Intermec EasyCoder PD4 User manual

User’s Guide
EasyCoder PD4
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.
© 2005 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.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide iii
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
found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursu-
ant 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.
EMS and EMI Compliance Statement
is equipment has been tested and passed with the requirements relat-
ing to electromagnetic compatibility based on the standards EN50081-1
(EN55022 CLASS A) and EN61000-4-2/-3/-4/-5/-6/-8/-11 (IEC Teil
2,3,4). e equipment also tested and passed in accordance with the
European Standard EN55022 for the both Radiated and Conducted
emissions limits.

iv Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide

Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide v
Contents
Contents
Before You Begin ......................................................................... viii
Safety Summary ............................................................ viii
Safety Icons .................................................................... ix
Global Services and Support .......................................................... x
Warranty Information ...................................................... x
Web Support ................................................................... x
Telephone Support .......................................................... x
Related Documents ......................................................... x
1 Introduction
Description of EasyCoder PD4 ......................................................2
Safety Warnings .............................................................................3
Product Identification ....................................................................3
2 Installation
Unpacking the Printer ....................................................................6
Front View .....................................................................................7
Rear View ......................................................................................8
Media Compartment .....................................................................9
Print Mechanism ..........................................................................10
Connections .................................................................................11
Power ............................................................................11
Computer ......................................................................11
Controls and Indicators ...............................................................12
Control Lamps ..............................................................12
Display ..........................................................................12
Control Keys .................................................................12
Beeper ...........................................................................12
3 Starting Up
Switching On the Printer .............................................................16
Direct Mode ................................................................................17
Printing a Test Label .....................................................................18

vi Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide
Contents
4 Loading Media
Tear-Off (Straight-through) .........................................................20
Peel-Off (Self-strip) .....................................................................25
ermal Transfer Printing ............................................................29
Ribbon Load ................................................................................30
5 Printing
Controlling the Printing ...............................................................34
Setup Methods .............................................................................35
Navigating in the Setup Mode .....................................................35
6 Options
Stripper and Internal Rewinder ....................................................40
Installation Instructions .................................................40
Cutter ..........................................................................................42
Installation Instructions .................................................42
7 Troubleshooting
Error Handling ............................................................................46
Clearing Media Jam in Cutter ......................................................49
Entering the Dump Mode ............................................................50
8 Maintaining the Printer
Printhead Cleaning ......................................................................52
External Cleaning ........................................................................54
Media Jams ..................................................................................56
9 Adjustments
Printhead Balance Adjustment .....................................................58
Printhead Pressure Adjustment .....................................................59
Printhead Dot Line Position Adjustment .....................................60
Label Gap Sensor Position Adjustment ........................................62
Label Gap Sensor Calibration ......................................................63
Ribbon Tension Adjustment .........................................................64
Ribbon Shield Adjustment ...........................................................65
Switching Edge Guide ..................................................................66

Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide vii
Contents
A Technical Data
Table of Technical Data ................................................................70
B Media Specifications
Media Roll Size ............................................................................74
Core ..............................................................................74
Internal Roll ..................................................................74
Media ..........................................................................................75
Non-Adhesive Strip .......................................................75
Self-Adhesive Strip .........................................................76
Self-Adhesive Labels .......................................................77
Tickets with Gaps ..........................................................79
Tickets with Black Mark ................................................81
C Interfaces
RS-232 Interface ..........................................................................84
Protocol .........................................................................84
Interface Cable ..............................................................84
USB Interface ..............................................................................85
Parallel Interface ...........................................................................86
D Firmware Upgrading
Requirements ...............................................................................88
Instructions ..................................................................................88

viii Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide
Before You Begin
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.

Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide ix
Before You Begin
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.

x Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide
Before You Begin
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.
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.

Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide 1
1 Introduction
is chapter introduces the EasyCoder PD4 printer.
e chapter covers the following topics:
• Description of EasyCoder PD4
• Safety summary
• Product identification

2 Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide
Chapter 1—Introduction
Description of EasyCoder PD4
e EasyCoder PD4 is a basic-performance thermal transfer/direct ther-
mal label printer suitable for medium-duty industrial applications. With
robust metal outer casing and inner mechanics, the EasyCoder PD4
provides durability, even in industrial environments.
e EasyCoder PD4 comes in three main versions:
A Printer with a three-key front panel, 203 dpi (dots per inch) print-
head, and the options limited to keyboard/display unit and EasyLAN
10 external Ethernet adapter.
B Printer with a graphic display and three-key front panel for easy setup
and monitoring, 203 dpi printhead, a real-time clock, and a label
taken sensor. e options include stripper and rewinder unit, cutter,
memory expansion module, external keyboard/display unit, and
EasyLAN 10 external Ethernet adapter.
C Same as B, but with a 300 dpi printhead.
Please refer to Appendix A, “Technical Data” for more information.
Note: roughout this manual, the printer models with a
graphic display are described, unless otherwise stated.

Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide 3
Chapter 1—Introduction
Safety Warnings
• 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 13 kg (28.7 pounds) plus supplies.
• Do not spray the printer with water. If you are using a hose to clean
the premises in an industrial environment, remove the printer or 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 printer’s rear plate and contains
information on type, model, and serial number as well as AC voltage. It
also contains various signs of approval.

4 Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide
Chapter 1—Introduction

Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide 5
2 Installation
is chapter explains how to unpack and install
the EasyCoder PD4 printer and also describes the
printer’s various parts in detail. It covers the following
topics:
• Unpacking the printer
• Parts on the printer’s front
• Parts on the printer’s rear plate
• Parts in the media compartment
• Parts in the print mechanism
• Connecting the printer
• Using the controls and understanding the indica-
tors

6 Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide
Chapter 2—Installation
Unpacking the Printer
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 transpor-
tation. Keep the packing materials in case you need to move or reship
the printer.
• Check the label on the printer’s rear plate, which gives the voltage, the
part number, and the serial number.
• Check that any options you ordered are included.
• Check that all the accessories are included. As standard, the box con-
tains:
- Intermec EasyCoder PD4 printer
- Power cord
- Parallel cable
- High edge guide
- Empty ribbon core
- Supporting software and product information on CD
- Quick Start Guide.
• Check that the power cord is appropriate for the local standard. e
printer works with 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz.
If the printer has been damaged in any way during transportation, com-
plain to the carrier immediately.
If the delivery is incorrect or any parts are missing, report it immediately
to the distributor.

Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide 7
Chapter 2—Installation
Front View
At the front of the printer are the display window, the control lamps, and
the control keys. ese features allow the operator to control and set up
the printer manually as described later in this chapter.
e printed labels, tickets, or tags are presented at the front of the print
mechanism. e front cover can be removed for loading of labels at peel-
off (self-strip) operation and for installation of a cutter (options).
Side door with
inspection window
Control lamps
LCD display
(some models
only)
Control keys
Front cover

8 Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide
Chapter 2—Installation
Rear View
e rear plate contains the On/Off switch, the AC power cord socket,
and various interface connectors and slots.
On/Off Switch
AC Power cord
socket
Serial port
USB port
Parallel port
Intake slot for external
fan-fold supply

Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide 9
Chapter 2—Installation
Media Compartment
e media compartment is covered by a side door that completely
encloses the print mechanism and media compartment. It can be opened
180° to provide full access to the media compartment. e inspection
window allows checking how much ribbon and media remains without
having to open the door. e media can be supplied from a supply post,
or from an external supply of fan folds behind the printer.
Ribbon rod
Printhead lever
Ribbon rewind
shaft
Ribbon supply
shaft
Supply post
Edge guide
Ink position lever
Side door (opened)

10 Intermec EasyCoder PD4—User’s Guide
Chapter 2—Installation
Print Mechanism
e print mechanism features either an 8 dot/mm (203.2 dots/inch) or
11.81 dots/mm (300 dots/inch) quick-mount thermal printhead.
In front of the print mechanism is a fold-out label taken sensor, which
can hold the printing of next label until the previous one has been
removed.
Printhead
pressure
adjusters
Tear bar
Printhead
lever
Label taken
sensor Label
feed
guide
Thermal printhead