Intermec EasyCoder 401 User manual

EasyCoder 401
LinerLess Label Printer
P/N 1-960408-01
Edition 2
September 1998
User’s Manual

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
1
CONTENTS
Introduction Presentation of the EasyCoder 401 Linerless models .................................. 3
Get to Know Your Printer Front View ................................................................................................. 4
Rear View .................................................................................................. 4
Paper Stock Compartment .......................................................................... 5
Paper Load EasyCoder 401 Linerless Tear-Off (LLT).................................................... 6
EasyCoder 401 Linerless Cutter (LLC)....................................................... 9
Maintenance Printhead Cleaning ................................................................................... 12
External Cleaning ..................................................................................... 14
Cutter Cleaning ........................................................................................ 15
Printhead Replacement ............................................................................. 16
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 17
Intermec
EasyCoder 401 Linerless
User's Manual
Edition 2, September 1998
Part No. 1-960408-01

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
2
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 PTC AB, 1998. All rights reserved. Published in Sweden.
EasyCoder,Fingerprint,andLabelShopareregisteredtrademarksofIntermecTechnologiesCorp.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Speedo is a trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
TrueType is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
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)
Leprésentappareilnumériquen´émetpasde bruits radio-électriques dépassant les limites applicablesauxappareils
numériques de classe A prescrites dans le règlement sur brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des
Communications du Canada.

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
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INTRODUCTION
The Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless printers
come in two main models:
• EasyCoder 401 Linerless Tear-Off (LLT)
• EasyCoder 401 Linerless Cutter (LLC)
Bothmodelsaredirectthermalprintersintendedfor
printing linerless self-adhesive labels. The main
difference between the models is that the Tear-Off
modelusespre-perforatedlinerlessstripwithblack
marks which is manually torn off, whereas the
Cuttermodelhasanautomaticpapercutterthatcuts
off labels from continuous linerless strip with or
without black marks.
Linerless printing eliminates the liner (backing
paper), that usually protects the adhesive side of
self-adhesive labels, and is thus more economi-
cal with 60% more labels per roll, which gives
fewerpaperreloads.Variablelabellengthallows
for fewer label sizes in stock. The environment
also benefits from less waste.
Thelinerlesspapergiveshigherresistanceagainst
chemicals, scratching and UV light and a darker
image with longer life than common direct ther-
mal labels with liner.
EasyCoder401Linerlessprinterscanbecontrolled
byahostcomputerusingstandardorcustom-made
application software, e.g. the various Intermec
LabelShop label-design programs for Microsoft
Windows. Custom-made applications can be writ-
tenintheversatileBasic-inspiredIntermecFinger-
print programming language.
Optionally, the EasyCoder 401 Linerless printers
canbefittedwithascalablefontskitthatallowsthe
useofoutlinefontsinSpeedoandTrueTypeformat
and a real-time clock circuit. The Tear-Off model
can also be fitted with a label-taken sensor or a
paper cutter.
Informationonthedifferentoptionscanbefoundin
the Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless Technical
Manual,whichalsodescribesinstallationandcom-
puter connection.
The following manuals may be of interest to the
operator or programmer:
• Intermec EasyCoder 401 LL, Operator's Guide
• Intermec Shell Standard 4.01, Startup Manual
• Intermec EasyCoder 401 LL Technical Manual
• IntermecFingerprintDirect6.13,Programmer's
Guide
• IntermecFingerprint6.13,Programmer'sGuide
• Intermec Fingerprint 6.13, Reference Manual
• Intermec LabelShop, various manuals
EasyCoder 401 Linerless Tear-Off EasyCoder 401 Linerless Cutter
401 LL
401LL

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
4
Thermal Printer 401
N309
1-401011-11
Serial #
115-230V 2.6-1.3A 50-60Hz
INTERMEC PRINTER AB MADE IN SWEDEN
12223
ThisequipmentcomplieswiththerequirementsforaClassAcomputingdeviceinFCCRules
Part15SubpartJ.Operationofthisdeviceinaresidentialareamaycauseharmfulinterference
requiringtheusertotakewhateverstepsmaybenecessarytocorrecttheinterference.
401 LL
GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER
Print Key
Label Taken Sensor
(option for EC 401 LLT only)
Display Window
LED Indicator Lamps
Cutter Interface Connector
Front Door (or cutter)
The front door can be swung open and removed
from the hinges. In EasyCoder 401 LLC, it is
replaced by a cutter unit, see next page.
Continued!
Voltage Switch
Provision for Parallel Interface Board
Display Contrast Adjustment
Main Switch
Mains Receptacle
Machine Sign
Serial Interface Connector "uart1:"
This illustration shows an EasyCoder 401 LLT printer.
From behind, both models look identical.

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
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The paper stock compartment becomes accessible when the
right-hand and front doors or cutter are swung open. Although
the printer is operable when the doors are left opened or
completely removed, you are strongly recommended to keep
themclosedduringnormaloperation,soastopreventtheprinter
mechanism from being exposed to dust.
This illustration shows an EasyCoder 401 LLC printer.
An adapter for 76 mm (3") paper roll cores is included in the
delivery and can be fitted on the paper supply spool.
Lock the adapter by means of the screw, making sure that the
screwhitstheevenlyroundedplasticsurface,ratherthantheleaf
spring or the cam.
Load
Print
IMPORTANT PRINTHEAD AND RIBBON INFORMATION
Theuseofanythermaltransferribbons, otherthanthosesuppliedbyUBI, willinvalidate
theprintheadwarranty.UBIthermal transferribbonsareengineeredspecifically forthis printhead.
Thequalityofthermal andthermaltransfermedia suppliesin this printeris alsoofgreatimportance
forthequalityofprintingbarcodesanda longlifeoftheprinthead. UBIhascarefully matchedthe
paperwerecommend/providetotheneedsofthis printer. Wethereforestrongly adviseof using
only UBIrecommended/providedsuppliestoensurea highquality printing.
TEAR-OFF
401 LL
GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER, cont'd.
Paper Supply Spool
Printhead Lift Knob
Thermal
Printhead
Slack Absorber
Tear-Off Edge
401 LL
Paper Cutter
(incl. LTS)

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
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PAPER LOAD EasyCoder 401 LLT
Open the front and right-hand doors. Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
Remove the empty paper core, if any.
In case of paper roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first
fit the adapter on the paper supply spool.Fit a new paper roll on the tip of the paper supply spool.
1
3
5a 5b
4
2
401 LL
Turn the label slack absorber clockwise
so it snap-locks into open position.
38-40 mm
(1.5")
76 mm
(3")

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
7
PAPER LOAD, cont'd. EasyCoder 401 LLT
6
8 9
7
Push the paper inwards as far as it will go in the print
unit. Make sure that it runs under the label stop sensor.
Pull out the paper and thread it under the slack absorber
and through the print unit as illustrated. Then push the
roll inwards as far as it will go.
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.
Release the slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide
ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play (2). Close the front and side doors.
10
401LL
11
IMPORTANTPRINTHEADANDRIBBONINFORMATION
Theuseofanythermaltransferribbons,otherthanthosesuppliedbyUBI,willinvalidate
theprintheadwarranty.UBIthermaltransferribbonsareengineeredspecificallyforthisprinthead.
Thequalityofthermalandthermaltransfermediasuppliesinthisprinterisalsoofgreatimportance
forthequalityofprintingbarcodesandalonglifeoftheprinthead.UBIhascarefullymatchedthe
paperwerecommend/providetotheneedsofthisprinter.Wethereforestronglyadviseofusing
onlyUBIrecommended/providedsuppliestoensureahighqualityprinting.
TEAR-OFF
401LL
This diagram shows the label web path.
2.
1.

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
8
Feed out two blank labels by pressing the <Print> key
twice.
PAPER LOAD, cont'd. EasyCoder 401 LLT
12 13
401 LL
Tear of the labels by pulling down at the outer side.
# 1
# 2
2x
401 LL

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
9
PAPER LOAD EasyCoder 401 LLC
Open the cutter unit and the right-hand door.
1
3
5a 5b
4
2
-
401 LL
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
Remove the empty paper core, if any.
In case of paper roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first
fit the adapter on the paper supply spool.Fit a new paper roll on the tip of the paper supply spool.
Turn the label slack absorber clockwise
so it snap-locks into open position.
38-40 mm
(1.5")
76 mm
(3")

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
10
PAPER LOAD, cont'd. EasyCoder 401 LLC
6
8
10 11
9
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.
7
Thread the paper through the cutter so the equivalent of
at least one label protrudes outside the cutter.
Pull out the paper and thread it under the slack absorber
and through the print unit as illustrated. Then push the
roll inwards as far as it will go.
IMPORTANT PRINTHEADANDRIBBON INFORMATION
Theuseof anythermaltransferribbons, other thanthosesuppliedbyUBI, will invalidate
theprintheadwarranty.UBIthermaltransfer ribbonsare engineered specifically for this printhe
ad
Thequalityof thermal and thermal transfer media suppliesin this printer is alsoof great import
a
forthequalityofprinting bar codes and a long life of the printhead. UBI hascarefully matche
d
paperwerecommend/provideto theneedsof this printer. We therefore strongly adviseof u
si
onlyUBIrecommended/providedsuppliestoensure a highqualityprinting.
TEAR-OFF
401 LL
Push the paper inwards as far as it will go in the print
unit. Make sure that it runs under the label stop sensor.
This diagram shows the label web path.
Release the slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide
ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play (2).
2.
1.

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
11
PAPER LOAD, cont'd. EasyCoder 401 LLC
12 13
Close the cutter unit while pulling at the end of the paper.
Close the right-hand door. Feed out and cut two blank copies by pressing the <Print> key twice.
-
401 LL
# 2
# 1
401LL
2x

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
12
Load
Print
PRINTHEAD CLEANING
Open the front and right-hand doors.
1
3 4
2
Remove the paper supply.
Cleaning of the printhead on a regular basis, preferably in
connection with paper reload, is important for the life of the
printhead and for the printout quality. Below is a description on
how to clean the printhead by means of Cleaning Cards. If
additional cleaning is required, e.g. for removing adhesive
residue from the print roller, dispenser edge, or label path, use
a cotton swab moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
Caution:
Isopropyl alcohol [(CH3)2CHOH; CAS 67-63-0] is a highly
flammable, moderately toxic and mildly irritating substance.
Cleaning Card
Thispre-saturateddisposableThermalPrinterCleaningCardis
designedtosafelyandeffectivelyremovealldirt,ink,tape,
residue,adhesiveandothercontaminantsfromThermalPrintHeads.
ThisCleaningcardwillimproveprintqualityandthelifeofthe
ThermalPrintHead.
NOTE:ForThermalTransferPrinters,removeribbon.
•OpenpouchandremoveEasyCoderCleaningCard.
•LiftthermalprintheadandinsertEasyCoderCleaningCard.
LowerprintheadandpressFEEDorPRINT.Ifprinterreturns
anerrormessage,repeattheprocedurebutpressFEED
orPRINTbeforeloweringtheprinthead.Theprinterwillstart
feedingafterprintheadislowered.
•AllowafewsecondsforEasyCoderCleaningCardtodry,
theninsertdrycardforasecondtime,feedtoremoveremaining
contamination.
•RemoveCleaningCardanddisposeofproperly.
•UseEasyCoderCleaningCardsbeforeinsertingeveryrolloflabel
stockorticketstock.
–WorksonallEasyCoderPrinters–
Directions
RECOMMENDEDUSAGE:
SAFE•EASY•EFFECTIVE
PROTECTSYOUREQUIPMENT
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
Open the Cleaning Card pouch. The cleaning card
contains isopropyl alcohol, see “Caution” above.
401LL

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
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Load
Print
2.5 cm
(1")
1.
2.
LL
Load
Print
2.5 cm
(1")
1.
2.
L
Load
Print
401 LL
1.
Load
Print
01
LL
PRINTHEAD CLEANING, cont'd.
5
7
910
8
6
Pull out the cleaning card. Repeat if necessary.
Insert most of the cleaning card under the printhead (1).
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position (2). Pull out the cleaning card (1) and turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position (2).
Insert the cleaning card under the printhead again (1).
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position (2).
➨
Allow the cleaned parts to dry before
loading the printer with paper.
Wait for approx. 30 seconds.
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
30 s.

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
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401 LL
EXTERNAL CLEANING
1
34
2
Always remove the power cord before cleaning! Wipe external surface with a soft cloth moistened with water and, if necessary, a mild detergent.
Never spray the printer. Protect the printer from water
when cleaning the premises. Never use any sharp tools for removing stuck labels.
The printhead and the print roller are easily damaged.
TEAR-OFF
401 LL
IMPORTANT!
It is recommended to clean all surfaces in contact with the paper, including the
rubber roller, from adhesive residue at an interval of max. 3 km of paper feed
(corresponds approximately to 20 full size paper rolls). Use a cleaning card or a lint-
free cotton swab or cloth soaked with isopropyl alcohol.

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
15
CUTTER CLEANING EasyCoder 401 LLC
Open the cutter.
1
3 4
2
Disconnect the brace and open the anvil blade by
lifting the arm. Wipe clean the anvil blade with the swab.
Regularcleaningfromadhesiveresidueatthecuttingedgeofthe
anvil blade at an interval of approximately 50,000 cuts is
essential for troublefree operation. Use WD-40 or a similar
substance1.Ifadditionalcleaningoftheinteriorofthecutterunit
isrequired,useacottonswabmoistenedwithisopropylalcohol.
Caution:
WD-40 is an anti-corrosion spray lubricant manufactured
by WD-40 Company Ltd., Milton Keynes, England,
which contains 50% alifatic petroleum distillate.
It is highly flammable and may be harmful if inhaled or
consumed and at prolonged skin contact.
Before use, carefully read the warning text on the container.
Soak a cotton swab with WD-40 multi-spray or similar1.
Close the anvil blade and lock it with the brace.
Then close the cutter.
-
401LL
1/.Infoodindustryandretailapplications
subject to specific regulations, the WD-
40 could be replaced with a pure
consumable vegetable oil. After dis-
solvingtheresidue,carefullywipeclean
the anvil blade.
-
401 LL

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
16
PRINTHEAD REPLACEMENT
The quick-mount thermal printhead is easy to replace:
• Turn off the printer.
• Open the front and right-hand doors.
• Lift the printhead and remove the paper stock.
• Turn the printhead lock handle counter-clockwise to open posi-
tion, see illustration.
• Remove the printhead assy carefully as far as the cables allow.
• Remove the two printhead cables by pulling at the connectors.
• If you want to change the lateral position of the printhead, move
the #T20 Torx screw to its alternative position.
• Connect the two cables to the printhead.
• Fit the replacement printhead assy back into the bracket so the
guidescrewfitsinto its slot andtherearend of the assyisheldby
the two lugs.
• Turn the locking handle clockwise to locked position.
• Load paper. Then lower the printhead.
• Turn on the power. At power-up, the printer will automatically
resetitself tothecharacteristicsoftheprintheadinregardofhead
resistance.
• Close the front and right-hand door and the printer is ready for
operation.
Lug
Guide Screw
Slot
Lug
Open Position
Lock Handle
Locked Position
Alternative position
for guide screw
Printhead assy
Slot (for alternative position
of guide screw)

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
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TROUBLE SHOOTING
Thelistbelowisintendedtohelptheoperatortocorrectpossible
printouttroublesorflawsinprintoutquality,andtodecidewhen
assistance from the Service dept. of the nearest Intermec dis-
tributor is required. Note that most problems are due to operat-
ing errors or normal wear of the printhead.
Symptom Possible Cause Remedy Refer to
Overall weak printout Adhesive build-up on printhead Clean printhead User's Manual
Wrong Paper type setup Change setup Technical Manual
Low Contrast setup Change setup Technical Manual
Printhead pressure too low Adjust both knobs Technical Manual
Worn printhead Replace printhead User's Manual
Wrong printhead voltage Replace CPU board ☎ Call Service
Printout weaker on one side Uneven printhead pressure Adjust outer knob Technical Manual
Weak spots Foreign particles on paper Wipe paper clean n.a.
Paper fibres on printhead Clean printhead User's Manual
Poor paper quality Use other media Technical Manual
Worn printhead Replace printhead User's Manual
Worn pressing roller Check/replace ☎ Call Service
Overall dark printout Wrong Paper Type setup Change setup Technical Manual
Contrast setup value too high Change setup Technical Manual
Printhead pressure too high Adjust both knobs Technical Manual
Wrong printhead voltage Replace CPU board ☎ Call Service
Excessive bleeding Wrong Paper Type setup Change setup Technical Manual
Contrast setup value too high Change setup Technical Manual
Printhead pressure too high Adjust both knobs Technical Manual
Faulty energy control Replace CPU board ☎ Call Service
White lines along paper web Printhead dirty Clean printhead User's Manual
Missing dots on printhead Replace printhead User's Manual
Large part of dot line missing Wrong X-start or Width setup Change setup Technical Manual
Failing printhead Replace printhead User's Manual
Failing strobe signal Check CPU-board ☎ Call Service
Last part of label missing Too small image buffer Increase buffer Technical Manual
Printout missing along inner edge Bad paper alignment Adjust User's Manual
X-start setup value too low Increase Technical Manual
Paper jams in printer Adhesive residue on printer parts Clean User's Manual
Adhesive residue in cutter Clean User's Manual
Compressed printing along web Too high release force required Change paper n.a.
Inferior ladder bar code printing Linerless less suited for ladder bar codes Change the layout n.a.
Bad cutting Adhesive residue on anvil blade Clean User's Manual
Paper jams in cutter unit Adhesive residue inside cutter unit Clean User's Manual
Parts of labels stuck inside cutter unit Clean User's Manual
Cutter does not cut Safety switch defect or not activated Check arm is closed User's Manual
Check switch ☎ Call Service
Wrong Fingerprint version (< 6.1) Check version Shell Manual
Printer does not feed LTS erroneously detects label not taken Adjust LTS Technical Manual

Intermec EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
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NOTES