Tube labeling systems
AXON 1
Fast and reliable allocation of samples in labs with vertical tube/vial position

Labeling systems for tubes and vials
Unique labeling enables samples be assigned quick and reliably in labs. In practice, self-adhesive labels are applied individually to tubes or vials. 1D or 2D encoding enables samples be processed fully automated in transport and filing.
AXON has been designed for direct thermal and thermal transfer label printing. 300 dpi or 600 dpi print resolutions favor sharp-edge and high-contrast print images. The smallest codes and fonts can be verified reliably.
A labeling cycle takes less than two seconds. Tubes and vials with or without a closure cap can be inserted by hand or automated by a handling system.
Symbols on the control panel support AXON be operated intuitively. Replacing a label roll or a ribbon is no big deal. In cases of cleaning or wear, print rollers and transport rollers are easy to remove using a tool attached.
RS232, USB, Ethernet, WLAN and Bluetooth ensure data be transferred. AXON integrates to Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). If no PC is plugged, variable data can be entered on a control panel, with the help of a keyboard or a scanner. 110 VAC to 240 VAC input voltage at 50 / 60 Hz, 24 VDC to 60 VDC are options
Comparison of the tube labeling systems

AXON 1
AXON 1 | AXON 2 | |
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Modules of a SQUIX 2P label printer and modules of the tube applicator are united in one chassis. | Printer | Standard SQUIX 4MP label printer providing an AXON 2 applicator |
no more than 56 mm | Label widths | no more than 110 mm |
vertical | Tube / vial orientation | horizontal |
Once tubes or vials have been inserted to the retainer, they can be filled and sealed. | Particularity | Identified tubes and vials can be ejected automatically, for example to a tray. |
7 - 26 mm, a maximum of 38 mm may be possible upon request | Tube / vial diameters | 7 - 22 mm |
20 - 130 mm | Tube / vial lengths | 25 - 120 mm |
Warning on a label roll ending Codes be verified |
Options | - |
cab systems developed for printing and applying labels provide proper features by default, fairly protecting your data in a network.
1 Ribbon retainer
Materials are easy to remove with the help of a three-part tightening axle.
2 Antistatic brush
Electrostatic charge dissipates after printing, in particular if plastic materials are in use.
3 Transport roller
Labels are applied to tubes or vials. Height setting according to the length of a tube or vial
4 Control panel
Intuitive operation using self-explanatory symbols Rotation in steps of 90° by software command
5 Internal liner rewind unit
Materials are easy to remove with the help of a three-part tightening axle.
6 Print roller
Synthetic rubber favors highly accurate print images.
7 Peel-off plate, extended
It promotes labels be applied reliably to tubes or vials.
8 Pinch roller
Tubes or vials are pressed against the transport roller as labels are applied.
- AXON 1.2 processing labels 5 mm to 56 mm wide
9 Solid cast aluminum chassis
Base of all components
10 Base plate
Height setting enables labels be located accurately to target positions on tubes or vials.
- AXON 1.1 processing labels 5 mm to 25.4 mm wide. Small tubes or vials can be inserted more easily.
Control panel
Intuitive operation. Settings are easy to configure using self-explanatory symbols.
1 LED: Power ON
2 Status bar: Receive data, record datastream, warning on a ribbon ending, SD memory card / USB stick plugged, Bluetooth, WLAN, Ethernet, USB slave, Time
3 Printer status: Ready, pause, number of labels printed on a print job,
label in peel-off position, awaiting external start signal
4 USB slot to plug a service key or a memory stick, to store data in the internal IFFS printer memory
5 Operation
Print and apply labels step by step
Jump to menu
Reprint the last label
Interrupt and continue a print job
Stop and delete all print jobs
Label feed
Setup options
Print positions Y
Print parameters
Print speeds
AXON 1 tube labeling system
Landscape or portrait display depending on the orientation of assembly
Rotation in steps of 90° by software command
SQUIX label printer representing AXON 2
Video tutorials
Interfaces
1 Slot to plug a SD memory card
2 2 USB hosts to plug a service key, a USB stick, a keyboard, a barcode scanner, an USB Bluetooth adapter, an USB WLAN stick or an external control panel
3 USB 2.0 Hi-speed to plug a PC
4 Ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s
5 RS232C 1,200 to 230,400 Baud / 8 Bit
Options
6 Digital I/O interface; SUB-D socket connector, 25 pins
compliant with IEC/EN 61131-2, Type 1+3
Inputs and outputs are galvanically isolated and protect from reverse polarity. Outputs are short-circuit proof.
PNP inputs
Start printing / applying a label
Print initial label
Reprint
Delete print job
Label removed
Stop printing / applying a label
Label feed
Pause
Reset
PNP, NPN outputs
Device ready
Print data available
Initial position / upper end limit
Paper feed ON
Label in peel-off position
Labeling position / lower end limit
Warning on a ribbon ending
Warning on a label roll ending*
Ribbon / Label roll ending
Collective error
*AXON 1 only
AXON 1 tube labeling system
SQUIX label printer representing AXON 2
typical
standard
option
Tube labeling system | AXON 1.1 | AXON 1.2 | ||
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Print head | ||||
Print method Thermal transfer | ![]() |
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Print method Direct thermal | ![]() |
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Print resolution dpi | 300 | 600 | 300 | 600 |
Print speed mm/s | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Print width mm max. | 25.4 | 25.4 | 56.9 | 54.1 |
Material | ||||
Tubes / Vials Orientation at the time of a label be applied | vertical | |||
Tubes/Vials Diameter mm | 7 - 26, 16 - 38 if options are provided | |||
Tubes/Vials Diametermm upon request max. | 38 | |||
Tubes/Vials Length, closure cap included mm | 20 - 130 | |||
Tubes/Vials Conicity (change in diameter) % max. | 0.8 | |||
Labels1) Material | Paper, plastics such as PET, PP | |||
Labels Width mm | 5 - 25.4 | 5 - 56 | ||
Labels Height mm at least | 12 | |||
Labels Thickness mm at least | 0.05 | |||
Labels Roll diameter mm max. | 205 | |||
Labels Core diameter mm | 76 | |||
Labels Winding | outside | |||
Liner Width mm | 16 - 30 | 24 - 60 | ||
Liner Thickness2) mm | 0.045 - 0.05 | |||
Ribbon Coating | outside or inside | |||
Ribbon Roll diameter mm max. | 80 | |||
Ribbon Core diameter mm | 25 | |||
Ribbon Length m max. | 600 | |||
Ribbon Width mm | 25 - 38.1 | 25 - 60 | ||
Printer dimensions and weights | ||||
Width x Height x Depth mm | 270 x 195 x 560 | |||
Weight kg approx. | 12 | |||
Label sensors / Position indicators | ||||
Transmissive sensor to detect | labels or punch marks and materials ending, print marks on transparent materials | |||
Reflective sensor bottom or top reflex to detect | labels and materials ending, print marks on non-transparent materials | |||
Sensor distance to the contact edge left-aligned mm | 8 | 5 - 12 | ||
Interfaces | ||||
RS232-C 1,200 to 230,400 Baud / 8 Bit | ![]() |
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USB 2.0 Hi-speed to plug a PC | ![]() |
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Ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s | LPD, RawIP-Printing, SOAP-Webservice, OPC UA, WebDAV, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP/FTPS, TIME, NTP, Zeroconf, SNMP, SMTP, VNC | |||
1 USB host on the control panel to plug a | service key, USB stick | |||
2 USB hosts on the back of the device to plug a | keyboard, barcode scanner, USB Bluetooth adapter, USB WLAN stick | |||
Digital 24 VDC I/O interface | ![]() |
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Operational data | ||||
Voltage 100 - 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz, PFC | ![]() |
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Voltage 24 - 60 VDC | ![]() |
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Power input | <10 W in standby / 80 W are typical / max. 200 W | |||
Temperature / Humidity: In operation | +5 - 40 °C / 10 - 85 %, not condensing | |||
Temperature / Humidity: On stock | 0 - 60 °C / 20 - 85 %, not condensing | |||
Temperature / Humidity: In transport | –25 - 60 °C / 20 - 85 %, not condensing | |||
Approvals | CE (In-vitro), FCC Class A, ICES-3, cULus, CB | |||
Control panel | ||||
LCD color touchscreen diagonal “ | 4,3 | |||
LCD color touchscreen Resolution - Width x Height px | 272 x 480 |
- Limitations may apply when using small labels, thin materials or strong adhesive. Critical applications need testing.
- Peeling labels off a liner requires liner materials not thicker than the labels.
Free and Open Source software are part of cab products. For information see www.cab.de/opensource
Cast aluminum cover
It prevents from contamination.
A large inspection window is provided.
CC200-AXON code verifier
One 1D code* on a label can be checked on readability (GOODBAD) by a camera. One code per label can be verified in terms of readability. Results are compared with the print data (VERIFY).
*2D-Codes in preparation
Warning on a label roll ending
in preparation
Remaining roll diameters are detected by a sensor. The I/O interface indicates predefined minimum values. Diameters may be requested or displayed also using data interfaces.
K Type peel-off plate
customer-specific
If closure caps interfere with a peel-off plate, adaption is required.
1 24 VDC - 60 VDC input voltage
Instead of standard power supply, a 24 VDC to 60 VDC module can be installed. A mating plug is provided on delivery.
2 Digital 24 VDC I/O interface
SUB-D socket connector, 25 pins
Video: AXON 1 with robot - Labeling of tubes in medical industries
Powered by YouTube. See all cab videos: cab channel on YouTube.
cab shows in this study the universal labeling of different label formats and flexible labeling positions with a robot. Alternatively, the label printers are equipped with both the same label format and ensure continuous operation at media end.
Other format:
- AXON 1 with robot - Labeling of tubes in medical industries (MPEG-4; 162.2 MB)
Video: Tube labeling system AXON 1
Powered by YouTube. See all cab videos: cab channel on YouTube.
Other format:
- Video: Tube labeling system AXON 1 (MPEG-4; 8 MB)
Documentation
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Catalogs
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Title Format Version Last change Language AXON 1 and AXON 2
PDF - 3.65 MB 10/2023 06/10/2023 English Overview Product Marking
PDF - 7.75 MB 12/2023 30/11/2023 English
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Checklists
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Title Format Version Last change Language Check list tube labeling systems AXON
PDF - 259 KB 08/2023 07/08/2023 English -
Other languages
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Title Format Version Last change Language Checkliste Etikettiersystem AXON
PDF - 263 KB 08/2023 07/08/2023 Deutsch
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Operation Manuals
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Title Format Version Last change Language Instructions AXON 1
PDF - 2.62 MB 10/2023 11/10/2023 English -
Other languages
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Title Format Version Last change Language Betriebsanleitung AXON 1
PDF - 2.66 MB 10/2023 11/10/2023 Deutsch Manuel d'utilisation AXON 1
PDF - 2.63 MB 10/2023 11/10/2023 Français
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Interface Descriptions
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Title Format Version Last change Language Interface Description I/O 24V25-2 and I/O 24V25-3
PDF - 278 KB 05/2023 17/05/2023 English Interface Description I/O 24V25-4
PDF - 278 KB 05/2023 17/05/2023 English -
Other languages
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Title Format Version Last change Language Description de l'interface I/O 24V25-4
PDF - 301 KB 05/2023 17/05/2023 Français Description des interfaces I/O 24V25-2 et I/O 24V25-3
PDF - 302 KB 05/2023 17/05/2023 Français Schnittstellenbeschreibung I/O 24V25-2 und I/O 24V25-3
PDF - 265 KB 05/2023 17/05/2023 Deutsch Schnittstellenbeschreibung I/O 24V25-4
PDF - 268 KB 05/2023 17/05/2023 Deutsch
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Programming
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Title Format Version Last change Language Brief introduction to cab printer programming
PDF - 7.47 MB 04/2022 02/02/2023 English cabPROTECT - Data security in label printing
PDF - 468 KB 10/2023 23/10/2023 English Networked labeling with OPC UA
cab and the Smart FactoryPDF - 1.12 MB 03/2019 02/02/2023 English Programming Manual abc Basic Compiler
for cab printersPDF - 1.98 MB 02/2023 08/03/2023 English Programming Manual JScript X4
for SQUIX, MACH 4S, EOS2, EOS5, HERMES QPDF - 10.26 MB 9.4 - 5.33 01/03/2023 English ZPL Emulation with cab printers
PDF - 462 KB 06/2021 01/03/2023 English -
Other languages
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Title Format Version Last change Language cab Download Converter (download.exe)
Converts image, font and database files into the JScript download data format.
Install MS Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable if not available on your system.ZIP - 9 KB 2.3 01/03/2023 – cabPROTECT - Datensicherheit beim Etikettendruck
PDF - 470 KB 10/2023 23/10/2023 Deutsch Kurze Einführung in die cab Druckerprogrammierung
PDF - 7.50 MB 04/2022 12/04/2022 Deutsch Marquage en réseau avec OPC UA
cab et l'usine intelligentePDF - 745 KB 01/2022 01/03/2023 Français Programmieranleitung JScript für SQUIX, MACH 4S, EOS2/EOS5, XD Q, HERMES Q und PX Q
PDF - 9.94 MB 9.4 - 5.33 01/03/2023 Deutsch Vernetzt kennzeichnen mit OPC UA
cab und die intelligente FabrikPDF - 1.13 MB 03/2019 28/01/2021 Deutsch ZPL Emulation mit cab Drucksystemen
PDF - 497 KB 06/2021 01/03/2023 Deutsch
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Service Manuals
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Title Format Version Last change Language Service Manual AXON 1
PDF - 4.80 MB 10/2023 11/10/2023 English -
Other languages
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Title Format Version Last change Language Serviceanleitung AXON 1
PDF - 4.80 MB 10/2023 11/10/2023 Deutsch
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Spare Parts
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Title Format Version Last change Language Spare Parts List AXON 1
PDF - 1.47 MB 09/2023 28/09/2023 English -
Other languages
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Title Format Version Last change Language Ersatzteilliste AXON 1
PDF - 1.48 MB 09/2023 28/09/2023 Deutsch
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Manuals Accessories
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Title Format Version Last change Language External Operation Panel - Instructions
PDF - 274 KB 04/2023 12/04/2023 English Label File Selection Box - Input Output Box - Instructions
PDF - 329 KB 04/2023 12/04/2023 English -
Other languages
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Title Format Version Last change Language Externes Bedienfeld - Betriebsanleitung
PDF - 280 KB 04/2023 12/04/2023 Deutsch Panneau de commande externe - Instructions d'utilisation
PDF - 277 KB 04/2023 12/04/2023 Français
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EU Declarations of Conformity - Accessories
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Title Format Version Last change Language External Operation Panel - EU Declaration of Conformity
PDF - 30 KB 07/2019 02/02/2023 English Label File Selection Box - I/O Box - EU Declaration of Conformity
PDF - 30 KB 07/2019 02/02/2023 English -
Other languages
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Title Format Version Last change Language Etikettenauswahlbox - Ein-/Ausgabebox - Konformitätserklärung
PDF - 30 KB 07/2019 02/12/2020 Deutsch Externes Bedienfeld - Konformitätserklärung
PDF - 30 KB 07/2019 02/12/2020 Deutsch Labelbox - I/O Box - Déclaration UE de conformité
PDF - 30 KB 07/2019 02/12/2020 Français Panneau de commande externe - Déclaration UE de conformité
PDF - 30 KB 07/2019 02/12/2020 Français
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Case study
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Title Format Version Last change Language HTI, specialist in lab and manufacture automation: Opening, filling and labeling micro-screw tubes
PDF - 650 KB 11/2022 16/11/2022 English
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Safety data sheets
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Title Format Version Last change Language Safety Data Sheet Special Cleaner for Glass and Plastic GR1N
PDF - 65 KB 08/2017 02/02/2023 English -
Other languages
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Title Format Version Last change Language Sicherheitsdatenblatt Spezial Glasreiniger und Kunststoffreiniger GR1N
PDF - 156 KB 06/2017 25/08/2022 Deutsch Sicherheitsdatenblatt Spezial-Gummiwalzen-Reiniger WR1
PDF - 173 KB 06/2017 25/08/2022 Deutsch
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3D CAD models
The files are provided in STEP format, which requires CAD software. Follow this link to download a free STP Viewer: VariCAD Viewer (External website).
Select the desired model and click on the link. A short registration follows. cab will handle your personal information as described in our Privacy statement. This information will not be accessible to any third party for marketing purposes. You will receive an email with an activation link and you can download the models.
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Here you can download firmware, drivers and software. Documentation on label software, printers programming and administration as well as integration of cab printers into SAP systems:
Label software
Software & Drivers
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Firmware
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Title Format Version Last change Language cabFirmwareUpdater
Windows 32 & 64 bit (starting from Vista)ZIP - 16.54 MB 3.11.0.0 07/09/2023 – Firmware X4
Firmware SQUIX | EOS2 | EOS5 | MACH 4S | XD Q | XC Q | HERMES Q | PX Q | AXONZIP - 50.85 MB 5.43.5 20/11/2023 – Release Notes Firmware X4
TXT - 90 KB
5.00 - 5.43.5 20/11/2023 –
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Firmware periphery
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Title Format Version Last change Language Firmware AXON 1
ZIP - 50 KB V0.6.120 29/09/2023 – Firmware I/O 24V25-2, I/O 24V25-3, I/O 5V15-2 and I/O 5V15-3
ZIP - 23 KB V3.2.0 29/09/2023 –
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Drivers
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Title Format Version Last change Language cab Linux Armv7 - 32 Bit Driver
CUPS Linux Armv7 32bit Driver RPi 2/3/4 (min. CUPS 1.2)GZ - 2.80 MB 1.46 22/08/2023 – cab Linux Armv8(aarch64) - 64 Bit Driver
CUPS Linux Armv8 64 Bit Driver RPi 3/4 (min. CUPS 1.2)GZ - 2.80 MB 1.46 22/08/2023 – cab Linux x86 - 32 Bit Driver
CUPS Linux Intel 32bit Driver (min. CUPS 1.2)GZ - 2.81 MB 1.46 22/08/2023 – cab Linux x86 - 64 Bit Driver
CUPS Linux Intel/AMD 64bit Driver (min. CUPS 1.2)GZ - 2.80 MB 1.46 22/08/2023 – cab MAC OS Driver
Apple® Mac OS 10.15 - 13.0ZIP - 2.97 MB 1.46 22/08/2023 – cab MAC OS X Driver
Apple® Mac OS X 10.6 - 10.14ZIP - 5.82 MB 1.46 22/08/2023 – cab Windows Driver NEW
Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022 - 64BitZIP - 21.88 MB 1.2.1.20 19/04/2023 –
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Software
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Title Format Version Last change Language cablabel S3 Demo (Free)
Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019ZIP - 51.42 MB 1.4.0.6 19/07/2023 – cablabel S3 Lite (Free)
Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11, Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022ZIP - 67.32 MB 1.4.0.6 19/07/2023 – cablabel S3 Print
Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11, Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022ZIP - 57.10 MB 1.4.0.6 19/07/2023 – cablabel S3 Pro
Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11, Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022ZIP - 67.76 MB 1.4.0.6 19/07/2023 – -
Other languages
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Title Format Version Last change Language cab Download Converter (download.exe)
Converts image, font and database files into the JScript download data format.
Install MS Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable if not available on your system.ZIP - 9 KB 2.3 01/03/2023 – Database Connector
Windows 32 & 64 bitZIP - 10.93 MB 4.3.0.1 02/06/2023 – LogService
for Database ConnectorZIP - 4.15 MB 1.7.1.0 15/12/2020 –
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