Intermec Technologies F4-915-LP RFID Bar Code Printer User Manual Part 1

Intermec Technologies Corporation RFID Bar Code Printer Part 1

Contents

User Manual Part 1

EasyCoder F4Bar Code Label PrinterInstallation & OperationP/N 1-960467-01Edition 2March 2000
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 1 PrefacePreface Table of Contents.................................................................................1 Copyright Information ........................................................................4 Trademarks ..........................................................................................4 FCC Notice (U.S.A.) ...........................................................................5 DOC Notice (Canada).........................................................................5 GS Notice (Germany) .........................................................................5 EU Standard EN 55022 (The European Union)...............................5 Declaration of Conformity (CE) ........................................................6 1. Introduction Introduction..........................................................................................7 Safety Requirements ...........................................................................8 Product Labelling................................................................................8 2. Print a Label Introduction..........................................................................................9 Intermec Fingerprint .........................................................................12 Intermec Direct Protocol ..................................................................153. Installation Unpacking..........................................................................................16 Front View .........................................................................................17 Rear View ..........................................................................................18 Media Compartment.........................................................................19 Print Mechanism ...............................................................................22 Connections .......................................................................................23 • Power.............................................................................................23 • Computer.......................................................................................23 Controls and Indicators .................................................................... 24 • Control Lamps............................................................................. 24 • Display.......................................................................................... 24 • Keyboard...................................................................................... 24 • Beeper ...........................................................................................254. Starting Up Startup Files.......................................................................................26 Electronic Keys..................................................................................26 Memory Card ....................................................................................27 Power On............................................................................................27 Display Messages at Startup.............................................................28 EasyCoder F4Installation & OperationEdition 2, March 2000Part No. 1-960467-01Contents
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 22 PrefaceContents, cont'd.5. Paper Load Tear-Off..............................................................................................29 Tear-Off with Quick-Load................................................................33 Peel-Off..............................................................................................35 External Supply .................................................................................396. Setting Up the Printer Description........................................................................................ 40 Default Setup .....................................................................................41 Setup Parameters:..............................................................................42 • Serial Communication:................................................................42 - Baudrate......................................................................................42 - Character Length .......................................................................43 - Parity...........................................................................................43 - Stop Bits......................................................................................43 - Flow Control...............................................................................43 - New Line ................................................................................... 44 - Receive Buffer........................................................................... 44 - Transmit Buffer......................................................................... 44 • Net Communication.....................................................................45 - New Line ....................................................................................45 • Feed Adjust:..................................................................................45 - Startadjust...................................................................................45 - Stopadjust....................................................................................45 • Media: ...........................................................................................46 - Media Size..................................................................................46 - Media Type.................................................................................48 - Paper Type ..................................................................................48 - Contrast.......................................................................................50 - Testfeed.......................................................................................50 • Print Defi nes:................................................................................50 - Head Resistance .........................................................................50 - Testprint......................................................................................50 - Print Speed .................................................................................52 - LTS (Label-Taken Sensor).........................................................52 • Network.........................................................................................52 7. Setup Mode Entering the Setup Mode at Installation ..........................................53 Navigating in Setup Mode ................................................................54 Setup Mode Overviews.....................................................................55
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 3 PrefaceContents, cont'd.8. Intermec Shell Startup Program Introduction....................................................................................... 60 Starting Up with Intermec Shell.......................................................61 Intermec Shell Diagram................................................................... 64 Terminal Setup ..................................................................................65 • Starting Terminal Setup...............................................................65 • Solving Communication Problems .............................................65 • Using Terminal Setup ..................................................................66 • Selecting an Application..............................................................67 • Changing the Setup ......................................................................68 • Exiting Terminal Setup................................................................69 Line Analyzer ....................................................................................709. Options Introduction........................................................................................71 Side Doors..........................................................................................72 Rewind Unit.......................................................................................72 Paper Supply Spool ...........................................................................72 3” Adapter..........................................................................................72 Quick-Load Guides ...........................................................................73 Label-Taken Sensor ...........................................................................73 EasySet bar Code Wand....................................................................73 Real-Time Clock................................................................................73 Interface Boards ................................................................................7410. Troubleshooting Troubleshooting List..........................................................................7511. Maintenance Printhead Cleaning............................................................................76 External Cleaning..............................................................................79 Cleaning the Paper Guides ...............................................................80 Printhead Replacement.....................................................................8112. Adjustments Narrow Labels Adjustment...............................................................84 Label Stop Sensor Position ...............................................................85 Printhead Pressure.............................................................................86 Appendix 1 Technical Data...................................................................................87Appendix 2 Media Specifi cations.........................................................................89 • Direct Thermal Labels.................................................................89 • Paper Roll Size............................................................................. 90
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 24 PrefaceContents, cont'd.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, 2000. All rights reserved. Published in Sweden.EasyCoder, EasyLAN, Fingerprint, and LabelShop are registered trademarks of Intermec Technologies Corp.Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corp.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.Appendix 2, cont'd. • Paper..............................................................................................91 - Non-Adhesive Strip....................................................................91 - Self-Adhesive Strip ....................................................................92 - Self-Adhesive Labels .................................................................93 - Tickets with Gap ........................................................................94 - Tickets with Black Mark............................................................95 Appendix 3 Interfaces............................................................................................96 • RS 232C Interface ........................................................................96 • USB Interface ...............................................................................97 • Double Serial Interface Board (option).......................................98 • IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface Board (option) ...........................100 • Industrial Interface Board (option)............................................101 • EasyLAN 100i Interface Board (option)..................................102Appendix 4 EasySet Bar Code Wand Setup ......................................................103 • Serial Communication on "uart1:" .............................................104 • Start- and Stopadjust....................................................................106 • Contrast ........................................................................................107 • Test Labels....................................................................................108 • Media Width ................................................................................108 • Media Length...............................................................................109 • Media Type ..................................................................................110 • Print Speed...................................................................................110 • Paper Type....................................................................................111 Appendix 5 RFID Module...........................................................................112
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 5 PrefaceFCC Notice (United States of America)WARNINGThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of theFCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equip-ment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmfulinterference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.DOC Notice (Canada)Canadian Dept. of CommunicationREGULATIONS 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 CanadaCONFORMITE 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 VORSCHRIFTReparaturen 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.
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 26 PrefaceDeclaration of ConformityWe,Intermec Printer ABIdrottsvägen 10Box 123S-431 22 MölndalSwedendeclare under our sole responsibility1 that the productEasyCoder F4to which this declaration relatesis in conformity with the following standardsEMC: EN 50 081-1:1992EN 55 022:1994EN 61 000-3-2:1995, class AEN 50 082-2:1995EN 61 000-4-2:1995EN 61 000-4-3:1996ENV 50 204:1995EN 61 000-4-4:1995EN 61 000-4-6:1996Electrical Safety: EN 60 950following the provisions of Directives89/336/EEC and 73/23/EECMölndal 1999-09-01...................................................................Mats GunnarssonPresident1 /. Intermec assumes no responsibility as regards fulfi lling the CE Directive if theprinter is handled, modifi ed or installed in other manners than those described inIntermec’s manuals.
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 7 Chapter 1IntroductionThe EasyCoder F4 is a sturdy medium-duty direct thermal printer with a printhead resolution of 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi) and a maximum print width of 104.0 mm (4.095 inches). It offers a large number of useful facilities, such as.... • Flash memory SIMMs for fi rmware, fonts, bar codes and application programs• Built-in memory card adapter• Built-in USB and RS 232C interfaces• Provision for one extra interface board• Bar code wand interface for easy setup• Keyboard and display with backlight for improved user interface.The EasyCoder F4 supports the unique and flexible Intermec Fingerprint 7.31 programming language, which allows the user to create custom-made application programs and label layouts in a Basic-like environment. It is also designed to work with the printer drivers for various versions of Microsoft Windows or with the Intermec Direct Protocol programming language. The Windows drivers allows you to design labels using standard PC applications, e.g. Microsoft Offi ce.The EasyCoder F4 supports 15 scalable 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 Cyrillic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hebrew etc.
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 28 Chapter 1 IntroductionSafety RequirementsProduct LabellingIntermec assumes no responsibility as regards fulfi lling 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 7 kgs (15.5 lbs) plus supplies.• Do not spray the printer with water. If 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.The machine sign is attached to the printer's rear plate and contains information on type, model and serial number as well as mains voltage. It also contains various signs of approval.
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 9 Chapter 2Obviously, what you really want to do with your EasyCoder F4 is to print a label, ticket or tag. If you are eager to get started, or if you already are familiar with Intermec's range of EasyCoder printers, follow the instructions in this chapter. If you are new to the EasyCoder concept, bypass this chapter for the time being and read the rest of the manual before returning here. The subject of this chapter is to help you produce a label within minutes from unpacking your printer and to give you an idea of how the Intermec Direct Protocol and the Intermec Fingerprint programming language makes label design an easy task.In addition to the Intermec Direct Protocol and the Intermec Fingerprint programming language, Intermec also includes printer drivers for various versions of Microsoft Windows. After having selected the Windows Driver option in Intermec Shell, you can use the EasyCoder F4 printer the same way as e.g. a laser printer and produce printouts from any standard program in MS Windows. Connecting Printer and HostIn the following examples we assume that you use an ASCII terminal or a PC with a terminal program, e.g. Microsoft Terminal and the standard RS 232C interface between the printer and the host.The printer contains a powerful microprocessor which is controlled by means of the Intermec Fingerprint programming language. The connected PC is only used as a non-intelligent terminal for sending instructions to the printer and to display the responses from the printer on a screen.Intermec provides communication cables for connecting the printer to most PC computers. Also refer to Appendix 3 for wiring diagrams.Print a LabelIntroduction
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 210 Chapter 2 Print a LabelSetupBy default, the printer is set up for the following communication protocol:Baudrate: 9600Character length: 8Parity: noneStop bits: 1Flowcontrol: noneNew line: CR/LFIf you want to change any of these values, please refer to chapter 7 “Setup Mode”.Set up the terminal or host computer for the same communication protocol as the printer.Paper SupplyLoad the printer with labels with a width of at least 35 mm (1.4”) and a length of at least 40 mm (1.6”), see chapter 5.If the printout becomes too light or dark, you will need to change the paper type setup, see chapter 7 “Setup Mode”.Startup and Communications CheckTurn on the printer. Provided the printer is not fitted with any custom-made startup program, after initialization the display will show the Intermec Shell countdown menu:ENTER=SHELL5 sec. v.4.4 4 sec. v.4.4 3 sec. v.4.4 2 sec. v.4.4 1 sec. v.4.4Do not take any action. By default, the display window will show the following message when the countdown is completed, e.g.:Fingerprint7.31If the display does not show this message, refer to chapter 8 “Intermec Shell Startup Program” and select the “Fingerprint” application.Introduction, cont’d.
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 11 Chapter 2 Print a LabelCheck that the printer and your terminal/PC have a working communication by typing the following instruction on the host:BEEP ↵ (↵ = carriage return)The printer should respond by returning Ok to the screen of the host and at the same time emit a short beep. If not, check the communication setup of the printer and the host.The next two steps are included to demonstrate the printer’s ability both to feed out the paper and to pull it back. Type: FORMFEED 300 ↵The printer will feed out a short piece of the label. Then order the printer to pull back the label to its original position by typing:FORMFEED -300 ↵After loading a new supply of labels, the printer should be allowed to adjust itself. Type:TESTFEED ↵The printer will feed out at least two labels while adjusting its sensors and paper feed mechanism. You can also perform a testfeed operation by simultaneously pressing the < Shift> and <Feed> keys on the printer’s keyboard.Tear off the labels by grabbing the outer (right) edge and pulling downwards.Now you are ready to start programming your fi rst label.Introduction, cont’d.
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 212 Chapter 2 Print a LabelThe label we will design in Intermec Fingerprint will contain a box, an image, a bar code, and a line of text. Note that the illustrations are not reproductions of the label, but are merely intended to show the principles of label editing . Printing a BoxLet us start by printing a box 430 dots high and 340 dots wide with a 15 dot line thickness. The box is inserted at position X=10, Y=10:NEW10 PRPOS 10, 10 ↵20 PRBOX 430,340,15 ↵200 PRINTFEED ↵300 END ↵RUN ↵Note: The printer does not execute the program until you have typed RUN ↵.Printing an ImageNow we add the image “GLOBE.1” after changing the print coordinates to X=30,Y=30.30 PRPOS 30,30 ↵40 PRIMAGE "GLOBE.1" ↵RUN ↵Printing a Bar CodeTo print a bar code, you need to choose a bar code type before you print the bar code. Note there is no blank space in the bartype name.50 PRPOS 75,270 ↵60 BARTYPE "CODE39" ↵70 PRBAR "ABC" ↵RUN ↵Intermec FingerprintYXPAPER FEED
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 13 Chapter 2 Print a LabelPrinting Human ReadablesTo get human readable text printed under the bar code, add these lines which enables bar code interpretation and selects a font for it:1 BARFONT ON ↵2 BARFONT "Swiss 721 BT",6 ↵RUN ↵Printing a Line of TextAdd text at position X=25,Y=220:80 PRPOS 25,220 ↵90 FONT "Swiss 721 BT", 6 ↵100 PRTXT "My FIRST Label" ↵RUN ↵Listing the ProgramTo view the whole program, type:LIST ↵The lines will be listed in ascending order on your terminal’s screen:1 BARFONT ON2 BARFONT "Swiss 721 BT", 610 PRPOS 10,1020 PRBOX 430,340,1530 PRPOS 30,3040 PRIMAGE "GLOBE.1"50 PRPOS 75,27060 BARTYPE "CODE39"70 PRBAR "ABC"80 PRPOS 25,22090 FONT "Swiss 721 BT", 6100 PRTXT "My FIRST label"200 PRINTFEED300 ENDokIntermec Finger-print, cont'd.
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 214 Chapter 2 Print a LabelIntermec Finger-print, cont'd.Changing a Program LineIf you want to change a program line, simply rewrite the line using the same line number. For example, move the text to the right by rewriting line no. 80 with new coordinates:80 PRPOS 75,220 ↵RUN ↵ Saving the ProgramIf you want to save your fi rst attempt, issue the following com-mand.SAVE "LABEL1" ↵Your program will be saved in the printer’s permanent memory under the name:LABEL1.PRGLoading the ProgramIf you want to use this label later, e.g. after having created more programs, type:LOAD "LABEL1.PRG" ↵RUN ↵A new copy of the label will be printed.The Intermec Fingerprint offers a lot of more advanced functions that allows you to create sophisticated application programs or to emulate other printer protocols. For more information on the subject of programming, please refer to the documentation of the Intermec Fingerprint programming language.
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 15 Chapter 2 Print a LabelIntermec Direct ProtocolThe Intermec Direct Protocol can be used in many ways. Here, we will illustrate how to build a layout fi rst and then provide input data to variable fi elds in that layout, assuming that you have entered the Intermec Direct Protocol via Intermec Shell (see chapter 8). The fi nal result will be the same label as created in the example for Intermec Fingerprint.First, create a layout:LAYOUT INPUT "tmp:LABEL1" ↵ (start layut recorder)BF ON ↵ (enable bar code interpretation)BF "Swiss 721 BT",6 ↵ (select bar code font)PP 10,10 ↵ (insertion point for box fi eld)PX 430,340,15 ↵ (create a box)PP 30,30 ↵ (insertion point for image fi eld)PM "GLOBE.1" ↵ (select image)PP 75,270 ↵ (insertion point for bar code fi eld)BT "CODE39" ↵ (select bar code type)PB VAR1$ ↵ (variable input data to bar code fi eld)PP 75,220 ↵ (insertion point for text fi eld)FT "Swiss 721 BT",6 ↵ (select text font)PT VAR2$ ↵ (variable input data to text fi eld)LAYOUT END ↵ (save layout)Then add the variable data and a print instruction:LAYOUT RUN “tmp:LABEL1” ↵ (select layout)<STX> (start of input data, ASCII 02 dec)ABC ↵ (variable input data to VAR1$)My FIRST label ↵ (variable input data to VAR2$)<EOT> (end of input data, ASCII 04 dec)PF ↵ (print one label)
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 216 Chapter 31/. Type and quantity may vary, or labels may be omitted, depending on area of distribu-tion.InstallationUnpackingBefore you install the printer, examine the delivery for possible damage or missing parts:• Open the box and lift the printer out.• Check that the printer has not been visibly damaged during transportation. Keep the packing materials in case you need to move or reship the printer.• The label on the printer’s rear plate gives the voltage, the part number and the serial number.• Check that any options you ordered are included.• Check that all the accessories are included in the delivery. In addition to any separately ordered options, the box should contain: - Intermec EasyCoder F4 printer - Set of Quick-Load Guides - Adapter for 3” paper roll core (only in models fi tted with a rotating paper supply spool) - Power cord (at least one depending on model) - Quality check card - Cleaning card - Short strip of labels1 - User’s Guide (multilingual) - Installation & Operation manual• Check that the power cord is appropriate for the local standard. The printer works within 100 – 240 V AC, 50 – 60 Hz.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. European type US/Canadian type GB type 230V mains plug 115V mains plug 230V mains plug
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 17 Chapter 3 InstallationFront ViewOn 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 fi rmware and the Intermec Shell startup program.The printed labels, tickets, or tags are fed out through the front of the print unit KeyboardDisplaySide DoorPrint KeyControl LampsPrint Unit
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 218 Chapter 3 InstallationRear ViewThe rear plate contains the main switch, the power inlet, and various interface connectors:Main SwitchMains ReceptacleMemory Card SlotMachine SignRS 232C Serial Interface ("uart1:")Optional Interface Board Bar Code Wand ConnectorProvision for 1 – 2 Electronic KeysUSB Interface (for future applications)FCC Label (dashed line)
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 19 Chapter 3 InstallationMedia CompartmentThe media compartment is either covered by a long side door that completely encloses the print mechanism and media compartment, or a short side door that only covers the print mechanism and gives easy access to the paper supply (see chapter 9 “Options”). Being held by a magnetic lock, the door can be opened 180° so as to provide full access to the media compartment in connection with paper load, ribbon load, and cleaning.The paper supply can be from a hanger, or from an external supply behind the printer. There is also an optional rotating paper supply spool, see chapter 9 “Options”.Paper Hanger Long Side DoorPrint Mechanism Optional rewind unitwith guide shaft
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 220 Chapter 3 InstallationBeing of a modular design for maximum fl exibility, the EasyCoder F4 can use a paper supply hanger fi tted in three different positions inside the media compartment, depending on the type of side door (long or short) and whether the printer is fi tted with a rewind unit for the backing paper (liner) or not. Alternatively, an external paper supply (e.g. a box of fan-folded tickets) behind the printer can be used. A rotating paper supply spool is also available as an option (see chapter 9 “Options”).Paper Supply HangerThe paper supply hanger fi ts both 38 – 40 mm (1.5") and 76 mm (3") cores since it can be moved vertically in the slot in centre section. The lowermost position is intended for small cores and the uppermost one for large cores only. The hanger is locked by a screw and has a moveable guide to fi t various paper widths. To remove the hanger, remove the screw, twist the hanger a quarter of a turn and pull it out. To fi t the hanger into a slot in the centre section (see next page), rotate it a quarter of a turn and twist back so the lips engage the cut-outs in the sides of the slot. Move it up (3" core) or down (1.5" core) as far as it goes and secure it with the screw.Warning:Make sure to fi t the hanger according to the size of the paper roll core. When the hanger is fi tted in its upper position, the screw will interfere with any small (38 mm/1.5") core causing paper misalignment.76 mm(3 inches)CORE38 - 40 mm(1.5 inch)Media Compart-ment, cont'd.GuideScrew (hidden)
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 21 Chapter 3 InstallationMedia Compart-ment, cont'd.Paper Supply PositionsThere are four sets of threaded holes and slots in the printer's centre section for the paper supply hanger (or spool) so as to allow the largest possible roll size, given the limitations of the rewind unit and/or the full enclosure provided by the long side door. The positions are indicated by numbers engraved in the centre section.• Position 1 is used when the paper compartment is fully enclosed by a long side door, regardless of the existence of a rewinder Maximum roll size is 152 mm (6").• Position 2 is used in connection with a short side door that only encloses the print unit, but without any rewinder. Maximum roll size is 213 mm (8.38").• Position 3 is used in connection with a short side door and an optional rewind unit. Maximum roll size is 203 mm (8").• Position 4 is reserved for future development.The printer can also use an external paper supply located behind the paper compartment.2143Pos. 1Pos. 2Pos. 3(Pos. 4)
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 222 Chapter 3 InstallationPrint MechanismThe print mechanism features a high-performance 8 dots/mm (≈200 dpi) thermal printhead with quick-mount fi ttings to facilitate replacement. Thermal PrintheadTear Off EdgePressure ArmPrinthead Lift KnobPaper GuidePlaten Roller
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 23 Chapter 3 InstallationConnectionsPowerComputer1 Place the printer on a level surface, near a mains electrical outlet and with easy access for loading paper and for removing printout.2 Check that the printer is switched off.3 Connect the power cable to the mains receptacle on the rear plate and to the electrical outlet.The Easycoder F4 is fi tted with one DB25 female connector for the RS 232 serial interface port and one class B connector for the USB port (see Appendix 3). • RS 232 Serial Interface Use the serial interface with Direct Protocol or Intermec Fingerprint programming 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 baudrate, parity etc. as described in chapter 6 “Setting Up the Printer”.• USB Interface The USB interface is intended for future applications.• Optional Interface Board Refer to Appendix 3 and the separate documentation delivered with the boards for connection and setup instructions.Switch off both the PC and the printer before connecting them together.
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 224 Chapter 3 InstallationControls and IndicatorsControl LampsThe EasyCoder F4 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.The control lamps are coloured 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 2 lines of text, each with 16 characters. It guides the operator through the setup and informs him or her of possible errors during printing. The Intermec Fingerprint programming language and the Intermec Direct Protocol allows custom-made messages to be composed and displayed according to the requirements of the application. The keyboard is of membrane switch type and has 22 keys. The keyboard is supplemented by a large “Print” button on the printer's front. Some keys have hardcoded functions in the startup and setup modes. In application programs created by means of the Intermec Fingerprint programming language, the keys can be assigned to various functions according to requirements. As 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.DisplayKeyboard
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 25 Chapter 3 InstallationControls and Indicators, cont'd.BeeperThe 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 the signal can be specifi ed at will. Thus, it is possible create different signals for different conditions or even to make the printer play simple melodies!
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 226 Chapter 4Starting UpStartup FilesAt startup, the behaviour of the printer is decided by the possible existence of a startup fi le (autoexec.bat) somewhere in the printer's memory, i.e. a program that automatically starts running when the printer is turned on. There are two cases:A The printer is only 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, e.g. 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 place, they will be used with the following priority:1. An autoexec.bat fi l e s t o re d i n a n y a p p ro v e d ty p e o f m em or y c a r d, provided it was inserted in the printer before power up. 2. An autoexec.bat fi le stored in the user's part of the printer's permanent memory (device "c:").3. The pup.bat fi le (Intermec Shell) in the systems part of the printer's permanent memory (device "rom:").This implies that if you insert a memory card with startup fi le before you turn on the printer, the startup fi le of the memory card will be used instead of Intermec Shell.Some applications may require one or two electronic keys to be inserted in the slot in the guide plate. Remove the plastic cover and insert the key so the fl at side faces the centre of the slot. It does not matter if the key is fi tted in the right or left position. In case of two electronic keys, the flat sides should face each other. Important!Always turn off the power before inserting or removing an electronic key.Electronic Keys
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 27 Chapter 4 Starting UpIf you want to use a memory card, you must insert it into the slot in the printer's rear plate before you turn on the power. The memory card can be an SRAM card complying with the JEIDA-4 standard or Flash Memory card from Intermec. Maximum size in both cases is 64 Mbit (8 MB). There are three types of Flash Memory Cards:• A Font Card provides additional fonts as long as it remains inserted in the printer.• A Font Install Card permanently installs additional fonts in the printer which can be used even after the card has been removed.• A Firmware Card automatically replaces the printer's fi rmware, e.g. with an updated version.Important!Always turn off the power before inserting or removing a memory card!Do not start the printer before you have made the necessary connections, inserted any memory card you want to use, and checked that the printhead is lowered. Turn on the power by means of the main switch on the rear plate. The “Power” LED 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 startup fi le. Power OnMemory CardMemory CardBackside
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 228 Chapter 4 Starting UpDisplay Messages at StartupWhen the power is turned on, the printer is initialized. The progress of the initialization is indicated by an increasing number of dots on the lower line in the display:Initializing:::The type of startup fi le running in the printer is indicated by the message shown in the display window directly after initialization.A. Intermec Shell Startup Program (standard printers)ENTER=SHELL5 sec. v.4.4 4 sec. v.4.4 3 sec. v.4.4 2 sec. v.4.4 1 sec. v.4.4 Refer to chapter 8 for further 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 message than those illustrated above indicates that the printer is running some custom-made, non-standard application program or that some error has occurred.
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 29 Chapter 5Open the side door. Turn the printhead lift knob clockwise to lift the printhead.Paper LoadTear-Off The EasyCoder F4 can print on labels, tickets, tags, and paper strip in various forms. This chapter describes the case when the paper strip is to be torn off manually against the printer's tear-off edge.Use the <Feed> key (see fi gure #10) when loading the same type of paper as before. When switching to a new type of media or when the printer does not feed out the paper properly, simultaneously press the <Shift> and <Feed> keys.Tear-off can be used for:• Non-adhesive continuous paper strip• Self-adhesive continuous paper strip• Self-adhesive labels on backing paper• Tickets with gaps, with or without perforations• Tickets with marks, with or without perforations12
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 230 Chapter 5 Paper LoadTear-Off, cont'd.Remove any empty paper core from the paper supply hanger.43 65Thread the paper through the print mechanism and push it inwards as far as it will go. This diagram shows the path of the paper web.Hook a new roll of labels, tickets, tags, or strip on the paper supply hanger and adjust the guide so the paper roll comes in fl ush with the wall.21432143
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 31 Chapter 5 Paper LoadTear-Off, cont'd.Turn the printhead lift knob counter-clockwise to lower the printhead Adjust the position of the green paper guide so the paper is guided with a minimum of play.7 8Close the side door. Adjust the paper feed by pressing the Feed key.910
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 232 Chapter 5 Paper LoadTear-Off, cont'd.To tear off the paper, grab the outer edge and pull downwards.11
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 33 Chapter 5 Paper LoadTear-Off withQuick-LoadIn addition the paper load procedure for tear-off operation described earlier in this chapter, the EasyCoder F4 can optionally be fi tted with a set of Quick-Load paper guides that makes paper load much easier and quicker, especially in connection with a short side door. See chapter 9 “Options” for installation instructions.Quick-Load is usually not used in connection with a long side door and cannot be combined with peel-off operation.Use the <Feed> key (see fi gure #5) when loading the same type of paper as before. When switching to a new type of media or when the printer does not feed out the paper properly, simultaneously press the <Shift> and <Feed> keys.Important!Full automatic loading without the operator having to press any key requires a special set of Intermec Fingerprint instructions in the application program. Remove any empty paper core from the paper supply hanger.1Hook a new roll of labels, tickets, tags, or strip on the paper supply hanger and adjust the guide so the paper roll comes in fl ush with the wall.2
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 234 Chapter 5 Paper LoadTear-Off with Quick-Load, cont'd.In necessary, adjust the outer guide to fi t the width of the paper.Insert the paper between the guides and feed it forward until the paper reaches the platen roller and cannot be inserted any further.3 4To tear off the paper, grab the outer edge and pull downwards.Keep pushing the paper forward whilepressing the Feed key. 56
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 2 35 Chapter 5 Paper LoadPeel-Off Open the side door. Turn the printhead lift knob clockwise to lift the printhead.The EasyCoder F4 can print on labels, tickets, tags, and paper strip in various forms. This chapter describes the case when self-adhesive labels are separated from a backing paper (liner) immediately after printing after which the backing paper is rewound internally in the printer.Peel-off operation cannot be performed when quick-load guides are fi tted.Use the <Feed> key (see fi gure #13) when loading the same type of paper as before. When switching to a new type of media or when the printer does not feed out the paper properly, simultaneously press the <Shift> and <Feed> keys.Peel-off can only be used for:• Self-adhesive labels on backing paperAn optional label-taken sensor can hold the printing of next label in a batch until the present label has been removed, see chapter 9 “Options”. 1 2
Intermec EasyCoder F4 – Installation & Operation Ed. 236 Chapter 5 Paper Load21432143Peel-Off, cont'd.Pull out the handle to collapse the rewinder, then remove the backing paper. Remove any empty paper core from the paper supply hanger.34 Remove labels from the fi rst 50 cm (20") of the web. Thread the backing paper through the print mechanism and push it inwards as far as it will go.Hook a new roll of labels on the paper supply hanger and adjust the guide so the label roll comes in fl ush with the wall.65

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