User s Manual. P/N Edition 8 September EasyCoder 501 Bar Code Label Printer

Transcription

1 User s Manual P/N Edition 8 September 1998 EasyCoder 501 Bar Code Label Printer

2 CONTENTS Introduction Presentation of the EasyCoder Get to Know Your Printer Front View... 4 Rear View... 4 Paper Stock Compartment... 5 Paper Load Tear-Off... 6 Cut-Off... 9 Peel-Off Rewind External Supply Ribbon Load Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon Maintenance Printhead Cleaning External Cleaning Printhead Replacement Troubleshooting Intermec EasyCoder 501 User's Manual Edition 8, September 1998 Part No

3 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, All rights reserved. Published in Sweden. EasyCoder, Fingerprint, and LabelShop are registered trademarks of Intermec Technologies Corp. 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. VDE Notice Germany ALLGEMEINE VORSCHRIFT: Reparaturen oder sonstige Eingriffe, die sich nicht auf normale Bedienung der Maschine beziehen, dürfen ausschließlich nur von einem ausgebildeten, zuständigen Fachmann vorgenommen werden. 2

4 INTRODUCTION Intermec EasyCoder 501 S Intermec EasyCoder 501 E Intermec EasyCoder 501 SA The Intermec EasyCoder 501 is a series of modular multipurpose thermal transfer/direct thermal printers. They come in three main models intended for different types of applications: EasyCoder 501 S (Standard) is mainly intended to 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. Being a low-cost alternative, it has a somewhat lower print speed and fewer options than the other members of this printer family. EasyCoder 501 can be fitted with an optional scalable fonts kit that allows the use of outline fonts in Speedo and TrueType format. Externally, the EasyCoder 501 is distinguished by the single Print key on its front panel. EasyCoder 501 E (Enhanced) offers higher print speed and a larger keyboard than EasyCoder 501 S. The large number options in regard of media handling and computer connection makes this printer a highly flexible alternative. It is recommended for installations, where you want to switch between different application programs, or create your own programs in the built-in Intermec Fingerprint programming language. EasyCoder 501 E can, as an option, be fitted with a scalable fonts kit that allows the use of outline fonts in Speedo and TrueType format. This printer model can easily be recognized by its 22-key membrane keyboard. EasyCoder 501 SA is just as quick and flexible as the EasyCoder 501 E model, but is fitted with a special Stand-Alone software, which allows the printer to be operated independently, without any computer connection. This printer model is fitted with a large built-in alphanumeric keyboard. The EasyCoder 501 SA can easily be docked to a personal computer and loaded with label texts and formats created in the Intermec LabelShop 3.2 label-editing program running under Microsoft Windows. Information on the different models and options can be found in the Technical Manual, which also describes installation and computer connection. The following manuals may also be of interest to the operator or programmer: Intermec EasyCoder 501, Operator's Guide Intermec Shell Standard 4.01, Startup Manual Intermec Shell Enhanced 4.01, Startup Manual Intermec Stand-Alone Concept, Operating Instructions Intermec Direct Protocol 6.13, Programmer's Guide Intermec Fingerprint 6.13, Programmer's Guide Intermec Fingerprint 6.13, Reference Manual Intermec LabelShop, various manuals 3

5 R geprüfte Sicherheit Intermec EasyCoder 501 User's Manual GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER LED Indicator Lamps Display Window Keyboard Cutter Interface Connector Label Taken Sensor (option) Memory Card Adapter (option) 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 Optional Interface Connectors Display Contrast Adjustment Thermal Printer 501 Model # Serial # V A 50-60Hz U L LISTED 65B5 INTERMEC PRINTER AB MADE IN SWEDEN LR67809 This equipment complies with the requirements for a Class A computing device in FCC Rules Part 15 Subpart J. Operation of this device in a residential area may cause harmful interference requiring the user to take whatever steps may be necessary to correct the interference. V DE N309 Serial Interface Connector "uart1:" Mains Receptacle Upper External Paper Intake Machine Sign Lower External Paper Intake Continued! 4

6 GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER, cont'd. 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 Take-Up Transfer Ribbon Supply Paper Supply Spool External Guides (option) 3" Adapter Label Roll Retainer (option) Thermal Printhead Rewind Guide Dispenser Edge Printhead Lift Knob Slack Absorber TEAR-OFF IMPORTANT PRINTHEAD AND RIBBON INFORMATION The use of any thermal transfer ribbons, other than those supplied by UBI, will invalidate the printhead warranty. UBI thermal transfer ribbons are engineered specifically for this printhead. The quality of thermal and thermal transfer media supplies this printer is also of great importance for the quality of printing bar codes and a long life of the printhead. UBI has carefully matched the paper we recommend/provide to the needs of this printer. We therefore strongly advise of using only UBI recommended/provided supplies to ensure a high quality printing. Guide Shaft Backing Paper Take-Up Clip 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

7 PAPER LOAD TEAR OFF 1 2 Open the front and right-hand doors. Turn the printhead lift knob to Load position. 3 4a mm (1.5") Remove the empty paper core, if any. Fit a new paper roll on the paper supply spool and push the roll inwards as far as it will go. 4b 5a 76 mm (3") In case of paper roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first fit the adapter on the paper supply spool. In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, thread the paper underneath the guide shaft behind the print mechanism. 6

8 PAPER LOAD TEAR OFF, cont'd. 5b In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, rotate the label slack absorber 180 clockwise to open position (snap-lock). Then thread the paper underneath the slack absorber and under the guide plate of the label stop sensor. 6 7 This diagram shows the path of the paper web. Push the paper inwards as far as it will go. 8 9a Turn the printhead lift knob to Print position. In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play. 7

9 PAPER LOAD TEAR OFF, cont'd. 9b In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, release the slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play (2). Close the front and side doors x # 2 # 1 Feed out two blank copies by pressing the <Print> key twice. To tear off the paper, pull it downwards. 8

10 PAPER LOAD CUT OFF 1 2 Turn off the power using the switch on the rear plate. 3 Open the optional cutter unit and the right-hand door. 4 5a Turn the printhead lift knob to Load position. 5b Remove the empty paper core, if any mm (1.5") 76 mm (3") Fit a new paper roll on the paper supply spool and push the roll inwards as far as it will go. In case of paper roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first fit the adapter on the paper supply spool. 9

11 PAPER LOAD CUT OFF, cont'd. 6 7a This diagram shows the path of the paper web. In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, thread the paper underneath the guide shaft behind the print mechanism. 7b In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, rotate the label slack absorber 180 clockwise to open position (snap-lock). Then thread the paper underneath the slack absorber and under the guide plate of the label stop sensor. 8 9 Push the paper inwards as far as it will go. Turn the printhead lift knob to Print position. 10

12 PAPER LOAD CUT OFF, cont'd. 10a 10b In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, release the slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play (2) Thread the paper through the cutter between the two guide plates. Close the cutter unit while pulling at the end of the paper. Close the right-hand door x # 2 Turn on the power using the switch on the rear plate. # 1 Feed out and cut two blank copies by pressing the <Print> key twice. 11

13 PAPER LOAD PEEL OFF 1 2 Open the front and right-hand doors Turn the printhead lift knob to Load position Pull out the green clip (1) on the backing paper take-up and dispose of all wound-up backing paper (2). Remove the empty paper core, if any. 5a 5b mm (1.5") 76 mm (3") Fit a new label roll on the paper supply spool and push the roll inwards as far as it will go. In case of label roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first fit the adapter on the paper supply spool. 12

14 PAPER LOAD PEEL OFF, cont'd. 6a In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, rotate the label slack absorber 180 clockwise to open position (snap-lock). Then thread the label web underneath the slack absorber and under the guide plate of the label stop sensor. 6b 7 In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, thread the paper underneath the guide shaft behind the print mechanism. This diagram shows the path of the label web and the backing paper cm/15" Push the label web inwards as far as it will go. Pull out approx. 40 cm (15") of label web and remove the labels from the backing paper. 13

15 PAPER LOAD PEEL OFF, cont'd Thread the backing paper around the print roller and dispenser edge and rearwards under the print unit. 12 Secure the backing paper with the clip (1) and wind it up on the take-up spool so the web becomes tight (2). 13a Turn the printhead lift knob to Print position. In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play. 13b 14 2x # In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, release the slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play (2). # 1 Close the front and side doors. Feed out two blank labels by pressing the <Print> key twice. 14

16 PAPER LOAD REWIND 1 2 Open the front and right-hand doors. Turn the printhead lift knob to Load position. 3 4 Remove the empty paper core, if any. Loosen the two screws that hold the rewind guide. 5 6a mm (1.5") Remove the dispenser edge from the front of the print mechanism and replace it with the rewind guide. Fit a new label roll on the paper supply spool and push the roll inwards as far as it will go. 15

17 PAPER LOAD REWIND, cont'd. 6b 7a 76 mm (3") In case of label roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first fit the two adapters on the paper supply spool. In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, thread the paper underneath the guide shaft behind the print mechanism. 7b In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, rotate the label slack absorber 180 clockwise to open position (snap-lock). Then thread the paper underneath the slack absorber and under the guide plate of the label stop sensor. 8 9 This diagram shows the path of the label web. Push the paper inwards as far as it will go. 16

18 PAPER LOAD REWIND, cont'd cm/15" TEAR-OFF IMPO The use of an the printhead The quality o for the qua paper w only U TEAR-OFF IMPO The use of an the printhead The quality of for the qualit paper we only UB Pull out approximately 40 cm (15") of labels. Thread the labels around the rewind guide and back under the print mechanism towards the rewind unit Wind up the end of the label web on the rewind unit and secure it with the clip. 14a 14b Turn the printhead lift knob to Print position. In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, release the slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play (2). 17

19 PAPER LOAD REWIND, cont'd x TEAR-OFF IMP The use of an the printheas p The quality for the q paper only U Close the right-hand door but keep the front door open. Feed two blank copies by pressing the <Print> key twice. 18

20 PAPER LOAD EXTERNAL PAPER SUPPLY 1 2 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. 3 The lower intake slot is preferred when the supply is placed lower than the printer. 4 As an option, the printer can be fitted with a set of fan-fold guides in either intake slot. The outer guide is adjustable for different paper widths. 5 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 fan-fold guide can be supplemented with an additional guide shaft which replaces the label slack absorber. Thread the paper between the guide shafts as illustrated from either the upper or lower intake slot. 19

21 RIBBON LOAD 1 2! TEAR-OFF Open the front and right-hand doors. Turn the printhead lift knob to Load position. 3 4 Pull out the used-up ribbon and the empty ribbon core. 5a mm (2.3") Unpack a roll of Intermec transfer ribbon. The use of any thermal transfer ribbon, other than those supplied by Intermec, will invalidate the printhead warranty. 5b mm (3.5") #1 In case of mm ribbon width, compress the unwind bobbin and move it so it snaps into the 1:st groove. #2 In case of mm ribbon width, compress the unwind bobbin and move it so it snaps into the 2:nd groove. 20

22 RIBBON LOAD, cont'd. 5c 110 mm (4.3") TEAR-OFF IMP The use of a The quali for the qu paper w only U #3 In case of 110 mm ribbon width, compress the unwind bobbin and move it so it snaps into the 3:rd groove. 7 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). 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. Without releasing the ribbon, turn the printhead lift knob to Print position so as to lock the ribbon TEAR-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. 21

23 RIBBON LOAD, cont'd TEAR-OFF 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 Close the front and side doors. 22

24 Thermal Print Head. RECOMMENDED USAGE: Use EasyCoder Cleaning Cards before inserting every roll of label stock or ticket stock. SAFE EASY EFFECTIVE PROTECTS YOUR EQUIPMENT Intermec EasyCoder 501 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 [(CH 3 ) 2 CHOH; CAS ] is a highly flammable, moderately toxic and mildly irritating substance. 1 2 Open the front and right-hand doors. Turn the printhead lift knob to Load position. 3 4 Cleaning Card This pre-saturated disposable Thermal Printer Cleaning Card is designed to safely and effectively remove all dirt, ink, tape, residue, adhesive and other contaminants from Thermal Print Heads. This Cleaning card will improve print quality and the life of the Works on all EasyCoder Printers Directions NOTE: For Thermal Transfer Printers, remove ribbon. Open pouch and remove EasyCoder Cleaning Card. Lift thermal printhead and insert EasyCoder Cleaning Card. Lower printhead and press FEED or PRINT. If printer returns an error message, repeat the procedure but press FEED or PRINT before lowering the printhead. The printer will start feeding after printhead is lowered. Allow a few seconds for EasyCoder Cleaning Card to dry, then insert dry card for a second time, feed to remove remaining contamination. Remove Cleaning Card and dispose of properly. Print Load TEAR-OFF Remove the transfer ribbon and paper supplies. in this printer is also of great importance head. UBI has carefully matched the efore strongly advise of using ting. than those supplied by UBI, will invalidate ns are engineered specifically for this printhead. THEAD AND RIBBON INFORMATION Open the Cleaning Card pouch. The cleaning card contains isopropyl alcohol, see Caution above. 23

25 PRINTHEAD CLEANING, cont'd cm (1") 1. Insert most of the cleaning card under the printhead (1). Turn the printhead lift knob to Print position (2). Pull out the cleaning card (1) and turn the printhead lift knob to Load position (2) s cm (1") Wait for approx. 30 seconds. Insert the cleaning card under the printhead again (1). Turn the printhead lift knob to Print position (2) Pull out the cleaning card. Repeat if necessary. Allow the cleaned part to dry before loading the printer with paper and thermal transfer ribbon. 24

26 EXTERNAL CLEANING 1 2 Always remove the power cord before cleaning! Wipe external surfaces with a soft cloth moistened with water and, if necessary, a mild detergent. 3 4 TEAR-OFF 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. 25

27 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 (8 dots/mm printheads only). 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. You can switch between 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi) and dots/mm (300 dpi) printheads at will. 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 and density. Close the front and right-hand door and the printer is ready for operation. Slot (for alternative position of guide screw) Locked Position Lug Slot Lug Lock Handle Open Position Alternative position for guide screw Guide Screw Printhead assy 26

28 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 Possible Cause Remedy Refer to Overall weak printout Wrong Paper type setup Change setup Technical Manual Low Contrast setup Change setup Technical Manual Printhead pressure too low Adjust both knobs Technical Manual Worn printhead Replace printhead User's Manual Wrong printhead voltage Replace CPU board Call Service Printout weaker on one side Uneven printhead pressure Adjust outer knob Technical Manual Weak spots Foreign particles on paper/ribbon Clean n.a. Paper/ribbon don't match Use other media Technical Manual Poor paper or ribbon quality Use other media Technical Manual Worn printhead Replace printhead User's Manual Worn pressing roller Check/replace Call Service Overall dark printout Wrong Paper Type setup Change setup Technical Manual Too high Contrast setup value Change setup Technical Manual Printhead pressure too high Adjust both knobs Technical Manual Wrong printhead voltage Replace CPU board Call Service Excessive bleeding Wrong Paper Type setup Change setup Technical Manual Contrast setup value too high Change setup Technical Manual Printhead pressure too high Adjust both knobs Technical Manual Faulty energy control Replace CPU board Call Service Transfer ribbon breaks Ribbon fitted around label stop sensor Reload ribbon User's Manual Wrong Paper Type setup Change setup Technical Manual Ribbon unwind unit stuck Adjust Call Service Bad energy control Check CPU board Call Service White parts at transfer printing Transfer ribbon wrinkled Adjust See next paragraph Transfer ribbon wrinkles Incorrect paper guide ring adjustment Adjust User's Manual Ribbon obstructed by printhead cable Clear n.a. Too strong printhead pressure Adjust both knobs Technical Manual Unwind bobbin not centre-aligned Adjust User's Manual Dark lines along paper web Foreign objects on printhead Clean printhead User's Manual White lines along paper web Printhead dirty Clean printhead User's Manual Missing dots on printhead Replace printhead User's Manual Large part of dot line missing Wrong X-start or Width setup Change setup Technical Manual Failing printhead Replace printhead User's Manual Failing strobe signal Check CPU-board Call Service Last part of label missing Too small image buffer Increase buffer Technical Manual Printout missing along inner edge Bad paper alignment Adjust User's Manual X-start setup value too low Increase Technical Manual 27

29 NOTES 28