User’s Manual P/N 1-960368-03 Edition 4 September 1998
EasyCoder 401 Bar Code Label Printer
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual CONTENTS Introduction
Presentation of the EasyCoder 401 ............................................................. 3
Get to Know Your Printer
Front View ................................................................................................. 4 Rear View .................................................................................................. 4 Paper Stock Compartment .......................................................................... 5
Paper Load
Tear-Off ..................................................................................................... 6 Cut-Off ....................................................................................................... 8 External Supply ........................................................................................ 11
Ribbon Load
Loading the Thermal Transfer Ribbon ...................................................... 12
Maintenance
Printhead Cleaning ................................................................................... 15 External Cleaning ..................................................................................... 17 Printhead Replacement ............................................................................. 18 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 19
Intermec EasyCoder 401 User's Manual Edition 4, September 1998 Part No. 1-960368-03 1
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual Information in this manual is subject to change without prior notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Intermec Printer AB. © Copyright Intermec PTC AB, 1998. All rights reserved. Published in Sweden. EasyCoder, Fingerprint, and LabelShop are registred trademarks of Intermec Technologies Corp. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Speedo is a trademark of Bitstream, Inc. TrueType is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
FCC Notice United States of America WARNING: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.
DOC Notice Canada Canadian Dept. of Communication REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE (DOC-A) This digital apparatus does not exceed the class A limits for radio noise emissions from a digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communication. ✳✳✳
Ministère des Communications du Canada CONFORMITE DE REGLEMENTS (DOC-A) Le présent appareil numérique n´émet pas de bruits radio-électriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le règlement sur brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.
2
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual INTRODUCTION
401
The Intermec EasyCoder 401 is a rugged industrial thermal transfer/direct thermal printer intended for low volume label production of max. 1,000 – 2,000 labels/day.
Optionally, the EasyCoder 401 can be fitted with a scalable fonts kit that allows the use of outline fonts in Speedo and TrueType format, a paper cutter or label-taken sensor, and a real-time clock circuit.
The EasyCoder 401 can be controlled by a host computer using standard or custom-made application software, e.g. the various Intermec LabelShop label-design programs for Microsoft Windows. Custom-made applications can be written in the versatile Basic-inspired Intermec Fingerprint programming language.
Information on the different options can be found in the Intermec EasyCoder 401 Technical Manual, which also describes installation and computer connection.
The printer can also be connected to a PC running and used to produce printouts from standard application programs like e.g. Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel. This requires an optional printer driver program to be installed in the computer, and an optional parallel interface board to be fitted in the printer.
The following manuals may also be of interest to the operator or programmer: • Intermec EasyCoder 401, Operator's Guide • Intermec Shell Standard 4.01, Startup Manual • Intermec EasyCoder 401 Technical Manual • Intermec Fingerprint 6.13 Direct Protocol, Programmer's Guide • Intermec Fingerprint 6.13, Programmer's Guide • Intermec Fingerprint 6.13, Reference Manual • Intermec LabelShop, various manuals
3
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER LED Indicator Lamps Display Window Print Key Cutter Interface Connector Label Taken Sensor (option)
401
Front Door The front door can be swung open and removed from the hinges. It can also be replaced by an optional paper cutter unit.
Main Switch Voltage Switch Provision for Parallel Interface Board Display Contrast Adjustment
r4
01
9 N30 es Rul ce C eren FC rf in l inte. vicermfuence g de ha er tin useinterf mpu ca e comay t th EN A rrec D E lassl areaco a Cntia y to SW -11 r 1 ar fo 01 ts residecess E IN 01 D men a ne 1-4 # ire in be MA qu ce l re vi may ria the is deeps B th Se 23 withof r st R A 2 ies tion teve TE 12 mpl ra wha IN t co Opeke PR enrt J. ta C to E pa er uipm M ub us ER s eq S e Thi t 15ng th INT Parquiri re
Th
m er
5-2 11
al
30
V
Pr
2.6
in
-1
te
.3A
50
-6
z 0H
Serial Interface Connector "uart1:" Mains Receptacle Machine Sign Upper External Paper Intake Lower External Paper Intake
Continued! 4
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER, cont'd.
401
The paper stock compartment becomes accessible when the right-hand and front doors are swung open. Although the printer is operable when the doors are left opened or completely removed, you are strongly recommended to keep them closed during normal operation, so as to prevent the printer mechanism from being exposed to dust. Transfer Ribbon Supply
Paper Supply Spool
Transfer Ribbon Take-Up
External Guides (option) 3" Adapter
Thermal Printhead
401
FF
R-O
TEA
Printhead Lift Knob
PO
is s carely ad ered ppli ND ter ng gine e su prin BI ha D Athos stro e en this d. U oreting. EA thanon s ar ef ea s in THother ri inth ther prin bb pplie e pr We ality RINons,an sfer ia su qu of th ter. T Per ribb med life prin high al tr sf sfer long this re a erm AN an th an T d a s of ensu R al tr UBI al tr
ed to an s erm nty. erm des e ne y th arra d th r co to th pplie of and w al ang ba ide ed su erm intin prov ovid use thea d/ pr Thee prin of th pr ity ity ofmmen ded/ th qualqual co mmen Ther the we re co fo per BI re pa ly U on
IM
Dispenser Edge
ION AT d. RM te printhea ce FOvalida an this in port the ill lly for N IN t imched ing I, w BO greamat of us UBecifica of IB by lly sp R ed fu vise also
Guide Ring
The adapter for 76 mm (3") paper roll cores is included in the delivery and can be fitted on the paper supply spool. Lock the adapter by means of the screw, making sure that the screw hits the evenly rounded plastic surface, rather than the leaf spring or the cam.
5
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual PAPER LOAD – TEAR OFF 1
2
401
Open the front and right-hand doors.
3
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
4a mm 38-40 ) (1.5"
Remove the empty paper core, if any.
4b
Fit a new paper roll on the paper supply spool and push the roll inwards as far as it will go.
5 m
76 m (3")
In case of paper roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first fit the adapter on the paper supply spool.
Thread the paper underneath the guide shaft behind the print mechanism.
6
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual PAPER LOAD – TEAR OFF, cont'd. 7
6
This diagram shows the path of the paper web.
8
Push the paper inwards as far as it will go.
9
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.
10
Adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play.
11 401
2x
401
#2 #1 Close the front and side doors.
Feed out two blank copies by pressing the key twice. Tear off the paper by pulling it downwards.
7
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual PAPER LOAD – CUT OFF 1
2 401
Turn off the power using the switch on the rear plate.
Open the optional cutter unit and the right-hand door.
3
4
Remove the empty paper core, if any.
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
5a
5b mm 38-40 ) (1.5"
Fit a new paper roll on the paper supply spool and push the roll inwards as far as it will go.
m
76 m (3")
In case of paper roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first fit the adapter on the paper supply spool.
8
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual PAPER LOAD – CUT OFF, cont'd. 7
6
Thread the paper underneath the guide shaft behind the print mechanism.
This diagram shows the path of the paper web.
9
8
Push the paper inwards as far as it will go.
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position. 401
10
11
TE
Th t
Adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play.
Thread the paper through the cutter between the two guide plates.
9
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual PAPER LOAD – CUT OFF, cont'd. 12
13 401
Close the cutter unit while pulling at the end of the paper. Close the right-hand door.
Turn on the power using the switch on the rear plate.
14 401
2x
#2 #1
Feed out and cut two blank copies by pressing the key twice.
10
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual PAPER LOAD – EXTERNAL PAPER SUPPLY 1
The printer can be supplied with paper from e.g. an external label roll or a box of fan-fold tickets via the upper or lower slot in the rear plate.
2
As an option, the printer can be fitted with a set of fan-fold guides in the upper intake slot only.
3
When an external paper supply is used, take precautions to protect the paper stock from sand, grit and other hard particles, that may damage the printhead!
The outer guide is adjustable for different paper widths.
11
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual RIBBON LOAD 1
2 401
TEA
Open the front and right-hand doors.
3
R-O
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
4
Pow er Rea dy Erro r
Pull out the used-up ribbon and the empty ribbon core.
Unpack a roll of original Intermec transfer ribbon. The use of any thermal transfer ribbon, other than those supplied by Intermec, will invalidate the printhead warranty.
5a
5b 58 – 60 mm (2.3")
#1 In case of 58-60 mm ribbon width, compress the unwind bobbin and move it so it snaps into the 1:st groove.
88 – 90 mm (3.5")
#2 In case of 88-90 mm ribbon width, compress the unwind bobbin and move it so it snaps into the 2:nd groove.
12
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual RIBBON LOAD, cont'd. 5c
6
Powe
Eas r yC od er
Read
401
y Erro
r
1.
110 mm (4.3") 2.
-OFF TEAR
P IM
of a use he The print the qua The the for per pa ly
#3 In case of 110 mm ribbon width, compress the unwind bobbin and move it so it snaps into the 3:rd groove.
Press the ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply spool (1) and thread the ribbon under the upper part of the print unit. Pull out approx. 20 cm (8") of ribbon (2).
7
8
!
Be careful to thread the ribbon above the handle of the label stop sensor! The ribbon must be fitted so the spools rotate counter-clockwise, as illustrated above. Pow
9
Without releasing the ribbon, turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position so as to lock the ribbon.
er R ea
10
dy Erro
r
AR
-OFF
Press the paper core at the front end of the ribbon onto the take-up spool.
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
13
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual RIBBON LOAD, cont'd. dy
11
Erro
12
r
FF R-O TEA
Wind up the ribbon until all of the transparent part has passed the printhead and the ribbon becomes tight.
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.
13 401
Close the front and side doors.
14
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual PRINTHEAD CLEANING
Cleaning of the printhead on a regular basis, preferably in connection with each ribbon or paper reload, is important for the life of the printhead and for the printout quality. Below is a description on how to clean the printhead by means of Cleaning Cards. If additional cleaning is required, e.g. for removing adhesive residue from the print roller or dispenser edge, use a cotton swab moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Caution: Isopropyl alcohol [(CH3)2CHOH; CAS 67-63-0] is a highly flammable, moderately toxic and mildly irritating substance.
2 1
401
C
ng
ni
a le
C
4 3
Open the Cleaning Card pouch. The cleaning card contains isopropyl alcohol, see “Caution” above.
Remove the transfer ribbon and paper supplies.
ing
in thea eref int th y pr plies rin
th ons HE ther ibb
INT
d
ar
. is ds d ea Car , H e nt g in tape ri th an k, al P of Cle , in rm life er rt he e nt l di T d th Pri al om an – al ove fr y rs rm m ants alit re nte . The y in t qu d. Pri in le el on am er ab iv nt pr bb d. Car rns os ct co e od e ri Car ing retu sp fe r ov C s t ov di d efothe pr sy on m ing lean ter d star re C te an d ill im in D Ea cti ra ly s, lean er pr EE will tu fe an w er all ire ng nt er C od T. If s F ter sa sa ve rd y, D on e- to hesi ca ead. yC dr aini es in Pri od g s as r to m RIN t pr pr s pr ed ad in nt H fe yC E d re ork ns Eas sert or P e bu The Thi signdue, lean Pri W Car e de si s C al Tra e d in ED ur d. g mov l – in re ov ed ea al be E la an to re Thi herm rm rem d an s F proc inth of T . Cle ea es e The d ll ly e pr ed. er feed ro er or h an inth d pr th th y op : F uc pr an peat ing wer od me, er pr E: ev TE n po mal ead , re er is lo asyC ti G g O e of SA r E cond N pe ther inth ge low d rtin os sa U pr es fore thea s fo a se • O ift se sp in di E T ED • L er r m be prin cond for d re D an fo se rd TIV EN Low erro INT ter d EN be EC IPM an PR g af few y ca M ds Car M a dr FF U or edin O rt n. ing Car • E EQ g fe llow inse atio an EC in R SY UR in Cle • A en an EA YO th am ove Cle nt k. E • S er co em od oc F CT •R yC et st SA TE O Eas ck PR se or ti •U k stoc
-OFF
ION . AT RMate printheadnce FOvalidth is in portathe ill y for N IN t im hed ing I, w all BO greamatc us ific UB o offullyvise of d by spec RIB lie red is als re ad ee ND er has ca gly supp A gin e int on I pr en str . AD an thos this d. UB are ore
TEAR
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position. Open the front and right-hand doors.
Pow er
Rea dy
Erro r
15
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual PRINTHEAD CLEANING, cont'd. 401 401
5
6
2.
2. 2.5 cm") (1
1.
1.
Insert most of the cleaning card under the printhead (1). Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position (2).
7
401
8 11
12
1
10
2
30 s.
9 8
2.
3 4
7
6
2.5 cm") (1
5
1.
Wait for approx. 30 seconds.
9
Pull out the cleaning card (1) and turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position (2).
401
Insert the cleaning card under the printhead again (1). Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position (2).
10
➨ ➨ Pull out the cleaning card. Repeat if necessary.
Allow the cleaned part to dry before loading the printer with paper and thermal transfer ribbon.
16
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual EXTERNAL CLEANING 1
2
401
Always remove the power cord before cleaning!
3
Wipe external surface with a soft cloth moistened with water and, if necessary, a mild detergent.
4
Pow
er
Eas yC od er
Rea
401
dy Erro
r
Pri
nt
FF R-O TEA
Never spray the printer. Protect the printer from water when cleaning the premises.
Never use any sharp tools for removing stuck labels. The printhead and the print roller are easily damaged.
17
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual PRINTHEAD REPLACEMENT The quick-mount thermal printhead is easy to replace: • Turn off the printer. • Open the front and right-hand doors. • Lift the printhead and remove the paper and ribbon stocks. • Turn the printhead lock handle counter-clockwise to open position, see illustration. • Remove the printhead assy carefully as far as the cables allow. • Remove the two printhead cables by pulling at the connectors. • If you want to change the lateral position of the printhead, move the #T20 Torx screw to its alternative position. • Connect the two cables to the printhead. • Fit the replacement printhead assy back into the bracket so the guide screw fits into its slot and the rear end of the assy is held by the two lugs. • Turn the locking handle clockwise to locked position. • Load paper and transfer ribbon. Then lower the printhead. • Turn on the power. At power-up, the printer will automatically reset itself to the characteristics of the printhead in regard of head resistance. • Close the front and right-hand door and the printer is ready for operation. Lug
Slot (for alternative position of guide screw)
Slot Lug
Locked Position Lock Handle Open Position Alternative position for guide screw
Guide Screw
Printhead assy
18
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual TROUBLE SHOOTING The list below is intended to help the operator to correct possible printout troubles or flaws in printout quality, and to decide when assistance from the Service dept. of the nearest Intermec distributor is required. Note that most problems are due to operating errors or normal wear of the printhead. Symptom Overall weak printout
Possible Cause Wrong Paper type setup Low Contrast setup Printhead pressure too low Worn printhead Wrong printhead voltage Printout weaker on one side Uneven printhead pressure Weak spots Foreign particles on paper/ribbon Paper/ribbon don't match Poor paper or ribbon quality Worn printhead Worn pressing roller Overall dark printout Wrong Paper Type setup Too high Contrast setup value Printhead pressure too high Wrong printhead voltage Excessive bleeding Wrong Paper Type setup Contrast setup value too high Printhead pressure too high Faulty energy control Transfer ribbon breaks Ribbon fitted around label stop sensor Wrong Paper Type setup Ribbon unwind unit stuck Bad energy control White parts at transfer printing Transfer ribbon wrinkled Transfer ribbon wrinkles Incorrect paper guide ring adjustment Ribbon obstructed by printhead cable Too strong printhead pressure Pivoting bobbin not centre-aligned Dark lines along paper web Foreign objects on printhead White lines along paper web Printhead dirty Missing dots on printhead Large part of dot line missing Wrong X-start or Width setup Failing printhead Failing strobe signal Last part of label missing Too small image buffer Printout missing along inner edge Bad paper alignment X-start setup value too low
Remedy Change setup Change setup Adjust both knobs Replace printhead Replace CPU board Adjust outer knob Clean Use other media Use other media Replace printhead Check/replace Change setup Change setup Adjust both knobs Replace CPU board Change setup Change setup Adjust both knobs Replace CPU board Reload ribbon Change setup Adjust Check CPU board Adjust Adjust Clear Adjust both knobs Adjust Clean printhead Clean printhead Replace printhead Change setup Replace printhead Check CPU-board Increase buffer Adjust Increase
Refer to Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual User's Manual ☎ Call Service Technical Manual n.a. Technical Manual Technical Manual User's Manual ☎ Call Service Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual ☎ Call Service Technical Manual Technical Manual Technical Manual ☎ Call Service User's Manual Technical Manual ☎ Call Service ☎ Call Service See next paragraph User's Manual n.a. Technical Manual User's Manual User's Manual User's Manual User's Manual Technical Manual User's Manual ☎ Call Service Technical Manual User's Manual Technical Manual
19
Intermec EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual NOTES
20
