Intermec PM4I User manual

User’s Guide
EasyCoder PM4i
Bar Code Label
Printer
(Fingerprint Version)

Intermec Printer AB
Idrottsvägen 10
P.O. Box 123
S-431 22 Mölndal
Sweden
Service support: [phone]
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.
© 2003 by Intermec Printer AB
All Rights Reserved
EasyCoder, EasyLAN, Fingerprint, and LabelShop are registered trade-
marks of Intermec Technologies Corp. The word Intermec, the Intermec
logo, InterDriver, PrintSet, and Duratherm are trademarks of Intermec
Technologies Corp.
The name Centronics is wholly owned by GENICOM Corporation.
Kimdura is a registered trademark of Kimberly Clark.
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.
Valeron is a registered trademark of Valéron Strength Films, an ITW
Company.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names may be used. Rather than
put a trademark (™) 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.

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) iii
Preface
Contents
FCC Notice (U.S.A.) ................................................................... vii
DOC Notice (Canada) ................................................................ vii
GS Notice (Germany).................................................................. vii
EU Standard EN 55022 (The European Union).......................... vii
Declaration of Conformity (CE)................................................. viii
1 Introduction
Description of EasyCoder PM4i Printer.........................................2
Safety Summary .............................................................................3
Product Identification ....................................................................3
2 Installation
Unpacking the Printer....................................................................6
Front View.....................................................................................7
Rear View ......................................................................................8
Media Compartment .....................................................................9
Description......................................................................9
Media Supply Roll Post .................................................10
Print Mechanism..........................................................................11
Connections.................................................................................12
Power ............................................................................12
Computer......................................................................12
Controls and Indicators ...............................................................13
Control Lamps ..............................................................13
Display ..........................................................................13
Keyboard ....................................................................... 14
Beeper ...........................................................................14
3 Starting Up
Startup Files .................................................................................16
Memory Card ..............................................................................17
Switching On the Printer .............................................................18

iv Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Preface
4 Media Load
Tear-Off (Straight-through) .........................................................20
Peel-Off (Self-strip) ......................................................................24
Cut-Off........................................................................................29
External Supply (Fanfold) ............................................................33
Rotating Media Supply ................................................................34
5 Thermal Transfer Printing
Ribbon Load................................................................................36
6 Setting Up the Printer
Description. .................................................................................42
Default Setup...............................................................................43
Reading the Current Setup...........................................................44
Setup Parameters..........................................................................45
Serial Communication...................................................45
Baud Rate .......................................................45
Character Length ............................................46
Parity...............................................................46
Stop Bits..........................................................46
Flow Control...................................................46
New Line ........................................................47
Receive Buffer .................................................47
Transmit Buffer...............................................47
Feed Adjust....................................................................48
Start Adjust .....................................................48
Stop Adjust .....................................................48
Recommended Feed Adjustments....................49
Media ............................................................................50
Media Size.......................................................50
Media Type .....................................................52
Paper Type.......................................................53
Contrast..........................................................55
Paper Sensor....................................................55
Testfeed...........................................................55
Print Defines .................................................................56
Head Resistance ..............................................56
Testprint..........................................................56

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) v
Preface
Print Speed......................................................56
LTS (Label Taken Sensor)................................56
7 Setup Mode
Entering the Setup Mode at Installation.......................................60
Navigating in Setup Mode ...........................................................61
Setup Mode Overviews ................................................................63
8 Intermec Shell Startup Program
Introduction ................................................................................72
Starting with Intermec Shell.........................................................74
Intermec Shell Overview ..............................................................78
Line Analyzer ...............................................................................79
9 Options
Introduction ................................................................................82
Integral Liner Takjeup Unit..........................................................83
Paper Cutter.................................................................................83
Media Supply Hub.......................................................................83
Media Roll Retainer.....................................................................83
3-inch Adapter.............................................................................83
Label Taken Sensor ......................................................................83
Real Time Clock ..........................................................................84
Internal Fan-Fold Guide ..............................................................84
Side Door with Keylock ...............................................................84
Paper Sensor.................................................................................84
CompactFlash Protection Plate ....................................................84
Special Printheads ........................................................................84
Interface Boards ...........................................................................85
10 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting List ....................................................................88
11 Maintenance
Printhead Cleaning ......................................................................92
External Cleaning ........................................................................95
Cleaning the Media Guides..........................................................96

vi Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Preface
Printhead Replacement ................................................................98
Media Jams ................................................................................100
12 Adjustments
Narrow Media Adjsutment.........................................................102
Label Stop Sensor Position Adjustment ......................................103
Printhead Pressure......................................................................104
Ribbon Break Shaft....................................................................105
A Technical Specifications
Technical Data ...........................................................................108
B Media Specifications
Media Roll Size..........................................................................112
Media ........................................................................................113
Non-Adhesive Strip .....................................................113
Self-Adhesive Strip.......................................................114
Self-Adhesive Labels.....................................................115
Tickets with Gap .........................................................117
Tickets with Black Mark..............................................119
C Interfaces
RS-232 Interface........................................................................122
USB Interface ............................................................................123
Bar Code Wand Interface...........................................................124
Optional Interfaces ....................................................................125
D Intermec Supplies
Direct Thermal Media ...............................................................130
Thermal Transfer Media.............................................................131
Transfer Ribbons........................................................................132
Bar Code Directions ..................................................................133
Recommended Paper Type Settings (Europe) .............................134
Recommended Paper Type Settings (North America).................136

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) vii
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 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.
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 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 édictépar le
Ministère des Communications du Canada.
GS Notice (Germany)
ALLGEMEINE VORSCHRIFT
Reparaturen oder sonstige Eingriffe, die sich nicht auf normale Bedi-
enung 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.

viii Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Preface
Declaration of Conformity (CE)
We,
Intermec Printer AB
Box 123
S-431 22 Mölndal
Sweden
declare under our sole responsibility1that the product
EasyCoder PM4i
to which this declaration relates is in conformity
with the following standards
EMC:
EN 61000-6-4:2001
EN 61000-6-2:2001
Electrical Safety:
EN 60 950
following the provisions of Directives
89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC
Mölndal 2003-03-12
...................................................................
Per-Ove Jacobsson
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 PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 1
1 Introduction
This chapter introduces the EasyCoder PM4i printer.
The chapter covers the following topics:
•Description of EasyCoder PM4i
•Safety summary
•Product identification

2 Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 1 —Introduction
Description of EasyCoder PM4i Printer
The EasyCoder PM4i is a sturdy thermal transfer printer with a print-
head resolution of 8 dots/mm = 203.2 dot/inch (standard) or 11.81
dots/mm = 300 dots/inch (option) and a maximum print width of 104
mm (4.095 inches) or 105.7 mm (4.161 inches) respectively. It offers a
large number of useful features, such as:
•Flash memory SIMMs for firmware, fonts, bar codes, and application
programs
•Built-in CompactFlash memory card adapter
•Built-in RS-232 and USB interfaces
•Provision for extra interface boards including wired and wireless Eth-
ernet connections
•Keyboard and display with backlight for improved user interface.
A large number of factory-installed or field-installable options are avail-
able, so the printer can be configured for a wide range of applications.
See Chapter 9 and Appendix A for more information.
The EasyCoder PM4i supports the unique and flexible Intermec Finger-
print v8.xx programming language, which allows the user or third-party
developer to create custom-made application programs and label formats
in a BASIC-like environment.
The printer is also designed to work with the Intermec Direct Proto-
col programming language, the Intermec InterDriver and Intermec
Labelshop. The InterDriver allows you to print labels from standard
MS Windows applications, for example Microsoft Office. Intermec
LabelShop is a series of label-design programs that work under various
versions of MS Windows.
The EasyCoder PM4i Compact supports 15 scaleable Unicode TrueType
and TrueDoc fonts as standard. Additional fonts can be downloaded into
the printer’s Flash memory, or be plugged in using a CompactFlash card.
The Unicode standard allows the use of special characters for various
languages including non-Latin fonts, such as Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese,
Japanese, Korean, Hebrew, and similar.
A version of EasyCoder PM4i, that supports the Intermec Programming
Language (IPL), is described in a special User’s Guide.

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 3
Chapter 1 —Introduction
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.
•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.
•Make sure that the side door cannot unintentionally swing down
when you have your fingers or hands inside the media compartment.
Risk of injury because of the weight of the side door!
•Place the printer on an even surface which can support its weight of
approximately 13.5 kg (30 pounds) plus supplies.
•Do not spray the printer with water. If you are using a hose to clean
the premises in an environment, remove the printer or protect it care-
fully from spray and moisture.
•Carefully read the warning text on the envelope before using a clean-
ing card.
Product Identification
The 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 PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 1 —Introduction

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 5
2 Installation
This chapter explains how to unpack and install the
EasyCoder PM4i and also describes the printer’s vari-
ous 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 PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
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 PM4i printer
- Power cord
- Quality check card
- Cleaning card
- High edge guide for media supply post
- Short strip of labels
- Starter pack of thermal transfer ribbon
- This User’s Guide
- Supporting software and product information on CD.
•Check that the power cord is appropriate for the local standard. The
printer works within 90 to 265 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.
European-type US/Canadian-type GB-type
230 VAC plug 115 VAC plug 230 VAC plug

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 7
Chapter 2 —Installation
Front View
At 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.
The printed labels, tickets, or tags are presented at the front of the print
mechanism, which is covered by a door.
Side door
Control lamps
Display window
Keyboard
Print button
Front door
Print mechanism

8 Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 2 —Installation
Rear View
The 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
Memory card slot
Machine label
RS-232 serial interface
("uart1:")
Provision for two optional
interface boards
Bar code wand socket
USB Interface
("usb1:")
Provision for EasyLAN
Wireless antenna
(option)
Provision for EasyLAN
Ethernet connection
(option)
Intake slot for external
media supply

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 9
Chapter 2 —Installation
Media Compartment
Description
The media compartment is completely covered by a door that can be
opened 180°upwards to provide full access for media and ribbon load
and has an inspection window for checking the media and transfer
ribbon supplies.
The media can be supplied from a post or, optionally, from an external
supply of fan folds behind the printer using an internal media guide
device. There is also an optional rotating media supply hub. Also see
Chapter 9, “Options.”
Media supply
roll post with
edge guide
Side door
Print
mechanism
Integral liner
takeup
Thermal transfer
mechanism
Front door
Lock (option)
Slack absorber
Inspection
window
Keyboard

10 Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 2 —Installation
Media Supply Roll Post
The media supply roll post fits both 38-40 mm (1.5 inches) and 76 mm
(3.0 inches) cores because it can be moved up or down in a slot in center
section. The bottom position is intended for small cores and the top
position is for large cores. The post is locked by a straight-slot screw.
The post has a moveable edge guide to fit various media widths. As stan-
dard, a low guide is factory-fitted on the post and a high guide is packed
separately with the other printer accessories. When switching the edge
guide, be careful not to break it. In this manual, the high edge guide is
generally illustrated.
When the edge guide is in its outermost position, it can be tilted down to
a horizontal attitude to allow removal of the empty core and loading of a
new media roll. After loading the media roll, tilt up the edge guide and
push it inwards so the media roll becomes flush with the center section.
The low edge guide allows media rolls with 3-inch cores to be loaded
without tilting down the guide.
Optionally, the printer can be fitted with an 1.5-inch rotating media
supply hub instead of a post and a paper sensor, which detects when
the remaining amount of media has reach a level specified in the Setup
Mode. There are also a 3-inch adapter and a label roll retainer. Another
option is an internal guide for media placed behind the printer (for
example fan-folds). For illustrations, see Chapter 9 “Options”.
76 mm
(3 in.)
CORE
38-40 mm
(1.5 in.)
Low edge guide
(standard)
Screw (hidden)
High edge guide
(accessory)

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 11
Chapter 2 —Installation
Print Mechanism
The print mechanism features a high-performance thermal printhead
with quick-mount fittings to facilitate replacement.
Thermal
printhead
Pressure arm
Printhead lift lever
Label stop sensor
position adjustment
Edge guide
Platen roller
Ribbon supply hub
Ribbon rewind hub
Tear bar
(tear-off
and peel-off))
Ribbon break
shaft
Finisher
interface

12 Intermec EasyCoder PM4i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 2 —Installation
Connections
Power
1Place the printer on a level surface, near an AC outlet. You should be
able to easily access the printer to load media and to remove the print-
out.
2Check that the printer is switched off.
3Connect the power cord between the receptacle on the rear plate and
to the electrical outlet (90 to 265 VAC).
Computer
The Easycoder PM4i is fitted with one 9-pin D-style subminiature
(DB9) socket for the RS-232 serial interface port and one class B connec-
tor for the USB interface port (see Appendix C).
RS-232 Serial Interface ("uart1:")
Use the serial interface with Intermec LabelShop or the Intermec Inter-
Driver. Also use it with the Intermec Direct Protocol or the Intermec
Fingerprint programming language because you can receive error mes-
sages from your printer. Before you can use the serial interface, you may
need to set up the communication parameters, such as baud rate, parity,
etc. as described in Chapter 6, “Setting Up the Printer.”
USB Interface ("usb1:")
Use the USB interface with an USB-compatible version of the Intermec
InterDriver for printing. The USB interface is not suitable for program-
ming because the host cannot receive error messages from your printer).
Optional Interface and Network Boards
("uart2:", "uart3:", "centronics:", and "net1:")
Several types are available (see Chapter 9, “Options”). Refer to Appendix
C and the separate documentation delivered with the boards for connec-
tion and setup instructions.
The printer can be set to scan all communication ports for incoming
data and automatically switch to that port. This facility ("auto:") can
be selected in Intermec Shell (see Chapter 8) or using the Intermec
Fingerprint instruction SETSTDIO, see Intermec Fingerprint v8.00,
Programmer’s Reference Manual.
Switch off both PC and printer before connecting them together.