Intermec EasyCoder 501 SA User manual

EasyCoder 501
Bar Code Label Printer
P/N 1-960326-07
Edition 8
September 1998
User’s Manual

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
1
CONTENTS
Introduction Presentation of the EasyCoder 501 ............................................................. 3
Get to Know Your Printer Front View ................................................................................................. 4
Rear View .................................................................................................. 4
Paper Stock Compartment .......................................................................... 5
Paper Load Tear-Off ..................................................................................................... 6
Cut-Off....................................................................................................... 9
Peel-Off.................................................................................................... 12
Rewind ..................................................................................................... 15
External Supply ........................................................................................ 19
Ribbon Load Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon............................................................ 20
Maintenance Printhead Cleaning ................................................................................... 23
External Cleaning ..................................................................................... 25
Printhead Replacement ............................................................................. 26
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 27
Intermec EasyCoder 501
User's Manual
Edition 8, September 1998
Part No. 1-960326-07

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – 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, andLabelShop areregistered trademarksof IntermecTechnologies Corp.
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)
Leprésent appareilnumériquen´émet pasdebruits radio-électriquesdépassantles limitesapplicablesaux appareils
numériques de classe A prescrites dans le règlement sur brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des
Communications du Canada.
VDE 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 – User's Manual
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INTRODUCTION
The Intermec EasyCoder 501 is a series of modular
multipurpose thermal transfer/direct thermal printers.
Theycomeinthreemainmodelsintendedfordifferent
types of applications:
•EasyCoder 501 S (Standard) is mainly intended to
be controlled by a host computer using standard or
custom-made application software, e.g. the various
IntermecLabelShoplabel-designprogramsforMicro-
soft Windows. Being a low-cost alternative, it has a
somewhatlowerprintspeedandfeweroptions than
theothermembersofthisprinterfamily.EasyCoder
501 can be fitted with an optional scalable fonts kit
that allows the use of outline fonts in Speedo and
TrueTypeformat. Externally, the EasyCoder501 is
distinguished by the single Print key on its front
panel.
•EasyCoder 501 E (Enhanced) offers higher print
speedand alargerkeyboardthanEasyCoder501S.
The large number options in regard of media hand-
ling 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 pro-
gramming language. EasyCoder 501 E can, as an
option, be fitted with a scalable fonts kit that allows
the use of outline fonts in Speedo and TrueType
format.Thisprinter modelcaneasily berecognized
by its 22-key membrane keyboard.
•EasyCoder501SAisjustasquickandflexibleasthe
EasyCoder 501 E model, but is fitted with a special
“Stand-Alone”software,whichallowstheprinterto
be operated independently, without any computer
connection. This printer model is fitted with a large
built-in alphanumeric keyboard. The EasyCoder
501SAcaneasilybe“docked”toapersonalcompu-
terandloadedwithlabeltextsandformatscreatedin
the Intermec LabelShop 3.2 label-editing program
running under Microsoft Windows.
Informationonthedifferentmodelsandoptionscanbe
found in the Technical Manual, which also describes
installation and computer connection.
The following manuals may also be of interest to the
operator or programmer:
• Intermec EasyCoder 501, Operator's Guide
• Intermec Shell Standard 4.01, Startup Manual
• Intermec Shell Enhanced 4.01, Startup Manual
• Intermec Stand-Alone Concept, Operating Instruc-
tions
• IntermecDirectProtocol6.13,Programmer'sGuide
• Intermec Fingerprint 6.13, Programmer's Guide
• Intermec Fingerprint 6.13, Reference Manual
• Intermec LabelShop, various manuals
Intermec EasyCoder 501 SA
Intermec EasyCoder 501 E
Intermec EasyCoder 501 S

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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Thermal Printer 501
Model #
1-501011-14
Serial #
115-230V2.6-1.3A50-60Hz
INTERMECPRINTERABMADEINSWEDEN
25016
This equipment complies with the requirements for a Class Acomputing 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
GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER
Keyboard
Label Taken Sensor
(option)
Display Window
LED Indicator Lamps
Cutter Interface Connector
Memory Card Adapter
(option)
Front Door
The front door can be swung open and removed
from the hinges. It can also be replaced by an
optional paper cutter unit.
Continued!
Voltage Switch
Provision for Optional Interface Connectors
Display Contrast Adjustment
Main Switch
Mains Receptacle
Machine Sign
Lower External Paper Intake
Upper External Paper Intake
Serial Interface Connector "uart1:"

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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Backing Paper
Take-Up
IMPORTANT PRINTHEAD AND RIBBON INFORMATION
Theuseofanythermaltransferribbons,otherthanthosesuppliedbyUBI,willinvalidate
theprintheadwarranty.UBIthermaltransferribbonsareengineeredspecificallyforthisprinthead.
Thequalityofthermalandthermaltransfermediasuppliesinthisprinterisalsoofgreatimportance
forthequalityofprintingbarcodesandalonglifeoftheprinthead.UBIhascarefullymatchedthe
paperwerecommend/providetotheneedsofthisprinter.Wethereforestronglyadviseofusing
onlyUBIrecommended/providedsuppliestoensureahighqualityprinting.
TEAR-OFF
The paper stock compartment becomes accessible when the
right-handandfrontdoorsareswungopen.Althoughtheprinter
is operable when the doors are left opened or completely
removed, you are strongly recommended to keep them closed
duringnormaloperation,soastopreventtheprintermechanism
from being exposed to dust.
The 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.
GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER, cont'd.
Clip
Guide
Shaft
Paper Supply Spool
Transfer Ribbon Supply
Transfer Ribbon Take-Up
Slack Absorber
Printhead Lift Knob
Thermal
Printhead
Guide Ring
Dispenser Edge
External Guides
(option)
3" Adapter
Label Roll
Retainer
(option)
Rewind
Guide

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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PAPER LOAD – TEAR OFF
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 paper supply spool and push
the roll inwards as far as it will go.
1
3
4b 5a
4a
2
38-40 mm
(1.5")
76 mm
(3")
In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, thread the paper under-
neath the guide shaft behind the print mechanism.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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PAPER LOAD – TEAR OFF, cont'd.
5b
6
89a
7
In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, rotate the label slack absorber 180˚ clockwise to open position (snap-lock).
Then thread the paper underneath the slack absorber and under the guide plate of the label stop sensor.
Push the paper inwards as far as it will go.This diagram shows the path of the paper web.
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position. In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, adjust the green guide ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
8
PAPER LOAD – TEAR OFF, cont'd.
Close the front and side doors.
9b
11 12
10
To tear off the paper, pull it downwards.
Feed out two blank copies by pressing
the <Print> key twice.
In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, release the
slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide ring so the
paper is guided with a minimum of play (2).
2.
1.
# 1
# 2
2x

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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PAPER LOAD – CUT OFF
Open the optional cutter unit and the right-hand door.
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
1
3
5a 5b
4
2
Remove the empty paper core, if any.
Turn off the power using the switch on the rear plate.
Fit a new paper roll on the paper supply spool and push
the roll inwards as far as it will go.
38-40 mm
(1.5")
76 mm
(3")
In case of paper roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first
fit the adapter on the paper supply spool.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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PAPER LOAD – CUT OFF, cont'd.
This diagram shows the path of the paper web.
7b
8 9
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.Push the paper inwards as far as it will go.
6
In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, rotate the label slack absorber 180˚ clockwise to open position (snap-lock).
Then thread the paper underneath the slack absorber and under the guide plate of the label stop sensor.
7a
In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, thread the paper under-
neath the guide shaft behind the print mechanism.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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PAPER LOAD – CUT OFF, cont'd.
10a 10b
Turn on the power using the switch on the rear plate.
Thread the paper through the cutter between the two
guide plates. 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.
# 2
# 1
2x
11 12
13 14
In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, release the
slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide ring so the
paper is guided with a minimum of play (2).
2.
1.
In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, adjust the green guide
ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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PAPER LOAD – PEEL OFF
Remove the empty paper core, if any.
1
3
5a 5b
4
2
Open the front and right-hand doors Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
Pull out the green clip (1) on the backing paper take-up
and dispose of all wound-up backing paper (2).
In case of label roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first
fit the adapter on the paper supply spool.
Fit a new label roll on the paper supply spool and push
the roll inwards as far as it will go.
1.
2.
38-40 mm
(1.5")
76 mm
(3")

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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PAPER LOAD – PEEL OFF, cont'd.
Push the label web inwards as far as it will go.
6a
6b
8 9
7
In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, rotate the label slack absorber 180˚ clockwise to open position (snap-lock).
Then thread the label web underneath the slack absorber and under the guide plate of the label stop sensor.
This diagram shows the path of the label web and the
backing paper.
Pull out approx. 40 cm (15") of label web and remove the
labels from the backing paper.
In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, thread the paper under-
neath the guide shaft behind the print mechanism.
40 cm/15"

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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PAPER LOAD – PEEL OFF, cont'd.
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.
10
12
13b 14
13a
11
Secure the backing paper with the clip (1) and wind it up
on the take-up spool so the web becomes tight (2).
In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, release the
slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide ring so the
paper is guided with a minimum of play (2).
Thread the backing paper around the print roller and
dispenser edge and rearwards under the print unit.
1.
2.
In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, adjust the green guide
ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play.
2.
1.
Close the front and side doors. Feed out two blank labels
by pressing the <Print> key twice.
# 2
# 1
2x

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
15
PAPER LOAD – REWIND
Remove the empty paper core, if any.
1
3
56a
4
2
Open the front and right-hand doors. Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
Fit a new label roll on the paper supply spool and push
the roll inwards as far as it will go.
38-40 mm
(1.5")
Loosen the two screws that hold the rewind guide.
Remove the dispenser edge from the front of the print
mechanism and replace it with the rewind guide.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
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In case of label roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first
fit the two adapters on the paper supply spool.
76 mm
(3")
PAPER LOAD – REWIND, cont'd.
6b
7b
8 9
7a
In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, thread the paper under-
neath the guide shaft behind the print mechanism.
In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, rotate the label slack absorber 180˚ clockwise to open position (snap-lock).
Then thread the paper underneath the slack absorber and under the guide plate of the label stop sensor.
Push the paper inwards as far as it will go.This diagram shows the path of the label web.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
17
IMPO
The use of an
the printhead
The quality o
for the qua
paper w
only U
TEAR-OFF
40 cm/15"
PAPER LOAD – REWIND, cont'd.
Wind up the end of the label web on the rewind unit and
secure it with the clip.
10
12
14a 14b
13
11
Pull out approximately 40 cm (15") of labels. Thread the labels around the rewind guide and back
under the print mechanism towards the rewind unit.
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.
IMPO
Theuseofan
theprinthead
Thequalityof
forthequalit
paperwe
onlyUB
TEAR-OFF
1.
2.
In case of an EasyCoder 501 E or 501 SA, release the
slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide ring so the
paper is guided with a minimum of play (2).
In case of an EasyCoder 501 S, adjust the green guide
ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play.
2.
1.

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
18
PAPER LOAD – REWIND, cont'd.
15 16
Close the right-hand door but keep the front door open. Feed two blank copies by pressing the <Print> key twice.
IMP
Theuseofan
theprintheasp
Thequality
fortheq
paper
onlyU
TEAR-OFF
2x

Intermec EasyCoder 501 – User's Manual
19
PAPER LOAD – EXTERNAL PAPER SUPPLY
The outer guide is adjustable for different paper widths.
1
3
5
4
2
The printer can be supplied with paper from e.g. an
external label roll or a box of fan-fold tickets via the
upper or lower slot in the rear plate. The lower intake slot is preferred when the supply is placed lower than the printer.
As an option, the printer can be fitted with a set of
fan-fold guides in either intake slot.
The fan-fold guide can be supplemented with an
additional guide shaft which replaces the label slack
absorber. Thread the paper between the guide shafts as
illustrated from either the upper or lower intake slot.
When an external paper supply is used, take precautions
to protect the paper stock from sand, grit and other hard
particles, that may damage the printhead!