Intermec EasyCoder C4 User Manual
User’s Guide
EasyCoder C4
Bar Code Label
Printer
Intermec Printer AB
Idrottsvägen 10
P.O. Box 123
S-431 22 Mölndal
Sweden
Service support: +46 31 869500
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 specifi cations in this manual are subject to change
without notice.
© 2003 by Intermec Printer AB
All Rights Reserved
EasyCoder, EasyLAN, Fingerprint, and LabelShop are registered
trademarks of Intermec Technologies Corp. The word Intermec, the
Intermec logo, InterDriver, PrintSet, and Duratherm are trademarks of
Intermec Technologies Corp.
The name Centronics is wholly owned by GENICOM Corporation.
Kimdura is a registered trademark of Kimberly Clark.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft 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 benefi t of the trademark owner, with no intention of
infringement.
Intermec EasyCoder C4 User’s Guide iii
Preface
Contents
International Notices ..................................................................... v
FCC Notice..................................................................... v
DOC Notice ...................................................................v
EU Standard EN 55022 .................................................. v
Wichtige Sicherhetshinweise........................................... vi
Safety Instructions ......................................................... vii
Declaration of Conformity (CE)................................... viii
Introduction .................................................................................ix
1
Installation
Unpacking......................................................................................2
Power Connection .........................................................................3
Memory Cartridge .........................................................................4
Installation of Memory Cartridge ....................................4
Computer Connection...................................................................5
Centronics Parallel Interface ............................................5
Serial RS-232 Interface....................................................6
USB Interface..................................................................6
Software Installation.......................................................................7
2
Operation
Controls and Indicators ...............................................................10
On/Off Switch ..............................................................10
Feed Key........................................................................10
Indicator Lamp.............................................................. 11
Media Compartment ...................................................................12
Media Load..................................................................................13
Introduction..................................................................13
Tear-Off ........................................................................13
Peel-Off.........................................................................13
Cut-Off .........................................................................13
Label Taken Sensor ........................................................14
Tear-Off Operation......................................................................15
Peel-Off Operation ......................................................................17
Cut-Off Operation.......................................................................19
External Supply............................................................................21
Ribbon Load................................................................................22
iv Intermec EasyCoder C4 User’s Guide
Preface
Loading a Fresh Ribbon Roll .........................................22
Removing a Partially Used Ribbon ................................23
Label Gap Sensor .........................................................................24
Adjustment....................................................................24
Test Mode....................................................................................24
3
Maintenance
External Cleaning ........................................................................28
Printhead Cleaning ...................................................................... 28
4
Troubleshooting
Problems and Solutions or Reasons ..............................................30
A
Technical Data
Technical Data ............................................................................. 32
B
Media Specifi cations
Direct Thermal Media..................................................................36
Thermal Transfer Media...............................................................37
Transfer Ribbons..........................................................................38
Media Roll Size............................................................................39
Labels...........................................................................................40
Tags and Strip with Slots..............................................................41
Tags and Strip with Black Marks..................................................42
Plain Continuous Stock ...............................................................43
C
Interfaces
Parallel Interface........................................................................... 46
RS-232 Serial Interface ................................................................47
USB Interface ..............................................................................48
D
Firmware Upgrading
Requirements................................................................................50
Instructions..................................................................................51
Intermec EasyCoder C4 User’s Guide v
Preface
FCC Notice (United States of America)
WARNING
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions manual,
may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and
foun o comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant
to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a
commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause interference in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be required to
correct the interference.
DOC Notice (Canada)
Canadian Dept. of Communication
REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE (DOC-A)
This digital apparatus does not exceed the class A limits for radio noise
emissions from a digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department of Communication.
Ministère des Communications du Canada
CONFORMITE DE REGLEMENTS (DOC-A)
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radio-électriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A
prescrites dans le règlement sur brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le
Ministère des Communications du Canada.
EU Standard EN 55022 (The European Union)
WARNING
This is a Class A ITE product. In a domestic environment this product
may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to
take adequate measures.
vi Intermec EasyCoder C4 User’s Guide
Preface
Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise
1 Bitte lesen Sie diese Hinweis sorgfältig durch.
2 Heben Sie diese Anleitung für den späteren Gebrauch auf.
3 Das Gerät ist vor Feuchtigkeit zu schützen.
4 Beachten Sie beim Anschluß an das Stromnetz die Anschlußwerte.
5 Wird das Gerät über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzt,
sollten Sie es vom Stromnetz trennen. Somit wird im Falle einer
Überspannung eine Beschädigung vermieden.
6 Durch die Lüftungsöffnungen dürfen niemals Gegenstände oder
Flüssigkeiten in das Gerät gelangen. Dies könnte einen Brand bzw.
elektrischen Schlag auslösen.
7 Öffnen Sie niemals das Gerät. Das Gerät darf aus Gründen der
elektrischen Sicherheit nur von autorisiertem Servicepersonal geöffnet
werden.
8 Wenn folgende Situationen auftreten ist das Gerät vom Stromnetz zu
trennen und von einer qualifi zierten Servicestelle zu Überprüfung.
a. Flüssigkeit ist in das Gerät eingedrungen.
b. Das Gerät war Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt.
c. Wenn das Gerät nicht der Bedienungsanleitung entsprechend
funktioniert oder Sie mit Hilfe dieser Anleitung keine Verbesserung
erzielen.
d. Das Gerät ist gefallen und/oder das Gehäuse ist beschädigt.
e. Wenn das Gerät deutliche Anzeichen eines Defektes aufweist.
9 Nur mit dem Schaltnetzteil Intermec/SPN-470-24 benutzen.
Intermec EasyCoder C4 User’s Guide vii
Preface
Safety Instructions
1 Please read these safety instructions carefully.
2 Please keep this User’s Guide for later reference.
3 Please protect this equipment from humidity.
4 Check the voltage of the power source before connecting the
equipment to the power outlet.
5 If the equipment is not used for long time, disconnect the equipment
from the AC voltage to avoid damage by transient over voltage.
6 Never pour any liquid into any openings, this could cause fi re or
electrical shock.
7 Never open the equipment. For safety reason, the equipment should
only be opened by qualifi ed service personnel.
8 If one of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by
a service personnel:
a. Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
b. The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
c. The equipment does not work well or you can not get it work
according to the User’s Guide.
d. The equipment has dropped and been damaged.
e. If the equipment has obvious signs of breakage.
9 For use only with power supply Intermec/SPN-470-24.
viii Intermec EasyCoder C4 User’s Guide
Preface
Declaration of Conformity (CE)
We,
Intermec Printer AB
Idrottsvägen 10
Box 123
S-431 22 Mölndal
Sweden
declare under our sole responsibility
1
that the product
EasyCoder C4
to which this declaration relates
is in conformity with the following standards
Safety:
EN 60 950:1992 +A1 +A2 +A3 +A4 +A11
EMC:
Based upon EN 50081-2 Generic Emissions Standard
EN 55 022:1994
EN 61 000-3-2/A12
Based upon EN 50 082-1 Generic Immunity Standard
EN 61 000-4-2:1995
EN 61 000-4-3:1996
ENV 50 204:1995
EN 61 000-4-4:1995
EN 61 000-4-6:1996
following the provisions of Directives
89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC
Mölndal 2002-06-03
...................................................................
Per-Ove Jacobsson
Site Manager
1
/. Intermec assumes no responsibility regarding the CE Directive if the
printer is handled, modifi ed, or installed in other manners than those described
inthe manuals.
Intermec EasyCoder C4 User’s Guide ix
Preface
Introduction
Intermec EasyCoder C4 is a series of dedicated direct thermal and
combined thermal transfer/direct thermal printers with a printhead
density of 203.2 dots per inch (8 dots per mm) or 300 dots per inch
(11.81 dot per mm).
The EasyCoder C4 printers are fi tted with both a parallel Centronics
port and serial RS-232 and USB ports.
As an option, the EasyCoder C4 can be fi tted with a paper cutter that
cuts continuous strip or liner between labels.
All EasyCoder C4 printers are delivered with the Intermec InterDriver
for Microsoft Windows 95/98/Me, and Windows NT 4.0/W2000/XP.
The InterDriver makes it possible to produce printouts from most
standard programs run under the various versions of MS Windows.
Label design becomes an easy task with Intermec LabelShop, a series
of “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” PC label-editing programs and
compatible with the full range of Intermec EasyCoder printers. Intermec
LabelShop START is included in the delivery.
EasyCoder C4 can also be run using ESim control commands described
in the EasyCoder ESim v4.00, Programmer’s Reference Manual. These
control commands use short lines of ASCII characters to format the
labels, enter text and bar codes and control the printing, making it
possible to use a terminal or personal computer, that does not operate
under MS Windows.
For comprehensive technical data, refer to Appendix 1.
x Intermec EasyCoder C4 User’s Guide
Preface
Intermec EasyCoder C4—User’s Guide 1
1
Installation
This chapter how an EasyCoder C4 is unpacked,
connected to a power source, and connected to a
computer. It also explains how to install the software
and how to expand the memory using a memory
cartridge.
2 Intermec EasyCoder C4—User’s Guide
Chapter 1— Installation
Unpacking
Before starting the installation, carefully examine the delivery for possible
damage or missing parts:
1 Open the box and lift up the power supply unit, cables, and other
parts.
2 Remove the upper foam-plastic shock absorber and lift up the printer.
Check that no visible damage has occurred during the transportation.
Keep the packing material in case you need to move or reship the
printer.
3 Check to make sure any options ordered are included.
4 Check the accessories included in the delivery. In addition to possible
options, the box should contain:
• Intermec EasyCoder C4 printer
• Power Supply unit with either one power cord for 115V U.S. wall
sockets or two different power cords for 230V European and 240V
U.K. wall sockets
• Parallel communication cable
• Empty ribbon core (thermal transfer printers only)
• Sample roll of labels
• Media roll spindle
• Quick-Start Guide
• Manuals and an assortment of application software on CD-ROM.
Should any kind of damage have occurred during transportation,
immediately make a complaint to the carrier.
Any incorrect delivery or missing parts should be reported to the
distributor.
The discharge of electrostatic energy accumulated on the
human body, the clothing, or other surfaces can damage
or destroy the printhead or electronic components used in
this printer. Avoid touching the electrical connectors while
unpacking and setting up the printer.
Intermec EasyCoder C4—User’s Guide 3
Chapter 1— Installation
O
I
Power Connection
1 Place the printer in a suitable location that allows easy access to
printed labels and preferably also easy reload of media and transfer
ribbon. The printer should only be operated while resting on a
horizontal surface, like a table or similar.
The printer and power supply unit must never be operated
in a location where they can get wet. Personal injury could
result! Only use with power supply Intermec SPN-470-24
P/N 1-092515-XX Mfg by PROTON.
2 Place the power supply in a suitable location between the printer and
an electrical outlet, for example on the fl oor. The power supply can
be used for 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz. The confi guration of the
power cord plug differs according to national standards.
3 Check that the printer’s On/Off switch at the back is off (O).
4 First, fi t the round connector into the power receptacle on the
printer's rear plate. Then connect the power cord between the power
supply and an AC wall socket.
5 The power can be switched on/off by means of the On/Off switch
situated at the back of the printer. The indicator lamp on the printer
lights green, red, or orange to indicate that the power is on. (It also
indicates various conditions, see Chapter 2.)
On/Off switch
Power receptacle
Power cord
Power supply unit
Low voltage
cable
Indicator lamp
4 Intermec EasyCoder C4—User’s Guide
Chapter 1— Installation
Memory Cartridge
The EasyCoder C4 is fi tted with a built-in fl ash memory where 214K
is available to the user for storing forms, graphics, and fonts (see
Appendix 1 for details). The built-in memory can be expanded using an
exchangeable memory cartridge with 1MB fl ash memory and/or 256K
SRAM.
When fi tting or removing a memory cartridge, the power to
the printer must be off!
Installation of Memory Cartridge
1 Ensure that the On/Off switch on the printer is off (0).
2 Open the top cover by pressing the two locks on either side.
3 Remove the cartridge slot cover located to the left of the media roll.
Be careful not to drop it inside the printer.
4 Ensure that the switch at the front short side of the cartridge is in its
lower position.
5 Insert the memory cartridge into the cartridge slot. Its slightly curved
shape ensures that the cartridge can only be fi tted correctly. Push
fi rmly to seat the cartridge.
6 Firmly close the top cover and switch on the power.
Insert memory
cartridge
Memory
Cartridge
Switch down
Intermec EasyCoder C4—User’s Guide 5
Chapter 1— Installation
O
I
Computer Connection
All EasyCoder C4 models are fi tted with a 36pin female Centronics
connector for the parallel interface port, a DB-9pin female connector
for the RS-232 serial interface port, and a USB connector. You can have
cables connected to all these ports simultaneously, but only one can be
used at a time.
Centronics Parallel Interface
If you intend to use the Intermec InterDriver or any version of Intermec
LabelShop, connect the parallel communication cable delivered between
the printer’s Centronics interface connector and the parallel port of your
PC (LPT1).
The parallel interface can also be used for programming the printer using
the ESim protocol described in the Intermec ESim v4.00, Programmer’s
Reference Manual. However, prompts and other information from printer
to host cannot be transmitted, since the parallel interface is one-way
(host-to-printer) only.
RS-232CentronicsUSB
6 Intermec EasyCoder C4—User’s Guide
Chapter 1— Installation
Serial RS-232 Interface
The serial RS-232 channel is intended for running the ESim protocol
described in the Intermec ESim v4.00, Programmer’s Reference Manual. It
is not suited for the Intermec InterDriver driver.
The RS-232 communication setup is variable by means of the Y
command (see Intermec ESim v4.00, Programmer’s Reference Manual).
Use the Test Mode to check the printer's present setup (bold characters
indicate default setup).
Baud rate: 1200, 2400, 9600, or 19200
Parity: None, Odd, or None
Data bits: 7 or 8
Stop bits: 1 or 2
Flow control: XON/XOFF and DSR/CTS
Note: No serial communication cable is included in the
delivery unless specifi cally ordered. For pinout specifi cations,
please refer to Appendix C.
USB Interface
The EasyCoder C4 supports USB v1.1 (also called USB 2.0 full speed).
To use the USB interface for printing from a PC, you need a special
Intermec USB printer driver installed in your PC.
The printer is a so called “self-powered device.” We recommend that you
only connect one printer to each USB port on the host, either directly or
via a hub. Other devices, like a keyboard and a mouse, can be connected
to the same hub. If you need to connect more than one Intermec USB
printer to a host, you should use different USB ports.
Using a standard USB Class A/B cable, connect the Class A plug to your
PC or hub and the Class B plug to your printer.
The USB interface is similar to the serial RS-232 channel, intended for
running the ESim protocol.
Note: No USB communication cable is included in the
delivery.
Intermec EasyCoder C4—User’s Guide 7
Chapter 1— Installation
Software Installation
If you intend to use the USB interface, you must start by installing the
Intermec USB printer driver, which is included on the CD-ROM that
comes with the printer.
If you run your EasyCoder C4 from a PC under Windows 95/98/Me,
or Windows NT 4.0/W2000/XP, you may want to install the Intermec
InterDriver and the Intermec LabelShop START found on the CDROM that comes with the printer.
If you use any other operating system than Windows, you will need
to use the ESim protocol described in the Intermec ESim v4.00,
Programmer’s Reference Manual. (Intermec ESim also supports Windows.)
Updates and installation instructions are available at the Intermec home
page http://www.intermec.com.
Note: There are different fi rmware for the 203.2 dpi (8 dots/
mm) and the 300 dpi (11.81 dots/mm) versions.
8 Intermec EasyCoder C4—User’s Guide
Chapter 1— Installation
Intermec EasyCoder C4—User’s Guide 9
2
Operation
This chapter describes how to control the printer, how
to load it with media and ribbon, how to adjust the
label gap sensor, and how to use the test mode.
10 Intermec EasyCoder C4—User’s Guide
Chapter 2— Operation
On/Off Switch
The On/Off switch is located at the back of the printer.
Feed Key
The Feed key can be used in two ways:
• Tapping
• Holding
When power is fi rst applied and the printer is loaded with media (and
possibly ribbon), tapping the Feed key will initiate a formfeed, that is,
media will be fed out to the top of next label or tag.
When power is fi rst applied with no labels loaded, holding the Feed key
will cause the media to be continuously fed out until the key is released.
This mode is useful when replenishing the media supply.
After the media has been threaded through the printer, tapping the Feed
key 3 more times (for a total of 4 taps) will cause a formfeed.
Controls and Indicators
The EasyCoder C4 is controlled by the operator by means of an On/Off
switch, a “Feed” key, and a multi-color indicator lamp.
Indicator lamp
Feed key
EasyCoder
C4
Feed
Power
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