Intermec PM4I User manual

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

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.
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.

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) iii
Document Change Record
is page records changes to this document. e document was origi-
nally released as version -00.
Version Date Description of Change
-00 May 2003 Supports original Fingerprint version (v8.00).
-01 Oct. 2003 Revised to support Fingerprint v8.10. Information about
EasyLAN Wireless interface added.
-02
-52
Feb. 2004
June 2004
Revised to support Fingerprint v8.20 and Intermec Shell
v8.1. Information on Intermec Readiness Indicator added.
New method for returning to factory default added. New
setup node for LSS test added. More bar codes supported.
-03 August
2004
Revised to support Fingerprint v8.30 and Intermec Shell
v8.2. Full support for double optional interface boards
including up to five serial communication ports. Support for
composite bar codes.
-04 January
2006
Revised to support Fingerprint v8.70. RFID functionality
and description of the Ready-to-Work indicator has been
added.
Version -00 to -09 are original versions in US English.
Version -50 to -59 are Chinese translations.

iv Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) v
Contents
Contents
Before You Begin........................................................................... ix
Safety Summary.............................................................. ix
Safety Icons ..................................................................... x
Global Services and Support ......................................................... xi
Warranty Information..................................................... xi
Web Support .................................................................. xi
Telephone Support ......................................................... xi
Related Documents ........................................................ xi
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
Indicator Lamps ............................................................13
Display ..........................................................................14
Keyboard ....................................................................... 14
Beeper ...........................................................................15
3 Starting Up
Startup Files .................................................................................18
Memory Card ..............................................................................19
Switching On the Printer .............................................................20

vi Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Contents
4 Media Load
Tear-Off (Straight-through) ........................................................22
Peel-Off (Self-strip) .....................................................................26
Cut-Off........................................................................................31
External Supply (Fan-fold) ...........................................................35
Rotating Media Supply ................................................................36
5 Thermal Transfer Printing
Ribbon Load................................................................................38
6 Setting Up the Printer
Description 44
Default Setup...............................................................................45
Reading the Current Setup...........................................................46
Setup Parameters..........................................................................47
Serial Communication...................................................47
Feedadjust .....................................................................50
Media ............................................................................52
Print Defines .................................................................58
Returning to Factory Default Setup .............................................60
7 Setup Mode
Entering Setup Mode at Installation.............................................62
Navigating in Setup Mode ...........................................................63
8 Intermec Shell Startup Program
Introduction ................................................................................66
Starting with Intermec Shell.........................................................68
Intermec Shell v8.2 Overview ......................................................72
Line Analyzer ...............................................................................73
9 Options
Introduction ................................................................................76
Integral Liner Takeup Unit...........................................................77
Paper Cutter.................................................................................77
Media Supply Hub.......................................................................77
Paper Sensor.................................................................................77

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) vii
Contents
Tear-Off Bar.................................................................................77
Media Roll Retainer.....................................................................77
3-inch Adapter.............................................................................78
Label Taken Sensor.......................................................................78
Real Time Clock ..........................................................................78
External Keyboard Converter.......................................................78
Internal Fan-Fold Guide...............................................................78
Side Door with Keylock ...............................................................78
Font Card ....................................................................................79
CompactFlash Protection Plate ....................................................79
RFID Kit .....................................................................................79
Special Printheads ........................................................................79
Interface Boards ...........................................................................79
10
Troubleshooting
Ready-to-Work indicator .............................................................82
11
Maintenance
Printhead Cleaning ......................................................................88
Cleaning the Media Guides..........................................................92
Printhead Replacement ................................................................93
Media Jams ..................................................................................96
12
Adjustments
Narrow Media..............................................................................98
Label Stop Sensor.........................................................................99
Printhead Pressure......................................................................102
Ribbon Break Shaft....................................................................103
LTS (Label Taken Sensor)...........................................................104
A Technical Data
B Media Specifications
Media Roll Size ..........................................................................110
Core ............................................................................110
Roll .............................................................................110

viii Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Contents
Media.........................................................................................111
Media with RFID tags/inlays.......................................111
Non-Adhesive Strip .....................................................111
Self-Adhesive Strip.......................................................112
Self-Adhesive Labels.....................................................113
Tickets with Gaps........................................................115
Tickets with Black Mark..............................................117
C Interfaces
RS-232 Interface........................................................................120
Protocol.......................................................................120
Interface Cable ............................................................120
USB Interface ............................................................................121
Bar Code Wand Interface...........................................................122
Optional Interfaces ....................................................................123
D Intermec Supplies
RFID Media ..............................................................................128
Direct Thermal Media................................................................128
Premium Quality ........................................................128
Economy Quality ........................................................128
Thermal Transfer Media.............................................................129
Uncoated Papers .........................................................129
Coated Papers .............................................................129
Polyethylene Plastics ...................................................129
Transfer Ribbons .......................................................................130
Bar Code Directions...................................................................131
Recommended Paper Type Settings (Europe) .............................132
Recommended Paper Type Settings (North America).................134
E Setup Mode Overviews

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) ix
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.

x Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
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.

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) xi
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.

xii Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Before You Begin

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 1
1 Introduction
is chapter introduces the EasyCoder PM4i printer.
e 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
e EasyCoder PM4i is a sturdy thermal transfer printer with a
printhead 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 wireless EasyLAN con-
nections and RFID capability.
• 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.
e EasyCoder PM4i supports the unique and flexible Intermec Finger-
print v8.70 programming language, which allows the user or third-party
developer to create custom-made application programs and label formats
in a BASIC-like environment.
e printer is also designed to work with the Intermec Direct Protocol
programming language, the Intermec InterDriver and Intermec Label-
shop. e InterDriver allows you to print labels from standard MS
Windows applications, for example Microsoft Office. Intermec Label-
Shop is a series of label-design programs that work under various versions
of MS Windows.
e 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.
e 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 doors are open, so ensure that
the doors are closed before you operate the printer.
• Do not open the front/left-hand electronics cover. Dangerous voltage!
If you open the electronics cover, you will void the warranty
and may cause damage to the internal components. Open-
ing the electronics cover exposes the user to shock hazards
which may result in injury or death.
• 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 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 PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 1—Introduction

Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 5
2 Installation
is 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
- is User’s Guide
- Supporting software and product information on CD.
• Check that the type of power cord is appropriate for the local stan-
dard. e 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.

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. ese features allow the operator to control and set up the
printer manually.
e printed labels, tickets, or tags are presented at the front of the print
mechanism, which is covered by a door.
Side door
Indicator lamps
Display window
Keyboard
Print button
Front door
Print mechanism

8 Intermec EasyCoder PM4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
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
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