User’s Guide EasyCoder PC4 Bar Code Label Printer
Intermec Technologies Corporation Corporate Headquarters 6001 36th Ave. W. Everett, WA 98203 U.S.A. www.intermec.com The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose of allowing customers to operate and service Intermecmanufactured equipment and is not to be released, reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of Intermec.
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 foun o 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.
Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise 1 Bitte lesen Sie diese Hinweis sorgfältig durch. 2 Heben Sie diese Anleitung für den späteren Gebrauch auf. 3 Das Gerät ist vor Feuchtigkeit zu schützen. 4 Beachten Sie beim Anschluß an das Stromnetz die Anschlußwerte. 5 Wird das Gerät über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzt, sollten Sie es vom Stromnetz trennen. Somit wird im Falle einer Überspannung eine Beschädigung vermieden.
Safety Instructions 1 Please read these safety instructions carefully. 2 Please keep this User’s Guide for later reference. 3 Please protect this equipment from humidity. 4 Check the voltage of the power source before connecting the equip- ment to the power outlet. 5 If the equipment is not used for long time, disconnect the equipment from the AC voltage to avoid damage by transient over voltage. 6 Never pour any liquid into any openings, this could cause fire or elec- trical shock.
Declaration of Conformity (CE) We, Intermec Printer AB Flöjelbergsgatan 1C Box 123 S-431 22 Mölndal Sweden declare under our sole responsibility1 that the product EasyCoder PC4 to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following standards Safety: EN 60 950 EMC: Based upon EN 50081-2 Generic Emissions Standard Based upon EN 50 082-1 Generic Immunity Standard following the provisions of Directives 89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC Mölndal 2004-10-08 ................................................
Contents Contents Before You Begin............................................................................ x Safety Summary ............................................................... x Safety Icons .................................................................... xi Global Services and Support .......................................... xii Warranty Information ..................................... xii Web Support ................................................... xii Telephone Support ........
Contents Cut-Off ......................................................................... 17 Label Taken Sensor ........................................................ 18 Tear-Off Operation ...................................................................... 19 Peel-Off Operation ...................................................................... 21 Cut-Off Operation....................................................................... 23 External Supply ................................................
Contents D Firmware Upgrading Requirements ............................................................................... 56 Using a PC .................................................................... 56 Using a Memory Cartridge ............................................ 56 Instructions .................................................................................. 57 Using a PC .................................................................... 57 Using a Memory Cartridge .....................
Before You Begin Before You Begin This section provides you with safety information, technical support information, and sources for additional product information. Safety Summary Your safety is extremely important. Read and follow all warnings and cautions in this document before handling and operating Intermec equipment. You can be seriously injured, and equipment and data can be damaged if you do not follow the safety warnings and cautions.
Before You Begin Safety Icons This section explains how to identify and understand dangers, warnings, cautions, and notes that are in this document. You may also see icons that tell you when to follow ESD procedures. A warning alerts you of an operating procedure, practice, condition, or statement that must be strictly observed to avoid death or serious injury to the persons working on the equipment.
Before You Begin Global Services and Support Warranty Information To understand the warranty for your Intermec product, visit the Intermec web site at http://www.intermec.com and click Service & Support. The Intermec Global Sales & Service page appears. From the Service & Support menu, move your pointer over Support, and then click Warranty. Web Support Visit the Intermec web site at http://www.intermec.com to download our current documents in PDF format.
1 Introduction This chapter introduces the EasyCoder PC4 printer.
Chapter 1 — Introduction Description of EasyCoder PC4 Intermec EasyCoder PC4 is a series of dedicated direct thermal and combined thermal transfer/direct thermal printers with a printhead density of 203.2 dots per inch (8 dots per mm) or 300 dots per inch (11.81 dot per mm). The EasyCoder PC4 printers are fitted with parallel Centronics, serial RS-232 and USB ports as standard.
Chapter 1 — Introduction Safety Summary Intermec assumes no responsibility regarding the CE Directive if the printer is handled, modified, or installed in any way other than that described in Intermec’s manuals. • Read this manual carefully before connecting the printer. • Do not put your fingers inside the print mechanism when the power is on. • Place the printer on an even surface which can support its weight. • Do not spray the printer with water.
Chapter 1 — Introduction 4 EasyCoder PC4 User’s Guide
2 Installation This chapter how an EasyCoder PC4 is unpacked, connected to a power source, and connected to a computer. It also explains how to install the software and how to expand the memory using a memory cartridge.
Chapter 2 — Installation Unpacking Before starting the installation, carefully examine the delivery for possible damage or missing parts: 1 Open the box and lift up the power supply unit, cables, and other parts. 2 Remove the upper foam-plastic shock absorber and lift up the printer. Check that no visible damage has occurred during the transportation. Keep the packing material in case you need to move or reship the printer. 3 Check to make sure any options ordered are included.
Chapter 2 — Installation Power Connection 1 Place the printer in a suitable location that allows easy access to printed labels and preferably also easy reload of media and transfer ribbon. The printer should only be operated while resting on a horizontal surface, like a table or similar. The printer and power supply unit must never be operated in a location where they can get wet. Personal injury could result! Only use with power supply adapter Intermec SPN470-24 P/N 1-092515-XX.
Chapter 2 — Installation Memory Cartridge The EasyCoder PC4 is fitted with 1 MB built-in flash memory and 2 MB DRAM. The built-in memory can be expanded using an exchangeable memory cartridge with 1MB of Flash memory. When fitting or removing a memory cartridge, the power to the printer must be off! Installation of Memory Cartridge 1 Ensure that the On/Off switch on the printer is off (0). 2 Open the top cover by pressing the two locks on either side.
Chapter 2 — Installation Computer Connection All EasyCoder PC4 models are fitted with a 36pin female Centronics connector for the parallel interface port, a DB-9pin female connector for the RS-232 serial interface port, and a USB connector. Though all ports can be connected simultaneously, only one should be used at a time.
Chapter 2 — Installation Serial RS-232 Interface The serial RS-232 channel is intended for running the ESim protocol described in the Intermec ESim v6.XX, Programmer’s Reference Manual. It is not suited for the Intermec InterDriver driver. The RS-232 communication setup is variable by means of the Y command (see Intermec ESim v6.XX, Programmer’s Reference Manual). Use the Test Mode to check the printer's present setup (bold characters indicate default setup).
Chapter 2 — Installation Software Installation If you intend to use the USB interface, you must start by installing the Intermec USB printer driver, which is included on the CD-ROM that comes with the printer. If you run your EasyCoder PC4 from a PC under Windows 98/Me, or Windows NT 4.0/W2000/XP, you may want to install the Intermec InterDriver and the Intermec LabelShop START found on the CDROM that comes with the printer.
Chapter 2 — Installation 12 EasyCoder PC4 User’s Guide
3 Operation This chapter describes how to control the printer, how to load it with media and ribbon, how to adjust the label gap sensor, and how to use the test mode.
Chapter 3 — Operation Controls and Indicators The EasyCoder PC4 is controlled by the operator by means of an On/ Off switch, a “Feed” key, and a multi-color indicator lamp. Indicator lamp Feed key EasyCoder C4 Power Feed On/Off Switch The On/Off switch is located at the back of the printer.
Chapter 3 — Operation Indicator Lamp When the power to the printer is switched on, the indicator lamp will glow green if the printer is loaded with media and—in case of thermal transfer printing—ribbon. If the printer is out of media and/or ribbon, the indicator lamp will glow red. Any error condition, such as label stop sensor problems, media jams, or software errors, will be indicated by the lamp changing to orange, except for media jams in the optional cutter, which are indicated by long red flashes.
Chapter 3 — Operation Media Compartment The media compartment accommodates the media supply and, in case of thermal transfer capable printers, also the transfer ribbon supply (see illustration below). In dedicated direct thermal printers, the top cover and the print mechanism are combined into a single unit.
Chapter 3 — Operation Media Load Introduction The EasyCoder PC4 can print on heat-sensitive direct thermal paper, and in case of the thermal transfer model also on non heat-sensitive receiving face materials, in the form of self-adhesive labels, non-adhesive tags, or continuous stock. In case of non heat-sensitive face materials, a suitable thermal transfer ribbon must be used.
Chapter 3 — Operation Label Taken Sensor The built-in Label Taken Sensor (LTS) can be enabled to hold the printing until the previous label (or similar) has been removed from the printer's outfeed slot. As long as the sensor detects a label, the printer will be BUSY and cannot receive data from host. If using the ESim protocol described in the ESim v6.
Chapter 3 — Operation Tear-Off Operation 1 Open the printer's top cover by pressing the release buttons on both sides and folding the cover upwards/rearwards. 2 Pull up the spindle and remove possible remaining media or empty label roll core. 3 Place the spindle into the core of a fresh media roll. Rotate the spindle according to the inner diameter of the media roll core (see markings on the spindle).
Chapter 3 — Operation 7 Route the media through the slits in the front edge guides 8 Firmly close the top cover. 9 If loading media for the first time or if changing from another type or size of media, perform a Label Gap Sensor Adjustment as described on page 28. Else, tap the Feed key either 4 times or until the indicator lamp glows green. 10 If the printer did run out of media while printing, the printing will automatically be resumed.
Chapter 3 — Operation Peel-Off Operation 1 Open the printer's top cover by pressing the release buttons on both sides and folding the cover upwards/rearwards. 2 Open the peel-off mechanism at the printer’s front. 3 Pull up the spindle and remove possible remaining labels or empty label roll core. 4 Place the spindle into the core of a fresh label roll. Rotate the spindle according to the inner diameter of the label roll core (see markings on the spindle).
Chapter 3 — Operation 7 Wind the green edge guide wheel towards the rear of the printer so the rear edge guides just touch the label roll without actually breaking its rotation. 8 Thread the labels through the slits in the front edge guides. 9 Peel away the labels from the first 10 cm (4 inches) or so of the liner. 10 Thread the liner around the peel-off bar and insert it inside the peel- off mechanism so it protrudes from the slot below the mechanism.
Chapter 3 — Operation Cut-Off Operation Note: The cutter cannot be used to cut through labels—only through the liner between labels—or the adhesive will stick to the cutting parts and prevent the cutter from operating properly. Media rolls must be wound with the printable side facing outward to prevent jamming the cutter. 1 Open the printer's top cover by pressing the release buttons on both sides and folding the cover upwards/rearwards.
Chapter 3 — Operation 5 Place the roll and spindle in the media compartment and snap the spindle into the slots on either side. 6 Wind the green edge guide wheel towards the rear of the printer so the rear edge guides just touch the media roll without actually breaking its rotation. 7 Thread the labels through the slits in the front edge guides. 8 Route the media through the slot in the optional cutter mechanism just in front of the tear bar. 9 Firmly close the top cover.
Chapter 3 — Operation External Supply Regardless of model and type of operation, direct thermal media or receiving face material (in the form of tags or labels) can be provided from an external supply, for example a stack of fan-folded tags. Follow the loading instructions for the type of operation in question, but ignore all paragraphs concerning the internal spindle. Instead, insert the media through the slot at the back of the printer (see illustrations).
Chapter 3 — Operation Ribbon Load Thermal transfer ribbons are required when printing on non heat-sensitive media. The type of transfer ribbon should match the face materials, so as to obtain the best durability and printout quality. Loading a Fresh Ribbon Roll 1 Open the printer's top cover by pressing the release buttons on both sides and folding the cover upwards/rearwards.
Chapter 3 — Operation 6 Similarly, install an empty core in the rewind (front) position. 7 Route the end of the transfer ribbon forward under the printhead and up in front of it. Using the tape fitted at the front of the ribbon leader, affix the leader to the top of the rewind core. Be careful to center-align the leader with the core. 8 Wind the green wheel on the right side of the rewind hub clockwise to wind up the leader onto the rewind core until the black ink-coated ribbon becomes visible.
Chapter 3 — Operation Label Gap Sensor Adjustment The EasyCoder PC4 printer is fitted with a label gap sensor that detects slots between tickets and tags, or gaps between labels, as the media is fed past the sensor during printing. Thus the firmware can determine the length of the tags or labels and control the media/ribbon feed accordingly. The label gap sensor is a center-aligned photoelectric sensor that measures the light that passes through the media path.
Chapter 3 — Operation Test Mode The Test Mode can be used for four main purposes: • To adjust the Label Gap Sensor. • To print a Test Label with a test pattern and a list of the printer's current setup. • To enter the Dump Mode. • To reset the printer to its default settings. Do not use continuous stock in the Test Mode. The printer will not be able to detect any gaps and an error will occur.
Chapter 3 — Operation 30 EasyCoder PC4 User’s Guide
4 Maintenance This chapter explains how to clean the printer externally and how to clean the printhead.
Chapter 4 — Maintenance The Intermec EasyCoder PC4 printers are manufactured and tested under a strict quality management program. Only high quality components and materials are used in the printers. Although only minimal maintenance is required, following these simple maintenance procedures will ensure longer life with quality printing performance. External Cleaning Keep your EasyCoder PC4 clean by periodically wiping it with a soft cloth dampened with water.
5 Troubleshooting This chapter contains instructions for solving the most common problems the may occur when using an EasyCoder PC4. The troubleshooting is restricted to the operator level. If the problem cannot be solved using this list, please contact the ditributor.
Chapter 5 — Troubleshooting Problem Solution or Reason Control lamp does not light green when power is on. Make sure connectors on power supply are securely plugged into the receptacle on the printer and to an AC outlet. Control lamp lights green but printer will not feed. Label taken sensor active, label not removed. Printer seems to be working but nothing is printed. Direct Thermal Printing: Make sure correct type of interface cable is securely plugged into both printer and computer.
A Technical Data This appendix lists the technical data for the EasyCoder PC4.
Appendix A — Technical Data General Direct thermal and/or direct thermal/thermal transfer printing on self-adhesive labels, non-adhesive tags, or continuous stock. Internal media roll or external fan-fold supply. Tear-off /peel-off or cut-off operation Dimensions Length: 259 mm (10.20 inches) Length with cutter: 290 mm (11.4 inches) Width: 230 mm (9.06 inches) Height: 166 mm (6.54 inches) Net Weight Thermal transfer printer, excl. power supply, media, cable, cutter, battery pack, and memory cartridge: 2.
Appendix A — Technical Data Printable Area Width, max at 203.2 dpi Width, max at 300 dpi Length, max. (203.2 dpi): Length, max. (300 dpi): 108.0 mm 102.2 mm 1,140 mm 760 mm (4.25 inches) (4.02 inches) (45 inches) (30 inches) Media Roll Diameter, max: Core Diameter, min/max: Media Width, max: Media Width, min. Label Length, min: Max. Thickness, rolls: Max. Thickness, fan-folds: Min. Thickness, all: 125 mm 25.4/38.1 mm 116.0 mm 25.4 mm 6.35 mm 0.15 mm 0.17 mm 0.06 mm (5 inches) (1.0/1.5 inches) (4.
Appendix A — Technical Data Bar Codes Code 39 std. or extended Code 39 w. check digit Code 93 Code 128 UCC case code Code 128 A, B, C Codabar EAN 8 std, 2 digit add-on, or 5 digit add-on EAN 13 std, 2 digit add-on, or 5 digit add-on Interleaved 2 of 5 Interleaved 2 of 5 w. check digit Interleaved 2 of 5 w.
Appendix A — Technical Data User Interface Keyboard: Display: One “Feed” button 1 multi-color LED indicator.
Appendix A — Technical Data 40 EasyCoder PC4 User’s Guide
B Media Specifications This appendix specifies the physical characteristics and sizes for the direct thermal media, receiving face materials, and thermal transfer ribbons that can be used in an EasyCoder PC4 printer.
Appendix B — Media Specifications Direct Thermal Media Intermec offers two quality grades of direct thermal media for the EasyCoder range of printers: Premium Quality Top-coated media with high demands on printout quality and resistance against moisture, plasticizers and vegetable oils. Examples... Europe North America Thermal Top Duratherm II Tag Thermal Top Board Thermal Top High Speed Duratherm II, Duratherm Ltg.
Appendix B — Media Specifications Thermal Transfer Media Intermec offers stock media for thermal transfer printing in a wide range of quality grades. Uncoated Papers Used for economical high-volume printing in combinations with GP/ TMX 1100/TMX 1500 ribbons. Examples... Europe TTR Uncoated North America – Coated Papers Coated papers havevarious coat-weight, smoothness, and gloss. To be used with HP/TMX 2500 and GP/TMX 100/TMX 1500 ribbons. Examples...
Appendix B — Media Specifications Transfer Ribbons Intermec offer three types of thermal transfer ribbons optimized for different purposes: • General Purpose (GP/TMX 1100, TMX 1500) transfer ribbons allow high speed printing and give a good printout, but are somewhat sensitive to smearing. They may be the best choice for uncoated and coated papers.
Appendix B — Media Specifications Media Roll Size Core Diameter (A): 25.4 or 38.1 mm (1.0 or 1.5 inches) Max. width: 118 mm (4.65 inches) Max. diameter (B): 125 mm (5 inches) Max. media width (C): 116 mm (4.57 inches) Min. media width (C): 25 mm (1 inches) Max. media thickness: 0.15 mm (0.006 inches) Min. media thickness: 0.06 mm (0.003 inches) Roll All types of media should normally be wound with the printable side facing outwards and unroll from the top of the roll.
Appendix B — Media Specifications Labels ← a → Media width (incl. liner): Maximum: 116.0 mm (4.57 inches) Minimum: 25.0 mm (1 inches) ← b → Label length: Minimum: 6.35 mm (.25 inches) ← c → Label gap height: Maximum: 10 mm (.39 inches) Minimum: 2 mm (.
Appendix B — Media Specifications Tags and Strip with Slots ← a → Tag or strip width: Maximum: 116.0 mm (4.57 inches) Minimum: 25.0 mm (1.00 inches) 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) ← b → Tag length: Minimum: ← c → Detection slot width: Minimum: 14 mm (0.55 inches) ← d → Detection slot height: Maximum: 10 mm (0.39 inches) Minimum: 1 mm (0.08 inches) The label gap sensor is offset 4.5 mm (0.177 inches) to the right of the center of the media path.
Appendix B — Media Specifications Tags and Strip with Black Marks ← a → Tag or strip width: Maximum: 116.0 mm (4.57 inches) Minimum: 25.0 mm (1.00 inches) 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) ← b → Tag length: Minimum: ← c → Detection slot width: ← c → Black mark width: Minimum: 28 mm (1.10 inches) ← d → Black mark height: Maximum: 10 mm (0.39 inches) Minimum: 3 mm 0.12 inches) The black mark sensor is offset 10 mm (0.394 inches) to the right of the center of the media path. Max.
Appendix B — Media Specifications Plain Continuous Stock The EasyCoder PC4 can use continuous stock without any detection slots or black marks. The printer must be set for continuous stock by the Q command (see Intermec ESim v6.XX, Programmer’s Reference Manual). The length of each copy is decided by the size of the print image and any additional media feed is decided by the Q command. Continuous stock cannot be used in the Test (Dump) Mode. ← a → Tag or strip width: Maximum: 116.0 mm (4.
Appendix B — Media Specifications 50 EasyCoder PC4 User’s Guide
C Interfaces This appendix describes the signals on the serial RS232 port and the parallel IEEE 1284 port. The USB port has a standard USB socket.
Appendix C — Interfaces Parallel Interface Handshake: DSTB to printer and BUSY to host. Printer connector: 36-pin female Centronics connector. Pin Signal Name Transmitter 1 -Strobe Host 2–9 Data 0–7 Host 10–11 Busy Printer 12 Paper empty Printer 13 Select Printer 14–15 Not connected 16 Signal ground 17 Chassis ground 18 + 5V DC Max. 500 mA1 19–30 Signal ground 31 -Init 32 -Fault 33 Signal ground 34–36 Selectin Printer /.
Appendix C — Interfaces RS-232 Serial Interface Printer connector: Printer Signal DB-9pin female RS-232 connector. EasyCoder PC4 Host DB-9 Signal DB-9 1 +5V 500 mA1 1 DB-25 Signal RXD 2 TXD 2 3 RXD TXD 3 RXD DTR 4 – 3 2 TXD 4 20 DTR GND 5 GND 5 7 GND DSR RTS 6 RDY 6 6 DSR 7 – 7 4 RTS CTS 8 RDY 8 5 CTS 9 – 9 /.The combined load on the external +5V on both the parallel and the serial port must not exceed a total of 500 mA.
Appendix C — Interfaces USB Interface Printer end of USB cable Computer end of USB cable 54 EasyCoder PC4 User’s Guide
D Firmware Upgrading This appendix describes how to upgrade the printer‘s firmware.
Appendix D — Firmware Upgrading Requirements There are two methods to upgrade the printer’s firmware: Using a PC To upgrade the printer’s firmware via a cable connection from a PC running MS Windows, you will need the following: • The Intermec EasyCoder PC4 Config Tool. This is a free software running under Microsoft Windows1. It makes it possible to download various firmware version either directly to the printer or to a memory cartridge. It also supports font downloading and memory partitioning.
Appendix D — Firmware Upgrading Instructions Using a PC 1 Install the Intermec EasyCoder PC4 Config Tool in your PC. 2 Run the PC4Conf.exe program. 3 Set up the parameters for the firmware download. Use the on-line help for instructions. 4 Start the Firmware download wizard and follow the instructions on the screen. Using a Memory Cartridge 1 Switch off the printer. 2 Move the switch on the side of the cartridge to the upper position. Firmware download position Normal position 3 Insert the cartridge.
Appendix D — Firmware Upgrading 6 Press the Feed key and keep it pressed and at the same time switch on the power to the printer (also see “Test Mode” on page 29). A test label will be printed. Check the version number on the test label to verify that the upgrading has been successful. 7 Tap the Feed key once to leave the Dump Mode and return to normal operation.
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