Genicom 3400e User Manual
User's Manual
EasyCoder® 3400e
Bar Code Label
Printer
Intermec Technologies Corporation
Corporate Headquarters
6001 36th Avenue West
Everett, WA 98203
U.S.A.
www.intermec.com
The 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.
2003 by Intermec Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved.
The 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 registered trademarks of Intermec
Technologies Corporation.
Throughout 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 infringement.
There are U.S. and foreign patents pending.
The name Centronics is wholly owned by GENICOM Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
ii EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
Document Change Record
This page records changes to this document. The document was originally released as version 001.
Version Date Description of Change
002 07/2003 Updated the user’s manual to include the EasyLAN 10i2 adapter accessory and the
EasyLAN Wireless option.
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual iii
iv EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
Contents
Getting Started............................................................................................................................. 1
1
1233*Helv Condensed Contents
Before You Begin...............................................................................................................ix
Safety Summary....................................................................................................ix
Safety Icons ..........................................................................................................ix
Global Services and Support..................................................................................x
Who Should Read This Document? .....................................................................xi
Related Documents ..............................................................................................xi
Getting to Know Your Printer ............................................................................................2
Preparing the Printer for Installation ..................................................................................3
Plugging In the Printer ..........................................................................................3
Opening the Printer...............................................................................................4
Loading Media for Fanfold Printing ......................................................................5
Printing the Hardware Configuration Test Label...................................................7
What the Hardware Configuration Test Label Tells You..........................8
If a Hardware Configuration Test Label Does Not Print ..........................8
2
Connecting the Printer to Your System ..............................................................................8
Connecting Your Printer to a PC...........................................................................9
Connecting the Printer to a PC Serial Port ...............................................9
Connecting the Printer to a PC Parallel Port ............................................9
Connecting Your Printer to a Network................................................................10
Connecting the Printer to an AS/400...................................................................10
Connecting the Printer to a Mainframe ...............................................................11
Cabling in Noisy Electrical Environments ...........................................................11
Configuring the Serial Port for Communications .............................................................12
Verifying Printer Communications With Your System .....................................................13
Operating the Printer............................................................................................................. 15
Learning How to Operate the Printer ...............................................................................16
Understanding the Front Panel.........................................................................................16
Understanding the Front Panel LEDs..................................................................16
Using the Feed/Pause Button...............................................................................17
Loading Media Into the Printer ........................................................................................18
Loading Roll Media for Straight-Through Printing .............................................18
Loading Media for Self-Strip Printing .................................................................20
Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon ...................................................................................22
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual v
Contents*1233*
Setting the Media Sensitivity Number ..............................................................................24
Communicating With the Printer.....................................................................................28
Maintaining the Printer......................................................................................................... 31
3
Inspecting the Printer .......................................................................................................32
Tools for Cleaning the Printer ..........................................................................................32
Maintenance Schedule ......................................................................................................32
Setting the MSN for Intermec Media and Ribbon...............................................26
Setting the MSN for Other Media and Ribbon ...................................................26
Using the PrintSet Software.................................................................................29
Using Third-Party Software.................................................................................29
Using Intermec Printer Language (IPL) Commands ............................................29
Printing a Test Label ...........................................................................................29
Cleaning the Printhead ........................................................................................34
Cleaning the Printer Covers.................................................................................36
Cleaning the Drive Roller and Tear Bar...............................................................36
Cleaning the Media Guides and Media Path........................................................37
Cleaning the Label Sensors ..................................................................................38
4
5
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................ 41
Troubleshooting Checklist................................................................................................42
Printer Operation Problems..............................................................................................42
Print Quality Problems.....................................................................................................44
Communication Problems................................................................................................45
Preventing Data Loss ........................................................................................................46
Optimizing Printer Performance ..................................................................................... 47
Optimizing and Maintaining Print Quality ......................................................................48
Correcting Uneven Print Quality......................................................................................48
Adjusting the Print Darkness ............................................................................................49
Adjusting the Label Mark Sensor ......................................................................................50
Using the Printer Memory Efficiently...............................................................................52
How Is the Printer Storage Memory Used?..........................................................52
Making the Most of Your Memory......................................................................52
Increasing Throughput .....................................................................................................53
What Is an Image Band? ......................................................................................53
vi EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
6
A
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How the Image Bands Command Works ............................................................53
Optimizing Print Speed and Image Band Setting.................................................54
Using Test and Service Mode............................................................................................. 55
Using Test and Service Mode Procedures .........................................................................56
Printing Test Labels.............................................................................................58
Using Data Line Print .........................................................................................58
Resetting the Memory on Your Printer................................................................58
Setting Configuration Commands in Test and Service Mode ...........................................59
Setting the Number of Dot Increments ...............................................................60
Adjusting the Label Rest Point.............................................................................61
Setting Emulation Mode .....................................................................................62
Using Forms Adjust.............................................................................................63
X Forms Adjust ......................................................................................64
Y Forms Adjust.......................................................................................65
Specifications.............................................................................................................................. 67
Printer Specifications........................................................................................................68
Dimensions (no options installed) ..........................................................68
Electrical Requirements ..........................................................................68
Environment ..........................................................................................68
Character Sets.........................................................................................68
Communications....................................................................................68
Fonts and Graphics.................................................................................69
Media .....................................................................................................69
Printhead................................................................................................70
Printing Method.....................................................................................70
Printing Speed........................................................................................70
Ribbon ...................................................................................................70
Self-Strip (optional)................................................................................70
Printer Options ................................................................................................................71
Communication Interface....................................................................................71
EasyLAN 10
EasyLAN 10i2 Adapter...........................................................................71
EasyLAN Wireless Option......................................................................71
Twinax Interface.....................................................................................71
Coax Interface ........................................................................................71
Finishers ..............................................................................................................72
Cutter.....................................................................................................72
Batch Takeup .........................................................................................72
Self-Strip Printing...................................................................................72
Kanji/Katakana.......................................................................................72
Memory Expansion ................................................................................72
Parallel Interface Pin Descriptions ....................................................................................72
Bar Code Symbologies Supported.....................................................................................73
2D Symbologies ..................................................................................................74
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual vii
i Interface ...........................................................................71
Contents*1233*
Character Sets............................................................................................................................. 77
B
International Character Sets..............................................................................................78
Extended Character Sets ...................................................................................................81
Communications Reference ............................................................................................... 85
C
Communications Protocols ..............................................................................................86
2D Stacked Symbologies ........................................................................74
2D Matrix Symbologies..........................................................................75
Advanced Character Table...................................................................................78
Emulation Mode Character Table .......................................................................78
IBM Translation Character Table........................................................................79
Code Page 850 Character Table...........................................................................80
Intermec Standard Protocol.................................................................................86
XON/XOFF Protocol (Software and Hardware Flow Control) ...........................87
XON/XOFF, No Status Protocol ........................................................................88
Polling Mode D...................................................................................................88
Multi-Drop Protocol ...........................................................................................88
User-Defined Protocol.........................................................................................88
Host Requirements..............................................................................................90
Communications Boundaries...............................................................................90
D
G
I
Communications Interfaces ..............................................................................................90
RS-232 Serial Interface ........................................................................................90
RS-422 Serial Interface ........................................................................................91
RS-485 Serial Interface ........................................................................................91
Printer Serial Port.............................................................................................................92
Full ASCII Table........................................................................................................................... 95
Full ASCII Table ..............................................................................................................96
Full ASCII Control Characters Table ...............................................................................98
Glossary .......................................................................................................................................... 99
Index................................................................................................................................................107
viii EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
Before You Begin
This 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
circumstances. 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.
Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica Before You Begin
Safety Icons
Resuscitation
Begin resuscitation immediately if someone is injured and stops breathing.
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
authorized emergency work on energized equipment, be sure that you
comply strictly with approved safety regulations.
This 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 and when to take special
precautions for handling optical parts.
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.
Avertissement: Un avertissement vous avertit d’une procédure de
fonctionnement, d’une méthode, d’un état ou d’un rapport qui doit
être strictement respecté pour éviter l’occurrence de mort ou de
blessures graves aux personnes manupulant l’équipement.
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual ix
Before You Begin *1233*
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.
Attention: Une précaution vous avertit d’une procédure de
fonctionnement, d’une méthode, d’un état ou d’un rapport qui doit
être strictement respecté pour empêcher l’endommagement ou la
destruction de l’équipement, ou l’altération ou la perte de données.
Note: Notes either provide extra information about a topic or contain
special instructions for handling a particular condition or set of
circumstances.
Global Services and Support
Warranty Information
To understand the warranty for your Intermec product, visit the Intermec
web site at http://www.intermec.com, click Support, and then click
Warranty.
Disclaimer of warranties: The sample code included in this document is
presented for reference only. The code does not necessarily represent
complete, tested programs. The code is provided “as is with all faults.” All
warranties are expressly disclaimed, including the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Web Support
Visit the Intermec web site at http://www.intermec.com to download
many of our current manuals in PDF format. To order printed versions of
the Intermec manuals, contact your local Intermec representative or
distributor.
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.
x EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica Before You Begin
Telephone Support
These services are available from Intermec Technologies Corporation.
Service
Factory Repair and
On-site Repair
Technical Support Get technical support on your
Service Contract
Status
Schedule Site Surveys
or Installations
Ordering Products Talk to sales administration, place
Who Should Read This Document?
The manual provides you with information about the features of the
EasyCoder® 3400e printer, and tells you how to install, configure, operate,
maintain, and troubleshoot them.
Description
Request a return authorization
number for authorized service
center repair, or request an on-site
repair technician.
Intermec product.
Inquire about an existing
contract, renew a contract, or ask
invoicing questions.
Schedule a site survey, or request
a product or system installation.
an order, or check the status of
your order.
Call 1-800-755-5505
and choose this option
1
2
3
4
5
Related Documents
Before you install and configure the 3400e, you should be familiar with
your network and general networking terms, such as IP address.
The Intermec web site at http://www.intermec.com contains many of our
documents that you can download in PDF format.
To order printed versions of the Intermec manuals, contact your local
Intermec representative or distributor.
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual xi
Before You Begin *1233*
xii EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
Getting Started
1
This chapter describes the EasyCoder® 3400e printer and explains how to
get your new printer running for the first time. This chapter covers these
topics:
• Learning about the printer
• Preparing the printer for installation
• Connecting the printer to your system
• Configuring the printer’s serial port
• Verifying printer communications with your system
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual 1
Chapter 1— Getting Started Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica
Getting to Know Your Printer
Features of your printer include:
• support for direct thermal and thermal transfer printing applications.
Chapters 1 and 2 explain how to load both types of media.
• an internal optional self-strip with integral liner takeup. See Chapter 2,
“Operating the Printer,” for more information.
• an easy-to-use software application called PrintSet. PrintSet makes
configuring your printer, downloading fonts and graphics, and printing
a test label effortless.
• minimal supervision and maintenance.
• support for user-supplied fonts. You can easily download and print usersupplied fonts. See the PrintSet software application or the IPL
Programming Reference Manual (P/N 066396) for more information.
• support for TrueType. You can easily download and print TrueType
fonts. See the PrintSet software application or the IPL Programming
Reference Manual for more information.
• e series—IEEE 1284 parallel port. Up to 8 ips (inches per second) print
speed with selected media.
Use the following illustrations to familiarize yourself with your printer.
Media
window
Power/Data
LED
Alert LED
Power/Data
Empty/Pause
button
Feed/Pause
button
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
Intermec
3400
Media
cover
Media access
door
3XXXU.002
3400e front view: This illustration shows the features on the front of the 3400e.
2 EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
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Darkness adjust
control
DIP switches
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Media
window
Media
cover
Fanfold media
access slot
3400e back view: This illustration shows the features on the back of the 3400e.
Parallel
port
Optional I/O
board port
Serial communications
port
I
On/Off
O
switch
AC power cord
receptacle
3XXXU.003
Several options are available for use with your printer. See Appendix A,
“Specifications,” for complete descriptions of these options.
Preparing the Printer for Installation
Before connecting your printer to your data collection system, you need
to:
• plug in the printer.
• open the printer and load media.
• print a configuration test label.
Plugging In the Printer
The back of your printer contains the AC power receptacle, the serial
communications port, the On/Off switch, and two banks of DIP switches.
To plug in the printer
1 Turn the On/Off switch to the off position.
2 Make sure you set the DIP switches to their factory default settings.
Top Bank
Bottom Bank Set switches 1 through 8 off (O).
Set switch 1 on (I). Set switches 2 through 8 off (O).
For a description of the DIP switch settings, see “Configuring the Serial
Port for Communications” on page 12.
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual 3
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1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
2
I
O
I
I
O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
O
3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
I
O
I
O
3XXXU.004
3 Plug the AC power cord into the receptacle at the rear of the printer.
Plug the other end of the power cord into a grounded wall outlet or
surge protector.
4 Turn the On/Off switch to the on position. When you power on the
printer, the Power On LED lights, the Empty/Pause LED flashes, and
the platen roller advances. The yellow Empty/Pause LED then stays on
steady because you have not loaded media yet.
Opening the Printer
You need to open the printer every time you load media or perform
maintenance procedures.
To open the printer
1 Place the fingers of your right hand between the two notches on the
lower edge of the media cover (the media cover release) and pull the
bottom of the media cover away from the base of the printer. See the
next illustration.
4 EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
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3
2
Pow
er/Data
A
le
rt
Em
p
ty/P
aus
e
F
eed
/Pau
se
IntermecIntermec
3400
1
3XXXU.005
2 Grasp the front of the media cover with your left hand and lift the front
of the media cover upward to release it from the printer frame.
3 Lift the media cover away from the top of the printer.
Loading Media for Fanfold Printing
Use the sample of fanfold media provided in the Media Envelope to
complete the following procedures. In fanfold printing, you place a stack
of fanfold media at the rear of the printer and feed it into the printer
through a slot in the rear cover. Refer to Chapter 2, “Operating the
Printer,” for instructions on loading rolls of media.
To load media for fanfold printing
1 Open the printer.
2 Disengage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever clockwise until it
releases.
3 Move the supply roll retainer by turning it counterclockwise and sliding
it to the outer end of the supply roll post.
4 Place the fanfold media slightly lower than the slot in the printer back
cover. Line the (box of) fanfold media up with the label path through
the printer. Insert media through the slot at the rear of the printer and
thread it over the supply roll post. See the next illustration.
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual 5
Chapter 1— Getting Started Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica
➤
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Media access
slot
➤
I
O
Fanfold
media
3XXXU.006
Head lift
lever
Edge
guide
Lower
media guide
Supply
roll
post
➤
Supply
roll
retainer
➤
➤
5 To allow easy access to the media path, pull down on the lower media
guide. Make sure that the edge guide is slid all the way to the outer edge
of the edge guide plate.
6 Insert the fanfold media through the printer mechanism as shown in the
next illustration. The front edge of the media should pass over the tear
bar and through the label dispense opening in the media cover. The
fanfold media should pass over the supply roll post.
7 Release the lower media guide and adjust the edge guide to position the
media firmly against the inside wall of the printer.
8 Slide the supply roll retainer up to the edge of the fanfold media and
turn the supply roll retainer clockwise until it locks firmly in place
securing the media against the inside wall of the printer.
9 Engage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever counterclockwise
until it locks.
10 Close the printer by reversing the directions for removing the cover.
11 Press Feed/Pause to advance one label through the printer and out the
label opening in the front cover. The printer is now ready to print the
configuration test label. The yellow Empty/Pause LED goes out.
If the yellow Empty/Pause LED does not go out, press Feed/Pause a
second time and then reload the media and try again if the Empty/Pause
LED still does not go out.
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Note: For your convenience, refer to the label with directions for loading
media. This label is located on the inside of the media cover.
Printing the Hardware Configuration Test Label
You can print the hardware configuration test label to test the printer and
make sure it is operating correctly. The hardware configuration test label
lists the printer’s configuration. Use this label for reference when installing
your printer and for verification of proper printer operation.
To print the hardware configuration test label
1 Turn the On/Off switch to the off position.
2 Press and hold the Feed/Pause button while you turn the On/Off switch
to the on position. The Alert and Empty/Pause LEDs blink during the
printer self-test.
3 Release the Feed/Pause button when the media starts moving. The
printer feeds out one or two blank labels and then prints the hardware
configuration test label.
Note: This is only an example of a hardware configuration label. Your
label may not be exactly the same.
3400e Hardware Configuration
Memory Installed
Flash Storage
Image RAM
Flash SIMM
Mileage
Inches Processed
Inches Burned
Labels Cut
Printhead
Width
Dot Size
Burn Pot Setting
Hardware Options
I/O Option
Internal Option
External Option
Firmware Checksum
ROM0 (U21)
ROM1 (U9)
Program
Version
: 128 kilobytes
: 805 kilobytes
: OKB
: 0
: 0
: 0
: 1792
: 2.5
: 141
: none
: none
: Cutter
: 95D0
: 7331
: 067097
: 2.0
3XXXU.007
4 Turn the printer power off and then on. You are now ready to connect
your 3400e printer to your system.
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual 7
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O
I
What the Hardware Configuration Test Label Tells You
The hardware test label provides these statistics:
• Amount of installed memory
• Amount of media printed
• Printhead configuration
• Firmware information
• Printhead alignment (the vertical lines)
If a Hardware Configuration Test Label Does Not Print
If you are unable to print a hardware configuration test label, see “Printer
Operation Problems” on page 42.
Connecting the Printer to Your System
You can connect your printer to a PC, a local area network, an AS/400 (or
other midrange computer), or a mainframe. This section tells you how to
connect your printer to any of these systems.
You can use any of these three ports on the rear of the printer:
• Serial communications port
• Parallel port
• I/O board port (if you have an adapter card installed)
Parallel port
Printer ports: This illustration shows you where to connect your system to the printer.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Optional I/O
board port
Serial
communications
port
3XXXU.008
8 EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
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Connecting Your Printer to a PC
You can connect your printer to either a serial port or parallel port on your
PC. You must provide the correct cables for connecting the printer. See
the following sections for cable information. Contact your Intermec
representative for ordering assistance if you do not have the appropriate
cables.
Connecting the Printer to a PC Serial Port
To connect the printer to your PC serial port, you need a shielded EIA
RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 electrical interface with a 25-pin D-style
subminiature connector. It must have pins on the printer end and an
appropriate serial port connector on the other end.
To connect to an IBM PC, you can use these Intermec cables:
• 25-pin printer to 25-pin serial port null modem (P/N 048668)
• 25-pin printer to 9-pin serial port null modem (P/N 048693)
You cannot order an Intermec cable for the RS-422 interface, but there is a
schematic on page 94 in Appendix C that you can use to purchase or make
your own cable. Also see Appendix C for the RS-232, RS-422, and RS485 serial port pin assignments.
To connect your printer to a PC serial port
1 Turn the On/Off switch to the off position.
2 Plug the 25-pin connector into the serial communications port on the
rear of the printer.
3 Plug the other end of the cable into a serial (COM) port on the PC.
4 If necessary, change the PC serial port configuration to match your
printer. See “Configuring the Serial Port for Communications” on page
12 for more information.
Connecting the Printer to a PC Parallel Port
If you are using a parallel port to communicate with your printer, you
need a parallel cable to run between the printer and the PC.
You can purchase a parallel cable from Intermec (P/N 051211) or from
your local computer store. See page 70 in Appendix A for pin descriptions
of the parallel cable connector.
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual 9
Chapter 1— Getting Started Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica
To connect your printer to a PC parallel port
1 Turn the On/Off switch to the off position.
2 Plug the parallel interface connector into the parallel communications
port on the rear of the printer.
3 Plug the other end of the cable into a parallel port on the PC.
Connecting Your Printer to a Network
You can connect the printer to Novell NetWare networks, Token Ring
networks, or other TCP/IP networks. To connect the printer to a network,
you must have a network interface adapter (for example, Ethernet). The
network interface adapter connects to the 10i port of the printer. Your
network must be able to use XON/XOFF (software and hardware flow
control) protocol.
If you need to change the printer’s communications parameters, follow the
procedures in “Configuring the Serial Port for Communications” on page
12.
Connecting the Printer to an AS/400
To connect a printer directly to an AS/400 or other midrange computer,
you need:
• a twinax adapter card.
• a twinaxial cable equivalent to IBM part number 7362267 or 7362062.
The maximum cable length for the twinax interface is 1,525 meters
(5,000 feet).
If you did not have the twinax card installed at the factory, a field service
technician can install the field installable option (P/N 056835) in the
optional I/O board port of your printer.
For help on cabling and communications, see the manual that comes with
the twinax adapter card.
Note: If you are using a midrange computer other than the AS/400, refer
to your system documentation for information on cabling and setting up
communications.
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Connecting the Printer to a Mainframe
To connect the printer directly to an IBM mainframe, you need:
• a coax adapter card.
• a coaxial cable equivalent to IBM part number 2577672 or 1833108.
The maximum cable length allowed is 1,500 meters (4,920 feet). See the
IBM specification Installation and Assembly of Coaxial Cable and Accessories,
part number GA27-2805-4, for further information.
For help on cabling and communications, see the manual that comes with
your coax adapter card.
Cabling in Noisy Electrical Environments
The items listed below create noisy electrical environments that can
disrupt data communications between your host computer and the printer:
• Large power transformers
• Large electrical motors
• Arc welders
• Motor controllers
• Switch gears
If any of these items are near your printer, you may want to try the
following suggestions to reduce the effects of electrical noise:
• Always use shielded cable. Connect the cable and shield to the metal
backshells on the cable connectors and fasten the connectors to the serial
ports using screws.
• Install ferrite cable clamps.
• Connect the printer chassis ground to the building ground. You will
find the chassis ground on the ground pin of the printer power cord.
If you need help eliminating electrical noise, ask your Intermec
representative for assistance.
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual 11
Chapter 1— Getting Started Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica
Configuring the Serial Port for Communications
You need to configure the serial port of the printer to match the
configuration of your PC or network controlling device. If the printer’s
default settings do not match, use the DIP switch settings table to
configure the serial port.
To configure the printer serial port
1 Use the following DIP switch setting descriptions and table to locate the
DIP switches you need to change to configure the serial port.
2 Use a small straight-slot screwdriver to set the appropriate DIP switches.
For example, if you want to change the media type to thermal transfer,
set DIP switch 8 on the bottom bank of switches to the on position.
3 Turn the printer power off and then on for the configuration changes to
take effect.
Note: Ignore Multi-Drop switches if you are not using a Multi-Drop
network.
DIP Switch Setting Descriptions
Parameter Description
Baud rate The rate, in bits per second, at which the host exchanges data
with the printer. The maximum baud rate is 115,200.
Parity Adds one bit (1 or 0) to the character to make the sum of bits
always odd or even.
Number of Data bits The number of bits that represent the ASCII characters.
Multi-Drop address Unique address for each device connected with Multi-Drop
protocol.
Protocol The transmission standards for communication between the
printer and each connecting device.
XON/XOFF The protocol that stops the host from sending data when the
printer buffer fills up and starts it again when the buffer
empties.
Media type Enables the printer to work with either direct thermal or
thermal transfer media.
12 EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica Chapter 1— Getting Started
O = OFF
1 = ON
Baud Rate Selection
115200
57600
38400
19200
9600
4800
2400
Serial I/F
1200
Parity Selection
Even*
Odd
None
Number of Data Bits
7 Bit*
8 Bit
Reserved
Default settings are noted with an*
Top Bank Switch Number
OFF
ON
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1
1
1
O
1
1
1
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
1
1
O
O
O
1
O
O
1
Bottom Bank Switch Number
OFF
O = OFF
1 = ON
Multi-Drop Address Selection
O
1
O O
Protocol Selection
XON/XOFF
Intermec Protocols
XON/XOFF Selection
No Status Response
With Status Response
Media Type
Direct Thermal
Thermal Transfer Ribbon
Default settings are noted with an*
ON
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
O
*
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
0
1
2
3
4
5
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
*
*
*
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
O
1
1
O
O
1
1
1
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
O
1
1
O
O
1
1
O
1
1
1
O
1
1
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
1
1
O
O
1
1
O
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
1
1
O
1
1
1
1
1
O
O
1
1
O
O
1
1
1
O
1
1
1
O
1
1
O
1
1
1
O
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
3400U.020
DIP switch settings: These charts illustrate the settings for the DIP switches on the top
and bottom banks. For a description of each setting, see the DIP Switch Settings
Descriptions table on page 12.
Verifying Printer Communications With Your System
After connecting the printer to your system, you need to test
communications. The easiest way to test communications is to set the
printer to Data Line Print mode, which is part of Test and Service mode,
and send a character string down from your system.
To verify communications with your system
1 If you have just printed a configuration test label, you are already in
Data Line Print mode. Go to Step 5.
2 Turn the On/Off switch to the off position.
3 Press and hold the Feed/Pause button while you turn the On/Off switch
to the on position. The printer prints the hardware configuration test
label.
4 Release the Feed/Pause button. You are now in Data Line Print mode.
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual 13
Chapter 1— Getting Started Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica
5 Transmit at least four characters from your system.
At this point, the printer does not attempt to interpret any printer
commands, but simply prints each character with its hexadecimal
equivalent underneath.
Note: An example of using DOS to verify printer communications
follows this procedure.
6 To enter normal Print mode, turn the printer power off and then on
again.
If this procedure does not work, make sure that the DIP switches match
the serial port configuration of the system and that you have the printer
cable securely plugged into the correct port of your system.
If you receive a write fault error, your cabling may not be correct. See
“Connecting the Printer to Your System” on page 8 for more information.
Note: Please refer to your host computer user’s manual and the IPL
Programming Reference Manual for information on downloading
commands.
Example of Using DOS to Verify Printer Communications
1 At the DOS prompt, type this command and press Enter:
MODE COM1 96,E,7,1,N
2 Type these command lines and press Enter:
COPY CON COM1
ABCDEF^Z
where:
COPY CON COM1 has the PC copy the following information to the
COM1 port.
ABCDEF are random characters entered at the host.
^Z (Ctrl-Z) Enter sends the information to the printer.
The printer will print these characters:
3XXXU.021
Note: If you are using a different platform to communicate with your
printer, please refer to your host computer user’s manual and the IPL
Programming Reference Manual for help downloading commands.
14 EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
Operating the Printer
2
This chapter describes how to use the printer. This chapter covers these
topics:
• Understanding the front panel
• Loading roll media and media for self-strip printing
• Loading thermal transfer ribbon
• Setting the media sensitivity number
• Communicating with the printer
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual 15
Chapter 2— Operating the Printer Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica
Learning How to Operate the Printer
To operate the printer, you need to understand:
• how light emitting diodes (LEDs) help you monitor the status of the
printer and the various tasks the Feed/Pause button performs.
• how to load roll media, thermal transfer ribbon, and the procedure for
using the self-strip option.
• how to optimize print quality and print speed.
• different methods for transferring information from the host to the
printer and from the printer to the host.
Understanding the Front Panel
Use this section to understand the function of the front panel LEDs and
the Feed/Pause button.
Front panel: This illustration shows the front panel LEDs and the Feed/Pause button.
Understanding the Front Panel LEDs
You can use the front panel LEDs to monitor the status of the printer and
troubleshoot the printer.
Power/Data
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
3XXXU.024
16 EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica Chapter 2— Operating the Printer
Green LED
Orange LED
Yellow LED
Power/Data
Alert
Empty/Pause
LED State Indication
Power/Data
Alert
Off
On
Flashing
Off
Flashing
On
Power off
Power on
Receiving data
Printing or idle
Over-temperature
System fault
LED states: This illustration shows what each LED state indicates.
LED States for Problems
Problem LED State
Over-Temperature If the printer overheats, the Alert LED flashes and the printer
Media or System
Faults
Using the Feed/Pause Button
The Feed/Pause button, located on the front of the printer, performs
several functions depending on the mode of the printer.
Feed/Pause
3440U.012
Empty/Pause
Off
Flashing
On
Printing or idle
Paused
Media fault
stops. Do not try to troubleshoot or adjust the printer—just allow
the printer enough time to cool down and it will resume operation
on its own.
If the Empty/Pause or the Alert LED remains on, your printer is
experiencing a media or system fault. For help, see Chapter 4,
“Troubleshooting.”
Feed/Pause Button Functions
Printer Mode You Want To What to Do
Idle Feed out one label or
a minimum specified
amount of media.
Continuously feed
media.
Take the printer
offline.
Printing Pause the printer. Press and release the Feed/Pause button.
Cancel the current
print job.
EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual 17
Press and release the Feed/Pause button.
Press and hold the Feed/Pause button.
When you release the button, the media
stops feeding.
Press the Feed/Pause button twice. Press
the button again to bring the printer
online.
Press and release the button again to
resume printing.
Press and hold the Feed/Pause button
until the printer stops printing.
Chapter 2— Operating the Printer Cd 39 Helvetica CondensedHelvetica
Feed/Pause Button Functions (continued)
Printer Mode You Want To What to Do
Turned on for
the first time
Print the hardware
configuration label.
Press and hold the Feed/Pause button.
See “Printing the Hardware
Configuration Test Label” on page 7 for
more information.
Loading Media Into the Printer
You can load media into the printer in three different ways:
• Straight-through printing with roll media
• Self-strip printing with roll media (optional)
• Fanfold printing (see page 5)
You can load media with the printer power turned on or off. The
following procedures for loading media assume that you have turned the
printer on.
Loading Roll Media for Straight-Through Printing
In straight-through printing, you load a roll of media on the supply roll
post and feed it straight through the printer mechanism and out the front
of the printer. As the printer completes the printing of individual labels,
you can remove them from the roll by pulling them down across the tear
bar.
Note: This procedure covers how to load media for straight-through print
mode using a roll of direct thermal or thermal transfer label media. The
default setting for the printer is direct thermal mode; use PrintSet to
change the printer to thermal transfer mode.
Note: You should find a small label with a three-digit sensitivity number
printed on it attached to your roll of media or a 15-digit number stamped
on the side of the media roll (Intermec media only). Save this information.
You will need it to set the correct media sensitivity number. See “Setting
the Media Sensitivity Number” on page 24 for help.
To load the media
1 Raise the printhead by rotating the head lift lever clockwise until the
printhead disengages.
2 Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise to release it, and then
slide it to the outer end of the supply roll post.
18 EasyCoder 3400e Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual
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