Installation & Operation P/N 1-960467-01 Edition 2 March 2000 EasyCoder F4 Bar Code Label Printer
Preface Contents Preface Table of Contents.................................................................................1 Copyright Information ........................................................................4 Trademarks ..........................................................................................4 FCC Notice (U.S.A.) ...........................................................................5 DOC Notice (Canada)......................................................................
Preface Contents, cont'd. 5. Paper Load Tear-Off..............................................................................................29 Tear-Off with Quick-Load ................................................................33 Peel-Off..............................................................................................35 External Supply .................................................................................39 6. Setting Up the Printer Description.............................
Preface Contents, cont'd. 8. Intermec Shell Startup Program Introduction....................................................................................... 60 Starting Up with Intermec Shell.......................................................61 Intermec Shell Diagram................................................................... 64 Terminal Setup ..................................................................................65 • Starting Terminal Setup........................................
Preface Contents, cont'd. Appendix 2, cont'd. • Paper..............................................................................................91 - Non-Adhesive Strip....................................................................91 - Self-Adhesive Strip ....................................................................92 - Self-Adhesive Labels .................................................................93 - Tickets with Gap ..................................................................
Preface FCC Notice (United States of America) WARNING This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Preface Declaration of Conformity We, Intermec Printer AB Idrottsvägen 10 Box 123 S-431 22 Mölndal Sweden declare under our sole responsibility1 that the product EasyCoder F4 to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following standards EMC: EN 50 081-1:1992 EN 55 022:1994 EN 61 000-3-2:1995, class A EN 50 082-2:1995 EN 61 000-4-2:1995 EN 61 000-4-3:1996 ENV 50 204:1995 EN 61 000-4-4:1995 EN 61 000-4-6:1996 Electrical Safety: EN 60 950 following the provisions of Directives 89/336/EEC and
Chapter 1 Introduction The EasyCoder F4 is a sturdy medium-duty direct thermal printer with a printhead resolution of 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi) and a maximum print width of 104.0 mm (4.095 inches). It offers a large number of useful facilities, such as....
Chapter 1 Introduction Safety Requirements Intermec assumes no responsibility as regards fulfilling the CE Directive if the printer is handled, modified or installed in any way other than that described in Intermec's manuals. Caution • Read this manual carefully before connecting the printer. • Moving parts are exposed when the side door is open, so ensure that the door is closed before you operate the printer. • Do not open the front/left-hand cover. Dangerous voltage! • Do not remove the bottom plate.
Chapter 2 Print a Label Introduction Obviously, what you really want to do with your EasyCoder F4 is to print a label, ticket or tag. If you are eager to get started, or if you already are familiar with Intermec's range of EasyCoder printers, follow the instructions in this chapter. If you are new to the EasyCoder concept, bypass this chapter for the time being and read the rest of the manual before returning here.
Chapter 2 Print a Label Introduction, cont’d. Setup By default, the printer is set up for the following communication protocol: Baudrate: 9600 Character length: 8 Parity: none Stop bits: 1 Flowcontrol: none New line: CR/LF If you want to change any of these values, please refer to chapter 7 “Setup Mode”. Set up the terminal or host computer for the same communication protocol as the printer. Paper Supply Load the printer with labels with a width of at least 35 mm (1.4”) and a length of at least 40 mm (1.
Chapter 2 Introduction, cont’d. Print a Label Check that the printer and your terminal/PC have a working communication by typing the following instruction on the host: BEEP ↵ (↵ = carriage return) The printer should respond by returning Ok to the screen of the host and at the same time emit a short beep. If not, check the communication setup of the printer and the host. The next two steps are included to demonstrate the printer’s ability both to feed out the paper and to pull it back.
Chapter 2 Print a Label Intermec Fingerprint The label we will design in Intermec Fingerprint will contain a box, an image, a bar code, and a line of text. Note that the illustrations are not reproductions of the label, but are merely intended to show the principles of label editing . Printing a Box Let us start by printing a box 430 dots high and 340 dots wide with a 15 dot line thickness.
Chapter 2 Intermec Fingerprint, cont'd.
Chapter 2 Print a Label Intermec Fingerprint, cont'd. Changing a Program Line If you want to change a program line, simply rewrite the line using the same line number. For example, move the text to the right by rewriting line no. 80 with new coordinates: 80 PRPOS 75,220 ↵ RUN ↵ Saving the Program If you want to save your first attempt, issue the following command. SAVE "LABEL1" ↵ Your program will be saved in the printer’s permanent memory under the name: LABEL1.
Chapter 2 Intermec Direct Protocol Print a Label The Intermec Direct Protocol can be used in many ways. Here, we will illustrate how to build a layout first and then provide input data to variable fields in that layout, assuming that you have entered the Intermec Direct Protocol via Intermec Shell (see chapter 8). The final result will be the same label as created in the example for Intermec Fingerprint.
Chapter 3 Installation Unpacking Before you install the printer, examine the delivery for possible damage or missing parts: • Open the box and lift the printer out. • Check that the printer has not been visibly damaged during transportation. Keep the packing materials in case you need to move or reship the printer. • The label on the printer’s rear plate gives the voltage, the part number and the serial number. • Check that any options you ordered are included.
Chapter 3 Front View Installation On the front of the printer are the display window, the control lamps and the keyboard. These features allow the operator to control and set up the printer manually, in addition to the remote control facilities offered by the Intermec Fingerprint firmware and the Intermec Shell startup program.
Chapter 3 Installation Rear View The rear plate contains the main switch, the power inlet, and various interface connectors: Bar Code Wand Connector FCC Label (dashed line) Provision for 1 – 2 Electronic Keys Optional Interface Board Main Switch Mains Receptacle RS 232C Serial Interface ("uart1:") Memory Card Slot USB Interface (for future applications) Machine Sign 18 Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed.
Chapter 3 Media Compartment Installation The media compartment is either covered by a long side door that completely encloses the print mechanism and media compartment, or a short side door that only covers the print mechanism and gives easy access to the paper supply (see chapter 9 “Options”). Being held by a magnetic lock, the door can be opened 180° so as to provide full access to the media compartment in connection with paper load, ribbon load, and cleaning.
Chapter 3 Installation Media Compartment, cont'd. Being of a modular design for maximum flexibility, the EasyCoder F4 can use a paper supply hanger fitted in three different positions inside the media compartment, depending on the type of side door (long or short) and whether the printer is fitted with a rewind unit for the backing paper (liner) or not. Alternatively, an external paper supply (e.g. a box of fan-folded tickets) behind the printer can be used.
Chapter 3 Media Compartment, cont'd. Installation Paper Supply Positions There are four sets of threaded holes and slots in the printer's centre section for the paper supply hanger (or spool) so as to allow the largest possible roll size, given the limitations of the rewind unit and/or the full enclosure provided by the long side door. The positions are indicated by numbers engraved in the centre section.
Chapter 3 Installation Print Mechanism The print mechanism features a high-performance 8 dots/mm (≈200 dpi) thermal printhead with quick-mount fittings to facilitate replacement. Thermal Printhead Tear Off Edge Platen Roller Pressure Arm Printhead Lift Knob Paper Guide 22 Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed.
Chapter 3 Installation Connections Power 1 Place the printer on a level surface, near a mains electrical outlet and with easy access for loading paper and for removing printout. 2 Check that the printer is switched off. 3 Connect the power cable to the mains receptacle on the rear plate and to the electrical outlet. Computer The Easycoder F4 is fitted with one DB25 female connector for the RS 232 serial interface port and one class B connector for the USB port (see Appendix 3).
Chapter 3 Installation Controls and Indicators The EasyCoder F4 has several ways of communicating directly with its operator; three control lamps, a display window, a membraneswitch keyboard with 22 programmable keys, a big programmable “Print” button on the printer's front, and a beeper. Control Lamps The control lamps are coloured LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and are used for the following purposes: • Power (green) indicates when the power is on.
Chapter 3 Installation Controls and Indicators, cont'd. Beeper The beeper notifies the operator when an error has occurred and acknowledges that a key has been pressed. The Intermec Fingerprint programming language allows the key acknowledge signal to be turned off. The frequency and duration of the signal can be specified at will. Thus, it is possible create different signals for different conditions or even to make the printer play simple melodies! Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed.
Chapter 4 Starting Up Startup Files At startup, the behaviour of the printer is decided by the possible existence of a startup file (autoexec.bat) somewhere in the printer's memory, i.e. a program that automatically starts running when the printer is turned on. There are two cases: A The printer is only fitted with the Intermec Shell file-managing program, which allows the operator to choose between a variety of applications and functions.
Chapter 4 Memory Card Starting Up If you want to use a memory card, you must insert it into the slot in the printer's rear plate before you turn on the power. The memory card can be an SRAM card complying with the JEIDA-4 standard or Flash Memory card from Intermec. Maximum size in both cases is 64 Mbit (8 MB). There are three types of Flash Memory Cards: • A Font Card provides additional fonts as long as it remains inserted in the printer.
Chapter 4 Starting Up Display Messages at Startup When the power is turned on, the printer is initialized. The progress of the initialization is indicated by an increasing number of dots on the lower line in the display: Initializing ::: The type of startup file running in the printer is indicated by the message shown in the display window directly after initialization. A. Intermec Shell Startup Program (standard printers) ENTER=SHELL 5 sec. v.4.4 4 sec. v.4.4 3 sec. v.4.4 2 sec. v.4.4 1 sec. v.4.
Chapter 5 Paper Load Tear-Off The EasyCoder F4 can print on labels, tickets, tags, and paper strip in various forms. This chapter describes the case when the paper strip is to be torn off manually against the printer's tear-off edge. Use the key (see figure #10) when loading the same type of paper as before. When switching to a new type of media or when the printer does not feed out the paper properly, simultaneously press the < Shift> and keys.
Chapter 5 Paper Load Tear-Off, cont'd. 3 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 4 4 Remove any empty paper core from the paper supply hanger. 5 Thread the paper through the print mechanism and push it inwards as far as it will go. 30 Hook a new roll of labels, tickets, tags, or strip on the paper supply hanger and adjust the guide so the paper roll comes in flush with the wall. 6 This diagram shows the path of the paper web. Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed.
Chapter 5 Paper Load Tear-Off, cont'd. 7 8 Turn the printhead lift knob counter-clockwise to lower the printhead 9 Adjust the position of the green paper guide so the paper is guided with a minimum of play. 10 Close the side door. Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 Adjust the paper feed by pressing the Feed key.
Chapter 5 Paper Load Tear-Off, cont'd. 11 To tear off the paper, grab the outer edge and pull downwards. 32 Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed.
Chapter 5 Paper Load Tear-Off with Quick-Load In addition the paper load procedure for tear-off operation described earlier in this chapter, the EasyCoder F4 can optionally be fitted with a set of Quick-Load paper guides that makes paper load much easier and quicker, especially in connection with a short side door. See chapter 9 “Options” for installation instructions. Quick-Load is usually not used in connection with a long side door and cannot be combined with peel-off operation.
Chapter 5 Paper Load Tear-Off with Quick-Load, cont'd. 3 4 In necessary, adjust the outer guide to fit the width of the paper. Insert the paper between the guides and feed it forward until the paper reaches the platen roller and cannot be inserted any further. 5 6 Keep pushing the paper forward while pressing the Feed key. 34 To tear off the paper, grab the outer edge and pull downwards. Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed.
Chapter 5 Paper Load Peel-Off The EasyCoder F4 can print on labels, tickets, tags, and paper strip in various forms. This chapter describes the case when self-adhesive labels are separated from a backing paper (liner) immediately after printing after which the backing paper is rewound internally in the printer. Peel-off operation cannot be performed when quick-load guides are fitted. Use the key (see figure #13) when loading the same type of paper as before.
Chapter 5 Paper Load Peel-Off, cont'd. 4 3 3 2 1 4 Pull out the handle to collapse the rewinder, then remove the backing paper. Remove any empty paper core from the paper supply hanger. 5 6 3 2 1 4 Hook a new roll of labels on the paper supply hanger and adjust the guide so the label roll comes in flush with the wall. 36 Remove labels from the first 50 cm (20") of the web. Thread the backing paper through the print mechanism and push it inwards as far as it will go.
