UBI EasyCoder 401 User manual

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
1
CONTENTS
UBI EasyCoder 401
User's Manual
Edition 1, October 1994
Article No. 1-960368-00
Introduction Presentation of the EasyCoder 401 ........................................................... 3
Get to Know Your Printer Front View................................................................................................. 4
Rear View .................................................................................................. 4
Paper Stock Compartment ......................................................................... 5
Paper Load Tear-Off ..................................................................................................... 6
External Supply ......................................................................................... 7
Ribbon Load Standard Method ....................................................................................... 8
Quick-Load Ribbon Cassette (option)....................................................... 9
Maintenance Cleaning the Printhead and Print Roller .................................................. 10
External Cleaning .................................................................................... 10
Protection Against Dust........................................................................... 10
Trouble Shooting Printout Troubles ..................................................................................... 11

UBI EasyCoder 401 – 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 UBI Printer AB.
© Copyright UBI Printer AB, 1994. All rights reserved. Published in Sweden.
EasyCoder and LabelShop are trademarks of United Barcode Industries (UBI).
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´émetpas de bruits radio-électriques dépassantleslimitesapplicablesauxappareils
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.

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
3
INTRODUCTION
The UBI EasyCoder 401 is a rugged industrial
thermaltransfer/directthermalprinterintended for
lowvolumelabelproductionofmax.1,000–2,000
labels/day.
The EasyCoder 401 can be controlled by a host
computer using standard or custom-made applica-
tionsoftware,e.g. theUBILabelShop label-design
program for Microsoft Windows. Custom-made
applications can be written in the versatile Basic-
inspired UBI Fingerprint programming language.
The printer can also be connected to an Apple
MacintoshcomputeroraPCrunningWindows3.1
andused to produceprintouts from standardappli-
cationprogramslikee.g.MicrosoftWordorMicro-
soft Excel. This requires an optional printer driver
program to be installed in the computer, and – in
case of Windows – an optional parallel interface
board to be fitted in the printer.
Optionally,theEasyCoder401can befittedwith a
scalablefontskitthatallowstheuseofoutlinefonts
in Speedo and TrueType format, a paper cutter or
label-taken sensor, and a real-time clock circuit.
Informationonthedifferentoptionscanbefoundin
the UBIEasyCoder 401 Technical Manual,which
also describes installation and computer connec-
tion.
The following manuals supplement this User's
Manual:
• UBI Shell 3.1 Standard, Startup Manual
• UBI EasyCoder 401 Technical Manual
• UBI Fingerprint 5.0 Programmer's Manual
• UBI Fingerprint 5.1 Update Information
• UBI LabelShop, Operator's Manual
• UBI Windows Driver, Installation Instructions
• UBI Macintosh Driver, Installation Instructions
Power Ready Error
EasyCoder 401
Print

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
4
GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER
Continued!
0
MADE IN SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
TA
230V
Print
Power Ready Error
EasyCoder 401
LED Indicator Lamps
Display Window
Front Panel with “Print” button
Front Lid
Print Output Slot
Upper External Paper Intake
Main Switch
Voltage Switch
Mains Receptacle
Provision for Optional Parallel Interface Board
Display Contrast Adjustment
Serial Interface Connector "uart1:"
Machine Sign
Lower External Paper Intake
The front lid can be swung open
and removed from the hinges
Cutter Interface
Connector
Print
EasyCoder 401
Power Ready Error
Print

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
5
Load
Print
GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER, cont'd.
The paper stock compartment becomes accessible when the
right-handdoor isswungopen. Althoughthe printeris operable
when this door is left opened or completely removed, you are
strongly recommended to keep it closed during normal opera-
tion,so as topreventtheprintermechanismfrombeingexposed
to dust.
Transfer Ribbon Take-Up Transfer Ribbon Supply Paper Supply Spool
Printhead Lift Knob
Thermal
Printhead
Dispenser Edge
Label Stop Sensor
Adapter for 76 mm (3") core
Power Ready Error
Print
EasyCoder 401
Guide
Ring

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
6
PAPER LOAD
1Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.
2Fit a new paper roll on the paper supply spool and push the
roll inwards as far as it will go.
3Thread the paper underneath the guide shaft and under the
guide plate of the label stop sensor.
4Thread the paper past the print roller.
5Adjust the green guide ring so that the paper is guided with
a minimum of play.
6Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.
7Feed out at least one label.
To tear off the paper, pull it downwards.
Tear-Off
Power Ready Error
EasyCoder 401
Print

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
7
PAPER LOAD, cont'd.
External Supply The EasyCoder 401can use various types of external supplies,
e.g. boxes of fan-folded tickets or an external paper roll.
The upper intake should be used for stacks placed behind the
printer. The top of the stack should not be higher up than the
intake.
The lower intake is preferred when a
stack of fan-folds is placed at a
lower level than that of the printer.
Note!
When an external paper supply is used, take precautions to
protect the paper stock from sand, grit and other hard particle,
that may damage the printhead.

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
8
Load
Print
To install a new thermal ribbon without the aid of a Quick Load
Ribbon Cassette (see next page), proceed as follows:
1Lift up the printhead by turning the green printhead lift knob
the “Load” position and open the front lid.
2Remove the used up ribbon by pulling out both the empty
core and the one with rewound ribbon on.
3Putthefull-ribbonstockonribbonunwindshaft.Payattention
to how the ribbon is mounted (see illustration).
4Thread the transparent start portion of the ribbon below the
printheadandabovethelabelstopsensor.Pulloutapprox.20
cm (8") more ribbon, measured from the printhead.
5Lower the printhead.
6Fit the rewind core onto the rewind shaft. Pay attention to
how the core is mounted (see illustration).
7Lift the printhead.
8Manually, or by means of the < Print > key, rewind the
ribbonuntilallofthetransparentfrontportionhaspassedthe
printhead.
9Lower the printhead by turning the knob to the “Print”
position.
10 Print a few labels, or tickets etc., to check that ribbon and
paper are fed regularly.
RIBBON LOAD
Standard Method
Warning!
The use of any thermal transfer
ribbon, other than those supplied by
UBI, will invalidate the printhead
warranty. UBI thermal transfer
ribbons are engineered specifically
for this printhead. Rewind Shaft
The thermal transfer ribbon
“ink” does not smear at room
temperature!
Label Stop Sensor
Note!
In case of ribbon wrinkling problems,
refer to the Technical Manual for
instructionsonhowtoadjusttheprint-
head pressure and the ribbon guide
plate.
Unwind Shaft

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
9
Loading the printer:
1Lift the printhead and remove used-up ribbon stock.
2Pressa pre-loaded ribbon cassette onto the two ribbon shafts
on the printer as far as it goes.
3Push the ribbon rolls inwards as far as they will go and hold
them there, while you pull out the cassette.
4Manually, or by means of the < Print > key, rewind the
ribbonuntilallofthetransparentfrontportionhaspassedthe
printhead.
5Lower the printhead by turning the knob to the “Print”
position.
6Print a few labels, or tickets etc., to check that ribbon and
paper are fed regularly.
Loading the Ribbon Cassette:
1Put the cassette on its side with the shafts up.
2Fit the ribbon roll on the rear shaft of the cassette and the
empty roll on the front shaft with the ribbon running as
indicated by the arrows on the side of the cassette.
RIBBON LOAD, cont'd.
Quick Load Ribbon
Cassette (option)
EasyCoder 401 E
Power Ready Error
Print

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
10
Cleaning on a regular basis is important for life of the printer
and for the printout quality.
1Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position and remove
the paper web and the transfer ribbon.
2Insert a Printhead Cleaning Card into the print mechanism,
allowing 2–3 cm (1") to extend in front of the printhead.
3Turn the knob clockwise to “Print”position and slowly pull
out the cleaning card. Repeat if necessary.
4Using a piece of cloth or blotting paper slightly moistened
with isopropanol, clean the print roller, the dispenser edge,
and the ribbon guide plate.
5Important!
Allow a couple of minutes for the cleaned parts to get dry
before loading paper and ribbon.
Wipe the outside surfaces using a damp piece of cloth. If
necessary, add a mild detergent. Be careful not to allow any
water to penetrate into the interior of the printer.
Protectpaper and ribbon from dust by always keeping thestock
compartment door closed. In case of an external paper supply,
it is strongly recommended that both the actual supply and the
webpathbeprotectedbysomekindofdustcover.Dirt,sand,grit
etc. may rapidly cause irreparable damage to the printhead.
MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Printhead and
Print Roller
WARNING!
The printhead and print roller
are very delicate.
Never use any tools to remove stuck
labels or to clean the printhead.
External Cleaning
CAUTION!
Remove the power cord
before cleaning.
Dangerous voltage!
Protection Against Dust
Cleaning Card Lift Knob
Load
Print

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
11
Symptom Possible Cause Remedy Refer to
Overallweak printout Printheadpressure too low Adjustboth knobs Technical Manual
WrongPaper type setup Check/change TechnicalManual
LowContrast setup Check/change TechnicalManual
Wornprinthead Check/replace TechnicalManual
Wrongprinthead voltage Check/repairCPU ☎ Call Service
Printoutweaker on one side Unevenprinthead pressure Adjust outer knob Technical Manual
Weakspots Foreignparticles onpaper/ribbon Remove n.a.
Paper/ribbondon't match Useother media TechnicalManual
Poorpaper or ribbon quality Useother media Technical Manual
Wornprinthead Check/replace TechnicalManual
Wornpressing roller Check/replace ☎ CallService
Overalldark printout Printheadpressure too high Adjustboth knobs Technical Manual
WrongPaper Type setup Check/change TechnicalManual
HighContrast setup Check/change TechnicalManual
Wrongprinthead voltage Check/repairCPU ☎ Call Service
Excessivebleeding Printheadpressure too high Adjustboth knobs Technical Manual
WrongPaper Type setup Check/change TechnicalManual
Contrastsetup too high Check/change TechnicalManual
Faultyenergy control CheckCPU board ☎ Call Service
Transferribbon breaks Ribbonfitted around LSS Check/adjust User'sManual p. 8
WrongPaper Type setup Check/change TechnicalManual
Ribbonunwind unitstuck Check/adjust ☎ CallService
Badenergy control CheckCPU board ☎ Call Service
Ribbonrewinder belt too tight Adjust ☎ CallService
Whiteparts at transfer printing Transfer ribbon wrinkled Adjust See next paragraph
Transferribbon wrinkles Incorrectpaper guide ring adjustment Adjust User's Manual p.6
Ribbonobstructed by printhead cable Check/clear n.a.
Toostrong printhead pressure Adjustboth knobs Technical Manual
Badribbon guide plate adjustment Adjust TechnicalManual
Darklines along paper web Foreign objects on printheador
ribbonguide plate Check/clean User'sManual p. 10
Whitelines along paper web Printhead dirty Check/clean User'sManual p.10
Missingdots on printhead Replaceprinthead Technical Manual
Largepart of dot line missing WrongX-start or Width setup Check/change TechnicalManual
Failingprinthead Check/replace TechnicalManual
Failingstrobe signal CheckCPU-board ☎ Call Service
Lastpart of label missing Toosmall image buffer Check/increase TechnicalManual
Printoutmissing along inner edge Bad paper alignment Adjust User's Manualp. 6
X-startsetup too low Check/increase Technical Manual
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Printout Troubles Thelistbelowisintendedtohelptheoperatortocorrectpossible
printouttroublesorflawsinprintoutquality,andtodecidewhen
assistance from the Service dept. of the nearest UBI distributor
is required. Note that most problems are due to operating errors
or normal wear of the printhead.

UBI EasyCoder 401 – User's Manual
12
NOTES