Intermec EasyCoder 4420 User manual

4420 and 4440 Bar Code Label Printer
P/N 066392-001
User’s
Manual

Intermec Technologies Corporation
6001 36th Avenue West
P.O. Box 4280
Everett, WA 98203-9280
U.S. technical and service support: 1-800-755-5505
U.S. media supplies ordering information: 1-800-227-9947
Canadian technical and service support: 1-800-688-7043
Canadian media supplies ordering information: 1-800-268-6936
Outside U.S. and Canada: Contact your local Intermec service supplier.
The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose of allowing
customers to operate and/or service Intermec manufactured equipment and is not to be released,
reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of Intermec.
Information and specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice.
1998 by Intermec Technologies Corporation
All Rights Reserved
The word Intermec, the Intermec logo, JANUS, IRL, TRAKKER, Antares, Adara, Duratherm,
EZBuilder, Precision Print, PrintSet, Virtual Wedge, and CrossBar are either trademarks or
registered trademarks of Intermec.
Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Kimdura is a registered trademark of Kimberly Clark.
Kapton is a registered trademark of Dupont.
Speedo, Dutch, and Swiss are registered trademarks of Bitstream Inc.
The name Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names may be used. Rather than put a trademark (or )
symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state that we are using the names only in an
editorial fashion, and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement.

1233* FranklinGothic Helv Condensed Contents
iii
Contents
Before You Begin vii
Warranty Information vii
Safety Summary vii
Warnings and Cautions viii
About This Manual ix
Getting Started
Getting to Know Your Printer 1-3
Preparing the Printer for Installation 1-4
Connecting the Printer to a Power Source 1-5
Opening the Printer 1-6
Loading Media for Fanfold Printing 1-7
Printing the Hardware Configuration Test Label 1-9
What the Hardware Configuration Test Label Tells You 1-10
If a Hardware Configuration Test Label Does Not Print 1-10
Connecting the Printer to Your System 1-10
Connecting the Printer to a PC 1-11
Connecting the Printer to a PC Serial Port 1-11
Connecting the Printer to a PC Parallel Port 1-12
Connecting the Printer to a PC With a Modem 1-13
Connecting the Printer to a Network 1-14
Connecting the Printer to an AS/400 1-14
Connecting the Printer to a Mainframe 1-15
Cabling in Noisy Electrical Environments 1-15
Configuring the Serial Port for Communications 1-16
Operating the Printer
Learning How to Operate the Printer 2-3
Understanding the Front Panel 2-3
Using the Front Panel LEDs 2-4
Using the Front Panel LEDs for Troubleshooting 2-4
Using the Feed/Pause Button 2-5
Loading Roll Media Into the Printer 2-6
1
2

4420 and 4440 Bar Code Label Printer Users Manual
*1233* FranklinGothic
iv
Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon 2-8
Setting the Media Sensitivity Number 2-11
Setting the MSN for Intermec Media and Ribbon 2-12
Setting the MSN for Other Media and Ribbon 2-13
Communicating With the Printer 2-16
Using the PrintSet Software 2-16
Using Third-Party Software 2-16
Using Intermec Printer Language (IPL) Commands 2-16
Printing a Test Label to Test Communications 2-17
Maintaining the Printer
Inspecting the Printer 3-3
Maintenance Schedule 3-3
Tools for Cleaning the Printer 3-5
Cleaning the Printhead 3-6
Cleaning the Printer Covers 3-7
Cleaning the Rollers and the Tear Bar 3-8
Cleaning the Media Guides and Media Path 3-10
Cleaning the Label Sensors 3-12
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Checklist 4-3
Printer Operation Problems 4-3
Print Quality Problems 4-5
Communication Problems 4-7
Preventing Data Loss 4-8
Optimizing Printer Performance
Optimizing and Maintaining Print Quality 5-3
Correcting Uneven Print Quality 5-3
Adjusting the Print Darkness 5-5
Fine-Tuning the Top of Form Position 5-7
Adjusting the Label Gap Sensor 5-11
3
4
5

1233* FranklinGothic Helv Condensed Contents
v
Adjusting the Label Mark Sensor 5-13
Using the Printer Memory Efficiently 5-15
How Is the Printer Storage Memory Used? 5-15
Making the Most of Your Memory 5-15
Increasing Throughput 5-16
What Is an Image Band? 5-16
How the Image Bands Command Works 5-17
Optimizing Print Speed and Image Band Setting 5-17
Using Test and Service Mode
Using Test and Service Mode Procedures 6-3
Printing Test Labels 6-5
Using Data Line Print Mode 6-5
Performing Selective Transfer 6-6
Using Memory Reset 6-7
Setting Configuration Commands in Test and Service Mode 6-8
Setting the Number of Dot Increments 6-9
Adjusting the Label Rest Point 6-10
Setting Emulation Mode 6-12
Using Forms Adjust 6-13
X Forms Adjust 6-14
Y Forms Adjust 6-15
Printer Specifications
4420 and 4440 Printer Specifications A-3
Factory Default Settings A-6
Printer Options A-7
Bar Code Symbologies Supported A-8
Character Sets
International Character Sets B-3
Extended Character Sets B-6
6
A
B

4420 and 4440 Bar Code Label Printer Users Manual
*1233* FranklinGothic
vi
Communications Reference
Communications Protocols C-3
Communications Interfaces C-9
Printer Serial Port C-11
Glossary
Index
C
G
I

Before You Begin
vii
Before You Begin
This section introduces you to standard warranty provisions, safety
precautions, warnings and cautions, document formatting conventions, and
sources of additional product information. A documentation roadmap is also
provided to guide you in finding information in this manual.
Warranty Information
To receive a copy of the standard warranty provision for this product, contact
your local Intermec sales organization. In the U.S. call 1-800-755-5505, and in
Canada call 1-800-688-7043. Otherwise, refer to the Worldwide Sales & Service
list that was shipped with this manual for the address and telephone number of
your Intermec sales organization.
Safety Summary
Your safety is extremely important. Read and follow all warnings and cautions
in this book before handling and operating Intermec equipment. You can be
seriously injured, and equipment and data can be damaged if you do not follow
the safety warnings and cautions.
Do not repair or adjust alone Do not repair or adjust energized equipment alone
under any circumstances. Someone capable of providing first aid must always
be present for your safety.
First aid Always obtain first aid or medical attention immediately after an
injury. Never neglect an injury, no matter how slight it seems.
Resuscitation Begin resuscitation immediately if someone is injured and stops
breathing. Any delay could result in death. To work on or near high voltage,
you should be familiar with approved industrial first aid methods.
Energized equipment Never work on energized equipment unless authorized
by a responsible authority. Energized electrical equipment is dangerous.
Electrical shock from energized equipment can cause death. If you must
perform authorized emergency work on energized equipment, be sure that you
comply strictly with approved safety regulations.

4420 and 4440 Bar Code Label Printer Users Manual
viii
Warnings and Cautions
The warnings and cautions in this manual use the following format.
Warning
A warning alerts you of an operating procedure, practice, condition, or
statement that must be strictly observed to avoid death or serious
injury to the persons working on the equipment.
Avertissement
Un avertissement vous avertit d’une procédure de fonctionnement,
d’une méthode, d’un état ou d’un rapport qui doit être strictement
respecté pour éviter l’occurrence de mort ou de blessures graves aux
personnes manupulant l’équipement.
Caution
A caution alerts you to an operating procedure, practice, condition, or
statement that must be strictly observed to prevent equipment damage
or destruction, or corruption or loss of data.
Conseil
Une précaution vous avertit d’une procédure de fonctionnement, d’une
méthode, d’un état ou d’un rapport qui doit être strictement respecté
pour empêcher l’endommagement ou la destruction de l’équipement, ou
l’altération ou la perte de données.

Before You Begin
ix
About This Manual
Analysts and programmers should use this manual to learn how to operate,
program, and connect the printer to a network or system. The first part of this
manual tells you how to install, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot your
printer. The last part of the manual covers advanced features of the 4420 and
4440 printers. A basic understanding of programming and data
communications is necessary.
What You Will Find in This Manual
This table summarizes the information in each chapter of this manual:
For Information On Refer To
Installing the printer Chapter 1, “Getting Started.” Tells you how to plug in the
printer, load fanfold media, configure the serial port, and
print a configuration test label.
Operating the printer Chapter 2, “Operating the Printer.” Explains the printer front
panel, tells you how to load roll media, load ribbon, and print
a test label.
Routine maintenance Chapter 3, “Maintaining the Printer.” Shows how to maintain
the printer.
Troubleshooting Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting.” Instructs how to troubleshoot
operation, quality, and communication problems.
Improving printer
performance Chapter 5, “Optimizing Printer Performance.” Tells you how to fine-tune the printer to increase processing time.
Test and Service
features Chapter 6, “Using Test and Service Mode.” Provides information on using Test and Service mode to print test
labels, perform procedures and configure settings.
Specifications Appendix A, “Printer Specifications.” Contains operating
specifications, options, and supported bar code symbologies.
Character sets Appendix B, “Character Sets.” Lists all of the character sets
that the 4420 and 4440 printers support.
Communications Appendix C, “Communications Reference.” Provides
information on communication protocols for your system and
serial port pin assignments.

4420 and 4440 Bar Code Label Printer Users Manual
x
Terms and Conventions
The following special terms and conventions occur throughout the manual.
Refer to the glossary for a complete list of terms.
Terms
“Printer”, “4420”, or “4440” refer to the 4420 and 4440 bar code label printers.
“Media” is the label stock (including thermal transfer ribbon) on which the
printer prints labels.
“Host” refers to a personal computer or other computer that communicates
with the printer.
Conventions
The following conventions are used throughout this manual for operating
procedures and descriptions of the printer.
• Feed/Pause refers to the Feed/Pause button on the printer front panel.
• Downloaded commands appear in the order that you enter them into the
printer with the following conventions:
Convention Description
< > Angle brackets < > enclose mnemonic representations of ASCII control
characters. For example, <ETX> represents the ASCII “End of Text”
control character.
data Italic text represents variable data, which you must replace with a real
value. For example, nsignifies a variable for which you must designate a
constant value.
[data] Italic text within brackets represents optional data.
Ctrl Bold text represents a key on your keypad. For example, Ctrl represents
the Ctrl key.
Ctrl-ZWhen two keys are joined with a dash, press them simultaneously. For
example, if you see the command Ctrl-Z, press the two keys at the same
time.
E3;F3 Type all characters that appear in the Courier font by pressing an
individual key on the keypad.

Before You Begin
xi
Other Intermec Manuals
The following manuals provide additional information on understanding and
communicating with your printer.
Manual Intermec Part Number
4420 and 4440 Bar Code Label Printer Getting Started Guide 066394
IPL Programming Reference Manual 066396
The Bar Code Book 051241
Data Communications Reference Manual 044737

Getting Started
1

Getting Started
1-3
1
This chapter introduces the 4420 and 4440 printer and explains how to get your new
printer up and running for the first time.
Getting to Know Your Printer
Features of the 4420 and 4440 printer include:
•High throughput
•IEEE 1284 parallel port
•18,000 inch ribbon capacity
•Simple user interface
•Moveable label gap sensor
•Up to 8 inches per second (ips) print speed with selected media
•Direct thermal and thermal transfer printing support
•Precision Print technology
Front View
Feed/Pause
Power/Data
Alert
Empty/Pause
IntermecIntermec
4420
Feed/Pause
button
Power/Data LED
Alert LED
Empty/Pause
LED
Media
window
Media
cover
Media access door
44XXU.001

4420 and 4440 Bar Code Label Printer Users Manual
1-4
Back View
44XXU.003
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Darkness adjust
control
DIP switches
Optional I/O
board port
Serial communications
port
Parallel port
On/Off
switch
AC power cord
receptacle
Fanfold media
access slot
O
I
Accessory port
Several options are available for use with the 4420 and 4440 printer. See
Appendix A, “Printer Specifications,” for a complete description of each option.
Note: The accessory port is reserved for future use.
Preparing the Printer for Installation
Before connecting the printer to your data collection system, you need to:
•connect the printer to a power source.
•open the printer.
•load media for fanfold printing.
•print a configuration test label.
These steps are described in the next sections.

Getting Started
1-5
1
Connecting the Printer to a Power Source
The back of the printer contains the AC power cord receptacle, the serial
communications port, the parallel communications port, the accessory port, the
darkness adjust, the On/Off switch, and two banks of DIP switches.
To connect the printer to a power source
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Make sure the DIP switches on the back of the printer are set to their factory
default settings.
Top Bank Turn on switch 1. Turn off switches 2 through 8.
Bottom Bank Turn off switches 1 through 8.
44XXU.005
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
O
I
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
I
OI
3. Plug the AC power cord into the receptacle at the rear of the printer.
4. Plug the other end of the power cord into a grounded wall outlet or surge
protector.
5. Turn the printer on.
When you turn on the printer, the green light emitting diode (LED) lights and
the platen roller advances. The yellow LED lights until you load media.

4420 and 4440 Bar Code Label Printer Users Manual
1-6
Opening the Printer
You need to open the printer when you load media or perform maintenance
procedures.
To open the printer
1. Place the fingers of your right hand under the embossed section of the
media cover (the media cover release) and pull the bottom of the media
cover away from the base of the printer.
2. Grasp the front of the media cover with your left hand and lift the front of
the media cover upward to release it from the printer frame.
3. Lift the media cover away from the top of the printer.
44XXU.006
Feed/Pause
Power/Data
Alert
Empty/Pause
IntermecIntermec
4420
3
2
1

Getting Started
1-7
1
Loading Media for Fanfold Printing
Use the sample of fanfold media provided in the Media Envelope to complete
the following procedures. In fanfold printing, you place a stack of fanfold
media at the rear of the printer and feed it into the printer through a slot in the
rear cover.
Note: If you want to load rolls of media (instead of fanfold), see “Loading Roll Media
Into the Printer” in Chapter 2.
To load media for fanfold printing
1. Open the printer.
2. Rotate the head lift lever clockwise to release the printhead.
3. Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise and slide it to the outer end
of the supply roll post.
44XXU.008
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
O
I
➤
➤
➤
➤
➤
Head lift
lever Edge
guide Lower
media
guide Supply
roll
post Supply
roll
retainer
Media access
slot
Fanfold
media

4420 and 4440 Bar Code Label Printer Users Manual
1-8
4. Place the fanfold media slightly lower than the slot in the printer back
cover. Align the fanfold media with the label path through the printer.
Insert media through the slot at the rear of the printer and thread it over the
supply roll post.
5. Unscrew the edge guide and slide it to the outer edge of the lower media
guide. Screw it in place.
6. Pull down on the lower media guide to allow easy access to the media path.
7. Insert the fanfold media through the printer mechanism as shown in the
illustration. The fanfold media passes over the supply roll post and out the
front opening of the printer.
8. Release the lower media guide and adjust the edge guide to position the
media firmly against the inside wall of the printer.
9. Slide the supply roll retainer up to the edge of the fanfold media and turn
the supply roll retainer clockwise until it locks firmly in place. This action
secures the media against the inside wall of the printer.
10. Rotate the head lift lever counterclockwise until it locks to engage the
printhead.
11. Replace the media cover.
12. Press the Feed/Pause button to advance one label through the printer.
The yellow Empty/Pause LED goes out. The printer is now ready to print the
configuration test label.
Note: If the yellow Empty/Pause LED does not go out, reload the media and try again.
Note: For your convenience, refer to the label with directions for loading media located
on the inside of the media cover the next time you load media.