UBI EasyCoder 401 User manual

1
UBI EasyCoder 401 –Technical Manual
Introduction Contents ..................................................................................................... 1
FCC, DOC and VDE Notices ..................................................................... 3
Preface ....................................................................................................... 4
Installation Installation Check List ................................................................................ 7
Unpacking .................................................................................................. 8
Mains Connection....................................................................................... 9
Computer Connection............................................................................... 10
Starting Up Startup Files ............................................................................................. 11
Turning On the Printer .............................................................................. 11
Messages at Startup .................................................................................. 12
Setup Parameters General Information ................................................................................. 13
Contrast .................................................................................................... 14
Serial Communication .............................................................................. 14
Detection .................................................................................................. 17
Media Size ............................................................................................... 19
Print Window (printhead in left-hand position) ......................................... 20
Print Window (printhead in right-hand position) ....................................... 21
Media Type .............................................................................................. 22
Print Defines............................................................................................. 22
Performance ............................................................................................. 23
Memory Allocation .................................................................................. 23
Setting Up EasyCoder 401 Different Methods .................................................................................... 24
Printing Principles General Information ................................................................................. 25
Direct Thermal Printing ............................................................................ 25
Thermal Transfer Printing......................................................................... 25
Switching between Printing Methods........................................................ 26
Printing Adjustments ................................................................................ 27
Dot Size.................................................................................................... 28
Conversion Table ..................................................................................... 28
Direct Thermal Paper General Information ................................................................................. 29
Pre-printed Paper ...................................................................................... 29
Transfer Ribbons and General Information ................................................................................. 30
Receiving Face Material Transfer Ribbon Types ............................................................................. 30
Receiving Face Materials.......................................................................... 30
Selecting Paper/Ribbon Setup Options ........................................................................................... 31
Thermal Transfer Printing......................................................................... 31
Direct Thermal Printing ............................................................................ 32
Paper Dimensions Roll Size ................................................................................................... 33
Non-Adhesive Strip .................................................................................. 34
Self-Adhesive Strip .................................................................................. 35
Self-Adhesive Labels................................................................................ 36
Tickets with Gap ...................................................................................... 37
Tickets with Black Mark .......................................................................... 38
CONTENTS
UBI EasyCoder 401
Technical Manual
UBI Fingerprint 6.1
Edition 4, January 1997
Art. No. 1-960369-03 Continued!

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UBI EasyCoder 401 –Technical Manual
CONTENTS, cont'd.
Label-Taken Sensor General Information ................................................................................. 39
Adjusting the Sensitivity........................................................................... 40
Program Example ..................................................................................... 41
Paper Cutter General Information ................................................................................. 42
Controlling the Cutter ............................................................................... 43
Cleaning ................................................................................................... 43
Scalable Fonts Kit General Information ................................................................................. 44
Scaling Fonts in UBI Fingerprint.............................................................. 44
Downloading Outline Font Files from a PC .............................................. 45
Printout Samples....................................................................................... 46
Electronics Accessing the CPU Board ........................................................................ 47
CPU Board ............................................................................................... 48
UBI Fingerprint EPROMs........................................................................ 49
Configuration EPROMs ........................................................................... 49
ROM-expansion EPROMs ....................................................................... 49
RAM memory .......................................................................................... 50
Real-time Clock Circuit ............................................................................ 50
Fuse.......................................................................................................... 50
Potentiometers .......................................................................................... 51
Interfaces Communication Port "uart1:".................................................................... 53
RS 232C (V24) on "uart1:" ....................................................................... 54
RS 422 on "uart1:".................................................................................... 56
20 mA Current Loop on "uart1:"............................................................... 58
Parallel Interface Board ............................................................................ 61

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UBI EasyCoder 401 –Technical Manual
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
theinstructionsmanual, maycauseinterferencetoradio communications.Ithasbeen testedandfoundtocomply withthe
limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide
reasonableprotectionagainstsuchinterferencewhenoperatedinacommercialenvironment.Operationofthisequipment
inaresidentialareaislikelytocauseinterferenceinwhichcasetheuserathisownexpensewillberequiredtotakewhatever
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 édicté par le Ministère des
Communications du Canada.
VDE Notice
Germany
ALLGEMEINE VORSCHRIFT:
ReparaturenodersonstigeEingriffe,diesichnichtaufnormaleBedienungderMaschinebeziehen,dürfenausschließlich
nur von einem ausgebildeten, zuständigen Fachmann vorgenommen werden.
Informationinthismanualissubjecttochangewithoutpriornoticeanddoesnotrepresentacommitment
on the part of UBI Printer AB.
© Copyright UBI Printer AB, 1997. 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.
Bitstream is a registered trademark and Speedo is a trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corp.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, MS, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Torx is a registered trademark of Camcar Division of Textron Inc.
TrueType is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

4
UBI EasyCoder 401 –Technical Manual
PREFACE
This Technical Manual is intended to facilitate installation and
setup. It also gives information on labels, tickets, tags, paper strip
and thermal transfer ribbons. Compared to edition 3, this edition
includesinformationonimprovementstotheribbonfeedandanew
method for preventing ribbon wrinkling. This manual is presently
supplemented by the following publications:
• EasyCoder 401, Operator's Guide
Illustratedstep-by-stepinstructions forpaperandribbonloadaswellasdaily
maintenance. Multilingual.
• EasyCoder 401, User's Manuals
Gives information on how to run and maintain the printer, how to load paper
supply,and–incasethermaltransferprinters–howtoloadthetransferribbon.
• UBI Shell Standard Startup Manual
Gives information on how to run the UBI Shell startup program.
•EasyCoder 401, Service Manual
Gives information on troubleshooting, adjustments and repair of the Easy-
Coder 401 printer.
•EasyCoder 401, Spare Parts & Options
Illustrates the various spare parts and field-installable options.
• UBI Direct Protocol, Programmer's Guide
Introduction to the UBI Direct Protocol, an easy-to-use “slave” protocol for
computer connection.
• UBI Fingerprint, Programmer's Guide
IntroductiontotheUBIFingerprintprogramminglanguage,whichisusedto
control the printer's functions and the printing.
• UBI Fingerprint, Reference Manual
Contains information on the instructions and other features in the UBI
Fingerprint programming language.
• UBI LabelShop, various manuals
Information on how to use the various UBI LabelShop WYSIWYG label-
editing programs for Microsoft Windows.
• UBI Windows Drivers, Installation Instruction
InformationonhowtoinstallandusetheUBIWindowsDriversforMicrosoft
Windows 3.1x and Windows 95.
PleasenotethattheUBIEasyCoder401LinerLess printer models
are described in separate manuals!

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UBI EasyCoder 401 –Technical Manual
PREFACE, cont'd.
TheUBI EasyCoder 401 is a rugged industrial thermal transfer/direct thermal printer
intended for low volume label production of max. 1,000 – 2,000 labels/day.
TheEasyCoder 401 is fitted with the UBI Fingerprint firmware, which is compatible
with the various UBI LabelShop label-editing programs, the UBI Windows Driver
(optionalparallelinterface board required),andtheUBIDirectProtocol.Theflexible
UBIFingerprintprogramminglanguagealsoallowsyoutocreateyourownprograms.
TheEasyCoder401canbefittedanumberofoptionsincludingascalablefontskitthat
allowstheuseofoutlinefontsinSpeedoandTrueTypeformat,apapercutteroralabel-
taken sensor, a real-time clock circuit, and a parallel interface board.
Power Ready Error
EasyCoder 401
Print

6
UBI EasyCoder 401 –Technical Manual
Feature EasyCoder 401 Notes
Print Technique Direct Thermal & Thermal Transfer
Quick-Mount Printhead 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi) Thick-film technique
Print Width max. 104 mm (4.09")
Media Width max. 120 mm (4.7")
Print Length max. 1250 mm (49.2")
Print Speed max. 100 mm/sec. (4"/sec.)
Fonts, expandible 4 times Standard: 10 Bitmapped1Min. 1 Bitmapped
Smooth Fonts Yes, with UBI Toolbox or Scalable Fonts Kit2
Print Directions for Text, Images, Lines, and Boxes 4
Bar Code Generators Depends on firmware version1
Internal Paper Roll Diameter max. 152 mm (6.0")
Ribbon Length 450 m (1476 ft.)
Keyboard, built-in Print key only
Display 2 lines x 16 characters LCD
Dimensions (W x D x H) 275 x 382 x 239 mm (10.8 x 15 x 9.4")
Weight (excl. paper, ribbon and options) 14.0 kgs (31 lbs)
Ambient Operating Temperature + 5˚C – +40˚C (+41˚F – +104˚F) Applies to printer –not to media
Humidity 20–80% non-condensing Applies to printer –not to media
Sound Emission Level < 60 dB (A)
Microprocessor 32 bit
Firmware UBI Fingerprint 6.1 Incl. UBI Direct Protocol
Startup program UBI Shell Standard
On-Board RAM Memory, standard 256 kbytes Max. 512 kbytes2
Label and Ribbon End Sensors Standard
Mains Voltage 115/230 VAC +10/-15%, 2.6/1.3 A 60/50 Hz Selected by means of a switch
Max. Power Consumption 300 W
Communication Interface, standard RS 232C Prepared for RS 422/20 mA CL
1 x Centronics Interface2Optional On separate interface board
RS 232C Cable2Optional
Centronics Cable2Optional
Label-Taken Sensor (LTS)2Optional
Real-Time Clock Circuit2Optional
External RS 232C Alphanumeric Keyboard2Optional
Paper Cutter Unit2Optional
Guides for External Fan-Fold Paper Supply2Optional
Scalable Fonts Kit2Optional Scales Speedo and TrueType fonts
UBI Toolbox, PC Windows configuration support2Optional
UBI LabelShop, WYSIWYG Label Software for Windows2Optional A number of versions available
UBI Windows Driver2(excl. cable) Optional
1
/. See UBI Fingerprint manuals
2
/. Options to be installed by user or reseller
PREFACE, cont'd.

7
UBI EasyCoder 401 –Technical Manual
Installation Check List ❑Unpack the printer as described on next page.
❑Standard EasyCoder printer:
IfyouhaveastandardEasyCoder401printer,goontonextstep.
Customized EasyCoder printer:
Ifyouhaveacustomized EasyCoder401printer,checkitsCPU
boardandpossibleparallelinterfaceboardinregardofinterface
circuits and straps as described in the chapters “Electronics”
and “Interfaces” at the end of this manual. Then go on to next
step.
❑Connecttheprintertoamainssocketasdescribedlateroninthis
chapter.
❑Connect the printer to its host computer by means of a suitable
communicationcableasdescribedlaterinthischapter.(Referto
the chapter “Interfaces” for more information on computer
connection and cable configurations).
❑Load a supply of paper and thermal transfer ribbon, or thermal
paper only, see the Operator's Guide or User's Manual. Be
careful to adjust the position of the label stop sensor so it will
detect the front edge of the labels, tickets or tags, or optionally
the black marks at the back of the paper web.
❑Check that the printhead is lowered.
❑Iftheprinterisfittedwithanoptionalpapercutter,checkthatthe
cutter unit is locked in closed position.
❑Turn on the power.
❑Proceed according to the chapter “Starting Up”.
INSTALLATION

8
UBI EasyCoder 401 –Technical Manual
Before starting the installation, carefully examine the delivery for
possible damage or missing parts:
❑Openthe box andlift the printer,together with thefoam-plastic
shock absorbers, out of the box.
❑Removetheshockabsorbersandcheckthatthemachinehasnot
beenvisiblydamagedduringthetransportation.Keepthepack-
ingmaterialuntilyouaresurethattheprinterfunctionsproperly.
❑Themachinesignontheprinter'srearplategivesinformationon:
• Type
• Article number
• Serial number
❑Check the printer in regard to possible options ordered.
❑Checkthatthemainscordhasapinconfigurationthatwillfitinto
a wall socket according to the local standard.
Should any kind of damage have occurred during transportation,
immediately make a complaint to the carrier.
Any incorrect delivery or missing parts should be reported to the
distributor.
INSTALLATION, cont'd.
Unpacking
0
230V
MADE IN SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
TA
European type US/Canadian type GB type
230V mains plug 115V mains plug 230V mains plug
Machine Sign

9
UBI EasyCoder 401 –Technical Manual
❑Make sure that the printer is set for the correct voltage by
checking the voltage switch on the printer's rear plate.
❑Fit the mains cord, which is included in the delivery, into the
mains receptacle. Connect the other end of the cord to a
groundedwall socket. To avoid interferencefrom noise, surges
and spikes, a dedicated line is preferred. If no such line is
available,avoidlinestowhichelectricmotors,refrigeratorsand
similar devices are connected.
❑The power can be turned on/off by means of the main switch
situated above the mains receptacle. The “Power” LED on the
printer's keyboard indicates when the power is on.
Mains Connection
INSTALLATION, cont'd.
0
230V
MADE IN SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
TA
Print
Power Ready Error
EasyCoder 401
Power On LED
Mains Receptacle
Voltage Switch
Main Switch

10
UBI EasyCoder 401 –Technical Manual
INSTALLATION, cont'd.
Computer Connection
Hints:
• ForUBILabelShop,UBIDirectProtocolorUBIFingerprintprogramming,
use the "uart1:" serial RS 232C communication channel.
• For UBI Windows Driver, use the "centronics:" parallel communication
channel.
• UBI's standard communication cables and adapters makes it possible to
connecttheprinter directly to the serial orparallelportof an IBM AT, XT or
PS-2 personal computer.
EasyCoder 401 is always fitted with one communication port
("uart1:") for RS 232C on the rear plate. Optionally, this commu-
nication port can be reconfigured for either RS 422 or 20 mA
Current Loop after additional circuits have been fitted on the CPU
board, see chapter “Interfaces”.
The EasyCoder 401 can also be fitted with an optional parallel
interface board, e.g. for use with the UBI Windows Driver.
No communication cable is provided unless ordered separately.
Refer to the chapter “Interfaces” for cable configuration descrip-
tions.
Refertothemanualofthehostcomputerorterminalforinformation
on how to connect the other end of the communication cable.
230V
0
MADE IN SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
TA
Parallel Port
36-p female Centronics
(option)
Serial RS 232C Port
DB25 male
WARNING!
When connecting printer and host,
the power should be off!
UBI Standard Cables
RS 232C Cables:
Printer to IBM-AT 1-975581-05
Printer to IBM-XT/PS2 1-975580-05
Centronics Cable:
DB-25/Centronics 1-010001-00