Intermec EasyCoder 3240 Getting Started Manual

Getting Started Guide

P/N 063257-005

EasyCoder

™

3240 Printer

Intermec Technologies Corporation
6001 36th Avenue West
P.O. Box 4280
Everett, WA 98203-9280

U.S. technical and service support: 1-800-755-5505
U.S. media supplies ordering information: 1-800-227-9947

Canadian technical and service support: 1-800-688-7043
Canadian media supplies ordering information: 1-800-268-6936

Outside U.S. and Canada: Contact your local Intermec service supplier.

The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose of allowing
customers to operate and/or 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 in this manual are subject to change without notice.
 1997 by Intermec Technologies Corporation

All Rights Reserved

The word Intermec, the Intermec logo, JANUS, IRL, TRAKKER, EasyCoder, Duratherm, Precision
Print, PrintSet, Virtual Wedge, and CrossBar are trademarks of Intermec Corporation.

Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Kimdura is a registered trademark of Kimberly Clark.
Kapton is a registered trademark of Dupont.
The name Centronics is wholly owned by GENICOM Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names may be used. Rather than put a trademark () 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.

Contents

Contents

About This Guide v

Related Intermec Manuals and Materials v
Warranty Information vi
Safety Summary vi
Cautions vi
Terms and Conventions vii

Preparing the Printer for Connection

1

2

Unpacking the 3240 Printer 1-3

Reporting Damage or Defects 1-4

Understanding the Printer Front Panel 1-5

Plugging In the Printer 1-6

Opening the Printer 1-7

Loading Media for Printing 1-8

Loading Media for Self-Strip Printing 1-10

Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon 1-13

Testing Printer Operation 1-15

Connecting the Printer

Connecting the Printer to Your System 2-3

Connecting the 3240 to a PC 2-3

Connecting the Printer to a PC Serial Port 2-4

Connecting the Printer to a PC Parallel Port 2-5
Connecting the 3240 to an Ethernet Network 2-5
Connecting the 3240 to an AS/400 2-7
Connecting the 3240 to a Mainframe 2-8

Verifying Printer Communications With Your System 2-9

Configuring the Serial Port 2-10

iii

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Customizing the Printer for Your Application 2-12

Using the InterDriver and ActiveX Barcode Control 2-12
Using the PrintSet Software 2-13
Using Third-Party Software 2-13
Using the Printer Command Set 2-13

Optimizing Print Quality

3

Troubleshooting the Printer 3-3

Printing High Registration Labels 3-7

Correcting the Lateral Position of the Label Image 3-7
Accurately Detecting the Start of a Label 3-9
Correcting Uneven Print Quality 3-11
Fine-Tuning the Top of Form Position 3-13

Setting the Media Sensitivity Number 3-16

Setting the Media Sensitivity Number for Intermec Media and Ribbon 3-17
Setting the Media Sensitivity Number for Other Media and Ribbon 3-18

Adjusting the Printer for Self-Strip Printing 3-20

Cleaning the Printhead 3-21

iv

About This Guide

g

y

y

Use this guide to get your printer up and running for the first time. This getting
started guide walks you through taking the printer out of the box, connecting it
to your system, and verifying that you have communications with your system.
Use this table to locate the information you need to get started.

For Information On Refer To

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About This Guide

Preparing the printer for
connection

Connecting the printer Chapter 2. This chapter explains how to connect the

Optimizing print quality Chapter 3. This chapter explains how to troubleshoot

Chapter 1. This chapter explains how to unpack the
printer, understand the printer front panel, plu
printer, load media, load ribbon, and print a test label.

printer to
verify that you have established communications.

basic print qualit
maintain print quality.

our system, configure the serial port, and

problems and perform procedures to

in the

Related Intermec Manuals and Materials

The manuals and material listed below provide additional information about
printing labels with your 3240 printer. Please visit our Web site at
www.intermec.com for a list of available manuals or to access many of our
current manuals in PDF format. To order printed versions of the Intermec
manuals, contact your local Intermec representative or distributor.

Users Manual Intermec Part No.

3240 Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual 063015

General Reference

Data Communications Reference Manual 044737
The Bar Code Book by Roger C. Palmer 051241
IPL Programming Reference Manual 066396

Compact Disk

Printer Companion CD 1-020036

v

3240 Bar Code Label Printer Getting Started Guide

Warranty Information

To receive a copy of the standard warranty provision for this product, contact
your local Intermec sales organization. In the U.S. call [phone], and in
Canada call [phone]. Otherwise, refer to the Worldwide Sales & Service
list that comes with this guide for the address and telephone number of your
Intermec sales organization.

Safety Summary

Your safety is extremely important. Read and follow all warnings and cautions
in this guide 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

alone under any circumstances. Someone capable of providing first aid must
always be present for your safety.

First Aid

injury. Never neglect an injury, no matter how slight it seems.

Resuscitation

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

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.

Always obtain first aid or medical attention immediately after an

Begin resuscitation immediately if someone is injured and stops

Never work on energized equipment unless authorized

Do not repair or adjust energized equipment

Cautions

The cautions in this guide use the following format.

Caution

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.

Conseil

Une précaution vous alerte 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.

vi

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About This Guide

Terms and Conventions

The following special terms and conventions occur throughout this guide.

Terms

“Printer” or “3240” refer to the 3240 bar code label printer.
“Media” is the label or tag stock on which the printer prints labels.
“Host” refers to a personal computer or other computer that communicates

with the printer.

Conventions

The following conventions are used throughout this guide for operating
procedures and descriptions of the printer.

• Feed/Pause refers to the Feed/Pause button on the printer front panel.

• Downloaded commands appear in the order that you send them to the

printer with the following conventions:

Convention Description

Ctrl Bold text represents a key on your keyboard. For example, Ctrl

represents the Control key.

Ctrl-Z When two keys are joined with a dash, press them simultaneously. For

example, if you see the command Ctrl-Z, press the two keys at the
same time.

E3;F3

Type all characters that appear in the Courier font by pressing an
individual key on the keyboard.

vii

1

Preparing the Printer for Connection

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The 3240 printer offers many configuration and programming choices, yet it is easy to
operate and understand. Intermec designed the 3240 to produce high-quality labels in
harsh environments with minimal supervision and maintenance.

This chapter provides procedures for

•

unpacking the printer.

•

reporting damage or defects.

•

understanding the printer front panel.

•

plugging in the printer.

•

opening the printer.

•

loading media for printing.

•

loading media for self-strip printing.

•

loading thermal transfer ribbon.

•

testing printer operation.

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Preparing the Printer for Connection

1

Unpacking the 3240 Printer

Remove the accessories, packing material, and the printer from the shipping
container. Set the printer on a clean, stable, flat surface and remove the packing
material. Make sure that you have enough room to open the printer cover. Save
the shipping container and packing materials in case you need to move or ship
your printer.

Verify the contents of the shipping container against the list below and the
figure on the following page.

• 3240 printer

• AC power cord

• Ribbon core

• EasyCoder™ 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Printer Companion CD

•

• Media roll

• Media support

1-3

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Contents of the 3240 Shipping Container

Power

Alert

Empty/Pause

Feed/Pause

EasyCoder

3240

3240 Printer

precisionprint

Media roll

AC power
cord

Ribbon core

Getting Started Guide

Local Area Systems Division

EasyCoder

3240 Printer

™

P/N 069806-001

CD

Reporting Damage or Defects

Intermec thoroughly tests and inspects every 3240 printer before shipping it
from the factory. If you receive any items that are damaged, please take the
following steps to correct the problem:

• Take photographs if necessary.

• Contact the transport carrier.

Getting started
guide

P/N 054324

Getting Started Guide

™

3240 Printer

EasyCoder

Media
support

3240G001.eps

1-4

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Preparing the Printer for Connection

Understanding the Printer Front Panel

The front of the 3240 printer contains one button (Feed/Pause) and three light
emitting diodes (LEDs) that the printer uses to provide information during
printer operation. The three LED indicators operate as follows:

LED State Indicates

Green LED

Power

Power

Off
On

1

Power off
Power on

Orange LED

Yellow LED

The Feed/Pause button performs the following functions depending on the
mode of the printer:

Print Mode Function

If the printer is idle: Press and release the Feed/Pause button to feed out one label

If the printer is printing: Press and release the Feed/Pause button to make the printer

Alert

Empty/Pause

Feed/Pause

3240G.002

or a minimum specified amount of media.
Press and hold the Feed/Pause button to continuously feed

media until you release the button.
Press the Feed/Pause button twice to take the printer offline.

pause.
Press and release the Feed/Pause button again for the printer

to resume printing.
Press and hold the Feed/Pause button to cancel the print job.

Alert

Empty/Pause

Off
Flashing
On

Off
Flashing
On

Printing or idle
Over-temperature
System fault

Printing or idle
Printer is paused
Media fault

When the printer is first
powered on:

Press and hold the Feed/Pause button to print the hardware
configuration label. Refer to “Testing Printer Operation” later
in this chapter.

1-5

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Plugging In the Printer

The back of the 3240 printer contains the AC power cord receptacle, the serial
communications port, the On/Off (|/O) switch, and two banks of DIP
switches.

To plug in the printer

1. Turn the On/Off switch to the off (O) position.

2. Make sure you set the DIP switches to their factory default settings.

Top Bank

Set switch 1 on. Set switches 2 through 8 off.

Bottom Bank

Set switches 1 through 8 off.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

I

O

AC power cord
receptacle

DIP
switches

Serial
communications
port

On/Off
switch

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

3240G.003

3. Plug the AC power cord into the receptacle at the rear of the printer.

4. Plug the other end of the power cord into a grounded wall outlet or surge
protector.

5. Turn the On/Off switch to the on (|) position. When you power on the
printer, the green LED lights, the yellow LED flashes, and the platen roller
advances. The yellow LED then stays on until you load media.

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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.

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 top of the printer frame.

3. Lift the media cover away from the top of the printer.

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Preparing the Printer for Connection

1

Feed/Pause

Power

Alert

Empty/Pause

EasyCoder

3

2

precisionprint

3240

Media
cover

1

Media cover
release
(between the two
notches)

3240G.004

1-7

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Loading Media for Printing

This procedure explains how to load a roll of media. For the purposes of this
getting started guide, you may want to use the small roll of media that comes
with the printer.

Note:

Attached to the media roll is a label with a three-digit sensitivity number printed
on it. Make sure you save this label. You need this information to set the correct media
sensitivity number. See “Setting the Media Sensitivity Number” in Chapter 3 for more
information.

To load media

1. Open the printer.

2. Raise the printhead by rotating the head lift lever clockwise to release it.

3. Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise to release it and slide it to

the outer end of the supply roll post. Turn the supply roll retainer clockwise
to lock it in place.

4. Lift the media brake up and slide it towards the front of the printer until it

reaches its resting position.

5. Place the media roll on the supply roll post and position it firmly against

the printer.

6. Lift up on the media brake, slide it toward the back of the printer, and

lower it onto the media roll.

7. Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise and slide it up to the edge of

the media roll. Turn the supply roll retainer clockwise to secure.

Note:

If you are using a narrow media roll (less than 1 inch), insert the media
support between the media roll and the supply roll retainer before you secure it in
place.

8. Unscrew the edge guide and slide it all the way to the outer edge of the
lower media guide. Screw the edge guide in place.

9. Pull down on the lower media guide to allow access to the media path.

10. Unroll several inches of media and insert it between the two media guides
and out the front of the printer. Release the lower media guide.

11. If you are using thermal transfer media, you need to load ribbon. For help,
see “Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon,” later in this chapter.

12. Rotate the head lift lever counterclockwise until it locks in place to lower
the printhead.

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Preparing the Printer for Connection

1

Media

Media
backing

Tear
bar

Printhead

Label
gap
sensor

Head lift
lever

TOF

Edge
guide

Lateral
printhead
adjust

Lower
media guide

Upper
media guide

➤

➤

Media
brake

3240G.005

Media
support

Media roll

Supply roll
post

Supply roll
retainer

13. Press the Feed/Pause button until the printer feeds out approximately 6
inches of media.

14. Unscrew the edge guide and slide it inward until it just touches the edge of
the media. Screw it in place.

Note:

Adjust the label gap sensor if you are using narrow media (less than
1 inch wide). For help, see “Accurately Detecting the Start of a Label” in
Chapter 3.

15. If you are loading continuous media or mark label stock, use PrintSet,

your third-party software or the printer command set to tell the printer
what kind of media you are using.

16. Replace the media cover. Your printer is now ready to print labels.

Note:

If you are using narrow media (1 inch or less), it is important that you adjust
the bias adjust screw to achieve the highest print quality possible. For help, see
”Correcting Uneven Print Quality” in Chapter 3

.

1-9

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Loading Media for Self-Strip Printing

Use self-strip printing in applications where you want to apply labels to a
surface immediately. After printing a label, the printer prints out the label with
the backing removed. The rewinder hub collects the backing after passing over
the self-strip assist roller. The rewinder hub can hold the backing from an entire
roll of media.

Note:

Attached to the media roll is a small label with a three-digit sensitivity number
printed on it. Make sure you save this label. You need this information to set the
correct media sensitivity number. Refer to “Setting the Media Sensitivity Number” in
Chapter 3 for more information.

Note:

If you lift the printhead while printing with self-strip, you may not receive the
best performance from the Precision Print technology. If you must lift the printhead,
remove accumulated liner from the takeup hub before resuming print.

To load self-strip media

1. Open the printer.

2. Raise the printhead by rotating the head lift lever clockwise to release it.

3. Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise to release it and slide it to

the outer end of the supply roll post. Turn the supply roll retainer clockwise
to lock it in place.

4. Lift the media brake up and slide it towards the front of the printer until it

reaches its resting position.

5. Place the media roll on the supply roll post and position it firmly against

the printer.

6. Lift up on the media brake, slide it toward the back of the printer, and

lower it onto the media roll.

7. Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise and slide it up to the edge of

the media roll. Turn the supply roll retainer clockwise to secure.

Note:

If you are using a narrow roll of media (less than 1 inch), insert the media
support between the roll of media and the supply roll retainer before you secure it
in place.

8. Unscrew the edge guide and slide it to the outer edge of the lower media
guide. Screw the edge guide in place.

9. Pull down on the lower media guide to access the media path.

10. Unroll several inches of media and insert it between the two media guides
and out the front of the printer. Release the lower media guide.

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Loading Media for Self-Strip Printing

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Preparing the Printer for Connection

1

Media
brake

➤

➤

Rewinder
hub

Printhead

➤

➤

Upper media
guide

Lower media
guide

Rewinder
clasp

Media
support

Supply roll
retainer

Media roll

Supply roll
post

3240G.020

Media
liner

Media
access door

Head lift
lever

Power

Alert

Empty/Pause

Feed/Pause

EasyCoder

3240

Self-strip
assist roller

Lateral
printhead
knob

➤

➤

Tear
bar

11. Pull out 10 to 12 inches of media and remove the exposed labels from the
media liner.

12. Open the media access door and thread the media liner under the self-strip
assist roller and over the rewinder hub in a clockwise direction.

13. Remove the rewinder clasp from the rewinder hub and wind approximately
2 inches of media liner over the rewinder hub.

14. Secure the media by snapping the rewinder clasp onto the rewinder hub.
Turn the rewinder hub clockwise to remove all slack from the media liner
between the tear bar and the rewinder hub.

15. Close the media access door.

16. Use PrintSet, your third-party software or the printer command set to
enable self-strip printing and the label taken sensor.

Note:

See “Adjusting the Printer for Self-Strip Printing” in Chapter 3 for

information on how to position the label taken sensor.

17. Rotate the head lift lever counterclockwise until it locks.

18. Press Feed/Pause to advance approximately 6 inches of media through the
printer. Remove the stripped labels from the front of the printer.

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EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

19. Unscrew the edge guide and slide it inward until it just touches the edge of
the media. Screw the edge guide in place.

Note:

Adjust the label gap sensor if you are using narrow media (less than 1 inch

wide). See “Accurately Detecting the Start of a Label” in Chapter 3.

20. Replace the printer cover. The printer is now ready to print labels.

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Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon

If you plan to use thermal transfer media, you must install a thermal transfer
ribbon (TTR) to print labels in thermal transfer mode.

Note:

Save the plastic bag that your ribbon comes in. Attached to the ribbon bag is a
sticker with a three-digit sensitivity number printed on it. You need this information to
set the correct media sensitivity number. See “Setting the Media Sensitivity Number”
in Chapter 3 for more information.

To load thermal transfer ribbon

1. Make sure the printhead is in the raised position. If not, turn the head lift

lever clockwise until it releases the printhead.

2. Place the empty ribbon core that comes with the printer on the ribbon

rewind hub.

3. Detach the leader from the new thermal transfer ribbon roll and unwind the

end of the ribbon approximately 8 inches. The edge of the ribbon has a
leader (with an adhesive strip on the leader edge) to guide the ribbon
through the printhead mechanism.

Preparing the Printer for Connection

1

4. Slide the roll of thermal transfer ribbon onto the ribbon supply hub with the

ribbon roll winding clockwise.

5. Route the ribbon leader through the printer mechanism as shown in the

illustration.

Note:

top of the upper media guide. If the ribbon becomes caught on the PCB, it can cause
the ribbon to wrinkle.

Note:

come in contact with the printhead.

6. Attach the leader from the new thermal transfer ribbon roll to the empty

ribbon core using the adhesive strip on the leader edge.

7. Turn the ribbon rewind hub clockwise until the ribbon runs smoothly

through the printhead mechanism.

Make sure that the ribbon goes over the label gap sensor PCB located on the

Make sure the ribbon runs above the upper media guide. The ribbon must

1-13

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon

Thermal transfer ribbon

Power

Alert

Empty/Pause

Feed/Pause

EasyCoder

3240

Empty ribbon
core

Ribbon supply
hub

Upper media
guide

Ribbon rewind
hub

Lateral printhead
adjust

Head lift
lever

TTR assist
roller

Printhead

3240G.006

8. Engage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever counterclockwise until
it locks.

9. To enable thermal transfer printing, set DIP switch 8 on the bottom bank of
switches to the on position. For help, see “Configuring the Serial Port” in
Chapter 2.

10. Press the Feed/Pause button to advance the ribbon through the printer.

11. Close the printer. The printer is now ready to print labels.

Note:

When replacing the thermal transfer ribbon roll in the future, use the empty

ribbon supply core as the new empty ribbon core.

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Testing Printer Operation

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 your
printer’s configuration. Use this label for reference when connecting the 3240
printer to your system.

Note:

For the entire hardware configuration label to print out, you must use media

that is at least 2.6 inches wide.

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 turning the printer power on.
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 (to verify the label length) and then prints
the hardware configuration test label.

Preparing the Printer for Connection

1

4. Turn the printer power off and then on to enter Print mode.

3240 Hardware Configuration

Memory Installed

Storage RAM

Image RAM

Flash RAM

Mileage

Inches Processed
Inches Burned

Printhead

Width
Dot Size

Burn Pot Setting
Hardware Options

I/O Option
Internal Option
External Option

Firmware Checksum

ROM0 (U9) : CDE3 ROM1 (U8): 0A1E

Program : 063103 VERSION: 0.9

: 128 kilobytes
: 375 kilobytes
: none

: 36
: 12

: 1024 dots
: 2.5 mil
: 231

: none
: none
: Self Strip

3240G.007

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2

Connecting the Printer

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You can connect the 3240 printer to almost any system available and establish
communications. Use this chapter for

•

connecting the printer to your system.

•

verifying communications between the printer and your system.

•

configuring the serial port.

•

customizing the printer for your applications.

Co de 39

Connecting the Printer to Your System

You can connect your 3240 printer to a PC, a local area network, an AS/400 (or
other midrange computer), or a mainframe. This section provides the
information necessary for connecting to any of these systems.

Connecting the 3240 to a PC

You can connect the 3240 to either a serial port or parallel port (if you have the
parallel option installed in your printer) on your PC. You must provide the
correct cables for connecting the printer.

Connecting the Printer

2

Serial and Parallel Connector Location

A Connect to a serial port.
B Connect to a parallel port.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

I

O

3240G056.eps

2-3

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Connecting the Printer to a PC Serial Port

To connect the 3240 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.

Use the following table to determine the correct Intermec cable for your
application. See your printer user’s manual for cable schematics for these
cables.

For Connecting To Use Intermec Cable Part Number

IBM PC AT 048693 (25-pin printer to 9-pin serial port straight-through)
IBM PC XT 048668 (25-pin printer to 25-pin serial port null modem)

Contact your Intermec representative for ordering assistance if you do not have
the appropriate cable.

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 back
of the 3240 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.
The default configuration settings for the 3240 printer are:

• 9600 baud

• even parity

• 7 bit word length

• XON/XOFF no status response protocol

• device address A

• direct thermal media

See “Configuring the Serial Port” later in this chapter for more information.

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Connecting the Printer

2

Connecting the Printer to a PC Parallel Port

If you are using a parallel port to communicate with the printer, you need:

• a Centronics parallel interface installed in the printer.

• a parallel cable to run between the printer and the PC.

If you did not have the parallel interface installed at the factory, an Intermec
technician can install the field-installable option (Intermec Part No. 056830) in
the optional I/O board port of your printer.

You can purchase a parallel cable from Intermec (Part No. 051211) or from your
local computer store.

To connect your printer to a PC parallel port

1. Turn the On/Off switch to the off position.

2. Plug the Centronics cable connector into the interface adapter port on the
back of the 3240 printer.

3. Plug the other end of the cable into a parallel port on the PC.

Connecting the 3240 to an Ethernet Network

With the Intermec Ethernet Adapter installed, you can connect the 3240 printer
into mixed network environments. The adapter is compatible with all major
systems including: NetWare, UNIX, Windows, and Macintosh. Additionally,
mainframe systems that use TCP/IP are supported.

To connect the 3240 to an Ethernet network, you must have:

• an Ethernet Adapter interface installed in your printer.

• an Ethernet network cable.

2-5

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Parallel Port Connector and External Ethernet Adapter

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

I

O

Optional I/O
port with parallel
connector
installed

External
Ethernet
Adapter

If you did not have the parallel interface installed at the factory, an Intermec
technician can install the field-installable option (Intermec Part No. 068789) in
the optional I/O board port of your printer.

Internal Ethernet Connector

I

O

3240G058.eps

3240G059.eps

Network
LED

Power
LED

Test
button

10BaseT
connector

See your

Intermec Ethernet Adapter Installation Guide

information. You may also want to purchase a copy of the

Adapter User’s Manual

site at www.intermec.com at no charge.

2-6

(Part No. 068748) for more

Intermec Ethernet

(Part No. 068749) or download a copy from our Internet

Connecting the 3240 to an AS/400

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

O

I

3240G050.eps

Rotary
switch

LED

Adapter cable
connector

To connect a 3240 printer directly to an AS/400 or midrange computer, you
need:

• a twinax adapter card.

• a twinaxial cable equivalent to IBM part number 7362267 or 7362062.

If you did not have the twinax adapter card installed at the factory, an Intermec
technician can install the field-installable option (Intermec Part No. 067879) in
the optional I/O board port of your printer.

Twinax Connector and Cable

HelvC

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Co de 39

Connecting the Printer

The maximum cable length for the twinax interface is 5000 feet (1525
meters).

2

Twinax
adapter
cable

3240G053.eps

For help on cabling and communications, see the

Card User’s Manual

Note:

If you are using a midrange computer other than the AS/400, refer to your

(Part No. 068453) that comes with the twinax adapter card.

External Coax/Twinax Interface

system documentation for information on cabling and setting up communications.

2-7

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

O

I

3240G050.eps

Rotary
switch

LED

Adapter cable
connector

Connecting the 3240 to a Mainframe

To connect a 3240 printer directly to an IBM mainframe, you need:

• a coax adapter card.

• a coaxial cable equivalent to IBM part number 2577672 or 1833108.

Coax Connector and Cable

Coax
adapter
cable

3240G054.eps

The maximum cable length allowed is 4920 feet (1500 meters). See the IBM
specification

Installation and Assembly of Coaxial Cable and Accessories

, part

number GA27-2805-4, for further information.
If you did not have the coax adapter card installed at the factory, you can install

the field-installable option (Intermec Part No. 067880) in the optional I/O board
port of your printer.

For help on cabling and communications, see the

Card User’s Manual

(Part No. 068453) that comes with the twinax adapter card.

External Coax/Twinax Interface

2-8

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Connecting the Printer

Verifying Printer Communications With Your System

Once you have the printer connected to your system, you need to verify that
the printer communicates with your system. The easiest way to test
communications is to set the printer to Data Line Print mode, which is a part of
the Test and Service mode, and send down a character string from your system.

If you have just printed a configuration test label, you are in Data Line Print
mode. Start with Step 4.

To verify communications with your system

1. Turn the On/Off switch to the off position.

2. Press and hold the Feed/Pause button while powering on the printer. The
printer prints out the hardware configuration test label.

3. Release the Feed/Pause button after the hardware configuration label is
printed. You are now in Data Line Print mode.

2

4. Send down some characters from your system.
At this point the printer does not attempt to interpret any printer

commands. It simply prints each character with its hexadecimal equivalent
underneath.

5. To return to Print mode, turn the printer power off and then on again.

If this procedure does not work, check to make sure that the DIP switches are
set to the default configuration and that the printer cable is securely plugged
into the correct port of your system.

2-9

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Configuring the Serial Port

The serial port settings of the 3240 printer should match those of your PC or
network controlling device. If the default settings do not match your
configuration needs, use the DIP Switch Settings table and the Serial Port
Settings table to change them.

Note:

Ignore Multi-Drop switches if you are not using a Multi-Drop network.

DIP Switch Settings

O = OFF
1 = ON

Baud Rate Selection

Number of Data Bits

19,200
9,600

4,800
2,400

1,200
reserved
reserved
reserved

Parity Selection

Even

Odd
None
None

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

O

O

O

1

O

O

O

1

O

1

1

O

O

O

1

1

O

1

O

1

1

1

1

1

O
1
O
1

*

Bottom Bank Switch Number

OFF

O = OFF
1 = ON

Multi-Drop Address Selection

O
O
1
1

O

1

OO

Protocol Selection

XON/XOFF

Intermec Protocols

XON/XOFF Selection

No Status Response

With Status Response

DT/TTR

Direct Thermal

Thermal Transfer

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

3240G.010

2-10

Serial Port Settings

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The default settings are shown in bold italic text.

Parameter Settings

Co de 39

Connecting the Printer

2

Baud Rate
Parity
Word Length

Selection
Protocol

Device Address
Media Type

To configure the printer serial port

1. Use the DIP Switch Settings table (previous page) and the Serial Port
Settings table (above) to determine which parameters you need to change
and the correct DIP switch settings.

2. Use a small straight-slot screwdriver to set the appropriate DIP switches on
or off.

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.

1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200

Even, Odd, None
7 bit word, 8 bit word

Intermec, XON/XOFF no status response, XON/XOFF with
status response

A to Z, 0 to 5
Direct thermal, thermal transfer

3. Turn the printer power off and then on for the configuration changes to
take effect.

2-11

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Customizing the Printer for Your Application

Several configuration settings are available to improve print quality and
performance. You can use the configuration settings to control parameters such
as print darkness and the media sensitivity number. Many of the configuration
settings customize the printer for self-strip applications and the type of media
you are using. Use PrintSet, your third-party software, or the Intermec Printer
Language (IPL) command set to customize the configuration settings. Refer to
the

IPL Programming Reference Manual

configuration settings.

Using the InterDriver and ActiveX Barcode Control

You can now easily create bar code labels from virtually any Windows
application. Simply use the InterDriver as you would any other printer driver.

With the InterDriver you can:

• Change printer configuration.

for more information on all of the

• Adjust memory.

• Use pre-defined labels or create your own customer sizes.

• Perform test prints.

• Communicate with your printer with serial, parallel, or Ethernet

connections.

With the ActiveX Barcode Control you can:

• Drop bar codes into any Windows Application.

• Easily configure the bar code to your needs.

• Update the data manually or automatically from a database.

• Generate serialized bar codes.

• Create custom applications using Visual basic and Visual C++.

For help on both the InterDriver and the ActiveX Barcode Control, refer to the
online help portion of the application software.

2-12

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Connecting the Printer

2

Using the PrintSet Software

Use the PrintSet application software to easily configure your printer from your
PC. You can upload the current configuration settings, modify them, and then
download them to the 3240 printer. PrintSet also lets you:

• download graphics and fonts.

• print test labels.

• allocate memory.

• download configuration files.

For help using PrintSet, refer to the online help portion of the application
software. PrintSet can be installed from the
with this manual or it can be downloaded from our Internet site at
www.intermec.com.

Printer Companion CD

included

Using Third-Party Software

You can use third-party software to set many of the printer parameters. Use the
printer command set or the configuration DIP switches to set the parameters
that your software cannot set (for example, the number of image bands and
media sensitivity number).

Use your third-party software to create label formats and convert graphics into
a user-definable character (UDC) format that the 3240 printer can interpret.

Using the Printer Command Set

You can also create labels by downloading formats (designs) and data created
with the printer command set. The commands in the printer command set can
perform any function or activate any feature of the 3240 printer except for those
features and functions that you set with the DIP switches. See the

Programming Reference Manual

descriptions.

for a complete list of printer commands and their

IPL

2-13

3

Optimizing Print Quality

Use the procedures and adjustments in this chapter to optimize and maintain print
quality. Optimize and maintain print quality by

•

troubleshooting the printer.

•

using Precision Print technology to print high registration labels.

•

setting the media sensitivity number.

•

cleaning the printhead.

•

adjusting the label taken sensor for self-strip printing.

Troubleshooting the Printer

Use the troubleshooting table to determine what may be causing your print
quality problem before you proceed. Then use the next sections to optimize and
maintain your printer.

If the print quality problem persists after performing the procedures in this
chapter, see your 3240 Bar Code Label Printer User’s Manual for more
troubleshooting information, or contact your Intermec Customer Service
Representative at 1-800-755-5505.

Co de 39Co de 39

Optimizing Print Quality

3

3-3

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

y

g

y

y

g

y

y

g

y

y

g

g

g

y

g

g

y

g

j

g

y

g

y

y

y

j

Co de 39Co de 39

If your labels are not printing properly, check the following table to locate the
symptom and correct the problem.

Print Quality Problems

Symptom Possible Causes Solution

Blotches on labels. Printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead. See “Cleaning the Printhead”

later in this chapter.

Poor qualit
ribbon stock.

Incorrect media
sensitivity setting.

Printin
or too dark.

Printin
out of alignment.

Print quality is poor. Incorrect media

is too light

on label is

Incorrect media
sensitivity setting.

Printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead. Refer to “Cleanin

Printer is misfeedin
media.

sensitivity setting.

Printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead. See “Cleanin

label or

Replace stock with Intermec Media Products label
and/or ribbon stock. See “Settin
Sensitivit
correct media sensitivit
and ribbon stock.

Chan

ou are using. See “Setting the Media Sensitivit

Number” later in this chapter.

Change sensitivity setting to match the type of media

ou are using. See “Setting the Media Sensitivit

Number” later in this chapter.

Printhead” later in this chapter.

Make sure that
the entire media path. See “Loading Media for
Printing” in Chapter 1.

Chan
media
Sensitivity Number” later in this chapter.

this chapter.

Number” later in this chapter to set the

numbers for Intermec media

e sensitivity setting to match the type of media

ou installed the media correctly alon

e the sensitivity setting to match the type of

ou are using. See “Setting the Media

the Media

the

the Printhead” in

Uneven print contrast
(density).

You are usin
label or ribbon stock to
print labels.

Ribbon wrinkling. Check to make sure that

3-4

incorrect

Ad

ust the bias adjust screw. See “Correcting Uneven

Print Quality” later in this chapter.
Use only Intermec label and ribbon stock to ensure

superior print qualit
“Settin
chapter to set the correct media sensitivit
for Intermec media and ribbon stock.

correctl
Chapter 1.

Ad
Print Quality” later in this chapter.

the Media Sensitivity Number” later in this

. See “Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon” in

ust the bias adjust screw. See “Correcting Uneven

and product performance. See

numbers

ou installed the ribbon

Print Quality Problems (continued)

g

y

g

g

g

y

j

g

g

y

y

y

g

g

g

y

g

g

j

g

Symptom Possible Causes Solution

Co de 39Co de 39

Optimizing Print Quality

3

Print quality is poor. Direct thermal/thermal

transfer switch set in the
wrong position.

The printer skips a
label or sends an
intermittent error.

The printer is not
waitin
remove a label to
print again.

The ribbon is movin
towards the outer
ed
path.

until you

e of the media

The label
in the correct position.

Excessive use of the TOF
switch.

The printer is not sensin
that there is a label at the
strip bar.

You have incorrectl
the bias adjust screw.

The ribbon and media are
not the same width.

ap sensor is not

set

Set the DIP switch for the type of media you are using.
See “Configuring the Serial Port” in Chapter 2.

Properly position the label gap sensor. See
“Accuratel
chapter.

Lift the printhead to reset the top of form position. See
“Fine-Tunin
chapter.

Properl

usting the Printer for Self-Strip Printing” later in

“Ad
this chapter.

Adjust the bias adjust screw. See “Correcting Uneven
Print Quality” later in this chapter.

Make sure that
width. Intermec recommends that the width of the
ribbon and media be the same to achieve the best
performance from your printer.

Detecting the Start of a Label” later in this

the Top of Form Position” later in this

position the label taken sensor. See

our ribbon and media are the same

Top of form shifts in
self-strip mode after

ou lift the

printhead.

Top of form shifts in
batch mode after
lift the printhead.

Label ima
printin
middle of the label.

e is not

in the

The tension has chan
on the liner.

You interrupted the

ou

precision print
technology.

Lateral movement of the
media through the media
path or variations in a roll
of media.

ed

Remove the accumulated liner from the rewinder hub.
See “Loadin
Chapter 1.

If some top of form shift remains, use the TOF switch
to correct it. See “Fine-Tunin
Position” later in this chapter.

Use the TOF switch to correct the shift. See “Fine­Tuning the Top of Form Position” later in this chapter.

ust the lateral position of the printhead with the

Ad
lateral printhead knob. See “Correctin
Position of the Label Image” later in this chapter.

Media for Self-Strip Printing” in

the Top of Form

the Lateral

3-5

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

g

Co de 39Co de 39

Print Quality Problems (continued)

Symptom Possible Causes Solution

Labels stop strippin
while in self-strip
mode.

There is too much liner
accumulated on the
rewinder hub.

Remove the accumulated liner from the rewinder hub.
See “Loading Media for Self-strip Printing” in
Chapter 1.

3-6

Printing High Registration Labels

The 3240 printer uses Precision Print technology to perform high registration
printing, which means the printer can control the placement and quality of the
label image it prints. Precision Print technology tracks the media through the
media path and automatically makes adjustments to keep the label image
printing in the same horizontal position from the leading edge of each label.
You can also manually adjust the printer to perform these tasks:

• Correct the lateral position of the label image.

• Accurately detect the start of a label.

• Correct uneven print quality.

• Fine-tune the top of form position.

Correcting the Lateral Position of the Label Image

If your label image is no longer printing in the middle of your label, you may
need to adjust the lateral position of the printhead. Use the lateral printhead
knob to compensate for lateral movement of media in the media path or
variations in a roll of media. You can move the printhead 0.10 inch in either
direction.

Co de 39Co de 39

Optimizing Print Quality

3

Note: Do not raise the printhead or turn off the printer before adjusting the lateral
position of the printhead.

To adjust the lateral position of the label image

1. Remove the media cover.

2. Gradually turn the lateral printhead knob while printing and observe how
the image is moving on the label.

• Turn the knob clockwise to move the printhead toward the inner edge

of the media path.

• Turn the knob counterclockwise to move the printhead toward the outer

edge of the media path.

3-7

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Co de 39Co de 39

3. Adjust the lateral printhead knob until the image prints exactly where you
want it to on the label.

Adjusting the Lateral Position of the Label Image

Front view

*NARR

Printhead

Lateral
printhead
knob

TOF

Front view

Printhead

Lateral
printhead
knob

*NARR

3240G.016

In the first part of this illustration, the label image starts out printing too
close to the outer edge of the label. By turning the lateral printhead knob
clockwise, the label image moves closer to the inner edge of the label. The
label image then appears exactly where you want it to, in the center of the
label, in the last part of the illustration.

4. Replace the media cover.

3-8

Co de 39Co de 39

Optimizing Print Quality

3

Accurately Detecting the Start of a Label

If you experience problems such as the printer skipping labels or the printer
stopping and the yellow LED flashing, you may need to adjust the label gap
sensor. You are most likely to experience any of these problems if you are using
very narrow label stock and the label gap sensor is not in the correct position.
You can adjust the label gap sensor from 0 to 1.0 inch from the inboard edge of
the printer.

Note:

Intermec positions the label gap sensor 0.5 inch from the inboard edge of the
printer at the factory. You should be able to leave it in this position for most labels
wider than 1.0 inch.

To adjust the label gap sensor

1. Remove the media cover.

2. Turn the label gap sensor knob counterclockwise and slide the sensor all of

the way to the inboard edge of the lower media guide.

3. Tear off one of the labels from your roll of media and line it up with the 0

(zero) on the lower media guide.

4. Slide the label gap sensor knob to the position where the label gap sensor

indicator (the tab on the label gap sensor that is visible from the top of the
lower media guide) is in the middle of the label.

Here are some guidelines for you to follow:

• If your labels are less than 1.0 inch wide, position the label gap sensor in

the middle of the label.

• If your labels are greater than 1.0 inch wide, position the label gap

sensor over the straight edge of the label that comes out the front of the
printer.

• If your labels are round, position the label gap sensor over the middle of

the radius edge.

5. Turn the label gap sensor knob clockwise to secure it in the new position.

3-9

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Adjusting the Label Gap Sensor

Co de 39Co de 39

Label
gap
sensor

Position label gap
sensor indicator
in the middle of
the label

Label gap
sensor knob

Top view

TOF

Lower
media
guide

Label
gap
sensor

Lower media
guide

Label
radius

Edge
guide

3240G.015

6. Try printing a label to see if the printer is detecting the top of form (front
edge of the label).

7. If the printer is still not detecting the top of form, slide the label gap sensor
a little further toward the outer edge of the lower media guide.

8. Replace the media cover.

3-10

Co de 39Co de 39

Optimizing Print Quality

3

Correcting Uneven Print Quality

You may experience problems in print quality (ribbon wrinkling or light print
on one side of your label) if the printhead is not making even contact with the
label stock. This condition can happen with any size label stock, but it is most
common when using narrow label stock (1.0 inch or less). You need a straight­slot screwdriver to turn the bias adjust screw.

Note:

To achieve the best print quality, adjust the bias adjust screw each time you use

media of a different width.

To adjust the bias adjust screw

1. Remove the media cover and locate the bias adjust screw.

Bias adjust
screw

Power

Alert

Empty/Pause

Feed/Pause

EasyCoder

3240

3240G.013

3-11

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

2. To compensate for uneven print quality, turn the bias adjust screw as
shown.

Note:

When you adjust the bias adjust screw, the printhead rests evenly on the

drive roller and results in even print quality.

Co de 39Co de 39

If printing is light on
the right side of label,
turn the bias adjust screw
counterclockwise.

*N

AR

RO

3. Replace the media cover.

Note:

You must properly adjust the bias adjust screw to prevent premature printhead

failure and excessive platen wear.

If printing is light on
the left side of label, turn
the bias adjust screw
clockwise.

AR

RO

E*

3240G.014

3-12

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Optimizing Print Quality

3

Fine-Tuning the Top of Form Position

If your label format prints too close to the front or back edge of the label, you
can fine-tune the position with the top of form (TOF) switch. The TOF switch
controls the position of the format forward or backward along the length of the
label.

This feature is especially important if you are printing small labels in self-strip
mode because you can easily adjust for slight shifts in the label format without
stopping the printer or sending down software commands.

Only use the TOF switch to fine-tune your label format position. This is
important because the printer returns to your initial TOF setting when you:

• cycle printer power.

• lift the printhead.

Use the TOF switch to fine-tune the format position after you design the label.
Do not use the TOF switch to design your label format. Use PrintSet or the Top
of Form, Set software command <SI>F to control the initial TOF setting. For
help on using this command, see the PrintSet help or the

Reference Manual.

IPL Programming

The TOF switch is a small rocker switch located on the lower outboard plate of
the printer.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

I

O

3240G.026

3-13

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

To move a label format backward with the TOF switch

Note

: You will see the new format position on the second label you print after pressing

the TOF switch.

You notice that your format is printing toward the front part of the label.

Í

Label direction from printer

Co de 39Co de 39

#123

#123

3240G.027

1. Remove the media cover.

Note:

Do not raise the printhead while adjusting

the TOF position.

2. Press on the back part of the TOF switch. Each
time you press the TOF switch, you move the
label format backward .005 inch (.127 mm).

3. Press the TOF switch repeatedly until your
format moves backward to the correct position
on the label.

#123

#123

3240G.029

To move a label format forward with the TOF switch

3240G.028

You notice that your format is printing toward the back part of the label.

Í

Label direction from printer

1. Remove the media cover.

Note:

Do not raise the printhead while adjusting the TOF position.

3-14

#123

#123

3240G.030

Co de 39Co de 39

2. Press on the front part of the TOF switch.
Each time you press the TOF switch, you
move the label format forward .005 inch
(.127 mm).

3. Press the TOF switch repeatedly until
your format moves forward to the correct
position on the label:

Optimizing Print Quality

3240G.031

3

#123

#123

3240G.032

3-15

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Co de 39Co de 39

Setting the Media Sensitivity Number

Media sensitivity is important because you use it to optimize print quality and
print speed. The three-digit sensitivity number specifies the amount of heat
required by the printhead to image a label. The amount of heat that each roll of
media or ribbon requires is unique due to different chemistries and
manufacturing processes.

Intermec has developed heating schedules (the amount of heat required to
image a label) to produce the highest possible print quality for Intermec media
and ribbon combinations on Intermec printers. Look for the three digit media
sensitivity number on

• the side of the media roll. Use the last three digits (140 in the example) of

the 15 digit number stamped on the roll for the media sensitivity number.

• a small label attached to the roll of media.

• a small label attached to the plastic bag of your ribbon roll.

120066102605140

Use this three-digit number to optimize print quality and print speed on the
3240 printer. You can achieve the best print quality on the 3240 printer by using
only Intermec ribbon and media products. The default sensitivity setting for
thermal transfer media is 567. For direct thermal media, the default sensitivity
setting is 420. Use the packaging that you saved, when loading media and
ribbon, to determine the correct sensitivity number.

Use the PrintSet software, your third-party software, or the Intermec Printer
Language (IPL) command set to change the media sensitivity number. For help
setting the media sensitivity number using PrintSet, see the example in the next
section.

120066102605140

SENSITIVITY NUMBER

5✩7

3440U.016

3-16

Co de 39Co de 39

Optimizing Print Quality

3

Setting the Media Sensitivity Number for Intermec Media
and Ribbon

The sensitivity number on each roll of thermal transfer media or ribbon has an
asterisk (*) in place of one of the digits. To optimize the sensitivity number for
thermal transfer media, you combine the digits as in this example.

Media or Ribbon Sensitivity Rating Description

Thermal Transfer
Media

Thermal Transfer
Ribbon

To set the sensitivity rating for direct thermal media, use the three-digit
sensitivity rating located on the roll of media or listed in the Direct Thermal
Media Sensitivity Settings table on the following page.

To change the media sensitivity number with PrintSet

1. Start the PrintSet applications.

2. Click the Paper type button:

3. In the Print Quality Setup dialog box, enter your three-digit number in the
Media Sensitivity Number field.

56* The asterisk reserves the third digit to

identify the ribbon’s sensitivity
number.

5*7 The asterisk reserves the second digit

to identify the media’s sensitivity
number.

567 Optimum Sensitivity Rating

4. Click OK.

3-17

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Setting the Media Sensitivity Number for Other Media and
Ribbon

If you are not using Intermec media and ribbon, or you misplaced your
packaging with the three-digit sensitivity number label on it, you can set the
approximate sensitivity setting. The approximate sensitivity numbers are the
first entry (in bold text) for each series in the media sensitivity settings tables on
the next two pages. Enter the three-digit approximate sensitivity setting (for
example, 800) to achieve acceptable print quality.

If you are unsure of what media sensitivity number to set, start with the highest
setting that provides the lowest amount of energy (800 for thermal transfer and
700 for direct thermal), and work your way down until you achieve the best
print quality.

Use the following tables to find the correct sensitivity rating for your direct
thermal media or thermal transfer media and ribbon combination.

Direct Thermal Media Sensitivity Settings

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Approximate Sensitivity Ratings

700 Series High Sensitivity

400 Series Medium Sensitivity

100 Series Low Sensitivity

Sensitivity

Setting Direct Thermal Media

720 Duratherm Lightning Plus

480 Duratherm Lightning IR-2
460 European IR
450 Duratherm Lightning-1
440 European Thermal
420 Duratherm Lightning-2

170 European Tag
170 European Reinforced
160 Duratherm II Tag
140 European Top
130 Duratherm II

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Thermal Transfer Media and Ribbon Sensitivity Settings

Sensitivity

Approximate Sensitivity Ratings

Setting Thermal Transfer Media/Ribbon

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Optimizing Print Quality

3

800 Series High Sensitivity (Paper)

600 Series Medium Sensitivity

(Plastic)

500 Series Medium Sensitivity (Paper)

300 Series Low Sensitivity (Plastic)

200 Series Low Sensitivity (Plastic)

864 European Uncoated/Standard

687 Duratran TTR Polyester/Premium

633 European Polyethelene/Premium
627 Duratran Kimdura/Premium

567 Duratran II/Premium
527 Duratran II Tag-5 mil/Premium
527 Duratran II Tag-7 mil/Premium
513 European Board Tag/Premium
513 European Coated/Premium
513 European Polyethelene/Premium

369 Super Premium Kimdura/Super Premium 2
369 Super Premium Polyester/Super Premium 2
366 Super Premium Kimdura/Super Premium 1
366 Super Premium Polyester/Super Premium 1

222 Polyimide Film (Kapton) /Super Premium 3
226 Glossy Polyimide (Kapton)/Super Premium 1
236 Matte Polyimide (Kapton)/Super Premium 1
238 Matte Polyimide (Kapton)/Super Premium 4

3-19

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

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Adjusting the Printer for Self-Strip Printing

If your 3240 printer is continuing to print labels even when there is a label
waiting to be removed at the strip bar, you may need to adjust the label taken
sensor. The label taken sensor detects whether there is a label present at the tear
bar. The printer uses this sensor to determine when you remove a stripped
label and when it can print the next label. You can only use this sensor with the
self-strip option.

Note:

It is only necessary to adjust the label taken sensor when using very narrow

labels (less than 0.5 inch).

To position the label taken sensor

1. Slide the label taken sensor up to 3/8 inch from the inner edge of the media
path.

2. Align the label taken sensor over the leading edge of the label at the tear
bar.

Positioning the Label Taken Sensor

Label
taken
sensor

Label

Tear
bar

Backing

3240G.019

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Cleaning the Printhead

In order for the printhead to provide good print quality, it must maintain close
contact with the media. Therefore, cleaning media debris from the printhead is
very important. Clean after every roll (6,000 inches or 152 m) of media or when
necessary.

Caution

Do not use sharp objects such as knives or screwdrivers to scrape the
printhead clean. Cleaning with sharp objects will damage the printhead.
Clean with only a cotton swab, or a clean, lint-free cloth or tissue damp with
isopropyl alcohol.

Conseil

N'utilisez pas d'objets pointus tels que couteaux ou tournevis pour nettoyer
la tête d'imprimante. Nettoyer avec des objets pointus endommagera la tête
d'imprimante. Nettoyez-la seulement avec de la ouate ou avec un linge propre
et libre de peluches, humecté avec de l'alcool d'isopropyl.

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Optimizing Print Quality

3

To clean the printhead

1. Turn the ON/OFF switch to the off position.

2. Remove the media cover.

3. Disengage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever clockwise until the
printhead releases. The printhead raises so you can clean it.

4. Remove the media from the supply roll post and remove the ribbon from
the ribbon supply and rewind hubs.

5. Use a cotton swab moistened with alcohol to remove any dirt, adhesive, or
debris from the print surface on the bottom of the printhead.

6. Wait 5 to 10 seconds for the print surface to dry.

7. Replace the media and ribbon.

8. Engage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever counterclockwise until
it locks in place.

9. Replace the media cover. Turn the ON/OFF switch to the on position.

3-21

EasyCoder 3240 Printer Getting Started Guide

Cleaning the Printhead

Ribbon
supply

Feed/Pause

Alert

Empty/Pause

hub

Power

EasyCoder

3240

Ribbon
rewind
hub

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Supply roll
post

Head lift
lever

Printhead

3240G.018

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