Intermec EasyCoder F2 User manual

User’s Guide

EasyCoder F2

Bar Code Label

Printer

(Fingerprint Version)

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 Printer AB, 2002. All rights reserved. Published in Sweden.

EasyCoder, EasyLAN, Fingerprint, and LabelShop are registered trademarks of Intermec Technologies Corp. The word Intermec, the Intermec logo, InterDriver, PrintSet, and Duratherm are trademarks of Intermec Technologies Corp.

Centronics is a registered trademark of Genicom Corporation.

Kimdura is a registered trademark of Kimberly Clark.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Torx is a registered trademark of Camcar Division of Textron Inc.

TrueDoc is a registered trademark of Bitstream, Inc.

TrueType is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.

Unicode is a trademark of Unicode Inc.

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Preface

Contents

Preface Table of Contents .........................................................................1

FCC Notice (U.S.A.) ...................................................................4

DOC Notice (Canada) ................................................................4

GS Notice (Germany)..................................................................4

EU Standard EN 55022 (The European Union)........................4

Declaration of Conformity (CE) .................................................5

Safety ............................................................................................7

2. Installation Unpacking ....................................................................................8

Connections ...............................................................................15

Switching On the Printer ...........................................................20

Display Messages at Startup .......................................................20

4. Media Load Tear-Off (Straight-through) .......................................................21

Tear-Off (Straight-through) with Quick-Load ..........................25

External Supply (Fanfold) ..........................................................31

6. Setting Up the Printer Description.................................................................................36

Intermec EasyCoder F2 – User’s Guide

1

Preface

Contents, cont.

• Serial Communication:........................................................38

- Baud Rate ..........................................................................38

- Character Length...............................................................39

- Stop Bits.............................................................................39

- Flow Control .....................................................................39

- New Line ...........................................................................40

- Receive Buffer....................................................................40

- Start Adjust........................................................................41

- Stop Adjust ........................................................................41

- Recommended Feed Adjustments.....................................41

• Media: ..................................................................................42

- Media Size .........................................................................42

7. Setup Mode

- Head Resistance.................................................................49

- Print Speed ........................................................................51

- LTS (Label Taken Sensor)..................................................52

Entering the Setup Mode at Installation....................................53

Navigating in Setup Mode .........................................................54

8. Intermec Shell Startup Program Introduction ...............................................................................60

Starting with Intermec Shell.......................................................61

Intermec Shell Diagram .............................................................64

• Solving Communication Problems .....................................65

• Selecting an Application ......................................................67

• Changing the Setup.............................................................68

Line Analyzer..............................................................................70

2


Preface

Contents, cont.

9. Options Introduction ...............................................................................71

Integral Liner Takeup Unit.........................................................72

Media Supply Hub.....................................................................72

Cleaning the Media Guides........................................................79

Label Stop Sensor Position .........................................................84

Ribbon Break Shaft (option)......................................................86

Installing the Quick-Load Guides..............................................87

Media Roll Size...........................................................................92

Media..........................................................................................93

• Tickets with Gap .................................................................96

• Tickets with Black Mark......................................................97

Bar Code Wand Interface........................................................ 101

Double Serial Interface Board (option)................................... 102

IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface Board (option) .......................... 104

Industrial Interface Board (option) ......................................... 105

EasyLAN 100i Interface Board (option)................................. 106

RFID 13.56 MHz Interface Board (option)........................... 107


3

Preface

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.

GS 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.

EU Standard EN 55022 (The European Union)

WARNING

This is a Class A ITE product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

4


Declaration of Conformity (CE)

We,

Intermec Printer AB

Idrottsvägen 10

Box 123

S-431 22 Mölndal

Sweden

declare under our sole responsibility

1

that the product

EasyCoder F2

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 73/23/EEC

Mölndal 1999-09-01

...................................................................

Mats Gunnarsson

President

1 /. Intermec assumes no responsibility regarding the CE Directive if the printer is handled, modifi ed, or installed in other manners than those described in

Intermec’s manuals.


Preface

5

6

Chapter 1

Introduction

EasyCoder F2

The EasyCoder F2 is a sturdy medium-duty direct thermal printer with a printhead resolution of 8 dots per mm (203.2 dots per inch) and a maximum print width of 56 mm (2.2 inches). Optionally, it can be provided with a thermal transfer mechanism. The EasyCoder F2 offers a large number of useful features, such as:

• Flash memory SIMMs for fi rmware, fonts, bar codes, and application programs

• Built-in memory card adapter

• Built-in RS-232 and USB interfaces

• Provision for one extra interface board

• Keyboard and display with backlight for improved user interface.

A large number of factory-installed or fi eld-installable options are available, so the printer can be confi gured for a wide range of applications. See Chapter 9 and Appendix 1 for more information.

The EasyCoder F2 supports the unique and fl exible Intermec

Fingerprint v7.61 programming language, which allows the user or third-party developer to create custom-made application programs and label formats in a BASIC-like environment.

EasyCoder F2 is also designed to work with the Intermec Direct

Protocol programming language, the Intermec InterDriver and

Intermec Labelshop. The InterDriver allows you to print labels from standard MS Windows applications, for example Microsoft

Offi ce.

Intermec LabelShop is a series of label-design programs that work under various versions of MS Windows.

The EasyCoder F2 supports 15 scaleable Unicode TrueType and

TrueDoc fonts as standard. Additional fonts can be downloaded into the printer’s Flash memory, or be plugged in using a memory card. The Unicode standard allows the use of special characters for various languages including non-Latin fonts, such as Arabic,

Cyrillic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hebrew, and similar.

A special version of EasyCoder F2, that supports the Intermec

Programming Language (IPL-3), is described in a special manual.


Safety

Chapter 1 Introduction

Intermec assumes no responsibility regarding the CE Directive if the printer is handled, modifi ed, 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. Dangerous voltage!

• Do not put your fi ngers inside the print mechanism when the power is on.

• Place the printer on an even surface which can support its weight of approximately 5.5 kg (12 pounds) plus supplies.

• Do not spray the printer with water. If you are using a hose to clean the premises in an industrial environment, remove the printer or protect it carefully from spray and moisture.

• Carefully read the warning text on the envelope before using a cleaning card.

Product Labeling

The machine label is attached to the printer’s rear plate and contains information on type, model, and serial number as well as AC voltage. It also contains various signs of approval.


7

Chapter 2

Installation

Unpacking

Before you install the printer, examine the package 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.

• Check the label on the printer’s rear plate, which gives the voltage, the part number, and the serial number.

• Check that any options you ordered are included.

• Check that all the accessories are included. As standard, the box contains:

- Intermec EasyCoder F2 printer

- One set of Quick-Load Guides

- Power cord (at least one depending on model)

- Quality check card

- Short strip of labels 1

- Starter pack of thermal transfer ribbon (thermal transfer models only) 1

- Adapter for 3-inch media roll core (only in models fi tted with a rotating media supply hub)

- Supporting software and product information on CD.

• Check that the power cord is appropriate for the local standard. The printer works within 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60

Hz.

8

1

/. Type and quantity may vary, or labels/ribbon may be omitted completely, depending on area of distribution.

European-type US/Canadian-type

230 VAC plug 115 VAC plug

GB-type

230 VAC plug

If the printer has been damaged in any way during transportation, complain to the carrier immediately.

If the delivery is incorrect or any parts are missing, report it immediately to the distributor.


Front View

Chapter 2 Installation

At 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 programing language and Intermec Shell.

The printed labels, tickets, or tags are presented at the front of the print mechanism.

Control Lamps

Display Window

Keyboard

Print Key

Print Mechanism


Side Door

9


Rear View

The rear plate contains the On/Off switch, the AC power cord receptacle, and various interface connectors and slots.

Bar Code Wand Interface

Not used

Provision for one Optional

Interface Board

On/Off Switch

AC Power Cord Receptacle

RS-232 Serial Interface

("uart1:")

Memory Card Slot

USB Interface ("usb1:")

Machine Label

10



Media Compartment

Description

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 media stock. The door is held by a magnetic lock. It can be opened 180° to provide full access to the media compartment.

The media supply can be from a supply post, or from an external supply of fan folds behind the printer. There is also an optional rotating media supply hub.

Also see Chapter 9, “Options.”

Media Supply

Roll Post with Edge Guide

2

3

1

4 bw fw

Print Mechanism

Long Side Door


Optional Integral Liner

Takeup with Guide Shaft

11


Media Compartment, cont.

Description, cont.

Because the EasyCoder F2 has a modular design, it uses a media supply roll post that can be fi tted in three different positions inside the media compartment. The position depends on the type of side door (long or short) and whether or not the printer is fi tted with an integral liner takeup. Alternatively, an external media supply (for example a box of fan-folded tickets) behind the printer can be used. A rotating media supply hub is also available as an option, see Chapter 9, “Options.”

Media Supply Roll Post

The media supply roll post fi ts both 38-40 mm (1.5 inches) and

76 mm (3.0 inches) cores since it can be moved vertically in the slot in center section. The bottom position is intended for small cores and the top position is for large cores. The post is locked by a straight-slot screw and has a moveable edge guide to fi t various media widths.

Edge Guide

76 mm

(3 inches)

CORE

38-40 mm

(1.5 inch)

Caution!

Make sure to adjust the position of the post according to the size of the media roll core.

When the post is fi tted in the top position, the head of the screw will interfere with small (38 mm/1.5 inches) cores, causing media misalignment.

Screw

To move the post to a different slot; remove the screw, twist the post a quarter of a turn, and pull it out.

To fi t the post; rotate it a quarter of a turn, insert it into the appropriate slot in the center section (see next page), and twist back so the lips engage the cutouts in the sides of the slot. Move it up (large core) or down (small core) as far as it goes and secure it with the screw.

12



Media Compartment, cont.

Media Supply Positions

There are four sets of threaded holes and slots in the printer’s center section for the media supply roll post or rotating hub

(optional). These slots allow the largest possible roll size to fi t, given the limitations of any liner takeup and/or the full enclosure provided by the long side door. The positions are indicated by numbers engraved in the center section.

• Position 1 is used when the media compartment is fully enclosed by a long side door, regardless of the existence of any integral liner takeup unit. Maximum roll size is 152 mm

(6 inches).

• Position 2 is used when the printer has a short side door that only encloses the print mechanism, but does not have an integral liner takeup unit. Maximum roll size is 213 mm

(8.38 inches).

• Position 3 is used when the printer has a short side door and an integral liner takeup unit. Maximum roll size is 213 mm

(8.38 inches).

• Position 4 is reserved for future development.

The printer can also use an external media supply located behind the printer.

2

3

1

4

Pos. 3

Pos. 1

Pos. 2

Pos. 4 (not used)


13


Print Mechanism

The print mechanism features a high-performance 8 dot/mm

(203.2 dots/inch) thermal printhead with quick-mount fi ttings to facilitate replacement. Refer to Chapter 5 “Thermal Transfer

Printing” and Chapter 9 “Options” for illustrations of the thermal transfer mechanism, which is partly integrated with the print mechanism.

Locking Screw

Thermal Printhead

Pressure Arm

Tear Bar

Platen Roller

14

Edge Guide

Printhead Lift Lever

Label Stop Sensor

Position Adjustment

(bottom sensor hidden)



Connections

Power

Computer

1 Place the printer on a level surface, near an AC outlet. You should be able to easily access the printer to load media and to remove the printout.

2 Check that the printer is switched off.

3 Connect the power cord between the receptacle on the rear plate and to the electrical outlet (>90 to <264 VAC).

The Easycoder F2 is fi tted with one 25-pin D-style subminiature

(DB25) female connector for the RS-232 serial interface port and one class B connector for the USB interface port (see Appendix

3).

(device name: "uart1:")

Use the serial interface with Intermec LabelShop or the Intermec InterDriver. Also use it with the Intermec Direct Protocol or the Intermec Fingerprint programming language because you can receive error messages from your printer. Before you can use the serial interface, you may need to set up the communication parameters, such as baud rate, parity, etc. as described in Chapter 6, “Setting Up the Printer.”

• USB Interface

(device name: "usb1:")

Use the USB interface with an USB-compatible version of the

Intermec InterDriver for printing. The printer works only as a “slave” (that is, the USB interface is not suitable for programming because you cannot receive error messages from your printer). Unlike RS-232, there is no communication setup in regard of baud rate, parity, handshaking, etc.

• Optional Interface Board

(device name: "uart2:", "uart3:", "centronics:", or "net1:")

Several types are available (see Chapter 9, “Options”). Refer to Appendix 3 and the separate documentation delivered with the boards for connection and setup instructions.

The printer can be set to scan all communication ports for incoming data and automatically switch to that port. This facility

("auto:") can be selected in Intermec Shell (see Chapter 8) or using the Intermec Fingerprint instruction SETSTDIO, see

Intermec Fingerprint v7.61, Programmer’s Reference Manual.

Switch off both PC and printer before connecting them together.


15


Controls and Indicators

The EasyCoder F2 has several ways of communicating directly with its operator: three control lamps, a display window, a membrane-switch keyboard with 22 programmable keys, a big programmable “Print” button on the printer’s front, and a beeper.

Control Lamps

Display

Keyboard

16

The control lamps are colored LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and are used for the following purposes:

• Power (green) indicates when the power is on.

• Ready (green) indicates when the printer is ready for use.

• Error (red) indicates when some kind of error has occurred.

If using a serial communication, an error message may be returned to the host computer.

The display window contains an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with background illumination and two lines of text, each with 16 characters. It guides the operator through the setup and indicates possible errors during printing.

The Intermec Fingerprint programming language and the

Intermec Direct Protocol allow custom-made messages to be composed and displayed according to the requirements of the application.

The keyboard is of the membrane-switch type and has 22 keys.

The keyboard is supplemented by a large “Print” button on the printer’s front. Some keys have hard-coded functions in the startup and setup modes.

In application programs created by the Intermec Fingerprint programming language, the keys can be assigned to various functions. Since one key is assigned as shift key, up to 44 different key combinations are possible. An audible signal, which can be turned off if so desired, acknowledges that a key has been pressed.



Controls and Indicators, cont.

Beeper

The beeper notifi es 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 signals can be specifi ed. Thus, it is possible to create different signals for different conditions or even to make the printer play simple melodies!


17

Chapter 3

Starting Up

Startup Files

When the printer is switched on, its behavior depends on the existence of a startup fi le (autoexec.bat) in its memory. There are two cases:

A The printer is only fi tted with the Intermec Shell fi le-managing program, which allows the operator to choose between a variety of applications and functions.

B In addition to Intermec Shell, the printer is also fi tted with a custom-made application program that is design to perform a specifi c task, for example to print tickets, baggage tags, or product labels for a certain company. Such a program may be initiated by a startup fi le (autoexec.bat) stored in the printer’s permanent memory or in a memory card.

There can be one startup fi le stored in each of three different parts of the printer’s memory. If there are startup fi les stored in more than one part, only one will be used with the following priority:

1. An autoexec.bat fi le stored in a memory card, provided the card was inserted in the printer before power up.

2. An autoexec.bat fi le stored in the read/write part of the printer’s permanent memory (device "c:").

3. The pup.bat fi le (Intermec Shell) in the read-only part of the printer’s permanent memory (device "rom:").

If you insert a memory card that contains a startup fi le before you switch on the printer, this startup fi le will be used instead of Intermec Shell.

18


Memory Card

Chapter 3 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 switch on the power. The memory card can be an SRAM card complying with the JEIDA-4 standard or a Flash Memory card from Intermec.

Maximum size in both cases is 64Mbit (8MB). There are three types of Flash Memory cards:

• Font Cards provide additional fonts that can be used as long as the card remains inserted in the printer.

• Font Install Cards permanently install additional fonts in the printer, which can be used even after the card has been removed.

• Firmware Cards automatically replace the printer’s fi rmware, usually with an updated version.

Backside

Memory Card

Important!

Always switch off the power before inserting or removing a memory card! The manufacturer’s logotype should face right when viewing the card as in the illustration above.


19

Chapter 3 Starting Up

Switching On the Printer

Before switching on the printer, make the necessary connections, insert any memory card you want to use, and check that the printhead is engaged.

Switch on the power using the On/Off switch on the rear plate.

The “Power” control lamp on the front panel lights up when the power is on. Wait for a few moments, while the printer loads the program and runs some self-diagnostic tests. Then some kind of message will appear in the display window, depending on the startup fi le.

Display Messages at Startup

When the power is switched on, the printer is initialized. The progress of the initialization is indicated by an increasing number of colons on the lower line in the display:

Initializing

:::

The type of startup fi le running in the printer is indicated by the message shown in the display window immediately after initialization.

A. Intermec Shell Startup Program (standard printers)

ENTER=SHELL

5 sec. v.4.8

4 sec. v.4.8

3 sec. v.4.8

2 sec. v.4.8

1 sec. v.4.8

Refer to Chapter 8 for more information on Intermec Shell. The digits in the lower right corner of the display indicate the version of Intermec Shell.

B. Custom-Made Application Program (non-standard printers)

Any other display messages than those illustrated above indicates that the printer is running some custom-made, non-standard application program, or that some error has occurred.

20


Chapter 4

Media Load

Tear-Off (Straight-through)

The EasyCoder F2 can print on labels, tickets, tags, and continuous stock in various forms. This section describes the case when the media is torn off manually against the printer’s tear bar. This method is also known as “straight-through printing.”

Use the <Feed> key (see fi gure #10) when loading the same type of media. When switching to a new type of media, or if the printer does not feed out the media properly, simultaneously press the <Shift> and <Feed> keys to perform a “testfeed.”

Tear-off can be used for:

• Non-adhesive continuous stock

• Self-adhesive continuous stock with liner

• Self-adhesive labels with liner

• Tickets with gaps, with or without perforations

• Tickets with black marks, with or without perforations

An optional label taken sensor can hold the printing of the next copy in the batch until the present copy has been removed, see

Chapter 9, “Options.”

1 2

Open the side door.


Turn the printhead lift lever clockwise to raise the printhead.

21

Chapter 4 Media Load

Tear-Off, cont.

3

2

3

1

4

4

2

3

1

4

5

Remove any empty core from the media supply roll post.

Fit a new roll of media on the supply post and adjust the edge guide so the roll becomes fl ush with the center section.

6 bw fw

Route the media through the print mechanism. Then push it inwards as far as it will go.

22

This diagram shows the media path.


Tear-Off, cont.

7 8


Turn the printhead lift lever counterclockwise to engage the printhead.

Adjust the position of the green edge guide so the media is guided with a minimum of play.

9 10

Close the side door.


Press the Feed key to advance the media and adjust the media feed.

23


Tear-Off, cont.

11

To tear off the media, grab the outer edge and pull

downwards.

24



Tear-Off with Quick-Load (Straight-through)

In addition to the media load procedure for tear-off (straightthrough) operation described earlier in this chapter, the

EasyCoder F2 can optionally be fi tted with a set of Quick-Load guides that makes media load much easier and quicker, especially if the printer has a short side door. See Chapter 12, “Adjustments” for installation instructions.

Quick-Load cannot be combined with peel-off (self-strip) operation.

Use the <Feed> key (see fi gure #5) when loading the same type of media. When switching to a new type of media, or if the printer does not feed out the media properly, simultaneously press the <Shift> and <Feed> keys to perform a “testfeed.”

An optional label taken sensor can hold the printing of the next copy in the batch until the present copy has been removed, see


Fully automatic loading, without the operator having to press any key, requires a special set of Intermec Fingerprint instructions in the application program.

1

2

2

3

1

4

2

3

1

4


Fit a new roll of media on the supply post and adjust the edge guide so the roll becomes fl ush with the center section.


25


Tear-Off with Quick-Load, cont.

3

4

If necessary, adjust the outer Quick-Load guide to fi t the width of the media.

Insert the media between the guides and feed it forward until the media reaches the platen roller and cannot be inserted any further.

5

6 bw fw

26

Keep pushing the media forward while pressing the Feed key.

To tear off the media, grab the outer edge and pull

downwards.



Peel-Off (Self-strip)

The EasyCoder F2 can print on labels, tickets, tags, and continuous stock in various forms. This section describes the case when self-adhesive labels are separated from the liner immediately after printing. The liner is then wound up on an integral liner takeup hub. This is also known as “Self-strip” operation.

Peel-off operation cannot be performed when Quick-Load guides are fi tted.

Use the <Feed> key (see fi gure #14) when loading the same type of media. When switching to a new type of media, or if the printer does not feed out the media properly, simultaneously press the <Shift> and <Feed> keys to perform a “testfeeed.”

Peel-off can only be used for:

• Self-adhesive labels with liner

An optional label-taken sensor can hold the printing of the next label in a batch until the present label has been removed, see


1

2




27


Peel-Off, cont.

3

4

2

3

1

4

Pull out the handle to collapse the takeup hub, then remove any liner.


5

6

3

2

1

4

Fit a new roll of labels on the supply post and adjust the edge guide so the label roll becomes fl ush with the center section.

Remove labels from the fi rst 50 cm (20 inches) of the liner. Route the liner through the print mechanism and push it inwards.

28


Peel-Off, cont.

7 bw fw

8


Route the liner around the tear bar and the liner drive roller and back under the print mechanism and guide shaft.

Insert the start of the liner under the lip of the takeup hub, then rotate the hub counterclockwise a few turns to wind up some of the liner.

9 10

Press the handle to expand the takeup hub and secure the liner. Then rotate the hub counterclockwise until the liner becomes tight.

This diagram shows the media and liner paths.


29


Peel-Off, cont.

11 12

Turn the printhead lift lever counterclockwise to engage the printhead.

Adjust the position of the green edge guide so the media is guided with a minimum of play.

13 14

30


Press the Feed key to advance the media and adjust the media feed.



External Supply (Fan-fold)

The EasyCoder F2 can print on labels, tickets, tags, and continuous stock in various forms. This section describes the case the media supply is placed behind the printer, usually in the form of fanfolded tickets or tags. External supply can be used with tear-off (straight-through) printing–preferably with Quick-

Load.

External supply can be used with both short and long side doors and there is no need to remove the media supply roll post.

When using an external media supply, take care to protect the media from dust, dirt or other foreign particles, that can impair the printout quality or cause unnecessary wear to the printhead.

Depending on brand and quality, all direct thermal media are more or less sensitive to heat, direct sunlight, moisture, oil, plasticizers, fat, and other substances. You should protect them accordingly.

1

This diagram shows the media path from an external supply. In case of the standard edge guide (as opposed to Quick-Load guides), turn it to vertical position.


31

Chapter 5

Thermal Transfer Printing (option)

Ribbon Load

The EasyCoder F2 can print on labels, tickets, tags, and contionuous stock using either direct thermal printing on special heat-sensitive media or thermal transfer printing using a special ink-coated ribbon. For thermal transfer printing, the printer must be fi tted with a transfer ribbon mechanism.

Thermal transfer printing makes it possible to use a wide range of receiving face materials. Make sure to select a type of ribbon that matches the type of receiving face material (see Appendix

2, “Media Specifi cation”) and to set up the printer properly (see

Chapter 6, “Setting Up the Printer”).

The EasyCoder F2 can use transfer ribbon rolls wound with the ink-coated side facing either outward or inward. Illustrations in this manual show the ink-coated side facing inward.

Most transfer ribbons do not smear at room temperature.

1

2

2 bw fw

32


Turn the printhead lift lever clockwise to raise the printhead


Ribbon Load, cont.

3

Chapter 5 Thermal Transfer Printing

4 bw fw

In case of ribbon reload, remove any used ribbon and empty ribbon core.

Unpack a roll of original Intermec thermal transfer ribbon.

5

6 bw fw

Slide the ribbon roll onto the supply hub so the ink-coated side faces down when the ribbon is routed through the print mechanism.

Route the ribbon through the print mechanism and pull out approximately 20 cm (8 inches) of ribbon.


33



7 8

Without releasing the ribbon, turn the printhead lift lever counterclockwise to engage the printhead and lock the ribbon.

Slide the empty cardboard core onto the ribbon rewind hub so the ribbon is wound up when the hub rotates counterclockwise.

9 10

Turn the printhead lift lever clockwise to raise the printhead and release the ribbon.

Manually advance the ribbon until all of the transparent leader has passed the printhead and the ribbon becomes tight.

34



11 bw fw


12

2

1 bw fw

Turn the printhead lift knob counterclockwise to engage the printhead.



35

Chapter 6

Setting Up the Printer

Description

The setup controls the printer in regard of serial communication, media feed, and print speed, and specifi es which type of media and (optionally) ribbon is loaded in the printer.

Check the list of the printer’s default setup parameters on the next page to see if they match your requirements. If not, you will have to change the setup using one of the methods described below.

The setup may also be changed, manually or automatically, by

Intermec PrintSet, InterDriver, and LabelShop, or by third-party application programs.

enter the Setup Mode, or

Mode, or

- execute the Intermec Fingerprint SETUP instruction to enter the Setup Mode, or

- access the Setup Mode via the printer’s home page using an optional EasyLAN 100i interface board.

See Chapter 7, “Setup Mode” in this manual and the documenta-

tion of the EasyLAN 100i interface board.

from the host.

See Chapter 8, “Intermec Shell” in this manual. remotely from the host, or from the host.

See the Intermec Fingerprint v7.61 manuals.

•

Intermec Direct Protocol

remotely from the host.

See the Intermec Direct Protocol v7.xx manuals.

36


Default Setup

Chapter 6 Setting Up the Printer

The printer’s default setup is listed below:

Ser-Com "uart1:"

Baud rate.................................................... 9600 bps

Character length......................................... 8 bits

Parity .......................................................... None

Stop bits ..................................................... 1 bit

RTS/CTS................................................... Disable

ENQ/ACK ................................................ Disable

XON/XOFF, data to host.......................... Disable

XON/XOFF, data from host ..................... Disable

New line..................................................... CR/LF

Receive buffer............................................. 300 bytes

Transmit buffer .......................................... 300 bytes

Feedadjust:

Startadjust .................................................. 0

Stopadjust................................................... 0

Media:

X-start......................................................... 24

Width......................................................... 424

Length........................................................ 1200

Media type ................................................. Label (w Gaps)

Paper type................................................... Direct Thermal

Label constant ............................................ 85

Label factor................................................. 40

Contrast ..................................................... ±0%

Print Defi nes:

Print speed.................................................. 100 mm/sec.

Reading the Current Setup

The printer’s current setup values can be read from the printer’s display window by browsing through the Setup Mode, or from the host by browsing through the Terminal Setup of Intermec

Shell.

You can list the printer’s current setup values by printing test label

#5 in the Setup Mode or by using Intermec Shell.

The current setup values can be sent to the host via the standard serial communication channel using a SETUP WRITE

"uart1:" statement (see Intermec Fingerprint v7.61, Program-

mer’s Reference Manual).


37


Setup Parameters

Serial Communication

• Baud Rate

• Character Length

• Parity

• Stop Bits

• Flow Control

• New Line

• Receive Buffer

• Transmit Buffer

The serial communication parameters control the communication between the printer and the connected computer or other devices on the standard serial port "uart1:" and the optional serial ports "uart2:" and "uart3:". The optional ports require an optional interface board. The printer’s fi rmware detects if an interface board is installed in the printer and presents additional sets of communication setup menus depending on type of communication (refer to diagrams 3-5 in Chapter 7, “Setup Mode”).

The serial communication parameters have no effect on parallel communications, on Ethernet communications, or on the IN and OUT ports on the optional Industrial Interface Board.

For the serial communication channel "uart1", the following parameters can be set. Make sure they match the setup of the connected device or vice versa. If the setup of the printer and the setup of the host do not match, the response from the printer to host will be garbled.

Baud Rate

The baud rate is the transmission speed in bits per second. There are 10 options:

• 300

• 600

• 1200

• 2400

• 4800

• 9600 (default)

• 19200

• 38400

• 57600

• 115200

38



Setup Parameters, cont.

Serial Communication, cont.

Character Length

The character length specifi es the number of bits that will defi ne a character. Eight bits are recommended, because that option allows more special characters and characters specifi c for foreign laguages to be used. Refer to the Intermec Fingerprint v7.61,

Programmer’s Reference Manual for information on which characters are available in various combinations of character length and character set.

• 7 Characters ASCII 000 to 127 decimal

• 8 Characters ASCII 000 to 255 decimal (default)

Parity

The parity decides how the fi rmware will check for transmission errors. There are fi ve options:

• None (default)

• Even

• Odd

• Mark

• Space

Stop Bits

The number of stop bits specifi es how many bits will defi ne the end of a character. There are two options:

• 1 (default)

• 2

Flow Control

• RTS/CTS

RTS/CTS is a protocol where the communication is controlled by currents through separate lines in the cable being set either to high or low. By default, this option is disabled.

RTS high indicates that the transmitting unit is able to receive characters. RTS low indicates that the receive buffer is fi lled to

75% (see XON/XOFF).

CTS high indicates that the unit transmitting the CTS signal is ready to receive data. CTS low indicates that the receive buffer is full (see XON/XOFF). In some computer programs, for example MS Windows Terminal, RTS/CTS is designated

“Hardware.”


39



Serial Communication, cont.

• ENQ/ACK

In this protocol, the communication is controlled by the control characters ENQ (ASCII 05 dec.) and ACK (ASCII 06 dec.) being transmitted on the same line as the data. The sending unit transmits ENQ at regular intervals. If the response

ACK is not received, the transmission is held up awaiting an ACK character from the receiving unit. By default, ENQ/

ACK is disabled.

• XON/XOFF

In this protocol, the communication is controlled by the control characters XON (ASCII 17 dec.) and XOFF (ASCII

19 dec.) being transmitted on the same line as the data. XON/

XOFF can be enabled/disabled separately for data received from the host by the printer (printer sends XON/XOFF) and for data transmitted to the host from the printer (host sends

XON/XOFF).

XOFF is sent from the printer when its receive buffer is fi lled to 75%, and the transmission from the host is held, waiting for an XON character. When enough data have been processed so the receive buffer is fi lled only to 50%, the printer sends an XON character and the host resumes transmitting data. The same principles apply to XON/XOFF sent by the host, even if the percentage fi gure may differ.

By default, XON/XOFF is disabled for data both ways.

New Line

Selects the character(s) transmitted from the printer to specify the switching to a new line. There are three options:

• CR/LF

• LF

• CR

ASCII 13 dec. + ASCII 10 dec. (default)

ASCII 10 dec.

ASCII 13 dec.

Receive Buffer

The receive buffer stores the input data received on the serial channel before processing. Default size is 300 bytes.

Transmit Buffer

The transmit buffer stores the output data to be transmitted on the serial channel before transmission. Default size is 300 bytes.

40




Feedadjust

• Startadjust

• Stopadjust

The Feedadjust part of the Setup Mode controls how much of the media is fed out or pulled back before and/or after the actual printing. These settings are global and will be effected regardless of which program is run.

Note that the fi rmware uses the front edges of labels w. gaps, the ends of detection slots, and the forward edges of black marks for detection, all seen in relation to the feed direction.

Recommended Feed Adjustments

The following settings allow printing from the top of the label. Minor deviations from the recommended values may be required due to various combinations of media types, roll size, type of media supply device, and individual differences between printers.

Tear-Off:

Start adjust: -100 dots

Stop adjust: 0 dots

Peel-Off:

Start adjust: -56 dots

Stop adjust: -44 dots

Start Adjust

The Start Adjust value is given as a positive or negative number of dots (1 dot = 0.125 mm = 4.9 mils). Default value is 0, which places the origin a certain distance back from the forward edge of the copy.

• A positive start adjustment means that the specifi ed length of media will be fed out before the printing starts. Thus, the origin is moved further back from the forward edge of the copy.

• A negative start adjustment means that the specifi ed length of media will be pulled back before the printing starts. Thus, the origin is moved towards the forward edge of the copy.

Stop Adjust

The Stop Adjust value is given as a positive or negative number of dots (1 dot = 0.125 mm = 4.9 mils). Default value is 0, which stops the media feed in a position suitable for tear off operation.

• A positive stop adjustment means that the normal media feed after the printing is completed will be increased by the specifi ed value.

• A negative stop adjustment means that the normal media feed after the printing is completed will be decreased by the specifi ed value.


41



Media

• Media Size

• Media Type

• Paper Type

• Testfeed

• Contrast

The media parameters tell the fi rmware the characteristics of the media that will be used, so the printout will be positioned correctly and get the best quality possible.

Media Size

The size of the printable area is defi ned by three parameters;

X-Start, Width, and Length.

X-Start

Specifi es the position of the origin along the dots on the printhead.

By default, X-start is 24 dots, which places the inner margin of the print area 3 mm (0.118 inches) from the inner edge of the media and gives a maximum print width of 424 dots (53 mm/2.087 inches). This prevents printing outside labels when the liner is slightly wider than the labels.

If you want to use the entire media width, reset the X-start value to 0 which gives a maximum print width of 448 dots

(56 mm/2.205 inches).

By increasing the value for the X-start parameter, the origin will be moved outwards, away from the inner edge of the media path.

In other words, the larger X-start value, the wider inner margin and the less available print width.

Width

Specifi es the width of the printable area in number of dots from the origin. Thus, the sum of the X-start and width values gives the outer margin of the printable area. The width should be set to prevent printing outside the media, which may harm the printhead.

Length

Specifi es the length of the printable area in number of dots from the origin along the Y-coordinate and allocates memory space for two identical image buffers in the printer’s temporary memory.

The size of each buffer can be calculated using this formula:

Buffer size (bits) = [Print length in dots] x [Printhead width in dots]

Note that the temporary memory has other functions that also require some memory space. To obtain a longer print area, the memory can be increased by fi tting a larger DRAM SIMM on the printer’s CPU board as described in the Service Manual.

42




Media, cont.

Length, cont.

• The length setup also decides the amount of media feed when using “fi x length strip.”

• The length setup creates an emergency stop, which works when the printer is set up for “Label (w gaps)”, “Ticket (w mark)”, or “Ticket (w gaps).” If the label stop sensor (LSS) has not detected a gap or mark within 150% of the set length, the media feed is automatically stopped to avoid feeding out a whole roll of media, because of an LSS malfunction.

By setting up the X-start, the Width, and the Length, you will create a print window inside which the printing can be performed. Any object or fi eld extending outside the print window in any direction will either be clipped or cause an error condition

(Error 1003 “Field out of label”), see Intermec Fingerprint v7.61,

Programmer’s Reference Manual.

4 mm (0.16 in)

max. 56.0 mm (2.2 in)

Length

Dot-line on printhead

Origin

X-start

Dot #0

Width (1-448)

FEED

DIRECTION

25-60 mm (1-2.36 in)


Dot #447

43

Chapter 6

Setting Up the Printer


Media, cont.

Media Type

The Media Type parameters control how the label stop sensor

(LSS) and the media feed work. There are fi ve media type options:

• Label (w gaps) is used for adhesive labels mounted on liner.

• Ticket (w mark) is used for labels, tickets, or continuous stock provided with black marks at the back.

• Ticket (w gaps) is used for tickets and tags with detection slits.

• Fix length strip is used for continuous stock where the length of the print window decides the length of media to be fed out.

• Var length strip is used for continuous stock and adds 115 dots of media feed after the last printable dot (may even be a blank space character or a “white dot” in an image or character cell) to allow the media to be properly torn off.

It is important to select the correct media type, so the printer can indicate possible errors. Two error conditions may occur:

• Error 1005 “Out of paper” indicates that the last ordered copy could not be printed because of an empty media stock.

• Error 1031 “Next label not found” indicates that the last ordered label or ticket was successfully printed, but no more labels/tickets can be printed because of an empty media stock.

44




Media, cont.

Paper Type

The Paper Type parameters control the heat emitted from the printhead to the direct thermal media or, optionally, the transfer ribbon in order to produce the dots that make up the printout image. Start by choosing between two alternatives:

• Direct Thermal printing (default)

• Thermal Transfer printing (option)

Your choice will decide which parameters to enter next:

Direct Thermal Printing

This option contains two parameters:

• Label Constant

(range 50 to 115)

• Label Factor

(range 10 to 50)

Thermal Transfer Printing (option)

This option contains four parameters:

• Ribbon Constant

(range 50 to 115)

• Ribbon Factor

• Label Offset

• Low Diameter 1

(range 10 to 50)

(range -50 to 50)

(range 25 to 80 mm)

1 /. This parameter specifi es the diameter of the ribbon supply roll, where SYSVAR(26) switches from 0 to 1.

SYSVAR(26) = 0 means that there is still a suffi cient supply of ribbon, whereas SYSVAR(26) = 1 means that it is time to consider replacing the ribbon supply.

The diameter is expressed in millimetres and an accuracy of ±3 mm can be expected. Note that this setting has no effect unless

SYSVAR(26) is read by a Fingerprint program (v7.40 or later).


45

Chapter 6



Media, cont.

Direct Thermal Printing

Intermec recommends that you use the paper type and print speed settings listed below to produce the highest possible print quality under normal conditions and to ensure maximum lifetime of the printhead. Label materials are available from Intermec either in standard types and sizes, or in special materials and sizes.

When adjusting the image darkness for individual requirements or new label materials, keep the Label Factor at the recommended value for the type of direct thermal media. Decrease or increase the Label Constant for lighter or darker images respectively, depending on the requirements of the images or of the new label material.

General Paper Type Settings Guide

Sensitivity 1 Label Constant Label Factor Max. Speed

Low 100 – 115

Standard 86 – 99

High 70 – 85

Ultra high 50 – 69

40 100

40 125

40 175

40 200

1 /. Please note that preprint and varnish decrease the sensitivity of direct thermal media.

Thermal Transfer Printing

Keep the Ribbon Factor for each ribbon type at the recommended value. Decrease or increase the Ribbon Constant for lighter or darker images respectively. For a new label material, start with an average Ribbon Constant value for the ribbon quality in question.

Bar Code Directions

Picket Fence

Ladder

Bar Code Directions

In the tables on the pages that follow, different maximum print speeds may be recommended depending on the direction of possible bar codes in the printout. Generally, ladder style bar codes are more demanding and may require a lower print speed, especially in connection with a large media roll and/or negative start adjust values (see “Print Speed” later in this chapter). The illustration to the left shows how the two type of bar code directions relate to the media feed direction.

Feed

Direction

46




Media, cont.

Direct Thermal Printing (Europe)

DT Type/

Speed

Media

Designation

Label Label

Constant Factor

Max Rec. Print Speed (mm/sec) 1

Picket Fence Bar Code

2

Ladder Bar Code

Top Coated/ Thermal Top Board

Standard Thermal

3 100 40

Top

100

95 40 125

100

125

Non Top Coated/ Thermal Eco

Standard Thermal Eco Board 3

85 40

80 40

125

175

125

175

Top Coated/High Thermal Top High Speed 85 40 175 175

Thermal Transfer Printing (Europe)

Ribbon

Type

Receiving

Material

Ribbon Ribbon Label Max Rec. Print Speed (mm/sec) 1

Constant Factor Offset Picket Fence Bar Code 2 Ladder Bar Code

Uncoated 75

TTR

TTR 150

150

150

Coated 100

TTR

TTR 0

25

150

0

150

150

200 150

TTR Gloss Polyethylene 95 25 0 200 200

Coated 95

TTR

TTR

TTR

TTR Gloss Polyethylene 80

25 0

25

25

0

0

150

200

150

150

150 150

200

HR03 TTR High Gloss Polyester 100 30 0 200 200

1 /. Exceeding the recommended print speed may cause the printhead to wear out prematurely. If the ambient temperature is lower than +15°C

(+59°F), decrease print speed by 50 mm/sec.

2

/. Also applies to printing of text, images, lines, and boxes.

3 /. Requires high printhead pressure (see Chapter 12 “Adjustments, Printhead Pressure”).


47

Chapter 6



Media, cont.

Direct Thermal Printing (North America)

DT Type/

Speed

Media

Designation

Label Label

Constant Factor

Max Rec. Print Speed (mm/sec) 1

Picket Fence Bar Code 2 Ladder Bar Code

Top Coated/ Duratherm II Tag

3

112 40 100 100

II 95 40 100 100

Top Coated/ Duratherm Ltg 92 40 175 175

Thermal Transfer Printing (North America)

Ribbon

Type

Receiving

Material

Ribbon Ribbon Label Max Rec. Print Speed (mm/sec)

1

Constant Factor Offset Picket Fence Bar Code 2 Ladder Bar Code

TMX 1100 Duratran II 70

Duratran

25 0 200 200

75 25 0 200

200

150

200

150


Duratran

25 0 150

150

150

150

150


Duratran

25 0 150 150

150

25

Syntran 80 150

150

150

TMX 3200 Polyester 105 25 0 200 200

1

/. Exceeding the recommended print speed may cause the printhead to wear out prematurely. If the ambient temperature is lower than +15°C (+59°F), decrease print speed by 50 mm/sec.

2 /. Also applies to printing of text, images, lines, and boxes.

3

/. Requires high printhead pressure (see Chapter 12 “Adjustments, Printhead Pressure”),

48




Media, cont.

Contrast

Use the contrast parameter to make minor adjustments of the blackness in the printout, for example to adapt the printer to variations in quality between different batches of the same media.

11 options are displayed in an endless loop from -10% to +10%.

Default value is 0%. The contrast is reset to the default (±0) whenever a new paper type is specifi ed, regardless which method has been used.

Testfeed

The sensitivity of the label stop sensor (LSS) may need to be adjusted when switching from one type of media to another.

This is especially the case when using adhesive labels since the transparency of the liner (backing paper) may vary. Adjusting the LSS entails feeding out a number of blank copies until the fi rmware has decided the proper setting for the LSS. At the same time, the front edges of the labels, tickets, etc. are detected so the feed control can position the media according to the Feedadjust parameter (same as the Intermec Fingerprint statement TESTFEED). The comparator and amplifi er values of the LSS are displayed (read-only information).

Print Defi nes

• Head Resistance

• Testprint

• Print Speed

• LTS (optional)

Head Resistance

The printhead resistance is measured automatically at startup

(read-only information).

Testprint

Test label #1 to #4 check the printout quality and facilitate adjustment of the printhead pressure, see Chapter 12, “Adjustments.” Test labels #5a and #5b list the printer’s current setup

(extra labels may be printed if the printer is fi tted an optional interface board). Test label #6 is only printed if the printer has an optional EasyLAN 100i interface board. Test labels #1 to #5b are illustrated on the next page. If the printer refuses to print a test label, press the <F3> key to fi nd out what is wrong, for example printhead lifted or out-of paper.


49

Chapter 6



Print Defi nes, cont.

706 ohms/8 dots

Test Label #1 Test Label #2

50

Test Label #3 Test Label #4

Test Label #5a Test Label #5b





Print Speed

The print speed is variable between 100 and 200 mm/sec.

Generally, the lower the speed, the better the printout quality.

This is especially true when printing bar codes with the bars running across the media path (“ladder style”), when printing on demanding face materials, and when printing at low ambient temperatures. Refer to the tables under “Media” earlier in this chapter for maximum print speed values. The default setting is

100 mm/sec. (

≈ 4 inches/sec.).

Caution!

The combination of a large media roll (>152 mm/6 inches diameter) and/or narrow media width in combination with high print speed (> 150 mm/6 inches per sec.) could cause jerks in the media feed. Such jerks will compress text and spoil the readability of ladder-style bar codes placed close to the front edge of the label. In case of batch printing, only the fi rst label in the batch will be affected. Negative startadjust values tend to increase the jerks.

• If the media roll is larger than 152 mm (6 inches), do not use a print speed > 150 mm/s.

• If a negative start adjust is used, do not use a print speed

> 125 mm/s.

• Narrow media width may require further restrictions on print speed.

• Avoid placing text and ladder-style bar codes close to the front edge of labels.


51

Chapter 6




LTS (Label Taken Sensor)

The sensitivity of the LTS may need to be adjusted according to ambient light conditions and refl ective characteristics of the back side of the media. The LTS setup options are only displayed if an optional label taken sensor is installed in the printer.

• LTS Adjust

Press <Enter>. A label is fed out. Remove the label and press

<Enter> again. A menu shows the sensitivity automatically selected by the fi rmware and the range, in which the LTS will work. Press <Enter> again and you will proceed to the LTS

Test menu.

• LTS Test

Press <Enter>. A label is fed out. Remove the label and a new label should be fed out automatically. Repeat until you are sure the LTS works properly. Then press <Enter> to stop and exit.

• LTS Value

Press <Enter>. You can enter a new value in the range indicated in the LTS Adjust menu (see above). Min/max values are in the range 0 to 10.

52


Chapter 7

Setup Mode

Entering Setup Mode at Installation

The method of entering the Setup Mode depends on which startup fi les are stored in the printer’s memory, a subject that was more thoroughly discussed in Chapter 3, “Starting Up.”

EasyCoder F2 with Intermec Shell

• Switch on the power.

• When the display shows the message “Enter=Shell; x sec...”, press <Enter>.

• Press <Setup> (this facility can be used anywhere within

Intermec Shell).

• Set up the printer as described in this chapter.

• Return to Intermec Shell by pressing <Setup>.

EasyCoder F2 with a custom-made application program

• Normally, there is no need to enter the Setup Mode for custom-made application programs. Necessary provisions for changing the setup, manually or automatically, should be provided by the program.


53

Chapter 7

Setup Mode

Navigating in Setup Mode

While going through the setup procedure, you are guided by texts in the printer’s display. You can navigate between setup menus, acknowledge displayed values, select or type new values, etc. by using the keys on the printer’s keyboard.

Note!

An external keyboard cannot be used inside the Setup Mode.

Move one menu to the left on the same level 1 .

Move one menu to the right on the same level 1 .

Display error message at test label printing failure.

Move up one level or scroll back in a stack of options 1 .

Move down one level or scroll forward in a stack of options 1 .

Enter numeric values.

-

Specify negative values (leading position).

Clear erroneously entered values.

Acknowledge and move to next menu.

Perform testfeeds in the Testfeed menu.

Print test labels in the Test Label menu.

Exit the Setup Mode.

Can be used anywhere in Setup Mode.

1

/. “Left”, “right”, “up”, and “down” refer to the overviews later in this chapter.

54


Setup Mode Overview, Part 1

(Intermec Fingerprint v7.61)

SETUP:

SER-COM,UART1

SETUP:

SER-COM,UART2

SETUP:

SER-COM,UART3

SETUP:

NET-COM,NET1

SER-COM,UART1:

BAUDRATE

See Overview Part 3



SER-COM,UART1:

CHAR LENGTH

SER-COM,UART1:

PARITY

SER-COM,UART1:

STOP BITS

SER-COM,UART1:

FLOWCONTROL

BAUDRATE:

9600

19200

38400

57600

115200

300

600

1200

2400

4800

CHAR LENGTH:

8

7

PARITY:

NONE

EVEN

ODD

MARK

SPACE

STOPBITS:

1

2

FLOWCONTROL:

RTS/CTS

SER-COM,UART1:

NEW LINE

Continued on next page!

SER-COM,UART1:

REC BUF

SER-COM,UART1:

TRANS BUF

FEEDADJ:

STARTADJ

FEEDADJ:

STOPADJ

FLOWCONTROL:

ENQ/ACK

FLOWCONTROL:

XON/XOFF

NEW LINE:

CR/LF

LF

CR

REC BUF:

[300]:

TRANS BUF:

[300]:

STARTADJ:

[0]:

STOPADJ:

[0]:

Chapter 7 Setup Mode

LEGEND:

Boxes with thick lines indicate default setup.

Boxes with dotted lines indicate menus related to optional interface boards.

RTS/CTS:

DISABLE

ENABLE

ENQ/ACK:

DISABLE

ENABLE

XON/XOFF:

DATA TO HOST

XON/XOFF:

DATA FROM HOST

DATA TO HOST:

DISABLE

ENABLE

DATA FROM HOST:

DISABLE

ENABLE


55




SETUP:

MEDIA

Continued from previous page!

MEDIA:

MEDIA SIZE

MEDIA:

MEDIA TYPE

MEDIA:

PAPER TYPE

MEDIA:

CONTRAST

MEDIA:

TESTFEED

SETUP:

PRINT DEFS

SETUP:

NETWORK

PRINT DEFS:

HEAD RESIST

PRINT DEFS:

TESTPRINT

PRINT DEFS:

PRINT SPEED

PRINT DEFS:

LTS


The LTS setup menus are only displayed if an optional

LTS (Label-Taken Sensor) is installed in the printer.

• Press <Setup> to exit the Setup Mode.

MEDIA SIZE:

XSTART

MEDIA SIZE:

WIDTH

MEDIA SIZE:

LENGTH

MEDIA TYPE:

LABEL (w GAPS)

TICKET (w MARK)

TICKET (w GAPS)

FIX LENGTH STRIP

VAR LENGTH STRIP

PAPER TYPE:

TRANSFER

XSTART:

[24]:

WIDTH:

[424]:

LENGTH:

[1200]:

PAPER TYPE:

DIRECT THERMAL

TRANSFER:

RIBBON CONSTANT

TRANSFER:

RIBBON FACTOR

TRANSFER:

LABEL OFFSET

TRANSFER:

LOW DIAMETER

DIRECT THERMAL:

LABEL CONSTANT

DIRECT THERMAL:

LABEL FACTOR

RIBBON CONSTANT:

[90]:

RIBBON FACTOR:

[25]:

LABEL OFFSET:

[0]:

LOW DIAMETER:

[36]:

LABEL CONSTANT:

[85]:

LABEL FACTOR:

[40]:

CONTRAST:

+0%

+2%

+4%

+6%

+10%

-10%

-8%

-6%

-4%

-2%

TESTFEED:

[14 1]

HEAD RESIST:

[nnn]:

<ENTER> = PRINT:

<F5> = NEXT #1

PRINT SPEED:

[100]:

• Press <Enter> to perform a Testfeed.

• Comparator and amplifier values are read-only.

Read-only value.

Printhead resistance is automatically set at startup.

Use <F5> to select type of test label.

Press <Enter> to print it.

If no label is printed, press <F3> for error message.

LTS:

LTS ADJUST

LTS:

LTS TEST

LTS:

LTS VALUE

REMOVE LABEL AND

PRESS ENTER

REMOVE LABEL

ENTER TO STOP

LTS VALUE:

[10]:

SENSITIVITY 10

OUT OF 9–10

56





If an optional Double Serial or Industrial Interface Board is installed in the printer, additional menus will be displayed

(in case of Double Serial Interface Board, also see Overview Part 4):

SETUP:

SER-COM,UART2

SETUP:

SER-COM,UART3

SER-COM,UART2:

BAUDRATE

SER-COM,UART2:

PROT ADDR

SER-COM,UART2:

CHAR LENGTH

SER-COM,UART2:

PARITY

SER-COM,UART2:

STOP BITS

SER-COM,UART2:

FLOWCONTROL

SER-COM,UART2:

NEW LINE

SER-COM,UART2:

REC BUF

SER-COM,UART2:

TRANS BUF

SER-COM,UART2:

CONNECTED HW

SER-COM,UART2:

PROTOCOL ADDR.

FLOWCONTROL:

ENQ/ACK

FLOWCONTROL:

XON/XOFF

NEW LINE:

CR/LF

LF

CR

REC BUF:

[300]:

TRANS BUF:

[300]:

CONNECTED HW:

RS232

BAUDRATE:

9600

19200

38400

57600

300

600

1200

2400

4800

PROT ADDR:

DISABLE

ENABLE

CHAR LENGTH:

8

7

PARITY:

NONE

EVEN

ODD

MARK

SPACE

STOPBITS:

1

2

FLOWCONTROL:

RTS/CTS

PROTOCOL ADDR.

[1]:

These menus are only displayed if RS 485 is selected on "uart2:"

These menus are not displayed if RS 485 is selected on "uart2:"

RTS/CTS:

DISABLE

ENABLE

ENQ/ACK:

DISABLE

ENABLE

XON/XOFF:

DATA TO HOST

XON/XOFF:

DATA FROM HOST

RTS/CTS flowcontrol cannot be selected for the following types of hardware connection on "uart2:":

• 422 NON ISOLATED

• 422 ISOLATED

DATA TO HOST:

DISABLE

ENABLE

DATA FROM HOST:

DISABLE

ENABLE

The selected type of hardware connection on "uart2:" is displayed as one of the following alternatives (read-only):

• RS232


• 422 ISOLATED

• RS485

These menus are only displayed if RS 485 is selected on "uart2:"

Enter printer's protocol address (0–31).


57




If an optional Double Serial Interface Board is installed in the printer , additional menus will be displayed:

SETUP:

SER-COM,UART3

SER-COM,UART3:

BAUDRATE

BAUDRATE:

9600

19200

38400

57600

300

600

1200

2400

4800

SER-COM,UART3:

CHAR LENGTH

SER-COM,UART3:

PARITY

SER-COM,UART3:

STOP BITS

SER-COM,UART3:

FLOWCONTROL

CHAR LENGTH:

8

7

PARITY:

NONE

EVEN

ODD

MARK

SPACE

STOPBITS:

1

2

FLOWCONTROL:

RTS/CTS

SER-COM,UART3:

NEW LINE

SER-COM,UART3:

REC BUF

SER-COM,UART3:

TRANS BUF

SER-COM,UART3:

CONNECTED HW

FLOWCONTROL:

ENQ/ACK

FLOWCONTROL:

XON/XOFF

NEW LINE:

CR/LF

LF

CR

REC BUF:

[300]:

TRANS BUF:

[300]:

CONNECTED HW:

RS232

RTS/CTS:

DISABLE

ENABLE

ENQ/ACK:

DISABLE

ENABLE

XON/XOFF:

DATA TO HOST

XON/XOFF:

DATA FROM HOST

RTS/CTS flowcontrol cannot be selected for the following types of hardware connection on "uart3:":


• 20 mA CURRENT LOOP

DATA TO HOST:

DISABLE

ENABLE

DATA FROM HOST:

DISABLE

ENABLE

The selected type of hardware connection on "uart3:" is displayed as one of the following alternatives (read-only):

• RS232


• CURRENT LOOP

58





If an optional an EasyLAN 100i interface board is installed in the printer, additional menus will be displayed.

SETUP:

SER-COM, UART1

Standard Setup Mode


SETUP:

NET-COM, NET1

NET-COM,NET1:

NEW LINE

NEW LINE:

CR/LF

LF

CR

SETUP:

FEEDADJ

SETUP:

MEDIA

SETUP:

PRINT DEFS







SETUP:

NETWORK

NETWORK:

IP SELECTION

IP SELECTION:

MANUAL

DHCP

BOOTP

RARP

NETWORK:

IP ADDRESS

NETWORK:

NETMASK

NETWORK:

DEFAULT ROUTER

IP ADDRESS:

192.168.1.79

NETMASK:

255.255.255.0

DEFAULT ROUTER:

192.168.1.1

Use <.> and <0> - <9> to set IP address.

Use <C> to erase.

Use <.> and <0> - <9> to set netmask.

Use <C> to erase

Use <.> and <0> - <9> to set default router.

Use <C> to erase.

• Press <Setup> to exit the Setup Mode.


59

Chapter 8

Intermec Shell Startup Program

Introduction

Intermec Shell is a startup program (also called “autoexec-fi le”), which is a program that automatically starts running when the printer is switched on. Intermec Shell helps the operator to choose between a number of standard or custom-made application programs and to start certain useful facilities, as listed below.

Application Programs

• Intermec LabelShop (WYSIWYG label design program)

• Intermec Windows Driver (do not use)

• Intermec Fingerprint (for creating your own programs or to

run the Intermec InterDriver)

• Intermec Direct Protocol (easy-to-use slave protocol)

• LINE_AXP.PRG (line analyzer program)

• Other application programs in the printer’s memory

.

.

A prerequisite is that the program is provided with the extension

“.PRG”. However, some original Intermec utility programs are excluded as long as they remain stored in "rom:":

- ERRHAND.PRG

- FILELIST.PRG

- LBLSHTXT.PRG

- MKAUTO.PRG

- SHELLXP.PRG

- WINXP.PRG

Other Facilities

• Setup Mode

• Print Setup

• Testfeed

• Test Label

• Default setup

• Update PC card

• Reboot

(manual setup from printer’s keyboard)

(printing setup on label)

(formfeeds + auto-adjust of the LSS)

(printing of test labels)

(resetting all setup parameters to default)

(downloading data from a host to a PC card in the printer, or upgrading the

printer’s fi rmware from a PC card)

(restarting the printer)

Intermec Shell is factory-installed in the printer’s permanent memory (device "rom:"). If you insert a memory card with another startup fi le before you switch on the printer, or if there is a startup fi le stored in the printer’s permanent memory (device "c:"), this startup fi le will be used instead of Intermec Shell (see Chapter 3,

“Startup Files”).

60


Starting with Intermec Shell

Chapter 8 Intermec Shell Startup Program

A few seconds after you have switched on the power to the printer and the initialization is completed, the countdown menu of the Intermec

Shell program will be displayed:

ENTER=SHELL

5 sec. v.4.8

Now you have 5 seconds to enter Intermec Shell by pressing <Enter>.

Provided you have a working two-way communication with a terminal program in a host computer, you may, as an alternative, enter the

Terminal Setup by transmitting “TTT” or “ttt” to the printer. The

Terminal Setup is described later in this chapter.

The lower line tells you how much time you have left. Should the time run out before you have taken any action to enter Intermec Shell, the last selected application in Intermec Shell will be opened. If you use the same application all the time, you will only need to switch on the power, once the application has been selected.

If no other application has yet been selected, the current version of Intermec Fingerprint will be opened with the standard RS-232 port "uart1:" selected as std I/O channel (see Intermec Fingerprint manuals). When the countdown is completed, you will see these lines in the display:

FINGERPRINT

7.61

If you want to select another application, just cycle the power and enter Intermec Shell before the countdown is completed.

When you enter the Intermec Shell from the countdown menus, the

Select Application menu will be displayed:

SHELL

SEL. APPLICATION

In this menu, you can choose between three options:

• Press <Enter> to go to menus where you can select an application program.

• Press <F5> to go to the Facilities part of Intermec Shell.

• Start the Terminal Setup program by transmitting “TTT” or “ttt” from the host.


61

Chapter 8

Intermec Shell Startup Program

Starting with Intermec Shell, cont.

Select Application

1 /. When an application program is started, it may automatically change the communication setup. For example, Intermec

LabelShop changes the setup to the following values:

Baud rate: 57600

Char. length: 8

Parity: None

Stopbits: 1

RTS/CTS: Enable

ENQ/ACK: Disable

XON/XOFF: Disable

New line: CR/LF

Receive buffer: 600

Transmit buffer: 600

If another application is selected later, this communication setup will remain valid, unless the new application includes instructions that automatically change the setup. The setup could also be changed manually in the

Setup Mode.

In Intermec Shell, the menus present the option in infi nite loops,

To see all menus and options, refer to the overview in this chapter.

The Select application lets you choose an application program that resides in the printer’s memory:

• Current appl. starts the last selected application (by default

Intermec Fingerprint with "uart1:" selected as standard I/O channel).

• LabelShop sets up the printer 1 for the various Intermec

LabelShop label formatting programs for Microsoft Windows.

This option requires that you also select a standard IN/OUT channel, which is the channel you want to use for communication between the printer and the computer. Refer to the Intermec LabelShop manuals.

• Windows Driver does not work with EasyCoder F-Series printers. Use the Fingerprint option (see below) for the Intermec InterDriver.

• Fingerprint is used to create, modify, or run programs written in the Intermec Fingerprint programming language and to run the Intermec InterDriver. This option requires that you also select a standard IN/OUT channel, which is the channel you want to use for communication between the printer and the computer. Normally, you select "uart1:". Refer to the

Intermec Fingerprint manuals.

• Direct Protocol is an easy-to-use printer protocol for downloading label formats and variable input data to a printer from a host computer. This option requires that you also select a standard IN/OUT channel, that is the serial channel you want to use for communication between the printer and the host.

Normally, you select "uart1:". Refer to the Intermec Direct

Protocol v7.xx manual.

• LINE-ALY.PRG (Line Analyzer) is a Fingerprint program that captures characters received by the printer on a communication channel and prints them on labels. (See later in this chapter.)

• Other Application Programs

If the printer contains any other application programs, these will presented as additional options.

62



Starting with Intermec Shell, cont.

Select Other Facilities

As an alternative to selecting an application, you can step through a number of other useful facilities:

• Setup allows you to enter the Setup Mode where you can set up the printer by means of its built-in keyboard, see Chapter

7, “Setup Mode.”

• Print Setup allows you to produce a printout of the printer’s current setup values (test label #5).

• Testfeed allows you to feed out a number of label, ticket, tag, or portions of continuous stock while the printer autoadjusts its media feed and label stop/black mark sensor. It is recommended to perform a Testfeed each time you load a roll of labels from a new batch or a different brand.

• Test Label allows you to print a series of four test labels (test labels #1 to #4) in order to test the printout quality and printhead alignment. The labels are presented in an infi nite loop, so you can print the series over and over again. Press

<Enter> for each new label.

• Default Setup allows you to reset all setup parameters to their default values, as listed in Chapter 6, “Setting Up the

Printer.”

• Software Update is used for two purposes:

- Update PC card allows the printer to be used as a Flash

PC card programming device. Using the Zmodem communication tool, fi les can be downloaded from a PC to a Flash PC card

1

inserted in the memory card slot in the printer’s rear plate.

Caution! If the Flash PC card contains an earlier fi rmware version than the one in the printer, the printer’s fi rmware will be downgraded without warning.

- Update fi rmware is used to upgrade the printer’s fi rmware from a new fi rmware version stored as a fi le in a PC.

• Reboot has the same effect as cycling the power to the printer.

To exit Intermec Shell without having selected any application, select Reboot. Then wait for the 5 seconds countdown to fi nish, and the last selected application will be opened.

1 /. Only Flash PC cards approved by Intermec can be used.


63

Chapter 8


Intermec Shell v4.8 Diagram

POWER ON

ENTER=SHELL

5 sec. v.4.8

ENTER=SHELL

4 sec. v.4.8

ENTER=SHELL

3 sec. v.4.8

ENTER=SHELL

2 sec. v.4.8

ENTER=SHELL

1 sec. v.4.8

Last selected application is started

Default:

Fingerprint 7.61 w. std I/O = "uart1:"

Legend:

Return to previous menu.

Proceed to next menu.

Accept displayed option and proceed, or execute displayed option.

Perform a Testfeed anywhere in Intermec Shell.

Enter the Setup Mode from anywhere in Intermec Shell.

Enter Terminal Setup by transmitting T T T or t t t to printer, in menus marked with a shade of gray!

SHELL



CURRENT APPL.


LABELSHOP

The Windows Driver option is not used with EasyCoder

F-series printers


WINDOWS DRIVER


Fingerprint 7.61


Direct Protocol

Last selected application is started

Note: Dotted channels are only shown if the corresponding optional interface pcb is fitted.

STD I/O CHANNEL auto

STD I/O CHANNEL

UART1

STD I/O CHANNEL

UART2

STD I/O CHANNEL

UART3

STD I/O CHANNEL

CENTRONICS

STD I/O CHANNEL net1:

STD I/O CHANNEL usb1:

SHELL

SETUP

SHELL

PRINT SETUP

SHELL

TESTFEED

SHELL

TEST LABEL

SEL.APPL rom:

LINE_AXP.PRG

SETUP:

SER-COM,UART1

See the chapter “Setup Mode”

Prints a list of current setup values (test label #5).

Performs a Testfeed (feeds out a number of blank copies while autoadjusting the label stop sensor.)

Prints test labels #1-4 in a loop.

Press Enter for each new label.

SHELL

DEFAULT SETUP

SHELL

SOFTWARE UPDATE

SHELL

REBOOT

ARE YOU SURE ?

Y=ENTER/ N=F5

UPDATE:

PC-CARD?

DEFAULT SETUP

PERFORMED

PC-CARD ERASE

TRANSFER FILE

USING ZMODEM

PROGRAMMING

PC-CARD

PROGRAMMING

COMPLETED

UPDATE:

FIRMWARE

Restarts the printer (same as power off/on)

TRANSFER FILE

USING ZMODEM

Printer rebooted automatically.

64



Terminal Setup

Starting Terminal Setup

The Terminal Setup program in Intermec Shell allows the operator to control the whole Intermec Shell program remotely from a host computer or terminal and to read or change the printer’s setup. There must be a working two-way serial communication between printer and host, and the host must be running a communication program (for example MS Windows HyperTerminal) that can transmit and receive data in ASCII format; that is, as printable characters. Set up the terminal as VT100.

Enter Terminal Setup by transmitting three upper- or lowercase T characters (TTT or ttt) while the printer either shows the Intermec Shell countdown menus or the Select Application menu.

Communication Problems

1 /. By default, "uart1:" is standard IN/OUT channel and should be used for running Terminal Setup. However, other ports could be appointed standard IN and/or OUT channel by means of the Intermec Fingerprint statement SETSTDIO.

Refer to the Intermec Fingerprint manuals for further information.

If you cannot start Terminal Setup, the communication protocols of the printer and the host probably do not match, or there is some other communication error. For example, you may have a defective communication cable, the wrong port may be selected on the host, or the cable is connected to the wrong printer port 1 .

You can check and change the printer’s setup in the Setup Mode, which you can enter by pressing the <Setup> key on the printer’s built-in keyboard. Proceed as described in Chapter 7, “Setup

Mode.” Among the facilities in Intermec Shell, you will also fi nd a number of options that allow you to read or change the communication setup of the printer:

• Setup

This is another way of entering the Setup Mode, where you can browse through the setup parameters and make changes using the printer’s keyboard.

• Print Setup

Here you can print the current setup on one or more labels.

• Default Setup

This option allows you to reset the communication parameters for all serial communication channels on the printer to default values.

Change the communication setup of the printer according to the host or vice versa. Once printer and host have been set up with the same communication parameters, go to the “Select

Application” menu and use the triple T (TTT or ttt) to start

Terminal Setup.


65

Chapter 8


Terminal Setup, cont.

Using Terminal Setup

The Terminal Setup program uses prompts to help you navigate.

You move around in this Intermec Shell program the same way as when you use the printer’s front panel.

Comprehensive explanations of the various setup parameters can be found in Chapter 6, “Setting Up the Printer.”

When you transmit the triple T (TTT or ttt) to the printer, the following message will appear on the printer’s display:

SETUP FROM

TERMINAL

On the screen of the host, another message will appear:

-----------------------------------------------

Welcome to SHELL v.4.8 in terminal mode

-----------------------------------------------

Answer Y <CR> for Yes, <CR> for No.

----------------

SHELL


----------------

(Y / N / B):

From here on, you can move around in Intermec Shell according to the diagram in the chapter “Using Intermec Shell” by answering Y (Yes), N (No), or B (Back) to the prompts that appear on the screen.

Note that the program also accepts lowercase characters (y, n, and b).

66




Selecting an Application

This example shows how you can select the Intermec Fingerprint application:

----------------

SHELL


----------------

(Y / N / B):Y

----------------


CURRENT APPL.

----------------

(Y / N / B):N

----------------


LABELSHOP

----------------

(Y / N / B):N

----------------


WINDOWS DRIVER

----------------

(Y / N / B):N

----------------


Fingerprint 7.61

----------------

(Y / N / B):Y

----------------

STD I/O CHANNEL

UART1

----------------

(Y / N / B):Y

When you have answered the fi nal prompt, the printer will start the selected application.


67

Chapter 8



Changing the Setup

To set up the printer or use any other of the facilities, answer N

(No) to the “Select Application” prompt. The following example illustrates how to enter the Setup Mode:

----------------

SHELL


----------------

(Y / N / B):N

----------------

SHELL

SETUP

----------------

(Y / N / B):Y

----------------

SETUP:

SER-COM,UART1

From here you can navigate through the Setup Mode using the keys on a VT100 terminal according to the same principles as when using the printer’s own keyboard (see overviews in Chapter

7):

Key Action

u

d

e

b

f

x

0 – 9

.

Enter

Move one menu to the left on the same level.

Move one menu to the right on the same level.

Display error message at test label printing failure.

Move up one level or scroll back in a stack of menus.

(same as <F1>)

(same as <F2>)

(same as <F3>)

(same as <F4>)

Move down one level or scroll forward in a stack of options. (same as <F5>).

Exit the setup. (same as <Setup>)

Enter numeric values.

Specify negative values.

Acknowledge and move to next menu, perform testfeeds, or print test labels

Backspace Delete one character to the left of the cursor.

(same as < . >)

(same as <Enter>)

(same as <C>)

68




Exiting Terminal Setup

To exit the Terminal Setup program, step through all the facility options and select Reboot, as illustrated below:

----------------

SHELL

PRINT SETUP

----------------

(Y / N / B):N

----------------

SHELL

TESTFEED

----------------

(Y / N / B):N

----------------

SHELL

TEST LABEL

----------------

(Y / N / B):N

----------------

SHELL

DEFAULT SETUP

----------------

(Y / N / B):N

----------------

SHELL

SOFTWARE UPDATE

----------------

(Y / N / B):N

----------------

SHELL

REBOOT

----------------

(Y / N / B):Y


69

Chapter 8


Line Analyzer

The Line Analyzer (LINE_AXP.PRG) is a program written in the Intermec Fingerprint programming language and is intended to help solving possible communication problems. As the name implies, the Line Analyzer captures all incoming characters on a specifi ed communication channel and prints them on one or more labels.

Printable characters are printed in black-on-white, whereas control characters and space characters (ASCII 000–032 dec) are printed in white-on-black.

While the printer is receiving data, the “Ready” control lamp blinks. There is a 0.5 second timeout. That is, if no more characters have been received after 0.5 second, the program considers the transmission terminated and prints out a label.

As long as a continuous string of characters is being received, the program wraps the lines until the label is full and then starts to print another label. At the bottom of each label, the following information is printed:

• Page number

• Number of characters printed on the label

• Total number of characters received so far

The Line Analyzer is displayed as the option “LINE_ALY.PRG" under the “SEL. APPLICATION” menu. After the Line Analyzer has been selected and the printer has started up again, the printer feeds out two labels and the following menu is displayed:

Line Analyzer

Sel.port(1-5) 1

Enter the desired communication port using the numeric keys on the printer’s keyboard:

1 = "uart1:"

2 = "uart2:"

3 = "uart3:"

4 = "centronics:"

5 = "net1:"

If the printer is not fi tted with the specifi ed port, an error message appears in the display and you can select another port:

Line Analyzer

Error:56

70


Chapter 9

Options

Introduction

bw fw

The EasyCoder F2 provides a high degree of fl exibility because it has a modular design. By adding options to the basic printer, the EasyCoder F2 can be adapted for a variety of applications.

Most options can easily be installed by the operator, however a few should be installed by an authorized service technician or are only available as factory-installed options.

Interface Board

(various types)

Media Supply Roll Post

2

3

1

4

1.5-inch Rotating

Supply Hub

3-inch Adapter

Label Taken Sensor

Short Side Door

Long Side Door

Transfer Ribbon Mechanism


Liner Takeup and Guide Shaft

Quick-Load Guides

(included)

71

Chapter 9 Options

Transfer Mechanism

Side Doors

The thermal transfer mechanism is only available as a factoryinstalled option. It allows the use of both direct thermal and thermal transfer supplies.

The EasyCoder F2 comes with either a short side door, which only covers the print mechanism or with a long side door, which encloses the entire media compartment. The long side door has a slot for external media supply. The long side door is generally illustrated throughout this manual, but pictures of the short side door can be found at the start of this chapter and in Chapter 4.

Integral Liner Takeup Unit

The integral liner takeup unit is an optional device for peel-off

(self-strip) operation, which means the labels are separated from a liner (backing paper) after printing and the liner is wound up on an internal hub. The unit also includes a guide shaft. Peel-off cannot be combined with Quick-Load guides, see below.

Media Supply Hub

The rotating media supply hub is designed to fi t media roll cores with an internal diameter of 38-40 mm (1.5 inch). The hub can be fi tted in the same positions as the supply roll post, see Chapter

2. Being factory installed, the position of the media supply hub is not intended to be changed by the operator.

3-inch Adapter

Label Taken Sensor

The 3-inch/76 mm adapter is used with a rotating media supply hub and makes it possible to use media rolls with 3 inch/76 mm inner diameter cores. The adapter is pressed onto the media supply hub and secured by a screw. The 3-inch adapter is not used with a media supply roll post.

The Label Taken Sensor (LTS) is a photoelectric sensor that enables the printer’s fi rmware to detect if the latest printed label, ticket, tag, etc. has been removed before printing another copy.

The LTS can be enabled or disabled by means of the instructions

LTS& ON and LTS& OFF respectively in Intermec Fingerprint and the Intermec Direct Protocol.

72


Real Time Clock

Interface Boards

Chapter 9 Options

The Real Time Clock circuit (RTC) relieves the operator or the host from having to set the clock/calendar using the Intermec

Fingerprint instructions DATE$ and TIME$ after each power up. The RTC has its own backup battery backup that will last

10 years or more.

A number of different interface boards are available for use with the EasyCoder F2. The interface boards are either factory-fi tted or can easily be fi tted by an authorized service technician.

The EasyCoder F2 can accommodate one interface board.

The interface boards for the EasyCoder F2 are:

• Parallel Interface Board (IEEE 1284)

• Double Serial Interface Board

• Industrial Interface Board

• EasyLAN 100i Interface Board (Ethernet)

• RFID 13.56 MHz Interface Board

Refer to Appendix 3, “Interfaces” for more information on interface boards.


73

Chapter 10

Troubleshooting

Symptom

Overall weak printout

Printout weaker on one side

Weak spots

Overall dark printout

Excessive bleeding

Dark lines along media path

White lines along media path

Possible Cause

Wrong Paper Type parameter

Contrast value too low

Printhead pressure too low

Worn printhead

Wrong printhead voltage

Uneven printhead pressure

Foreign particles on media

Media/ribbon don’t match

Poor media or ribbon quality

Worn printhead

Worn platen roller

Wrong Paper Type parameter

Contrast value too high

Printhead pressure too high

Wrong printhead voltage

Wrong Paper Type

Contrast value too high

Printhead pressure too high

Faulty energy control

Foreign objects on printhead

Printhead dirty

Missing dots on printhead

Remedy

Change parameter

Change parameter

Adjust

Replace printhead

Replace CPU board

Adjust arm alignment

Clean or replace

Change to matching media

Use Intermec media/ribbon

Replace printhead

Check/replace

Change parameter

Change parameter

Adjust

Replace CPU board

Change parameter

Change parameter

Adjust

Replace CPU board

Clean printhead

Clean printhead

Replace printhead

Large part of dot line missing

Transfer ribbon breaks

Wrong X-start or Width parameter

Failing printhead

Failing strobe signal

Printout missing along inner edge Bad media alignment

Small core & supply post in upper pos.

X-start parameter value too low

Ribbon not fi tted correctly

Change parameter

Replace printhead

Check CPU-board

Adjust

Move post to lower pos.

Increase

Reload ribbon

Wrong paper type parameter (too much Change parameter, energy) then clean printhead

Bad energy control Adjust

Transfer ribbon wrinkles

No thermal transfer printout

Faulty ribbon break shaft adjustment

Incorrect edge guide adjustment

Too strong printhead pressure

Ink-coated side does not face media

Adjust

Adjust

Adjust

Reload ribbon

Media feed not working properly

Compressed text or bar code

Changed media characteristics

Wrong start- and stop adjust values

Wrong Media Type parameter

Wrong sensor position

Dirty or blocked sensors

Perform a TESTFEED

Check/change

Check/change

Chapter 4

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Check/change Chapter 12

Clean media guides Chapter 11

Replace

Too high print speed for large media roll Lower print speed Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Chapter 11

☎ Call Service

Chapter 4

Chapter 2

Chapter 6

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 12

☎ Call Service

Chapter 12

Chapter 4

Chapter 12

Chapter 5

Refer to

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Chapter 12

Chapter 11

☎ Call Service

Chapter 12

Chapters 4 & 5

Chapter 6

Appendix 2

Chapter 11

☎ Call Service

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Chapter 12

☎ Call Service

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Chapter 12

☎ Call Service

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

74


Chapter 11

Maintenance

Printhead Cleaning

Cleaning the printhead on a regular basis is important for the life of the printhead and for the printout quality. You should clean the printhead each time you replace the media. This section describes how to clean the printhead using cleaning cards. If additional cleaning is required, for example removing adhesive residue from the platen roller or tear bar, use a cotton swab moistened with isopropyl alcohol.

Warning!

Isopropyl alcohol [(CH

3

)

2

CHOH; CAS 67-63-0] is a highly fl ammable, moderately toxic, and mildly irritating substance.

1

2




75

Chapter 11

Maintenance

Printhead Cleaning, cont.

3

4

5

Remove any media (and ribbon).

Open the cleaning card envelope and pull out the cleaning card. Read the warning text.

6

Insert most of the cleaning card under the printhead

(1). Engage the printhead (2).

Pull out the cleaning card (1) and raise the printhead

(2).

76


Printhead Cleaning, cont.

7 8

Chapter 11

Maintenance

Wait for approx. 30 seconds to allow the cleaning fl uid to dissolve the residue.

Insert most of the cleaning card under the printhead

(1). Engage the printhead (2).

9

10

Pull out the cleaning card. If necessary, repeat the process with a fresh cleaning card.

Allow the cleaned parts to dry before loading any media (and ribbon).


77

Chapter 11

Maintenance

External Cleaning

1

2 bw fw

3

Always remove the power cord before cleaning!

Wipe external surfaces with a soft cloth slightly moistened with water or a mild detergent.

4

Never spray the printer. Protect it from water when cleaning the premises.

Never use any sharp tools for removing stuck labels.

The printhead and rollers are delicate.

78


Cleaning the Media Guides

Chapter 11

Maintenance

Both parts of the label stop sensor, which controls the media feed, are covered by plastic guides. The guides are transparent to allow the light to pass between the two parts of the label stop sensor. These areas (indicated by a shade of gray in illustration #2 below) must be kept clean from dust, stuck labels, and adhesive residue.

If the printer starts to feed our labels in an unexpected way, raise the upper guide as described below and check for any object that may block the beam of light (dust, stuck labels, adhesive residue, etc.). If necessary, clean the guides using a cleaning card or a soft cloth soaked with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use any other type of chemical. Be careful not to scratch the guides.

Warning!

Isopropyl alcohol [(CH

3

)

2

CHOH; CAS 67-63-0] is a highly fl ammable, moderately toxic, and mildly irritating substance.

1 2

Lift the inner part of the upper guide and pull it outwards, disengaging it from the lower guide. Take care not to damage the cable.

Tilt the upper guide upwards and clean the areas marked with gray. After cleaning, re-assemble in reverse order.


79

Chapter 11

Maintenance

Printhead Replacement

The printhead is subject to wear both from the direct thermal media (or ribbon) and from the rapid heating and cooling process during printing. Thus, the printhead will require periodic replacement.

Time between printhead replacements depends on the print images, the type of direct thermal media (or ribbon) in use, the amount of energy to the printhead, the print speed, the ambient temperature, and several other factors.

Caution!

While replacing the printhead, the power should be off.

1 2

80




Printhead Replacement, cont.

3

4

Chapter 11

Maintenance

5

Remove the media (and ribbon).

Pull the printhead bracket away from the magnet in the pressure arm.

6

Snap-Lock

Disconnect the printhead bracket from the print mechanism as indicated by the arrows and pull out the printhead as far as the cables allow.

Disconnect the cables from the printhead. Note the snap-lock on the inner connector. Pull at the connectors–not at the cables!


81

Chapter 11

Maintenance

Printhead Replacement, cont.

7 8

Connect the two cables to the replacement printhead.

Put back the printhead in reverse order and check that the printhead cables run freely.

9

10

Turn the printhead lift lever counterclockwise so the magnet engages the printhead bracket.

Load a new supply of media (and ribbon), as described earlier in this manual.

82


Chapter 12

Adjustments

Narrow Media

Note!

See Chapter 6, “Setting Up the

Printer/Print Speed.”

The printer is factory-adjusted for full-size media width. When using media less than full width, it is recommended that you adjust the position of the pressure arm so it becomes centered with the media. Thereby, an even pressure across the media is obtained.

A poorly adjusted pressure arm may be detected by a weaker printout on either side of the media path.

To adjust the pressure arm, proceed as follows:

• Loosen the straight-slot screw that holds the pressure arm.

Move the arm inwards or outwards until the arrow on the tip of the arm becomes centered with the media.

While moving the arm, push at the part where the screw is

situated, not at the tip. If the arm is hard to move, lift the printhead and pull the printhead bracket free from the magnet

in the arm.

• After having centered the arm, lock it by tightening the screw.

Screw

Pressure Arm

Center of Media


83

Chapter 12

Adjustments

Label Stop Sensor

One Sensor

The label stop/black mark sensor (LSS) is a photoelectric sensor that controls the printer’s media feed by detecting gaps between labels, or slots or black marks in continuous stock, depending on the printer’s setup in regard of media type (see Chapter 6,

“Setting Up the Printer”). An obvious prerequisite is that the

LSS must be aligned with the gaps, slots, or black marks. If using-irregularly shaped labels, align the LSS with the front tips of the labels.

The LSS can be moved laterally between 5 fi xed positions. There is one part of the sensor on top of the upper media guide and another part underneath the lower guide. These must be adjusted individually to the same position. Using a small screwdriver, push them inwards as far as they go and then pull them out–one at the time–while counting the clicks from the snap-locks.

The various detection points of the sensor in relation to the inner edge of the media are as follows:

One click out 3 mm .118 inches

Two clicks out 8 mm .315 inches

Three clicks out 12 mm .472 inches

Four clicks out 16 mm .639 inches

Five clicks out 20 mm .787 inches

Upper part of LSS

84

One Diode + One

Sensor

Lower part of LSS

Print Mechanism

(printhead and headlift shaft omitted for improved visibility)


Chapter 12

Adjustments

Printhead Pressure

The pressure of the thermal printhead against the direct thermal media is factory-adjusted. However, the use of thicker or thinner media than normal could require the printhead pressure to be readjusted.

Using a straight-slot screwdriver, turn the adjustment screw clockwise for more pressure (+) or counterclockwise for less pressure (-). Print a few labels, preferably test labels (see Chapter

6, “Setting Up the Printer”) and check the printout. Increased pressure generally gives a darker printout and vice versa. Repeat until the desired result is obtained.

To return to the factory setting, tighten the screw (+) as far as it goes and then loosen it (-) six full turns.

Caution!

Do not use a higher printhead pressure than necessary, because it may increase the wear of the printhead and shorten its life.

Adjustment Screw


85

Chapter 12

Adjustments

Ribbon Break Shaft (option)

If ribbon wrinkling occurs, you may need to adjust the alignment of the front ribbon break shaft so that it runs parallel to the printhead and the ribbon supply and rewind hubs. The adjustment is done using a straight-slot screw that is located immediately behind the front ribbon break shaft.

• If the ribbon tends to slide outwards, turn the screw carefully clockwise (fw) to move the outer end of the break shaft forward.

• If the ribbon tends to slide inwards, turn the screw carefully counterclockwise (bw) to move the outer end of the break shaft backward.

Important!

Before readjusting the break shaft, make sure that there is no other cause for the wrinkling of the ribbon. (See Chapter 10,

“Troubleshooting.”)

Adjustment Screw bw fw

86

Ribbon Break Shaft


Chapter 12

Adjustments

Installing the Quick-Load Guides

The Quick-Load guides may, depending on model, be factoryinstalled or be enclosed in the box for optional installation by the user. They replace the standard edge guide.

The Quick-Load guides facilitate media load from behind the print mechanism and help guiding the media when using an external supply. Quick-Load guides cannot be used for peel-off operation.

The standard ring-shaped edge guide is used when you want to load the media from the side rather than from behind and is necessary for peel-off operation

The Quick-Load guides can be used with media that is 40-60 mm (1.57-2.36 in.) wide. The inner guide should be fi tted fl ush to the center section, whereas the outer of the guide is adjustable for various media widths. Refer to Chapter 4, “Media Load/Tear-

Off with Quick-Load Guides” for loading instructions.

1

2

Rail

Notch

Lift up the upper media guide and pull out the green edge guide (save it for later use).

Press the Quick-Load guides onto the shaft as illustrated, making sure that the notches fi t the rail at the rear of the lower media guide.


87

Appendix 1

Technical Data

Printing

Print Technique Direct Thermal (Thermal Transfer as option)

Printhead Resolution 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi)

Print Speed (variable) 100 to 200 mm/sec. (

≈ 4 to 8 inches/sec.)

Print Width (max) 56 mm (2.2 inches) = 448 dots

Print Length (max) 32767 dots = 409.5 cm (161.25 inches)

1

Media Width (min/max) 25 to 60 mm (1 to 2.36 inches) Standard edge guide

Media Width (min/max) 40 to 60 mm (1.57 to 2.36 inches) Quick-Load guides

Media Roll Diameter (max) 213 mm (8.38 inches) Short door/no takeup

Media Roll Core Diameter 38 to 40 mm (1.5 inches) or 76 mm (3 inches)

Ribbon Width (min/max) 25 to 60 mm (1 to 2.36 inches)

Ribbon Roll Diameter (outer) 62 mm (2.44 inches)

≈ 200 m (655 ft) ribbon

Ribbon Roll Core Diameter (inner) 25.4 mm (1.00 inches)

Print Directions 4

Modes of Operation

Tear-Off (Straight-through) Yes

Peel-Off (Self-strip) Optional With liner takeup unit

Firmware

Operating System Intermec Fingerprint v7.61 Incl. Direct Protocol

Smooth Fonts TrueDoc and TrueType fonts

Built-in scaleable fonts (std) 15 Unicode fonts

2

Built-in bar code symbologies (std) 38

Startup Program (std) Intermec Shell v4.8

Physical Measures

Dimensions (W x L x H) 194 x 397 x 178 mm (7.64 x 15.63 x 7.00 inches) With long side door

Weight (excluding media)

≈ 5.5 kg (12 pounds)

Ambient Operating Temperature +5°C to +40°C (+41°F to +104°F)

Humidity 20 to 80% non-condensing

Electronics

Microprocessor 32 bit RISC

On-board Flash SIMMs 2 sockets for 2MB or 4MB each Std. 1 x 2MB

On-board DRAM SIMM 1 Std. 4MB

Real-Time Clock Option 10+ years life

Power Supply

AC Voltage >90 to <264 VAC, 45 to 65 Hz

PFC Regulation IEC 61000-3-2

Maximum Power Consumption Continuous 140W; Peek 300W

88


Appendix 1

Technical Data

Technical Data, cont.

Sensors

Label Gap/Black Mark/Out of Media Yes 5 fixed positions

Printhead Lifted Yes

Ribbon End/Ribbon Low Yes (thermal transfer model only)

Controls

Control Lamps 3

Display 2 x 16 character LCD with background light

Keyboard 22 keys membrane-switch type

Print button 1

Beeper Yes

Data Interfaces

Serial 1 x RS-232 + 1 x USB

Bar Code Wand Yes

Electronic Keys 2 Not used

Connection for Optional Interface Boards 1

Memory Card Adapter 1 Flash or SRAM cards

Accessories and Options

Integral Self-strip Unit with Liner Takeup Option For peel-off operation

Rotating Media Supply Hub Option Replaces supply post

3-inch Adapter for Media Supply Hub Option

Short Side Door Option

3

Long Side Door Option

3

Label Taken Sensor Option

Real Time Clock Option 10+ years life

RS-232 Cable Option

Parallel Interface Cable Option

Parallel Interface Board Option IEEE 1284

Double Serial Interface Board Option

Industrial Interface Board Option

EasyLAN 100i Interface Board Option Ethernet

RFID 13.56 MHz Interface Board Option

External Alphanumeric Keyboard Option

MobileLAN

® access 2102 Mounting Kit Option

Flash Memory Cards Option

≤ 64Mbit (8MB)

1

/. The max. print length is also restricted by the amount of free DRAM memory.

2

/. Latin, Greek, and Cyrillic fonts accorded to Unicode standard are included.

3

/. Depending on model, the printer may be delivered with either a long or a short side door.


89

Appendix 2

Media Specifi cations

Direct Thermal Media

Intermec offers two quality grades of direct thermal media for the EasyCoder printers:

• Premium Quality: Top-coated media with high demands on printout quality and resistance against moisture, plasticisers, and vegetable oils. Examples:

- Thermal Top Board - Duratherm II,

- Thermal Top

- Thermal Top High Speed

- Duratherm II Tag

- Duratherm Ltg.

- Duratherm IR

• Economy Quality: Non top-coated media with less resistance to moisture, plasticisers, and vegetable oils. In all other respects, it is equal to Premium Quality. Examples:

- Thermal Eco

- Thermal Eco Board

90


Appendix 2

Media Specifi cations

Thermal Transfer Media

Intermec offers stock labels for thermal transfer printing in a wide range of quality grades.

• Uncoated papers for economical high-volume printing to be used with GP/TMX 1100/TMX 1500 ribbons. Examples:

- TTR Uncoated

• Coated papers with various coat-weight, smoothness, and gloss to be used with HP/TMX 2500 and GP/TMX

1100/TMX 1500 ribbons. Examples:

- TTR Coated

- TTR Premium

- TTR Premium Board

- Duratran II

- Duratran II Tag

• Polyethylene plastics with better resistance to water and many common chemicals than uncoated and coated papers. They can be use outdoors and offer good tear resistance. Most often used with HP/TMX 2500 ribbons. Examples:

- TTR Polyethylene - Kimdura

- TTR Gloss Polyethylene - Kimdura Tag

- Syntran

• Polyesters give high resistance to chemicals, heat, and mechanical abrasion with HR/TMX 3200 ribbons. Examples:

- TTR High Gloss Polyester - Polyester


91

Appendix 2


Media Roll Size

92

Core

Diameters: 38-40 mm (1.5 inches) or 76.2 mm (3 inches)

Width: Must not protrude outside the media.

The media must be wound up on the core in such a way that the printer can pull the end free.

Roll

Max. diameter:

- Position 1 152 mm (6.00 inches)



Max. width: 60 mm (2.36 inches)

Min. width (standard): 25 mm (1.00 inches)

Min. width (Quick-Load): 40 mm (1.57 inches)

The maximum recommended media thickness is 175µm (0.007 inches). Thicker media may be used, but print quality will be reduced. The stiffness is also important and must be balanced against thickness to maintain print quality.

Media rolls to be loaded inside the printer should be wound with the printable side facing outwards.

The media supply must not be exposed to dust, sand, grit, etc.

Any hard particles, however small, can damage the printhead.


Appendix 2


Media

Non-Adhesive Strip

⇐ a ⇒ Media Width:

Maximum:

Minimum (standard):

Minimum (Quick-Load):

Media Type Setup:

• Fix length strip

• Var length strip

60.0 mm (2.36 inches)

25.0 mm (1.00 inches)

40.0 mm (1.57 inches)

NON-ADHESIVE

STRIP


93

Appendix 2


Media, cont.

Self-Adhesive Strip

SELF-ADHESIVE

STRIP

⇐ a ⇒ Media Width (including liner):

Maximum: 60.0 mm (2.36 inches)

Minimum (standard): 25.0 mm (1.00 inches)

Minimum (Quick-Load): 40.0 mm (1.57 inches)

⇐ b ⇒ Liner

The liner must not extend more than a total of 1.6 mm (0.06 inches) outside the face material and should protrude equally on both sides.

⇐ c ⇒ Media Width (excluding liner):


Minimum: 23.8 mm (0.94 inches)


• Fix length strip

• Var length strip

94


Appendix 2


Media, cont.

Self-Adhesive Labels

b a c d

SELF-ADHESIVE

LABELS

FEED

DIRECTION

b

⇐ a ⇒ Media Width (including liner):


Minimum (standard): 25.0 mm (1.00 inches)

Minimum (Quick-Load): 40.0 mm (1.57 inches)

⇐ b ⇒ Liner

The backing paper must not extend more than a total of 1.6 mm (0.06 inches) outside the labels and should protrude equally on both side. Recommended min. transparency: 40% (DIN

53147).

⇐ c ⇒ Label Width (excluding liner):


Minimum: 23.8 mm (0.94 inches) e

⇐ d ⇒ Label Length:

Maximum: depends on DRAM size

Minimum: 8.0 mm (0.32 inches)

Under ideal circumstances, a minimum label length of 4 mm (0.16

inches) could be used. It requires the sum of the label length (d) and

the label gap (e) to be larger than 7 mm (0.28 inches), that batch

printing is used, and that no pull back of the media is performed.

Intermec does not guarantee that such short labels will work, but it is up to the user to test this in his unique application.

⇐ e ⇒ Label Gap:

Maximum:

Recommended:

Minimum:

21.3 mm (0.83 inches)

3.0 mm (0.12 inches)


The Label Stop Sensor must be able to detect the extreme front edges of the labels. It can be moved between 5 fi xed positions at the following distances from the inner edge of the media.

3 mm (0.118 inches)

8 mm (0.315 inches)

12 mm (0.472 inches)




• Label (w gaps)


95

Appendix 2


Media, cont.

Tickets with Gap

c b e d f a

TICKETS & TAGS

FEED

DIRECTION


Maximum:

Minimum (standard):


60.0 mm (2.36 inches)

25.0 mm (1.00 inches)

40.0 mm (1.57 inches)

⇐ b ⇒ Copy Length:

Max. length between slots: depends on DRAM size

Min. length between slots: 8.0 mm (0.32 inches)

Under ideal circumstances, a minimum ticket length of 4 mm (0.16 inches) could be used. It requires the sum of the copy length (b) and the detection slit height (e) to be larger than 7 mm (0.28 inches), that batch printing is used, and that no pull back of the media is performed. Intermec does not guarantee that such short tickets will work, but it is up to the user to test this in his unique application.

⇐ c ⇒ LSS Detection Position:

Five fi xed positions (distance from inner edge of the media):

3 mm (0.118 inches)

8 mm (0.315 inches)




⇐ d ⇒ Detection Slit Length:

The length of the detection slit (excluding corner radii) must be minimum 2.5 mm (0.10 inches) on either side of the LSS detection position (e).

⇐ e ⇒ Detection Slit Height:

Maximum:

Recommended:

Minimum:

21.3 mm (0.83 inches)




• Ticket (w gaps)

Do not allow any perforation to break the edge of the media as this may cause the media to split and jam the printer.

96


Appendix 2


Media, cont.

Tickets with Black Mark

a e c d f g

TICKETS

FEED

DIRECTION

b


Maximum:

Minimum (standard):


⇐ b ⇒ Copy Length:

Minimum:

Maximum:

60.0 mm

25.0 mm

40.0 mm

(2.36 inches)

(1.00 inches)

(1.57 inches)

20.0 mm (0.8 inches) depends on DRAM size

⇐ c ⇒ LSS Detection Position:

Five fi xed positions (distance from inner edge of the media):

3 mm (0.118 inches)

8 mm (0.315 inches)




⇐ d ⇒ Black Mark Width:

The detectable width of the black mark should be at least 5.0 mm (0.2 inches) on either side of the LSS detection point.

⇐ e ⇒ Black Mark Length:

Maximum:

Common:

Minimum:

21.3 mm (0.83 inches)


5.0 mm (0.2 inches)

⇐ f ⇒ Black Mark Y-Position:

It is recommended that you place the black mark as close to the front edge of the ticket as possible and use a negative Stop

Adjust value to control the media feed, so the tickets can be properly torn off.


• Ticket (w mark)

Important! Preprint that may interfere with the detection of the black mark should be avoided on the back of the media. However, the

LBLCOND statement allows the sensor to be temporarily disabled during a specifi ed amount of media feed in order to avoid unintentional detection, see Intermec Fingerprint manuals. The black mark should be non-refl ective carbon black on a whitish background. Do not allow any perforations to break the edge of the media as this may cause the media to split and jam the printer.


97

Appendix 2


Transfer Ribbons

Important!

Intermec thermal transfer ribbons are engineered specifi cally for the EasyCoder printheads.

Intermec offer three ranges 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.

• High Performance (HP/TMX 2500) transfer ribbons allow high speed printing and give a highly readable and defi ned printout on most face materials with smooth surfaces. They have good “smear resistance” and are most suitable for intricate logotypes and images on matte-coated papers and synthetic face materials.

• High Resistance (HR/TMX 3200) transfer ribbons give an extremely durable printout, which is resistant to most chemical agents and high temperatures. However, such transfer ribbons set high demands on the receiving face material, which must be very smooth, such as polyesters.

The use of HR/TMX 3200 ribbons requires the print speed and the energy supplied by the printhead to be controlled with great accuracy according to the receiving face material.

Custom-made setup options adapted for special applications can also be created. Consult your Intermec distributor.

98


Appendix 3

Interfaces

RS-232 Interface

"uart1:"

The EasyCoder F2 has, as standard, three serial communication interfaces: RS-232 on "uart1:", USB, and Bar Code Wand.

Protocol

Default setup:

Baud rate:

Char. length

Parity:

Stop bits:

9600

8 bits

None

1

RTS/CTS Disabled

ENQ/ACK: Disabled

New Line: CR/LF

To change the RS-232 interface settings, see Chapter 6, “Setting

Up the Printer.”

Interface Cable

Computer end: DB-9pin or DB-25pin female connector

(PC)

Printer end: DB-25pin male connector

Signal

Host

DB-9 DB-25

RXD

TXD

CTS

RTS

3

8

7

1

2

GND

DSR

5

6

7

16

20

22

5

6

3

4

1

2

Printer

Signal

TXD

RXD

RTS

CTS

DSR

Signal GND

+5V*

DTR

RI

DB-25 DB-25

Host

Signal

1

2

5

6

3

4

7

16

20

22

1

3

2

5

4

20

7

6

Shield

RXD

TXD

CTS

RTS

DTR

GND

DSR

* /. The external +5V is limited to 200 mA and is automatically switched off at overload. It is intended to drive for example an external alphanumeric keyboard connected to the RS-232 port.


99

Appendix 3

Interfaces

USB Interface

USB = Universal Serial Bus

To use the USB interface for printing from a PC, you need a special Intermec USB printer driver installed in your PC.

The EasyCoder F2 is a so called “self-powered device.” We recommend that you only connect one EasyCoder F2 to each

USB port on the host, either directly or via a hub. Other devices, like a keyboard and a mouse, can be connected to the same hub.

If you need to connect more than one Intermec USB printer to a host, you should use different USB ports.

Using a USB Class A/B cable, connect the Class A plug to your

PC or hub and the Class B plug to your EasyCoder F2 printer.

The USB interface is essentially a one-way communication interface and is thus not recommended for programming. There is no communication setup for the USB port.

USB

USB Class A connector.

Connect to PC or hub.

USB Class B connector.

Connect to USB receptacle on the printer’s rear plate.

Note:

The USB interface requires Intermec Fingerprint v7.50 or later.

100


Appendix 3

Interfaces

Bar Code Wand Interface

Bar Code Wand

Interface

The printer was originally designed for connection of a bar code wand or scanner via a connector on the CPU board accessible through a slot in the printer’s rear plate.

If the Code 128 bar code contains FNC3, the data will be treated as a setup string and will change the printer’s setup accordingly. A setup bar code may contain a single parameter or a combination of up to 3 or 4 setup parameters. Refer to the EasySet Bar Code

Wand Setup manual for more information on how to produce setup bar codes.

The printer will acknowledge that a bar code has been successfully read by emitting a short beep signal.

If no FNC3 character is found in the bar code, the data will be stored in a buffer which could be read by specifying the "wand:" device. The buffer is small, so it is recommended to use short bar code data (max. 16 characters) and read the buffer regularly to avoid overfl ow.

For more demanding applications or for reading bar codes other than Code 128, choose a regular bar code scanner from Intermec’s wide product range and connect it to the serial port.


101

Appendix 3

Interfaces

Double Serial Interface Board

The EasyCoder F2 can optionally be fi tted with a double serial interface board, which provides the printer with two more serial ports: "uart2:" and "uart3:". These ports can be confi gured for various types of serial communication according to the customer’s request. Use the Intermec Fingerprint instruction SETSTDIO to select standard IN and OUT ports (by default "uart1:" is both standard IN and OUT port)

1

.

RS-422 Non-isolated

RS-422 Isolated

RS-485

RS-422 Non-isolated

20 mA Current Loop

"uart2:" Serial Port

Communication port "uart2:" uses a DB-25pin female connector.

"uart2:"

1

/. Intermec Shell either automatically sets the correct standard IN and OUT port when an application is selected or prompts you to select one, see Chapter 8.

1

2 TxD

3 RxD

4 RTS

5 CTS

6 DSR

7 GND

8–14

RS-232 Request To Send

RS-232 Clear To Send

RS-232 Data Set Ready

Ground

15 +RS422I +RS-422

16 +5V 5 Volt for external use (max. 200 mA) 1

17 -RS422I -RS-422

18

20 DTR RS-232 Data Terminal Ready

22 RI

23 Shield

24–25

RS-232 Ring Indicator

Optional shield for RS-422 and RS 485

1

/. The external 5V is automatically switched off at overload.

102


Double Serial Interface Board, cont.

Appendix 3

Interfaces

"uart3:" Serial Port

Communication port "uart3:" uses a DB-25pin male connector.

"uart3:"

1

2 TxD

3 RxD

4 RTS

5 CTS

6 DSR

7 GND

8

RS-232 Request To Send

RS-232 Clear To Send

RS-232 Data Set Ready

Ground

9 +20M1

10 -20M1

11 +TXD

12 -TXD

+20 mA current loop

-20 mA current loop

+TXD 20 mA current loop

-TXD 20 mA current loop

13 +20M2

14 -20M2

+20 mA current loop (printer active receiver)

-20 mA current loop (printer active receiver)

15 +RS422I +RS-422

16 +5V 5 Volt for external use (max. 200 mA)

1

17 -RS422I -RS-422

18 +RxD +TXD 20 mA current loop

19 +RS422O +RS Transmit

20 DTR RS-232 Data Terminal Ready

21 -RS422O -RS-422

22

23

RI

Shield

24

25 -RxD

RS-232 Ring Indicator

Optional shield for RS-422

-TXD 20 mA current loop

1

/. The external 5V is automatically switched off at overload.


103

Appendix 3

Interfaces

IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface Board

The EasyCoder F2 can optionally be fi tted with an IEEE 1284-I compatible parallel interface board 1 . The parallel port is addressed in Intermec Fingerprint as device "centronics:". Select "centronics:" as the standard IN port using the instruction SETSTDIO

(by default, "uart1:" is std IN port)

2

.

Interface Cable Connectors

Computer end: Depends on type of host computer.

Printer end: 36-pin IEEE 1284B Centronics socket

"centronics:"

1 DStrobe

10 Ack

11 Busy

12 PE

13 Select

14 AF

16 Ground

17 Screen

19–30 GND

31 Init

32 Error

36 Selectin

1

/. Nibble, byte, ECP, and EPP from printer to host are presently not supported.

2

/. Intermec Shell either automatically sets the correct standard IN and OUT port when an application is selected or prompts you to select one, see

Chapter 8.

104


Appendix 3

Interfaces

Industrial Interface Board

The EasyCoder F2 can optionally be fi tted with an Industrial

Interface Board, which provides the printer with one extra serial communication port ("uart2:"). This port can be confi gured for one of these options:

RS-232

RS-422 Non-isolated

RS-422 Isolated

RS-485

This port is identical to "uart2:" on the double serial interface board, see earlier in Appendix 3.

The Industrial Interface Board also has a DB-44pin female connector with:

8 digital IN ports with optocouplers

8 digital OUT ports with optocouplers

4 OUT ports with relays

Refer to the installation instructions for the Industrial Interface

Board for further information.

Industrial Interface


"uart2:"

105

Appendix 3

Interfaces

EasyLAN 100i Interface Board

The Intermec EasyLAN 100i Ethernet interface board provides the printer with a 10BaseT Ethernet or 100BaseTX Fast Ethernet network connection. You can communicate with the printer via a LAN (Local Area Network) or provide the printer with its own home page, so you can reach the printer using a Web browser.

EasyLAN 100i supports most major computer systems and environments. You can assign passwords to restrict both login and printer access. The internal EasyLAN 100i Web pages allow you to continuously monitor printer status and to upgrade the fl ash memory of the printer when new fi rmware becomes available.

EasyLAN 100i supports SNMP for remote monitoring.

When an EasyLAN 100i interface board is installed in the printer, some extra menus will be added to the Setup Mode (see

Chapter 7, “Setup Mode”). The Ethernet port is addressed as device "net1:" (communication channel 5).

106

RJ-45 socket


RFID 13.56 MHz Interface Board

Appendix 3

Interfaces

The RFID 13.56 interface kit consists on an RFID antenna fi tted inside the lower part of the print mechanism and an interface board.

The interface board contains the harware for reading and writing

13.56 MHz RFID tags. It also has a serial communication port

("uart2:") that is identical to the "uart2:" port on the Double

Serial Interface Board and the Industrial Interface board.

By switching some straps and circuits, this port can be confi gured for one of the following alternatives:

RS-232

RS-422 Non-isolated

RS-422 Isolated

RS-485

For further information, refer to the documentation that comes with the board.

Serial No Label

"uart2:"


107

Notes

108


Intermec Printer AB

Idrottsvägen 10, P.O. Box 123

S-431 22 Mölndal, Sweden

tel +46 31 869500

fax +46 31 869595 www.intermec.com

EasyCoder F2 User’s Guide (Fingerprint Version)

*1-960563-00*

*1-960563-00*

Intermec EasyCoder F2 User manual

User’s Guide

EasyCoder F2

Bar Code Label

Printer

(Fingerprint Version)

Contents

Contents, cont.

Contents, cont.

FCC Notice (United States of America)

WARNING

DOC Notice (Canada)

Canadian Dept. of Communication

REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE (DOC-A)

Ministère des Communications du Canada

CONFORMITE DE REGLEMENTS (DOC-A)

GS Notice (Germany)

ALLGEMEINE VORSCHRIFT

EU Standard EN 55022 (The European Union)

WARNING

Declaration of Conformity (CE)

Introduction

EasyCoder F2

Safety

Product Labeling

Installation

Unpacking

Front View

Rear View

Media Compartment

Description

Media Compartment, cont.

Description, cont.

Media Supply Roll Post

Media Compartment, cont.

Media Supply Positions

Print Mechanism

Connections

Power

Computer

Controls and Indicators

Control Lamps

Display

Keyboard

Controls and Indicators, cont.

Beeper

Starting Up

Startup Files

Memory Card

Backside

Switching On the Printer

Display Messages at Startup

Initializing

:::

ENTER=SHELL

5 sec. v.4.8

4 sec. v.4.8

3 sec. v.4.8

2 sec. v.4.8

1 sec. v.4.8

Media Load

Tear-Off (Straight-through)

Tear-Off, cont.

Tear-Off, cont.

Tear-Off, cont.

Tear-Off with Quick-Load (Straight-through)

Tear-Off with Quick-Load, cont.

Peel-Off (Self-strip)

Peel-Off, cont.

Peel-Off, cont.

Peel-Off, cont.

External Supply (Fan-fold)

Thermal Transfer Printing (option)

Ribbon Load

Ribbon Load, cont.

Ribbon Load, cont.

Ribbon Load, cont.

Setting Up the Printer

Description

Default Setup