Intermec EasyCoder PC4 User manual

User’s Guide
EasyCoder PC4
Bar Code Label
Printer

Intermec Technologies Corporation
Corporate Headquarters
6001 36th Ave. W.
Everett, WA 98203
U.S.A.
www.intermec.com
e information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely
for the purpose of allowing customers to operate and 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 contained in this document are subject to
change without prior notice and do not represent a commitment on the
part of Intermec Technologies Corporation.
© 2004 by Intermec Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved.
e word Intermec, the Intermec logo, Norand, ArciTech, CrossBar,
Data Collection Browser, dcBrowser, Duratherm, EasyCoder, EasyLAN,
Enterprise Wireless LAN, EZBuilder, Fingerprint, i-gistics, INCA (under
license), InterDriver, Intermec Printer Network Manager, IRL, JANUS,
LabelShop, Mobile Framework, MobileLAN, Nor*Ware, Pen*Key,
Precision Print, PrintSet, RoutePower, TE 2000, Trakker Antares, UAP,
Universal Access Point, and Virtual Wedge are either trademarks or regis-
tered trademarks of Intermec Technologies Corporation.
roughout 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 infringe-
ment.
ere are U.S. and foreign patents pending.
e name Centronics is wholly owned by GENICOM Corporation.
Kimdura is a registered trademark of Kimberly Clark.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

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FCC Notice (United States of America)
WARNING
is 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
foun o 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 com-
mercial 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)
is digital apparatus does not exceed the class A limits for radio noise
emissions from a digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department of Communication.
Ministère des Communications du Canada
CONFORMITE DE REGLEMENTS (DOC-A)
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radio-électriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A
prescrites dans le règlement sur brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le
Ministère des Communications du Canada.
EU Standard EN 55022 (The European Union)
WARNING
is 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.

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Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise
1 Bitte lesen Sie diese Hinweis sorgfältig durch.
2 Heben Sie diese Anleitung für den späteren Gebrauch auf.
3 Das Gerät ist vor Feuchtigkeit zu schützen.
4 Beachten Sie beim Anschluß an das Stromnetz die Anschlußwerte.
5 Wird das Gerät über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzt, sollten
Sie es vom Stromnetz trennen. Somit wird im Falle einer Überspan-
nung eine Beschädigung vermieden.
6 Durch die Lüftungsöffnungen dürfen niemals Gegenstände oder
Flüssigkeiten in das Gerät gelangen. Dies könnte einen Brand bzw.
elektrischen Schlag auslösen.
7 Öffnen Sie niemals das Gerät. Das Gerät darf aus Gründen der
elektrischen Sicherheit nur von autorisiertem Servicepersonal geöffnet
werden.
8 Wenn folgende Situationen auftreten ist das Gerät vom Stromnetz zu
trennen und von einer qualifizierten Servicestelle zu Überprüfung.
a. Flüssigkeit ist in das Gerät eingedrungen.
b. Das Gerät war Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt.
c. Wenn das Gerät nicht der Bedienungsanleitung entsprechend
funktioniert oder Sie mit Hilfe dieser Anleitung keine Verbesserung
erzielen.
d. Das Gerät ist gefallen und/oder das Gehäuse ist beschädigt.
e. Wenn das Gerät deutliche Anzeichen eines Defektes aufweist.
9 Nur mit dem Schaltnetzteil Intermec/SPN-470-24 benutzen.

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Safety Instructions
1 Please read these safety instructions carefully.
2 Please keep this User’s Guide for later reference.
3 Please protect this equipment from humidity.
4 Check the voltage of the power source before connecting the equip-
ment to the power outlet.
5 If the equipment is not used for long time, disconnect the equipment
from the AC voltage to avoid damage by transient over voltage.
6 Never pour any liquid into any openings, this could cause fire or elec-
trical shock.
7 Never open the equipment. For safety reason, the equipment should
only be opened by qualified service personnel.
8 If one of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by
a service personnel:
a. Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
b. e equipment has been exposed to moisture.
c. e equipment does not work well or you can not get it work
according to the User’s Guide.
d. e equipment has dropped and been damaged.
e. If the equipment has obvious signs of breakage.
9 For use only with power supply Intermec/SPN-470-24.

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Declaration of Conformity (CE)
We,
Intermec Printer AB
Flöjelbergsgatan 1C
Box 123
S-431 22 Mölndal
Sweden
declare under our sole responsibility1 that the product
EasyCoder PC4
to which this declaration relates
is in conformity with the following standards
Safety:
EN 60 950
EMC:
Based upon EN 50081-2 Generic Emissions Standard
Based upon EN 50 082-1 Generic Immunity Standard
following the provisions of Directives
89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC
Mölndal 2004-10-08
...................................................................
Per-Ove Jacobsson
Site Manager
1 /. Intermec assumes no responsibility regarding the CE Directive if the
printer is handled, modified, or installed in other manners than those described
inthe manuals.

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Contents
Before You Begin ............................................................................ x
Safety Summary ............................................................... x
Safety Icons .................................................................... xi
Global Services and Support .......................................... xii
Warranty Information ..................................... xii
Web Support ................................................... xii
Telephone Support .......................................... xii
Who Should Read is Document? ................ xii
Related Documents ......................................... xii
1 Introduction
Description of EasyCoder PC4. .....................................................2
Safety Summary .............................................................................3
Product Identification ....................................................................3
2 Installation
Unpacking...................................................................................... 6
Power Connection .........................................................................7
Memory Cartridge .........................................................................8
Installation of Memory Cartridge ....................................8
Computer Connection ...................................................................9
Centronics Parallel Interface ............................................9
Serial RS-232 Interface ..................................................10
USB Interface ................................................................10
Software Installation .....................................................................11
3 Operation
Controls and Indicators ...............................................................14
On/Off Switch ...............................................................14
Feed Key ........................................................................14
Indicator Lamp ..............................................................15
Media Compartment ...................................................................16
Media Load ..................................................................................17
Introduction ..................................................................17
Tear-Off .........................................................................17
Peel-Off .........................................................................17

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Cut-Off .........................................................................17
Label Taken Sensor ........................................................18
Tear-Off Operation ......................................................................19
Peel-Off Operation ......................................................................21
Cut-Off Operation .......................................................................23
External Supply ............................................................................26
Ribbon Load ................................................................................22
Loading a Fresh Ribbon Roll .........................................26
Removing a Partially Used Ribbon ................................27
Label Gap Sensor .........................................................................28
Adjustment ....................................................................28
Test Mode ....................................................................................29
4 Maintenance
External Cleaning ........................................................................32
Printhead Cleaning ......................................................................32
5 Troubleshooting
Problems and Solutions or Reasons ..............................................34
A Technical Data
Technical Data .............................................................................36
B Media Specifications
Direct ermal Media ..................................................................42
ermal Transfer Media ...............................................................43
Transfer Ribbons ..........................................................................44
Media Roll Size ............................................................................45
Labels ...........................................................................................46
Tags and Strip with Slots ..............................................................47
Tags and Strip with Black Marks ..................................................48
Plain Continuous Stock ...............................................................49
C Interfaces
Parallel Interface.................... .......................................................52
RS-232 Serial Interface ................................................................53
USB Interface ..............................................................................54

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D Firmware Upgrading
Requirements ...............................................................................56
Using a PC ....................................................................56
Using a Memory Cartridge ............................................56
Instructions ..................................................................................57
Using a PC ....................................................................57
Using a Memory Cartridge ............................................57

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Before You Begin
is section provides you with safety information, technical support
information, and sources for additional product information.
Safety Summary
Your safety is extremely important. Read and follow all warnings and
cautions in this document 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 circum-
stances. 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 breath-
ing. 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 autho-
rized emergency work on energized equipment, be sure that you comply
strictly with approved safety regulations.

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Safety Icons
is section explains how to identify and understand dangers, warnings,
cautions, and notes that are in this document. You may also see icons
that tell you when to follow ESD procedures.
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.
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.
is icon appears at the beginning of any procedure in this
manual that could cause you to touch components (such as
printed circuit boards) that are susceptible to damage from
electrostatic discharge (ESD). When you see this icon, you
must follow standard ESD guidelines to avoid damaging the
equipment you are servicing.
Note: Notes either provide extra information about a topic or
contain special instructions for handling a particular condition
or set of circumstances.

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Global Services and Support
Warranty Information
To understand the warranty for your Intermec product, visit the
Intermec web site at http://www.intermec.com and click Service &
Support. e Intermec Global Sales & Service page appears. From the
Service & Support menu, move your pointer over Support, and then
click Warranty.
Web Support
Visit the Intermec web site at http://www.intermec.com to download
our current documents in PDF format. To order printed versions of the
Intermec manuals, contact your local Intermec representative or distribu-
tor.
Visit the Intermec technical knowledge base (Knowledge Central) at
http://intermec.custhelp.com to review technical information or to
request technical support for your Intermec product.
Telephone Support
Contact your local Intermec representative. To search for your local rep-
resentative, from the Intermec web site, click Contact.
Who Should Read This Document?
is User’s Guide provides you with information about the features of
the EasyCoder PC4 printer and how to install, configure, operate, main-
tain, and troubleshoot it.
Related Documents
e Intermec web site at http://www.intermec.com contains our current
documents that you can download in PDF format. To order printed ver-
sions of the Intermec manuals, contact your local Intermec representative
or distributor.

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1 Introduction
is chapter introduces the EasyCoder PC4 printer.
e chapter covers the following topics:
• Description of EasyCoder PC4
• Safety summary
• Product identification

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Description of EasyCoder PC4
Intermec EasyCoder PC4 is a series of dedicated direct thermal and com-
bined thermal transfer/direct thermal printers with a printhead density of
203.2 dots per inch (8 dots per mm) or 300 dots per inch (11.81 dot per
mm).
e EasyCoder PC4 printers are fitted with parallel Centronics, serial
RS-232 and USB ports as standard.
As an option, the EasyCoder PC4 can be fitted with a paper cutter that
cuts continuous strip or liner between labels or a battery pack.
All EasyCoder PC4 printers are delivered with the Intermec InterDriver
for Microsoft Windows 98/Me, and Windows NT 4.0/W2000/XP. e
InterDriver makes it possible to produce printouts from most standard
programs run under the various versions of MS Windows.
Label design becomes an easy task with Intermec LabelShop, a series of
“what-you-see-is-what-you-get” PC label-editing programs and com-
patible with the full range of Intermec EasyCoder printers. Intermec
LabelShop START is included in the delivery.
EasyCoder PC4 can also be run using ESim control commands described
in the EasyCoder ESim v6.XX, Programmer’s Reference Manual. ese con-
trol commands use short lines of ASCII characters to format the labels,
enter text and bar codes and control the printing, making it possible to
use a terminal or personal computer, that does not operate under MS
Windows.
For comprehensive technical data, refer to Appendix 1.

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Safety Summary
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.
• Read this manual carefully before connecting the printer.
• 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.
• Do not spray the printer with water. If you are using a hose to clean
the premises in an industrial environment, remove the printer or pro-
tect it carefully from spray and moisture.
• Carefully read the warning text on the envelope before using a clean-
ing card.
Product Identification
e machine label is attached to the bottom of the printer and contains
information on type, model, and serial number as well as AC voltage. It
also contains various signs of approval.

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2 Installation
is chapter how an EasyCoder PC4 is unpacked,
connected to a power source, and connected to a
computer. It also explains how to install the software
and how to expand the memory using a memory
cartridge.

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Unpacking
Before starting the installation, carefully examine the delivery for possible
damage or missing parts:
1 Open the box and lift up the power supply unit, cables, and other
parts.
2 Remove the upper foam-plastic shock absorber and lift up the printer.
Check that no visible damage has occurred during the transportation.
Keep the packing material in case you need to move or reship the
printer.
3 Check to make sure any options ordered are included.
4 Check the accessories included in the delivery. In addition to possible
options, the box should contain:
• Intermec EasyCoder PC4 printer
• Power supply adapter with either one power cord for 115V U.S.
wall sockets or two different power cords for 230V European and
240V U.K. wall sockets
• Communication cable
• Empty ribbon core (thermal transfer printers only)
• Sample roll of labels
• Media roll spindle
• Quick-Start Guide
• Manuals and an assortment of application software on CD-ROM.
Should any kind of damage have occurred during transportation, imme-
diately make a complaint to the carrier.
Any incorrect delivery or missing parts should be reported to the dis-
tributor.
e discharge of electrostatic energy accumulated on the
human body, the clothing, or other surfaces can damage
or destroy the printhead or electronic components used in
this printer. Avoid touching the electrical connectors while
unpacking and setting up the printer.

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O
I
Power Connection
1 Place the printer in a suitable location that allows easy access to
printed labels and preferably also easy reload of media and transfer
ribbon. e printer should only be operated while resting on a hori-
zontal surface, like a table or similar.
e printer and power supply unit must never be operated
in a location where they can get wet. Personal injury could
result! Only use with power supply adapter Intermec SPN-
470-24 P/N 1-092515-XX.
2 Place the power supply adapter in a suitable location between the
printer and an electrical outlet, for example on the floor. e power
supply adapter can be used for 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz. e
configuration of the power cord plug differs according to national
standards.
3 Check that the printer’s On/Off switch at the back is off (O).
4 First, fit the round connector into the power receptacle on the
printer's rear plate. en connect the power cord between the power
supply adapter and an AC wall socket.
5 e power can be switched on/off by means of the On/Off switch
situated at the back of the printer. e indicator lamp on the printer
lights green, red, or orange to indicate that the power is on. (It also
indicates various conditions, see Chapter 3.)
On/Off switch
Power receptacle
Power cord
Power supply
adapter
Low voltage
cable
Indicator lamp

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Memory Cartridge
e EasyCoder PC4 is fitted with 1 MB built-in flash memory and 2
MB DRAM. e built-in memory can be expanded using an exchange-
able memory cartridge with 1MB of Flash memory.
When fitting or removing a memory cartridge, the power to
the printer must be off!
Installation of Memory Cartridge
1 Ensure that the On/Off switch on the printer is off (0).
2 Open the top cover by pressing the two locks on either side.
3 Remove the cartridge slot cover located to the left of the media roll.
Be careful not to drop it inside the printer.
4 Ensure that the switch at the front short side of the cartridge is in its
lower position.
5 Insert the memory cartridge into the cartridge slot. Its slightly curved
shape ensures that the cartridge can only be fitted correctly. Push
firmly to seat the cartridge.
6 Firmly close the top cover and switch on the power.
Insert memory
cartridge
Memory
Cartridge
Switch down