Intermec EasyCoder 501 E Guide

EasyCoder 501 E
Bar Code Label Printer
Installation & Operation
P/N 1-960549-00
Edition 1
October 2001

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.1 1
Preface
Preface Table of Contents.................................................................................1
Copyright Information........................................................................4
Trademarks ..........................................................................................4
FCC Notice (U.S.A.)...........................................................................5
DOC Notice (Canada).........................................................................5
GS Notice (Germany) .........................................................................5
Declaration of Conformity (CE)........................................................6
1. Introduction Models..................................................................................................7
Supplementing Manuals .....................................................................8
Safety Requirements ...........................................................................8
Product Labeling.................................................................................8
2. Print a Label Introduction..........................................................................................9
Using Intermec Fingerprint..............................................................12
Using Intermec Direct Protocol .......................................................15
3. Installation Unpacking..........................................................................................16
Front View .........................................................................................17
Rear View ..........................................................................................18
Media Compartment.........................................................................19
Print Unit............................................................................................21
Connections .......................................................................................22
• Power..............................................................................................22
• Computer........................................................................................22
Controls and Indicators.....................................................................23
• Control Lamps...............................................................................23
• Display............................................................................................23
• Keyboard........................................................................................23
• Beeper............................................................................................ 24
4. Starting Up Startup Files.......................................................................................25
Switching On the Printer ..................................................................26
Display Messages at Startup.............................................................26
5. Media Load Tear-Off (Straight-through)..............................................................27
Cut-Off ..............................................................................................31
Peel-Off (Self-strip)...........................................................................36
Internal Batch Takeup.......................................................................41
External Supply .................................................................................46
EasyCoder 501 E
Installation & Operation
Edition 1,October 2001
Part No. 1-960549-00
Contents

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.12
Preface
Contents, cont.
6. Thermal Transfer Printing Ribbon Load ......................................................................................48
7. Setting Up the Printer Description.........................................................................................52
Default Setup .....................................................................................53
Reading the Current Setup................................................................53
Setup Parameters:..............................................................................54
•Contrast ..........................................................................................55
•Serial Communication: .................................................................54
- Baud Rate.....................................................................................54
- Parity............................................................................................55
- Character Length.........................................................................55
- Stop Bits.......................................................................................55
- Flow Control................................................................................55
- New Line......................................................................................57
•Detection:.......................................................................................57
- LSS Adjustment...........................................................................57
- Feed Adjustment..........................................................................58
•Service:.......................................................................................... 60
- Media Size.................................................................................. 60
- Media Type................................................................................. 64
- Print Defs.....................................................................................65
- Performance.................................................................................69
- Memory Allocation.....................................................................70
8. Setup Mode Setting Up EasyCoder 501 E............................................................71
Entering Setup Mode at Installation ................................................72
Navigating in Setup Mode................................................................73
Setup Mode Overviews.....................................................................74
9. Intermec Shell Startup Program Introduction........................................................................................76
Starting with Intermec Shell.............................................................78
Intermec Shell v.4.01 Enhanced, Main Diagram............................81
Terminal Setup ..................................................................................82
•Starting Terminal Setup................................................................82
•Solving Communication Problems...............................................82
•Using Terminal Setup....................................................................83
•Selecting an Application ...............................................................84
•Changing the Setup .......................................................................85
•Exiting Terminal Setup.................................................................86
•Setup Parameters...........................................................................87
Line Analyzer....................................................................................89
Fonts Scaling .................................................................................... 90

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.1 3
Preface
Contents, cont.
10. Options Introduction........................................................................................95
Cutter..................................................................................................95
Memory Card Adapter......................................................................97
Liner Takeup Unit..............................................................................99
Internal Batch Takeup Guide............................................................99
Media Roll Retainer..........................................................................99
External Media Guides.....................................................................99
Label Taken Sensor.........................................................................100
Ribbon Save Device........................................................................101
Ribbon Low/Media Low Sensor Kit .............................................103
Scaleable Fonts Kit..........................................................................104
Clear Door Panel.............................................................................107
Real Time Clock..............................................................................108
Interface Boards ..............................................................................108
11. Troubleshooting Troubleshooting List........................................................................109
12. Maintenance Printhead Cleaning..........................................................................110
External Cleaning............................................................................113
Cleaning the Cutter (option)...........................................................114
Cleaning the Ribbon Save Device (option) ...................................115
Printhead Replacement...................................................................116
13. Adjustments Label Stop Sensor............................................................................117
Display Contrast ..............................................................................122
Printhead Pressure...........................................................................123
Appendix 1 Technical Data................................................................................ 124
Appendix 2 Media Specifications.......................................................................126
• Direct Thermal Media.................................................................126
• Thermal Transfer Media.............................................................126
• Media Roll Size............................................................................127
• Media:...........................................................................................128
- Non-Adhesive Strip...................................................................128
- Self-Adhesive Strip....................................................................129
- Self-Adhesive Labels.................................................................130
- Tickets with Gap........................................................................131
- Tickets with Black Mark...........................................................132
• Transfer Ribbons..........................................................................133
Appendix 3 CPU Board.......................................................................................134
• Accessing the CPU Board...........................................................134
• Safety Instructions.......................................................................135
• Potentiometers..............................................................................135

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.14
Preface
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, 2001. 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.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Speedo is a trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
Torx is a registered trademark of Camcar Division of Textron Inc.
TrueType is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
Unicode is a trademark of Unicode Inc.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation
Appendix 4 Interfaces:.........................................................................................137
•Standard Interface "uart1:" .........................................................137
•Serial Interface Board (option)...................................................144
•RS-422/485 Interface Board (option) ........................................146
•Parallel Interface Board (option)................................................148
•Industrial Interface Board (option).............................................149

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.1 5
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 numériquen’émet pas de bruits radio-électriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le règlement sur brouillage radioélectrique édictépar 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.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.16
Preface
Declaration of Conformity
We,
Intermec Printer AB
Idrottsvägen 10
Box 123
S-431 22 Mölndal
Sweden
declare under our sole responsibility1that the product
EasyCoder 501 E
to which this declaration relates
is in conformity with the following standard
EN 60 950, 1992
EN 50 081-1, 1992
EN 55 022, Class B
EN 50 082-2, 1995
ENV 50 140, 10V/m
ENV 50 204, 10V/m
ENV 50 141, 10V/m
EN 61 000-4-2, 6 kV (Con), 8 kV (Air)
EN 61000-4-4, 2 kV power lines, 1 kV signal lines
following the provisions of Directives
89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC
Mölndal 1998-09-01
...................................................................
Hans Lindén
President
1 /. Intermec assumes no responsibility regarding the CE Directive if the
printer is handled, modified, or installed in other manners than those described in
Intermec’s manuals.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.1 7
7
Chapter 1
Introduction
The Intermec EasyCoder 501 is a series of modular multipurpose
thermal transfer/direct thermal printers. They come in four main
models, each with its own Installation & Operation manual:
•EasyCoder 501 S (Standard) is an 8 or 11.81 dots/mm (203.2
or 300 dpi) printer mainly intended to be controlled by a host
computerusingstandardorcustom-madeapplicationsoftware,for
example the various Intermec LabelShop label-design programs
for Microsoft Windows. Being a low-cost alternative, it has a
somewhat lower print speed and fewer options than the other
members of this printer family. EasyCoder 501 S can be fitted
with an optional scaleable fonts kit that allows the use of outline
fonts in Speedo and TrueType format. The EasyCoder 501 S is
distinguished by the single Print key on its front panel.
•EasyCoder 501 E (Enhanced) offers higher print speed than
EasyCoder 501 S. The larger number options in regard of media
handing and computer connection makes this printer a highly
flexible alternative. It is recommended for installations, where
you want to switch between different application programs, or
create your own programs in the built-in Intermec Fingerprint
programming language. EasyCoder 501 E can, as an option, be
fitted with a scaleable fonts kit that allows the use of outline fonts
in Speedo and TrueType format. This printer model can easily be
recognized by its 22-key membrane-switch keyboard.
•EasyCoder501LinerLessisan8dots/mm(203.2dpi)EasyCoder
501 E that has been specially adapted to print on direct thermal
linerless media, which is torn off manually or cut off using an
optional cutter. Linerless printing eliminates the liner (backing
paper), that usually protects the adhesive side of self-adhesive
labels,andisthusmoreeconomicalwith60%morelabelsperroll,
which gives fewer media reloads. Variable label length allows for
fewerlabelsizesin stock.Theenvironmentalsobenefitsfromless
waste. Linerless media gives higher resistance against chemicals,
scratching, and UV-light and a darker print image with longer life
than common direct thermal labels with liner.
•EasyCoder 501 SA (Stand-Alone) is just as quick and flexible
as the EasyCoder 501 E model, but is fitted with a special
“Stand-Alone”software, which allows the printer to be operated
independently, without any computer connection. This printer
model is fitted with a large built-in alphanumeric keyboard.
Models

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.18
Chapter 1 Introduction
Safety Require-
ments
Product Labeling
The following manuals may also be of interest to the operator
or programmer:
•Intermec EasyCoder 501 E, User’s Guide (multi-lingual)
•Intermec Direct Protocol v6.13, Programmer’s Guide
•Intermec Fingerprint v6.13, Programmer’s Guide
•Intermec Fingerprint v6.14, Reference Manual
•Intermec LabelShop, various manuals
Intermec assumes no responsibility regarding the CE Directive if
the printer is handled, modified, or installed in any way other than
that described in Intermec’s manuals.
Caution
•Read this manual carefully before connecting the printer.
•Moving parts are exposed when the side door is open, so ensure
that the door is closed before you operate the printer.
•Do not open the front/left-hand cover. Dangerous voltage!
•Do not remove the bottom plate. Dangerous voltage!
•Do not put your fingers inside the print mechanism when
the power is on.
•Place the printer on an even surface which can support its weight
of approximately 15 kg (33 pounds) plus supplies.
•Donotspraytheprinterwithwater.Ifyouareusingahosetoclean
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 label is attached to the printer’s rear plate and contains
informationontype,model,andserialnumberas wellasACvoltage.
It also contains various signs of approval.
Supplementing
Manuals

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.1 9
9
Chapter 2
This chapter will help you to produce a label within minutes of
unpacking your printer and it will show you how the Intermed
FingerprintprogramminglanguageandtheIntermecDirectProtocol
make creating label formats an easy task.
If you are new to EasyCoder printers, read the rest of the manual
before returning here.
In addition to the Intermec Direct Protocol and the Intermec
Fingerprint programming language, the EasyCoder 501 printers
also supports the InterDriver printer driver for various versions of
Microsoft Windows. After you select the Windows Driver option
in Intermec Shell, you can use the EasyCoder 501 printer the same
way as you use any other printer to produce printouts from any
standard Windows program.
Connecting Printer and Host
In the following examples we assume that you are using an ASCII
terminal or a PC with a terminal program, for example Microsoft
HyperTerminal, as a host. We also assume that you are using the
standard RS-232 serial interface to connect your printer with
the host.
The printer contains a powerful microprocessor which is controlled
by 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.
Intermecprovidesoptionalcommunicationcablesforconnectingthe
printer to most PCs. Refer to Appendix 4 for wiring diagrams.
Print a Label
Introduction

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.110
Chapter 2 Print a Label
Introduction, cont. Setup
Bydefault,theprinterissetupforthefollowingserialcommunication
protocol on communication port "uart1:":
Baud rate: 9600
Character length: 7
Parity: none
Stop bits: 2
Flowcontrol: XON/XOFF
New line: CR/LF
If you want to change any of these values, refer to Chapter 7, “Setup
Mode.”Set up the host computer for the same communication
protocol as the printer.
Media Supply
Load the printer with labels at least 52.8 mm (2.08 inches) wide
and at least 70 mm (2.75 inches) long, see Chapter 5. In case of
thermal transfer printing, also load a suitable thermal transfer
ribbon, see Chapter 6.
If the printout becomes too light or too dark, you will need to change
the paper type parameter, For help, see Chapter 7.
Startup and Communications Check
Switch on the printer. Provided the printer is fittedwiththeIntermec
Shell startup program, after initialization the countdown menu will
appear in the display window, for example:
ENTER=SHELL
5 sec. v.4.01
4 sec. v.4.01
3 sec. v.4.01
2 sec. v.4.01
1 sec. v.4.01
Do not take anyaction.Bydefault, the display window will show the
following message when the countdown is completed:
Fingerprint
6.14
If this message is not shown, refer to “Selecting an Application”
in Chapter 9 for information on how to select the “Fingerprint”
application.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.1 11
Chapter 2 Print a Label
Check that the printer and your terminal or 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 host screen
and emit a short beep. If not, check the communication setup of
the printer and the host.
The next two steps demonstrate the printer’s ability both to feed out
the media 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 label stock, the printer should always
be allowed to adjust itself according to the size and characteristics
of the lanel and liner. Type:
TESTFEED:TESTFEED ↵
The printer will feed out two labels while adjusting its sensors and
media feed mechanism.
Tear off the labels by grabbing the outer (right) edge and pulling
downwards.
Now you are ready to start programming your first label.
Introduction, cont.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.112
Chapter 2 Print a Label
The label we will design in Intermec Fingerprint will contain a box,
an image, a bar code, and a line of text. Note that the illustrations
are not reproductions of the label, but are merely intended to show
the principles of label editing.
Printing a Box
Let us start by printing a box 430 dots high and 340 dots wide
with a 15 dot line thickness. The box is inserted at position X=10;
Y=10:
NEW
10 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 Image
Now we add the image “GLOBE.1”after changing the print
coordinates to X=30; Y=30.
NotethatthecharactersenclosingthewordGLOBE.1arequotation
marks (ASCII 034 decimal/22 hex) and indicate a string expression
(text) as opposed to a numeric expression (value). The same applies
to bartypes, bar code input data, barfonts, text fonts, and input to
text fields later in this chapter.
30 PRPOS 30,30 ↵
40 PRIMAGE "GLOBE.1" ↵
RUN ↵
Printing a Bar Code
You need to choose a bar code type before you can print a bar code.
Note there is no blank space in the bartype name. Then provide
the input data to the bar code.
50 PRPOS 75,270 ↵
60 BARTYPE "CODE39" ↵
70 PRBAR "ABC" ↵
RUN ↵
Using Intermec
Fingerprint
Y
X
MEDIA FEED

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.1 13
Chapter 2 Print a Label
Printing Human Readables
Togethumanreadabletextprintedunderthebarcode,addtheselines
which enable bar code interpretation and select a font for it:
1 BARFONT ON ↵
2 BARFONT "SW030RSN.1" ↵
RUN ↵
Printing a Line of Text
Add text at position X=25; Y=220, select a font, and finally provide
the actual text:
80 PRPOS 25,220 ↵
90 FONT "SW030RSN.1" ↵
100 PRTXT "My FIRST Label" ↵
RUN ↵
Listing the Program
To view the whole program, type:
LIST ↵
The lines will be listed in ascending order on the screen of your
PC:
1 BARFONT ON
2 BARFONT "SW030RSN.1"
10 PRPOS 10,10
20 PRBOX 430,340,15
30 PRPOS 30,30
40 PRIMAGE "GLOBE.1"
50 PRPOS 75,270
60 BARTYPE "CODE39"
70 PRBAR "ABC"
80 PRPOS 25,220
90 FONT "SW030RSN.1"
100 PRTXT "My FIRST label"
200 PRINTFEED
300 END
ok
Intermec Finger-
print, cont.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.114
Chapter 2 Print a Label
Intermec Finger-
print, cont. Changing a Program Line
If you want to change a program line, simply rewrite the line using
the same line number. For example, move the text to the right by
rewriting line 80 with a different X-coordinate:
80 PRPOS 75,220 ↵
RUN ↵
Saving the Program
If you want to save your first attempt, issue the following com-
mand.
SAVE "LABEL1" ↵
Your program will be saved in the printer’s permanent memory
under the name:
LABEL1.PRG
Loading the Program
If you want to use this label later, for example after having created
more programs, type:
LOAD "LABEL1.PRG" ↵
RUN ↵
A new copy of the label will be printed.
The Intermec Fingerprint offers many more advanced functions
that allow 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 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.1 15
Chapter 2 Print a Label
Using Intermec
Direct Protocol
You can use Intermec Direct Protocol in many ways. This section
shows you how to use Intermec Direct Protocol to create the same
label as the one you created using Intermec Fingerprint in the
previous section. You will first create the format and then provide
input data to the variable fields. Note that many of the commands
are abbreviated. We assume that you use Intermec Shell to enter
Intermec Direct Protocol. For help, see “Starting Up with Intermec
Shell”in Chapter 9.
First, create a format:
LAYOUT INPUT "tmp:LABEL1" ↵ (start format recorder)
BF ON ↵(enable bar code interpretation)
BF "SW030RSN.1" ↵(select bar code font)
PP 10,10 ↵(insertion point for box field)
PX 430,340,15 ↵(create a box)
PP 30,30 ↵(insertion point for image field)
PM "GLOBE.1" ↵(select image)
PP 75,270 ↵(insertion point for bar code field)
BT "CODE39" ↵(select bar code type)
PB VAR1$ ↵(variable input data to bar code field)
PP 75,220 ↵(insertion point for text field)
FT "SW030RSN.1" ↵(select text font)
PT VAR2$ ↵(variable input data to text field)
LAYOUT END ↵(save format)
Then add the variable data and a print instruction:
LAYOUT RUN "tmp:LABEL1" ↵(select format)
<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 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.116
Chapter 3
1/.Typeandquantitymayvary,
or labels/ribbon may be omit-
ted completely, depending on
area of distribution.
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.
•Checkthelabelonthe printer’srear plate,whichgivesthevoltage,
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 501 E printer
- Power cord
- Quality check card
- Cleaning card
- Short strip of labels1
- Starter pack of thermal transfer ribbon (thermal transfer
models only)1
- Adapter for 3-inch media roll core
- User’s Guide (multilingual)
- Installation & Operation manual
- Supporting software and product information on CD.
•Checkthatthepowercordisappropriateforthelocalstandard.The
printer works within 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 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.
Unpacking
European-type US/Canadian-type GB-type
230 VAC plug 115 VAC plug 230 VAC plug
Installation

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.1 17
Chapter 3 Installation
Front View
At the front of the printer are the display window, the control lamps,
and a membrane-switch keyboard with 22 keys. These features
allow the operator to control the printer manually, in addition to
the remote control facilities offered by the Intermec Fingerprint
programing language and Intermec Shell.
There are also a connector for an optional cutter which replaces the
front door, an optional label taken sensor, and a slot for accessing an
optional memory card adapter.
The printed labels, tickets, or tags are presented at the front of
the print mechanism.
Side Door
Control Lamps
DisplayWindow
Keyboard
Print Mechanism
Cutter Connector
Memory Card Slot
Front Door
(or optional cutter)
LabelTaken Sensor
(option)

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.118
Chapter 3 Installation
Rear View
The rear plate contains the On/Off switch, the AC power cord
receptacle, the voltage switch, the standard serial interface, and
various slots.
On/Off Switch
AC Power Cord Receptacle
Machine Label
RS-232 Serial Interface ("uart1:")
Provision for Optional Interface Board
Thermal Printer 501
Model#
1-501011-14
Serial#
115-230V2.6-1.3A50-60Hz
INTERMEC PRINTER AB MADE IN SWEDEN
25016
This equipment complies with the requirements for a Class A computing device in FCC Rules
Part 15 Subpart J. Operation of this device in a residential area may cause harmful interference
requiring the user to take whatever steps may be necessary to correct the interference.
UL
LISTED65B5
R
N309
LR67809
V
DE
geprüfte
Sicherheit
Upper External Media Slot
Lower External Media Slot
Voltage Switch (115/230VAC)
Display Contrast Adjustment

Intermec EasyCoder 501 E – Installation & Operation Ed.1 19
Chapter 3 Installation
Media
Compartment
The media compartment becomes accessible when the right-hand
doorandthe frontdoor or thecutterareopened. Although theprinter
is operable when the doors are left opened or completely removed,
you are strongly recommended to keep them closed during normal
operation, so as to prevent the print mechanism and the media
from being exposed to dust.