip you detect.

 
IV.Firmware Upgrading for UniSmart Box 
Upgrade includes firmware upgrade and software upgrade.For any upgrade, please connect UniSmart
Box with one of your PC-USB interfaces. Customers who conduct the upgrade for the first time, need to
install Unismart USB driver and APEX upgrade software pack before the upgrade. You may log on
www.apexmic.com to download the two installation software in “Tech Support” block or ask your account
manager for them.

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System
 

1. Installation Instruction for UniSmart USB driver 
Remove the power adapter, press F1 button and connect the power, do not release F1 button in 3 seconds.
UniSmart Box will be in firmware upgrade mode and LED shows as in figure 2.0.

Figure 2.0
Connect UniSmart Box USB plug to PC-USB interface, PC hardware Update Wizard starts automatically to
install the Apex UniSmart Box device driver. Select”Install from a list or specific location(advanced)”, then
click “Next” as shown Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1
Please select the storing address and click "Next" as shown in Figure 2.2.
Please select “search for the best driver in these locations” and uncheck “Search removable
media(floppy,CD-ROM…) ,then check “Include this location in the search” and click Browse, then locate
the directory where you put the 2 instalation packages, and click “Next” as shown in Figure 2.2

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

Figure2.2

PC hardware Update Wizard prompts installation being processed, as shown in Figure 2.3.

Figure2.3

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

If the UniSmart Box doesn’t pass Window logo test, please click "continue" to complete the installation, as
shown in Figure 2.4.

Figure2.4
Click "finish", as shown in Figure 2.5.

Figure2.5
At the moment, a new Wizard pops up to guide you to install Apex Unismart box serial port, as shown in
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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System
Figure 2.6.

Figure 2.6
Repeat the above procedures until Figure 2.7 comes out.

Figure 2.7
Click “Finish” to complete the installation process of Unismart USB driver.

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

You can see “Apex Unismart Box” in window “Device Manager” when the Unismart USB Driver is installed
successfully. As shown in Figure 2.8. Or else, please reinstall the Unismart USB driver.

Figure 2.8

2. Installation of Apex upgrade software pack 

Decompress the installation pack and then double click”setup.exe” to start installation, as shown in figure
2.9 below:

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

Figure2.9
Click "Next" as shown in Figure 3.0 to select the installation directory and click "Everyone" or "Just me".

Figure 3.0
Click ”Next” as shown in Figure 3.1 below:
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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

Figure 3.1
Click "Next" as shown in Figure 3.2:

Figure 3.2
Click “close” to complete the installation of Apex upgrade software pack.

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System
 

3. Installation of Apex upgrade data pack 
The upgrade data pack is generated according to your order records of Apex Unismart chips. New data
pack will cover all the models you ever ordered.
When powered on, press F1 button for 3 seconds to see the below figure which indicates Firmware
upgrade mode is activated.And connect the Box with your computer afterwards. (NOTE:Before the
Firmware Upgrade activated, don’t plug-in the USB data wire.)

A shortcut icon will be generated on the desktop after installing of Apex software installation pack at prior
stage. In 10 seconds after the connection between the Box and the computer is successfully built,
double-click the icon to start an upgrade process, as shown in Figure 3.3

Figure 3.3
If error appears as shown in Figure 3.4, please close the wizard, power off the Box, and then restart the
data upgrade process.
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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

Figure 3.4
Click on the "File" button to find the directory where the upgrade data pack locates and open it as shown in
Figure 3.5:

Figure 3.5

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System

Click "Send" button to start data transmission, this process should take you a few minutes, please be
patient. Click "OK" to finish the installation of the upgrade pack. The LCD screen shows the interface as
shown in Figure 3.6. UniSmart Box enters the standby status when data transfer is completed.

Figure3.6
Note
To ensure a smooth upgrading process, please do not run any other software or move the Unismart
Box before it finishes.

In case that the upgrade data is not in the correct version or the pack ID is not identical to UniSmart Box ID,
error information would be shown as Figure 3.7.

Figure3.7

Note
Ensure reliable power supply when update firmware for UniSmart Box, otherwise it may cause
permanent damage to the equipment.

 
V.Index 
Index 1    Common errors and solutions 

Error Code Description Solution

Error #01 Database error Contact Apex for further support
Error #02 Databus damaged Contact us to require new data
package and upgrade again. If still
Error #03 Location data damaged unsolved,contact Apex for further
support.

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 Instruction sheet for UniSmart Laser Chipping System
Exceeded the allowed operation
Error #06 Contact Apex for further support
times
1. Power off, remove the USB data
wire and wait for 2 minutes.
Firmware Error Then press F1 while power on,
hardware failure
Contact Admin redo the Firmware upgrade.
2. If still unsolved,contact Apex for
further support
1. Contact us to require new data
File ID Error invalidation of the upgrade data package and upgrade again.
Updata Fail! pack 2. If still unsolved,contact Apex for
further support
Use a thin needle to press the
No reaction after Can’t be auto-restarted due to hidden resetting button at the
power connected electromagnetic interruption bottom of the UniSmart Box to reset
it manually.
1. Check if the selected testhead
matches the chip
2. Make sure the right direction
when positioning the chip and
Communication failure between correct contact with the
Comm.fail
Unismart Box and the Chip testhead
3. If still not function well, change
for another chip and testhead
4. If still unsolved, contact Apex for
further support
1. Check if the selected testhead
matches the chip
2. Make sure the right direction
when positioning the chip and
Communication succeeded, but correct contact with the
Data not match
data don’t match testhead
3. Ensure whether you’re using
any Non-APEX chips
4. The chip has been used, or
installed to a printer.
1. Make sure the right direction
when positioning the chip and
correct contact with the
testhead
Communication succeeded, but 2. If still not function well, change
Cannot know chip model is not identifiable under for another chip and testhead
Scan Mode. 3. If still unsolved, contact Apex for
further support
4. The chip has been used, or
installed to a printer
5. The chip is empty

When writing chips of L series, if it works with mono models but fails with color ones, it indicates
that the chip is produced in prior stage when the color models were not released, not due to
Unismart Box malfunction or chip quality issue.

Index 2    UniSmart chip list 

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