Page 1
User’s Guide
EasyCoder PF4i
Bar Code Label
Printer
(Fingerprint Version)
Page 2
Intermec Technologies Corporation
Corporate Headquarters
6001 36th Ave. W.
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 Intermecmanufactured equipment and is not to be released, reproduced, or used
for any other purpose without written permission of Intermec.
Information and specifi cations contained in this document are subject to
change without prior notice and do not represent a commitment on the
part of Intermec Technologies Corporation.
© 2004 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 benefi t 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.
Kimdura is a registered trademark of Kimberly Clark.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Torx is a registered trademark of Camcar Division of Textron Inc.
TrueDoc is a registered trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
TrueType is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
Unicode is a trademark of Unicode Inc.
Valeron is a registered trademark of Valéron Strength Films, an ITW
Company.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) iii
Document Change Record
This page records changes to this document. The document was originally released as version -00.
Version Date Description of Change
-00 May 2003 Supports original Fingerprint version (v8.00).
-01 Oct. 2003 Revised to support Fingerprint v8.10. Information about
EasyLAN Wireless interface added.
-02 Feb. 2004 Revised to support Fingerprint v8.20 and Intermec Shell
v8.1. Information on Intermec Readiness Indicator added.
New method for returning to factory default added. New
setup node for LSS test added. More bar codes supported.
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iv Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
FCC Notice (United States of America)
WARNING
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions manual,
may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area
is likely to cause interference in which case the user at his own expense
will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct the
interference.
DOC Notice (Canada)
Canadian Dept. of Communication
REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE (DOC-A)
This digital apparatus does not exceed the class A limits for radio noise
emissions from a digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department of Communication.
Ministère des Communications du Canada
CONFORMITE DE REGLEMENTS (DOC-A)
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.
GS Notice (Germany)
ALLGEMEINE VORSCHRIFT
Reparaturen oder sonstige Eingriffe, die sich nicht auf normale Bedienung der Maschine beziehen, dürfen ausschließlich nur von einem
ausgebildeten, zuständigen Fachmann vorgenommen werden.
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.
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) v
Declaration of Conformity (CE)
We,
Intermec Printer AB
Box 123
S-431 22 Mölndal
Sweden
declare under our sole responsibility
1
that the product
EasyCoder PF4i
to which this declaration relates is in conformity
with the following standards
EMC:
EN 61000-6-4:2001
EN 61000-6-2:2001
Electrical Safety:
EN 60 950
following the provisions of Directives
89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC
Mölndal 2003-03-12
...................................................................
Per-Ove Jacobsson
1
/. Intermec assumes no responsibility regarding the CE Directive if the
printer is handled, modifi ed, or installed in other manners than those
described in Intermec’s manuals.
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vi Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) vii
Contents
Contents
FCC Notice (U.S.A.) ................................................................... vii
DOC Notice (Canada) ................................................................vii
GS Notice (Germany) .................................................................. vii
EU Standard EN 55022 (The European Union) .......................... vii
Declaration of Conformity (CE) ................................................. viii
1
Introduction
Description of EasyCoder PF4i ......................................................2
Safety Summary ............................................................................. 3
Product Identifi cation ....................................................................3
2
Installation
Unpacking the Printer ....................................................................6
Front View .....................................................................................7
Rear View ......................................................................................8
Media Compartment ..................................................................... 9
Description ......................................................................9
Media Supply Roll Post .................................................10
Media Supply Positions ..................................................11
Print Mechanism ..........................................................................12
Connections ..................................................................12
Power ............................................................................12
Computer ...................................................................... 12
Controls and Indicators ...............................................................14
Indicator Lamps ............................................................14
Display ..........................................................................15
Keyboard .......................................................................15
Beeper ...........................................................................16
3
Starting Up
Startup Files ................................................................................. 18
Memory Card ..............................................................................19
Switching On the Printer .............................................................20
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viii Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Contents
4
Media Load
Tear-Off (Straight-through) .........................................................22
Tear-Off (Straight-through) with Quick-Load ..............................26
Cut-Off ........................................................................................29
Peel-Off (Self-strip) ......................................................................33
External Supply (Fanfold) ............................................................38
5
Thermal Transfer Printing
Ribbon Load ................................................................................40
6
Setting Up the Printer
Description. ................................................................................. 46
Default Setup ...............................................................................47
Reading the Current Setup ...........................................................48
Setup Parameters .......................................................................... 49
Serial Communication ...................................................49
Baud Rate .......................................................49
Character Length ............................................50
Parity ...............................................................50
Stop Bits ..........................................................50
Flow Control ................................................... 50
New Line ........................................................ 51
Receive Buffer .................................................51
Transmit Buffer ............................................... 51
Feed Adjust .................................................................... 52
Start Adjust ..................................................... 52
Stop Adjust ..................................................... 52
Recommended Feed Adjustments .................... 53
Media ............................................................................54
Media Size .......................................................54
Media Type ..................................................... 56
Paper Type ....................................................... 57
Contrast .......................................................... 59
Testfeed ........................................................... 59
Print Defi nes .................................................................59
Head Resistance ..............................................59
Testprint .......................................................... 59
Print Speed ......................................................61
LSS (Label Stop Sensor) .................................. 61
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) ix
Contents
LTS (Label Taken Sensor) ................................61
Returning to Factory Default Setup .............................................62
7
Setup Mode
Entering the Setup Mode at Installation ....................................... 64
Navigating in Setup Mode ...........................................................65
Setup Mode Overviews ................................................................67
8
Intermec Shell Startup Program
Introduction ................................................................................76
Starting with Intermec Shell .........................................................78
Intermec Shell Overview .............................................................. 82
Line Analyzer ............................................................................... 83
9
Options
Introduction ................................................................................86
DTP Model .................................................................................87
Side Doors and Megatop .............................................................. 87
Paper Cutter ................................................................................. 87
Integral Liner Takeup Unit ........................................................... 87
Media Supply Hub ....................................................................... 88
3-inch Adapter .............................................................................88
Label Taken Sensor ......................................................................88
Real Time Clock .......................................................................... 88
CompactFlash Protection Plate .................................................... 89
Special Printheads ........................................................................ 89
Interface Boards ...........................................................................89
10
Troubleshooting
Intermec Readiness Indicator ....................................................... 92
Troubleshooting List .................................................................... 95
11
Maintenance
Printhead Cleaning ...................................................................... 98
External Cleaning ......................................................................101
Cleaning the Media Guides ........................................................102
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x Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Contents
Printhead Replacement ..............................................................103
Media Jams ................................................................................106
12
Adjustments
Narrow Media ............................................................................ 108
Label Stop Sensor ......................................................................110
Printhead Pressure ......................................................................113
Ribbon Break Shaft .................................................................... 114
Installing the Quick-Load Guides ..............................................115
Label Taken Sensor ....................................................................116
A
Technical Specifi cations
Technical Data ...........................................................................118
B
Media Specifi cations
Media Roll Size .......................................................................... 122
Media ........................................................................................124
Non-Adhesive Strip .....................................................124
Self-Adhesive Strip ....................................................... 125
Self-Adhesive Labels ..................................................... 126
Tickets with Gap ......................................................... 128
Tickets with Black Mark .............................................. 130
C
Interfaces
RS-232 Interface ........................................................................134
USB Interface ............................................................................135
Bar Code Wand Interface ...........................................................136
Optional Interfaces ....................................................................137
D
Intermec Supplies
Direct Thermal Media ............................................................... 140
Thermal Transfer Media .............................................................141
Transfer Ribbons ........................................................................142
Bar Code Directions ..................................................................143
Recommended Paper Type Settings (Europe) ............................. 144
Recommended Paper Type Settings (North America) ................. 146
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) xi
Before You Begin
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 fi rst aid must always be present
for your safety.
First aid
Always obtain fi rst aid or medical attention immediately after an injury.
Never neglect an injury, no matter how slight it seems.
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 fi rst 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.
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xii Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Before You Begin
Safety Icons
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.
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.
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.
This icon appears at the beginning of any procedure in this
manual that could cause you to touch components (such as
printed circuit boards) that are susceptible to damage from
electrostatic discharge (ESD). When you see this icon, you
must follow standard ESD guidelines to avoid damaging
the equipment you are servicing.
Note: Notes either provide extra information about a topic or
contain special instructions for handling a particular condition
or set of circumstances.
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) xiii
Before You Begin
Global Services and Support
Warranty Information
To understand the warranty for your Intermec product, visit the
Intermec web site at http://www.intermec.com and click Service &
Support. The Intermec Global Sales & Service page appears. From the
Service & Support menu, move your pointer over Support, and then
click Warranty.
Web Support
Visit the Intermec web site at http://www.intermec.com to download
our current documents 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.
Telephone Support
Contact your local Intermec representative. To search for your local representative, from the Intermec web site, click Contact.
Related Documents
The Intermec web site at http://www.intermec.com contains our current
documents that you can download in PDF format. To order printed versions of the Intermec manuals, contact your local Intermec representative
or distributor.
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xiv Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Before You Begin
Page 15
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 1
1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the EasyCoder PF4i printer.
The chapter covers the following topics:
• Description of EasyCoder PF4i
• Safety summary
• Product identifi cation
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2 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 1—Introduction
Description of EasyCoder PF4i
The EasyCoder PF4i is a sturdy medium-duty thermal transfer printer
with a printhead resolution of 8 dots/mm = 203.2 dot/inch (standard) or
11.81 dots/mm = 300 dpts/inch (option) and a maximum print width
of 104 mm (4.095 inches) or 105.7 mm (4.161 inches) respectively. It
offers a large number of useful features, such as:
• Flash memory SIMMs for fi rmware, fonts, bar codes, and application
programs
• Built-in Compact Flash memory card adapter
• Built-in RS-232 and USB interfaces
• Provision for extra interface boards including wired and wireless
EasyLAN connections
• Keyboard and display with backlight for improved user interface.
A large number of factory-installed or fi eld-installable options are available, so the printer can be confi gured for a wide range of applications.
See Chapter 9 and Appendix A for more information.
The EasyCoder PF4i supports the unique and fl exible Intermec Fingerprint v8.20 programming language, which allows the user or third-party
developer to create custom-made application programs and label formats
in a BASIC-like environment.
EasyCoder PF4i is also designed to work with the Intermec Direct
Protocol programming language, the Intermec InterDriver and Intermec
Labelshop. The InterDriver allows you to print labels from standard MS
Windows applications, for example Microsoft Offi ce.
Intermec LabelShop is a series of label-design programs that work under
various versions of MS Windows.
The EasyCoder PF4i supports 15 scaleable Unicode TrueType and
TrueDoc fonts as standard. Additional fonts can be downloaded into the
printer’s Flash memory, or be plugged in using a CompactFlash card.
The Unicode standard allows the use of special characters for various
languages including non-Latin fonts, such as Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese,
Japanese, Korean, Hebrew, and similar.
A version of EasyCoder PF4i, that supports the Intermec Programming
Language (IPL), is described in a special User’s Guide.
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 3
Chapter 1—Introduction
Safety Summary
Intermec assumes no responsibility regarding the CE Directive if the
printer is handled, modifi ed, or installed in any way other than that
described in Intermec’s manuals.
• Read this manual carefully before connecting the printer.
• Moving parts are exposed when the side door is open, so ensure that
the door is closed before you operate the printer.
• Do not open the front/left-hand cover. Dangerous voltage!
• Do not remove the bottom plate. Dangerous voltage!
• Do not put your fi ngers inside the print mechanism when the power is
on.
• Place the printer on an even surface which can support its weight of
approximately 7 to 8 kg (15.5 to 17.7 pounds) plus supplies.
• Do not spray the printer with water. If you are using a hose to clean
the premises in an industrial environment, remove the printer or protect it carefully from spray and moisture.
• Carefully read the warning text on the envelope before using a cleaning card.
Product Identifi cation
The machine label is attached to the printer’s rear plate and contains
information on type, model, and serial number as well as AC voltage. It
also contains various signs of approval.
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4 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 1—Introduction
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 5
2
Installation
This chapter explains how to unpack and install
the EasyCoder PF4i printer and also describes the
printer’s various parts in detail. It covers the following
topics:
• Unpacking the printer
• Parts on the printer’s front
• Parts on the printer’s rear plate
• Parts in the media compartment
• Parts in the print mechanism
• Connecting the printer
• Using the controls and understanding the indicators
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6 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 2—Installation
Unpacking the Printer
Before you install the printer, examine the package for possible damage
or missing parts:
• Open the box and lift the printer out.
• Check that the printer has not been visibly damaged during transportation. Keep the packing materials in case you need to move or reship
the printer.
• Check the label on the printer’s rear plate, which gives the voltage, the
part number, and the serial number.
• Check that any options you ordered are included.
• Check that all the accessories are included. As standard, the box contains:
- Intermec EasyCoder PF4i printer
- Two sets of Quick-Load Guides (wide and narrow)
- Power cord
- Quality check card
- Cleaning card
- Short strip of labels
- Starter pack of thermal transfer ribbon
- This User’s Guide
- Supporting software and product information on CD.
• Check that the type of power cord is appropriate for the local standard. The printer works within 90 to 265 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz.
If the printer has been damaged in any way during transportation, complain to the carrier immediately.
If the delivery is incorrect or any parts are missing, report it immediately
to the distributor.
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 7
Chapter 2—Installation
Front View
At the front of the printer are the display window, the indicator lamps,
and the keyboard. These features allow the operator to control and set up
the printer manually.
The printed labels, tickets, or tags are presented at the front of the print
mechanism.
Side door
Indicator lamps
Display window
Keyboard
Print button
Print mechanism
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8 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 2—Installation
Rear View
The rear plate contains the On/Off switch, the AC power cord socket,
and various interface connectors and slots.
On/Off Switch
AC Power cord socket
Memory card slot
Machine label
RS-232 serial interface
("uart1:")
Provision for one optional
interface board
Bar code wand socket
USB Interface
("usb1:")
Provision for EasyLAN
Ethernet connection
(option)
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 9
Chapter 2—Installation
Media Compartment
Description
The media compartment is either covered by a long side door that completely encloses the print mechanism and media compartment, or a short
side door that only covers the print mechanism and gives easy access to
the media stock. The door is held by a magnetic lock. It can be opened
180° to provide full access to the media compartment.
The media supply can be from a supply post, or from an external supply
of fan folds behind the printer. There is also an optional rotating media
supply hub.
Also see Chapter 9, “Options.”
Media supply
roll post with
edge guide
Long side door
Print
mechanism
Optional integral
liner takeup with
guide shaft
Thermal transfer
mechanism
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76 mm
(3 inches)
CORE
38 - 40 mm
(1.5 inches)
10 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 2—Installation
The EasyCoder PF4i uses a media supply roll post that can be fi tted in
three different positions inside the media compartment. The position
depends on the type of side door (long or short) and whether the printer
is fi tted with an integral liner takeupor not. Alternatively, an external
media supply (for example a box of fan-folded tickets) behind the printer
can be used. A rotating media supply hub is also available as an option,
see Chapter 9, “Options.”
Media Supply Roll Post
The media supply roll post fi ts both 38-40 mm (1.5 inches) and 76 mm
(3.0 inches) cores since it can be moved vertically in the slot in the center
section. The bottom position is intended for small cores and the top
position is for large cores. The post is locked by a straight-slot screw and
has a moveable edge guide to fi t various media widths.
Make sure to adjust the position of the post according to
the size of the media roll core. When the post is fi tted in
the top position, the head of the screw will interfere with
small (38 mm/1.5 inches) cores, causing media misalignment.
To move the post to a different slot; remove the screw, twist the post a
quarter of a turn, and pull it out.
To fi t the post; rotate it a quarter of a turn, insert it into the appropriate slot in the center section (see next page), and twist back so the lips
engage the cutouts in the sides of the slot. Move it up (large core) or
down (small core) as far as it goes and secure it with the screw.
Edge guide
Screw
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2
1
4
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 11
Chapter 2—Installation
Media Supply Positions
There are four sets of slots and threaded holes in the printer’s center section for the media supply roll post or rotating hub (optional). These slots
allow the largest possible roll size to fi t, given the limitations of any liner
takeup unit and/or the full enclosure provided by the long side door or
Megatop. The positions are indicated by numbers engraved in the center
section.
• Position 1 is used when the media compartment is fully enclosed by a
long side door, regardless of the existence of any integral liner takeup
unit. Maximum roll size is 152 mm (6 inches).
• Position 2 is used when the printer has a short side door that only
encloses the print mechanism, but does not have an integral liner
takeup unit. Maximum roll size is 203 mm (8.00 inches).
• Position 3 is used when the printer has a short side door and an
integral liner takeup unit. This position is also used with the optional
8-inch Megatop, see Chapter 9, “Options.” Maximum roll size is 213
mm (8.38 inches).
• Position 4 is not used.
The printer can also use an external media supply located behind the
printer, unless it has an optional 8-inch Megatop.
Position 1
Position 3
Position 2
Position 4
(not used)
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12 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 2—Installation
Print Mechanism
The print mechanism features a high-performance thermal printhead
with quick-mount fi ttings to facilitate replacement. The thermal transfer ribbon mechanism is omitted in dedicated direct thermal printing
models.
Thermal
printhead
Tear bar
Pressure arm
Printhead lift lever
Label stop sensor
position adjustment
(bottom sensor hidden)
Platen roller
Ribbon supply hub
Ribbon rewind hub
Edge guide
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 13
Chapter 2—Installation
Connections
Power
1 Place the printer on a level surface, near an AC outlet. You should be
able to access the printer to load supplies and to remove the printout.
2 Check that the printer is switched off.
3 Connect the power cord from the socket on the rear plate to an elec-
trical outlet (90 to 265 VAC).
Computer
The Easycoder PF4i is fi tted with one 9-pin D-style subminiature (DB9)
socket for the RS-232 serial interface port and one class B connector for
the USB interface port (see Appendix C).
RS-232 Serial Interface ("uart1:")
Use the serial interface with Intermec LabelShop or the Intermec InterDriver. Also use it with the Intermec Direct Protocol or the Intermec
Fingerprint programming language because you can receive error messages from your printer. Before you can use the serial interface, you may
need to set up the communication parameters, such as baud rate, parity,
etc. as described in Chapter 6, “Setting Up the Printer.”
USB Interface ("usb1:")
Use the USB interface with an USB-compatible version of the Intermec
InterDriver for printing. The USB interface is not suitable for programming because the host cannot receive error messages from your printer.
Optional Interface and Network Boards
("uart2:", "uart3:", "centronics:", or "net1:")
Several types are available (see Chapter 9, “Options”). Refer to Chapter
6, Chapter 7, and Appendix C for connection and setup instructions.
The printer can be set to scan all communication ports. When it detects
incoming data on a port, the printer automatically switches to use that
port for both input and output. This facility ("auto") can be selected in
Intermec Shell (see Chapter 8) or using the Intermec Fingerprint instruction SETSTDIO, see Intermec Fingerprint v8.xx, Programmer’s Reference
Manual. Use the <F5/i> key to get information on the active communication channels.
Switch off both PC and printer before connecting them together.
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14 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 2—Installation
Controls and Indicators
The EasyCoder PF4i has several ways of communicating directly with
its operator: three colored indicator lamps, a display window, a membrane-switch keyboard with 22 programmable keys, a big programmable
“Print” button on the printer’s front, and a beeper.
Indicator Lamps
The indicators are colored LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and are used
for the following purposes:
Power (solid green) indicates that the power is on.
Status (solid green) indicates that the printer is ready for use.
Status (fl ashing green) indicates that the printer is communicating.
Status (solid red) indicates an error condition (see Chapter 10).
Intermec Readiness Indicator (blue; on, blink, or off).
Represented by a blue light on Intermec handheld computers, access
points, and printers, the Intermec Readiness Indicator is part of an
exclusive monitoring system from Intermec. The Intermec Readiness
Indicator helps users quickly determine the readiness of the Intermec
device individually and as part of a solution. The Intermec Readiness
Indicator has three different states: On, Blinking, and Off. When the
Indicator is off, the device is not ready to operate individually or as
part of a solution. When the Indicator is blinking, the device may be
initializing, waiting for external resources, or in need of user attention. And when the Indicator is On, the device is ready for use as
part of a solution. Also see Chapter 10.
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 15
Chapter 2—Installation
Display
The display window contains an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with
background illumination and two lines of text, each with 16 characters.
It guides the operator through the setup and indicates possible errors
during printing.
The Intermec Fingerprint programming language and the Intermec
Direct Protocol allow custom-made messages to be composed and displayed according to the requirements of the application.
Keyboard
The keyboard is of the membrane-switch type and has 22 keys. The
keyboard is supplemented by a large “Print” button on the printer’s front.
Some keys have hard-coded functions in the startup and setup modes.
Feed/Pause a print job. Repeat last printed label.
Toggle between pause and printing when executing a print job.
Interrupt a running Fingerprint program.
Enter the Setup Mode (see Chapter 7).
Feed out a blank label or the equivalent.
Perform a Testfeed (feed a blank label, adjust the media feed).
Display error messages, IRI status, and communication channel
information.
Scroll between various types of information after pressing the
<F5/i> key. Possible error messages and information on active
communication channels are shown in a loop.
Keyboard Color Code
Yellow Operation of the printer (operator level)
Green Setup or service (site or service technician level)
White Data input to printer (operator or technician level)
In application programs created using the Intermec Fingerprint programming language, the keys can be assigned to various functions or
be disabled individually. Since one key is assigned as shift key, up to 44
different key combinations are possible. An audible signal, which can be
turned off if so desired, acknowledges that a key has been pressed.
Print button
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Chapter 2—Installation
Beeper
The beeper notifi es the operator when an error has occurred and
acknowledges that a key has been pressed. The Intermec Fingerprint programming language allows the key acknowledge signal to be turned off.
The frequency and duration of signals can be specifi ed. Thus, it is possible to create different signals for different conditions or even to make
the printer play simple melodies!
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 17
3
Starting Up
This chapter explains how to start up the printer after
installation or after having been switched off. It covers
the following topics:
• Startup fi les
• Memory cards
• Switching on the printer
• Display messages at startup
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Chapter 3—Starting Up
Startup Files
When the printer is switched on, its behavior depends on the existence of
a startup fi le (autoexec.bat) in its memory. There are two cases:
A The printer is only fi tted with the Intermec Shell fi le-managing
program, which allows the operator to choose between a variety of
applications and functions.
B In addition to Intermec Shell, the printer is also fi tted with a custom-
made application program that is design to perform a specifi c task, for
example to print tickets, baggage tags, or product labels for a certain
company. Such a program may be initiated by a startup fi le (autoexec.
bat) stored in the printer’s permanent memory or in a memory card.
There can be one startup fi le stored in each of three different parts of the
printer’s memory. If there are startup fi les stored in more than one part,
only one will be used with the following priority:
1. An autoexec.bat fi le stored in a memory card, provided the card was
inserted in the printer before the power was switched on.
2. An autoexec.bat fi le stored in the read/write part of the printer’s permanent memory (device "/c").
3. The pup.bat fi le (Intermec Shell) in the read-only part of the printer’s
permanent memory (device "/rom").
Note: If you insert a CompactFlash memory card that contains
a startup fi le before you switch on the printer, this startup fi le
will be used instead of Intermec Shell.
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 19
Chapter 3—Starting Up
Memory Card
If you want to use a memory card, you must insert it into the slot in the
printer’s rear plate before you switch on the power. The memory card
must be a CompactFlash card (8MB-1GB). CompactFlash cards marked
“CF+” will not work. You can use the CompactFlash card to expand the
printer’s storage memory ("card1:"). There are also three types of preprogrammed CompactFlash cards:
• Font Cards provide additional fonts that can be used as long as the
card remains inserted in the printer.
• Font Install Cards permanently install additional fonts in the printer,
which can be used even after the card has been removed.
• Firmware Cards automatically replace the printer’s fi rmware, usually
with an updated version.
CompactFlash cards are widely used for consumer’s computer products
like digital cameras. You can get a certain protection from theft by installing an optional plate that covers an inserted CompactFlash card.
Note: Always switch off the power before inserting or removing
a memory card! The card will only fi t in one way. A memory
card is only detected if it is inserted before the printer is
started.
CompactFlash
memory card
Protection plate
with screw
(option)
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Chapter 3—Starting Up
Switching On the Printer
Before switching on the printer, make the necessary connections, insert
any memory card you want to use, and check that the printhead is
engaged.
Switch on the power using the On/Off switch on the rear plate. The
“Power” control lamp on the front panel lights up when the power is on.
Wait for a few moments, while the printer loads the program and runs
some self-diagnostic tests:
Starting
After a short time, the printer is initialized. The progress of the initialization is indicated by an increasing number of colons on the lower line in
the display:
Initializing
:::
The type of startup fi le running in the printer is indicated by the message
shown in the display window immediately after initialization.
A. Intermec Shell Startup Program
ENTER=SHELL
5 sec. v.8.1
4 sec. v.8.1
3 sec. v.8.1
2 sec. v.8.1
1 sec. v.8.1
Refer to Chapter 8 for more information on Intermec Shell. The digits
in the lower right corner of the display indicate the version of Intermec
Shell.
B. Custom-Made Application Program
Any other display messages than those illustrated above indicates that the
printer is running some custom-made, non-standard application program, or that some error has occurred.
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4
Media Load
This chapter explains how to load the printer with
media, that is labels, tickets, tag, or strips, for the following modes of operation:
• Tear-Off (straight-through)
• Tear-Off with Quick-Load (straight-through)
• Cut-Off
• Peel-Off (self-strip)
• External supply (fan-folds)
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Tear-Off (Straight-through)
The EasyCoder PF4i can print on labels, tickets, tags, and continuous
stock in various forms. This section describes the case when the media
is torn off manually against the printer’s tear bar. This method is also
known as “straight-through printing.”
Use the <Feed> key (see fi gure #10) when loading the same type of
media. When switching to a new type of media, or if the printer does not
feed out the media properly, simultaneously press the <Shift> and <Feed>
keys to perform a “testfeed.”
Tear-off can be used for:
• Non-adhesive continuous stock
• Self-adhesive continuous stock with liner
• Self-adhesive labels with liner
• Tickets with gaps, with or without perforations
• Tickets with black marks, with or without perforations
An optional label taken sensor can hold the printing of the next copy
in the batch until the present copy has been removed, see Chapter 9,
“Options.”
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Open the side door.
Turn the printhead lift lever clockwise to
raise the printhead.
Remove any empty core from the media
supply roll post.
Fit a new roll of media on the supply
post and adjust the edge guide so
the roll becomes fl ush with the center
section.
Tear-Off , cont.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Tear-Off , cont.
Route the media through the print
mechanism. Then push it inwards as far
as it will go.
This diagram shows the media path.
Turn the printhead lift lever counterclockwise to engage the printhead.
Adjust the position of the green edge
guide so the media is guided with a
minimum of play.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Close the side door.
Press the Feed key to advance the media
and adjust the media feed.
Tear-Off , cont.
To tear off the media, grab the outer
edge and pull downwards.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Tear-Off with Quick-Load (Straight-through)
In addition to the media load procedure for tear-off (straight-through)
operation described earlier in this chapter, the EasyCoder PF4i can
optionally be fi tted with a set of Quick-Load guides that makes media
load much easier and quicker, especially if the printer has a short side
door. See Chapter 12, “Adjustments” for installation instructions.
Quick-Load cannot be combined with peel-off (self-strip) operation.
Use the <Feed> key (see fi gure #5) when loading the same type of media.
When switching to a new type of media, or if the printer does not feed
out the media properly, simultaneously press the <Shift> and <Feed>
keys to perform a “testfeed.”
An optional label taken sensor can hold the printing of the next copy
in the batch until the present copy has been removed, see Chapter 9,
“Options.”
Note: Full automatic loading, without the operator having to
press any key, requires a special set of Intermec Fingerprint
instructions in the application program.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Remove any empty core from the media
supply roll post.
Fit a new roll of media on the supply
post and adjust the edge guide so
the roll becomes fl ush with the center
section.
If necessary, adjust the outer QuickLoad guide to fi t the width of the media.
Insert the media between the guides
and feed it forward until the media
reaches the platen roller and cannot be
inserted any further.
Tear-Off with Quick-Load, cont.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
To tear off the media, grab the outer
edge and pull downwards.
Keep pushing the media forward while
pressing the Feed key.
Tear-Off with Quick-Load, cont.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Cut-Off
The EasyCoder PF4i can print on labels, tickets, tags, and continuous
stock in various forms. This section describes the case when the media is
to be cut off by an automatic paper cutter (option).
Use the <Feed> key (see fi gure #12) when loading the same type of
media. When switching to a new type of media or if the printer does not
feed out the media properly, simultaneously press the <Shift> and <Feed>
keys to perform a “testfeed.”
Cut-off can be used for:
• Non-adhesive continuous stock
• Self-adhesive labels with liner (cut only liner between labels)
The cutter is designed to cut through paper-based media with a thickness
between 60 and 175 µm, whick roughly corresponds to a paper weight
of 60 to 175 grams/m
2
(basis weight 40 to 120 lb). The cutter should
not be used to cut through labels, because the adhesive will stick to the
shears, which can damage the cutter.
The cutter is held by a snap-lock and can be tilted forward to facilitate
media load. A switch prevents the cutter from operating when in open
position.
The optional label taken sensor cannot be used with the cutter.
The paper cutter can be used with both a standard edge guide and
Quick-Load guides and with any type of side door. In this chapter, a
printer with a standard edge guide and a long side door is illustrated.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Open the cutter and the side door.
Turn the printhead lift lever clockwise to
raise the printhead.
Remove any empty core from the media
supply roll post.
Fit a new roll of media on the supply
post and adjust the edge guide so
the roll becomes fl ush with the center
section.
Cut-Off , cont.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Route the media through the print
mechanism and cutter. Then push it
towards the center section as far as it
will go. This diagram shows the media path.
Turn the printhead lift lever counterclockwise to engage the printhead.
Adjust the position of the green edge
guide so the media is guided with a
minimum of play.
Cut-Off , cont.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Close the side door.
Close the cutter while pulling at the
media.
An optional tray can be attached to the
cutter to collect the cut off labels, tickets,
or tags.
Press the Feed key to advance the media
and adjust the media feed.
Cut-Off , cont.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Peel-Off (Self-strip)
The EasyCoder PF4i can print on labels, tickets, tags, and continuous
stock in various forms. This section describes the case when self-adhesive
labels are separated from the liner immediately after printing. The liner
is then wound up on an integral liner takeup hub. This is also known as
“Self-strip” operation.
Peel-off operation cannot be performed when Quick-Load guides are
fi tted.
Use the <Feed> key (see fi gure #13) when loading the same type of
media. When switching to a new type of media, or if the printer does not
feed out the media properly, simultaneously press the <Shift> and <Feed>
keys to perform a “testfeeed.”
Peel-off can only be used for:
• Self-adhesive labels with liner
An optional label-taken sensor can hold the printing of the next label
in a batch until the present label has been removed, see Chapter 9,
“Options.”
Note: Peel-off operation sets high demands on the media in
regard of label stiffness, release characteristics of the adhesive
and liner, resistance against electrostatic charging etc., so the
labels will be dispensed properly. Consult your media supplier
or test the media to ascertain that it is suitable for your application.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Open the side door.
Turn the printhead lift lever clockwise to
raise the printhead.
Pull out the handle to collapse the
takeup hub, then remove any liner.
Remove any empty core from the media
supply roll post.
Peel-Off , cont.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Peel-Off , cont.
Fit a new roll of labels on the supply
post and adjust the edge guide so the
label roll becomes fl ush with the center
section.
Remove labels from the fi rst 50 cm
(20 inches) of the liner. Route the liner
through the print mechanism and push
it inwards.
Route the liner around the tear bar and
the liner drive roller and back under the
print mechanism and guide shaft.
Insert the start of the liner under the lip
of the takeup hub, then rotate the hub
counterclockwise a few turns to wind up
some of the liner.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Peel-Off , cont.
This diagram shows the media and liner
paths.
Adjust the position of the green edge
guide so the media is guided with a
minimum of play. Close the side door.
Turn the printhead lift lever counterclockwise to engage the printhead.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
Press the Feed key to advance the media
and adjust the media feed.
Peel-Off , cont.
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Chapter 4—Media Load
This diagram shows the media path from an external supply. In case of the standard
edge guide (as opposed to Quick-Load guides), turn it to vertical position.
External Supply (Fan-fold)
The EasyCoder PF4i can print on labels, tickets, tags, and continuous
stock in various forms. This section describes the case when the media
supply is placed behind the printer, usually in the form of fan-folded
tickets or tags. External supply can be used with tear-off (straightthrough) printing–preferably with Quick-Load.
External supply can be used with both short and long side doors and
there is no need to remove the media supply roll post.
When using an external media supply, take care to protect the media
from dust, dirt or other foreign particles, that can impair the printout
quality or cause unnecessary wear to the printhead.
Depending on brand and quality, all direct thermal media are more or
less sensitive to heat, direct sunlight, moisture, oil, plasticizers, fat, and
other substances. You should protect them accordingly.
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5
Thermal Transfer
Printing
This chapter explains how to load the printer with
ribbon for thermal transfer printing when the printer
is fi tted with a transfer ribbon mechanism.
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Chapter 5—Thermal Transfer Printing
Ribbon Load
The EasyCoder PF4i can print on labels, tickets, tags, and continuous
stock using either direct thermal printing on special heat-sensitive media
or thermal transfer printing using a special ink-coated ribbon.
Thermal transfer printing makes it possible to use a wide range of receiving face materials and gives a durable printout less vulnerable to fat,
chemicals, heat, sunlight etc. than direct thermal printing. Make sure to
select a type of ribbon that matches the type of receiving face material
and to set up the printer accordingly.
The EasyCoder PF4i can use transfer ribbon rolls wound with the inkcoated side facing either outward or inward. Illustrations in this manual
show the ink-coated side facing inward.
Even if ribbon usually is loaded in connection with media replenishment,
no loaded media are shown in the illustrations in this chapter in order to
give a clearer view of the ribbon path. Refer to Chapter 4 for media load
instructions.
Most transfer ribbons do not smear at room temperature.
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Chapter 5—Thermal Transfer Printing
Open the side door.
Turn the printhead lift lever clockwise to
raise the printhead.
Unpack a roll of original Intermec
thermal transfer ribbon.
In case of ribbon reload, remove any
used ribbon and empty ribbon core.
Ribbon Load, cont.
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Chapter 5—Thermal Transfer Printing
Slide the ribbon roll onto the supply hub
so the ink-coated side faces down when
the ribbon is routed through the print
mechanism.
Route the ribbon through the print
mechanism and pull out approximately
20 cm (8 inches) of ribbon.
Ribbon Load, cont.
Without releasing the ribbon, turn the
printhead lift lever counterclockwise
to engage the printhead and lock the
ribbon.
Slide the empty cardboard core onto
the ribbon rewind hub so the ribbon
is wound up when the hub rotates
counterclockwise.
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Chapter 5—Thermal Transfer Printing
Manually advance the ribbon until all
of the transparent leader has passed
the printhead and the ribbon becomes
tight.
Turn the printhead lift lever clockwise
to raise the printhead and release the
ribbon.
Ribbon Load, cont.
Turn the printhead lift knob counterclockwise to engage the printhead. Close the side door.
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Chapter 5—Thermal Transfer Printing
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6
Setting Up the Printer
This chapter describes the various parameters that are
used in the Setup Mode (see Chapter 7) or in the various application programs to confi gure the printer for
the user’s specifi c requirements. It covers the following
topics:
• Description
• Default setup
• Setup Parameters in regard of communication, feed
adjust, media, and print defi nes.
When measures are specifi ed as “dots”, the actual
length in millimeters or inches depends on the
printhead density. Convert as follows:
8 dots/mm (203.2 dots/inch) printhead:
1 dots = 0.125 mm = 0.0049 inches (4.9 mils)
11.81 dots/mm (300 dots/inch) printhead:
1 dot = 0.085 mm = 0.0033 inches (3.3 mils)
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Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Description
The setup controls the printer in regard of serial communication, media
feed, and print speed, and specifi es which type of media and (optionally)
ribbon is loaded in the printer.
Check the list of the printer’s default setup parameters on the next page
to see if they match your requirements. If not, you will have to change
the setup using one of the methods described below. The setup may also
be changed by Intermec PrintSet, InterDriver, and LabelShop, or thirdparty application programs.
Setup Mode
• Press the <Setup> key on the printer’s built-in keyboard to enter the
Setup Mode, or
• select the Setup option in Intermec Shell to enter the Setup Mode, or
• execute the Intermec Fingerprint
SETUP instruction to enter the
Setup Mode, or
• access the Setup Mode via the printer’s home (requires an optional
EasyLAN interface board).
See Chapter 7, “Setup Mode” in this manual and the EasyLAN docu-
mentation.
Intermec Fingerprint
• Use setup strings to change individual setup parameters remotely
from the host, or
• use setup fi les to create sets of setup parameters remotely from the
host.
See the Intermec Fingerprint v8.xx manuals.
Intermec Direct Protocol
• Use setup strings to change individual setup parameters remotely
from the host.
See the Intermec Direct Protocol v8.xx manuals.
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Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Default Setup
The printer’s default setup is listed below (assuming no options installed):
Ser-Com "uart1:"
Baud rate 9600 bps
Character length 8 bits
Parity None
Stop bits 1 bit
RTS/CTS Disable
ENQ/ACK Disable
XON/XOFF, data to host Disable
XON/XOFF, data from host Disable
New line CR/LF
Receive buffer 1024 bytes
Transmit buffer 1024 bytes
Feedadjust:
Startadjust 0
Stopadjust 0
Media:
X-start (8 dots/mm = 203.2 dpi) 24
X-start (11.81 dots/mm = 300 dpi) 36 (option)
Width (8 dots/mm = 203.2 dpi) 832
Width (11.81 dots/mm = 300 dpi) 1248 (option)
Length (8 dots/mm = 203.2 dpi) 1200
Length (11.81 dots/mm = 300 dpi) 1800 (option)
Media type Label (w Gaps)
Paper type Thermal transfer
Ribbon constant 90
Ribbon factor 25
Label offset 0
Low diameter 0
Contrast ±0%
Print Defi nes:
Print speed 100 mm/sec.
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Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Reading the Current Setup
The printer’s current setup values can be read from the printer’s display
window by browsing through the Setup Mode.
You can list the printer’s current setup values by printing test label “Setup
Info” in the Setup Mode or by using Intermec Shell.
The current setup values can be sent to the host via the standard serial
communication channel using a SETUP WRITE "uart1:" statement (see Intermec Fingerprint v8.xx, Programmer’s Reference Manual).
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Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Setup Parameters
Serial Communication
The serial communication parameters control the communication
between the printer and the connected computer or other devices on the
standard serial port "uart1:" and the optional serial ports "uart2:" and
"uart3:". The optional ports require an optional interface board. The
printer’s fi rmware detects if an interface board is installed in the printer
and presents additional sets of communication setup menus depending
on type of communication (refer to diagrams 3-5 in Chapter 7, “Setup
Mode”).
Note: The serial communication parameters have no effect on
parallel or EasyLAN communications, or on the IN and OUT
ports on the optional Industrial Interface Board.
For the serial communication channel "uart1:", the following parameters
can be set. Make sure they match the setup of the connected device or
vice versa. If the setup of the printer and the setup of the host do not
match, the response from the printer to host will be garbled.
Baud Rate
The baud rate is the transmission speed in bits per second. There are 10
options:
• 300
• 600
• 1200
• 2400
• 4800
• 9600 (default)
• 19200
• 38400
• 57600
• 115200
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Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Character Length
The character length specifi es the number of bits that will defi ne a
character. Eight bits are recommended, because that option allows more
special characters and characters specifi c for foreign languages to be used.
Refer to the Intermec Fingerprint v8.xx, Programmer’s Reference Manual
for more information.
• 7 Characters ASCII 000 to 127 decimal
• 8 Characters ASCII 000 to 255 decimal (default)
Parity
The parity decides how the fi rmware will check for transmission errors.
There are fi ve options:
• None (default)
• Even
• Odd
• Mark
• Space
Stop Bits
The number of stop bits specifi es how many bits will defi ne the end of a
character. There are two options:
• 1 (default)
• 2
Flow Control
RTS/CTS is a protocol where the communication is controlled by currents through separate lines in the cable being set either to high or low.
By default, this option is disabled.
RTS high indicates that the transmitting unit is able to receive characters.
RTS low indicates that the receive buffer is fi lled to 75% (see XON/
XOFF).
CTS high indicates that the unit transmitting the CTS signal is ready to
receive data. CTS low indicates that the receive buffer is full (see XON/
XOFF). In some computer programs, for example MS Windows Terminal, RTS/CTS is designated “Hardware.”
ENQ/ACK is a protocol where the communication is controlled by
the control characters ENQ (ASCII 05 dec.) and ACK (ASCII 06 dec.)
being transmitted on the same line as the data. The sending unit transmits ENQ at regular intervals. If the response ACK is not received, the
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Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
transmission is held up awaiting an ACK character from the receiving
unit. By default, ENQ/ACK is disabled.
XON/XOFF is a protocol where the communication is controlled by
the control characters XON (ASCII 17 dec.) and XOFF (ASCII 19 dec.)
being transmitted on the same line as the data. XON/XOFF can be
enabled/disabled separately for data received from the host by the printer
(printer sends XON/XOFF) and for data transmitted to the host from
the printer (host sends XON/XOFF).
XOFF is sent from the printer when its receive buffer is fi lled to 75%,
and the transmission from the host is held, waiting for an XON character. When enough data have been processed so the receive buffer is fi lled
only to 50%, the printer sends an XON character and the host resumes
transmitting data. The same principles apply to XON/XOFF sent by the
host, even if the percentage fi gure may differ. By default, XON/XOFF is
disabled for data in both directions.
New Line
Selects the character(s) transmitted from the printer to specify the switching to a new line. There are three options:
• CR/LF ASCII 13 + 10 dec. (default)
• LF ASCII 10 dec.
• CR ASCII 13 dec.
Receive Buff er
The receive buffer stores the input data before processing. Default size is
1024 bytes.
Transmit Buff er
The transmit buffer stores the output data to be transmitted before transmission. Default size is 1024 bytes.
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Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Feedadjust
The Feedadjust part of the Setup Mode controls how much of the media
is fed out or pulled back before and/or after the actual printing. These
settings are global and will be effected regardless of which program is
run.
Note: The fi rmware uses the front edges of labels w. gaps, the
ends of detection slots, and the forward edges of black marks
for detection, all seen in relation to the feed direction.
Start Adjust
The Start Adjust value is given as a positive or negative number of dots.
Default value is 0, which places the origin a certain distance back from
the forward edge of the copy.
• A positive start adjustment means that the specifi ed length of media
will be fed out before the printing starts. Thus, the origin is moved
further back from the forward edge of the copy.
• A negative start adjustment means that the specifi ed length of media
will be pulled back before the printing starts. Thus, the origin is
moved towards the forward edge of the copy.
Stop Adjust
The Stop Adjust value is given as a positive or negative number of dots.
Default value is 0, which stops the media feed in a position suitable for
tear off operation.
• A positive stop adjustment means that the normal media feed after
the printing is completed will be increased by the specifi ed value.
• A negative stop adjustment means that the normal media feed after
the printing is completed will be decreased by the specifi ed value.
Page 67
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 53
Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Recommended Feed Adjustments
The following settings allow printing from the top of the label. Minor
deviations from the recommended values may be required due to various
combinations of media types, roll size, type of media supply device, and
individual differences between printers.
Adjustment 8 dots/mm 11.81 dots/mm Distance Distance
type 203.2 dpi (std) 300 dpi (option) in mm in inches
Tear-Off (Straight-through)
Start adjust: -100 dots -148 dots 12.5 0.49
Stop adjust: 0 dots 0 dots 0 0
Peel-Off (Self-strip)
Start adjust: -56 dots -83 dots 7 0.28
Stop adjust: -44 dots -65 dots 5.5 0.22
Cut between labels
Start adjust: 0 dots 0 dots 0 0
Stop adjust: +160 dots +236 dots 20.0 0.78
Cut between labels and print from leading edge of next label
Start adjust: -250 dots -369 dots 31.25 1.23
Stop adjust: +160 dots +236 dots 20.0 0.78
Cut variable length strip (No liner allowed!)
Start adjust: -250 dots -369 dots 31.25 1.23
Stop adjust: +275 dots +406 dots 34.38 1.35
Page 68
54 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Media
The media parameters tell the fi rmware the characteristics of the media
that will be used, so the printout will be positioned correctly and get the
best quality possible.
Media Size
The size of the printable area is defi ned by three parameters; X-Start,
Width, and Length.
X-Start
Specifi es the position of the origin along the dots on the printhead.
The default X-start value prevents printing outside labels when the liner
is slightly wider than the labels. If you want to maximize the print width,
reset the X-start value to 0.
By increasing the value for the X-start parameter, the origin will be
moved outwards, away from the inner edge of the media path. In other
words, the larger X-start value, the wider inner margin and the less available print width.
Width
Specifi es the width of the printable area in number of dots from the
origin. Thus, the sum of the X-start and width values gives the outer
margin of the printable area. The width should be set to prevent printing
outside the media, which may harm the printhead.
Length
Specifi es the length of the printable area in number of dots from the
origin along the Y-coordinate and allocates memory space for two identical image buffers in the printer’s temporary memory.
The size of each buffer can be calculated using this formula:
Buffer size (bits) = [Print length in dots] x [Printhead width in dots]
Note: The temporary memory has other functions that also
require some memory space. To obtain a longer print area, the
memory can be increased by fi tting a larger SDRAM SIMM on
the printer’s CPU board as described in the Service Manual.
• The length setup also decides the amount of media feed when using
“fi x length strip.”
Page 69
FEED
DIRECTION
Dot #0
Dot-line
on printhead
X-start Width (1-832)
Origin
Length
Dot #831
10.3 mm (0.41 in)
PRINT
PRINT
WINDOW
WINDOW
PRINT
WINDOW
max. 104.0 mm (4.095 in)
25-114.3 mm (1-4.5 in)
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 55
Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
• The length setup creates an emergency stop, which works when
the printer is set up for “Label (w gaps)”, “Ticket (w mark)”, or
“Ticket (w gaps).” If the label stop sensor has not detected a gap or
mark within 150% of the set length, the media feed is automatically
stopped to avoid feeding out a whole roll of media, because of a sensor
malfunction.
By setting up the X-start, the Width, and the Length, you will create a
print window inside which the printing can be performed. Any object or
fi eld extending outside the print window in any direction will either be
clipped or cause an error condition (Error 1003 “Field out of label”), see
Intermec Fingerprint v8.xx, Programmer’s Reference Manual.
Print Window (8 dots/mm standard printhead)
Intermec offers a number of non-standard thermal printheads for the
EasyCoder PF4i, see Chapter 9.
Page 70
56 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Media Type
The Media Type parameters control how the label stop sensor (LSS) and
the media feed work. There are fi ve media type options:
• Label (w gaps) is used for adhesive labels mounted on liner.
• Ticket (w mark) is used for labels, tickets, or continuous stock provided with black marks at the back.
• Ticket (w gaps) is used for tickets and tags with detection slits.
• Fix length strip is used for continuous stock where the length of the print
window decides the length of media to be fed out.
• Var length strip is used for continuous stock. The size of the print
image decides the length of each copy.
It is important to select the correct media type, so the printer can indicate the following errors.
• Error 1005 “Out of paper” indicates that the last ordered copy could
not be printed because of an empty media stock.
• Error 1031 “Next label not found” indicates that the last ordered label
or ticket was successfully printed, but no more labels/tickets can be
printed because of an empty media stock.
Page 71
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 57
Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Paper Type
The Paper Type parameters control the heat emitted from the printhead
to the direct thermal media or, optionally, the transfer ribbon in order to
produce the dots that make up the printout image.
Labels, tickets, tags, strip, and ribbons for various types of application
are available from Intermec. For the best printout quality and maximum
life of the printhead, use Intermec supplies. Setup recommendations
for Intermec supplies offered in Europe and North America are listed in
Appendix D.
As a general rule, high energy and/or high print speed will shorten the
life of the printhead. Never use higher paper type and print speed settings than necessary for obtaining an acceptable printout quality and
throughput speed.
If the ambient temperature is lower than +15°C (+59°F), decrease the
print speed by 50 mm/sec.
Start by choosing between two alternatives:
• Direct Thermal printing (option)
• Thermal Transfer printing (default)
Your choice will decide which parameters to enter next:
Direct Thermal Printing
• Label Constant (range 50 to 115)
• Label Factor (range 10 to 50)
When adjusting the image darkness for non-Intermec direct thermal
media, set the Label Factor to the recommended value for the type of
direct thermal media. Set the Label Constant to the value listed below
and decrease or increase it for lighter or darker images respectively until
you are satisfi ed with the printout quality.
General Paper Type Settings Guide (Direct Thermal)
Sensitivity1 Label Label Max Print Speed
Constant Factor 8 dots/mm 11.81 dots/mm
Low 100 40 100 100
Standard 90 40 125 125
High 80 40 175 150
Ultra high 60 40 200 150
1
/. Note that preprint and varnish decrease the sensitivity of direct thermal media.
Page 72
58 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Thermal Transfer Printing
• Ribbon Constant (range 50 to 115)
• Ribbon Factor (range 10 to 50)
• Label Offset (range -50 to 50)
• Ribbon Sensor (autoadjustment)
• Low Diameter (range 25 to 80 mm)
When adjusting the image darkness for non-Intermec media and transfer
ribbons, set the Ribbon Factor to the recommended value for the type
of thermal transfer ribbon. Set the Ribbon Constant at the value listed
below and decrease or increase it for lighter or darker images respectively
until you are satisfi ed with the printout quality. The Label Offset parameter is presently not used, so keep it at the default value 0.
General Paper Type Settings Guide (Thermal Transfer)
Type Ribbon Ribbon Max Print Speed
Constant Factor 8 dots/mm 11.81 dots/mm
Wax (Europe) 80 25 150 125
Wax (U.S.A.) 65 25 150 125
Wax/Resin (Europe) 90 25 150-200 125-150
Wax/Resin (U.S.A.) 75 25 150-200 125-150
Resin (Europe) 100 30 200 150
Resin (U.S.A.) 90 30 200 150
The Ribbon Sensor parameter is read-only. When performing a Testfeed
or when pressing the <Enter> key when the Ribbon Sensor menu is
displayed, the printer will feed out some media and autoadjust the sensor.
The resulting setting is displayed in the menu.
The Low Diameter parameter specifi es the diameter of the ribbon
supply roll, where SYSVAR(26) switches from 0 to 1. SYSVAR(26)
= 0 means that there is still a suffi cient supply of ribbon, whereas
SYSVAR(26) = 1 means that it is time to consider replacing the ribbon
supply. The diameter is expressed in millimetres (1 mm = 0.04 in.) and
an accuracy of ±3 mm can be expected. Note that this setting has little
effect unless SYSVAR(26) is read by a Fingerprint program. However,
Error 1083 “Ribbon Low” is reported at every tenth printing operation.
By default, the low diameter is 0, that is, the ribbon low function is
disabled.
Page 73
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 59
Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Contrast
Use the contrast parameter to make minor adjustments of the blackness
in the printout, for example to adapt the printer to variations in quality
between different batches of the same media. 11 options are displayed in
an endless loop from -10% to +10%. Default value is 0%. The contrast
is reset to the default (±0) whenever a new paper type is specifi ed, regardless which method has been used.
Testfeed
The sensitivity of the label stop sensor (LSS) may need to be adjusted
when switching from one type of media to another. This is especially
the case when using adhesive labels since the transparency of the liner
(backing paper) may vary. When the Testfeed menu is displayed, press
the <Enter> key. A number of blank copies will be fed out until the
fi rmware has decided the proper setting for the LSS. At the same time,
the front edges of the labels, tickets, etc. are detected so the feed control
can position the media according to the Feedadjust parameter (same as
the Intermec Fingerprint statement TESTFEED). Four values used for
troubleshooting the LSS are displayed (read-only information).
Print Defi nes
Head Resistance
The printhead resistance is measured automatically at startup (read-only
information).
Testprint
The test labels ”Diamonds”, “Chess”, “Bar Codes #1”, and “Bar Codes
#2” are used to check the printout quality and facilitate adjustment of
the printhead pressure, see Chapter 12. The test labels “Setup Info” and
“Hardware Info” list the printer’s current setup and the installed electronic devices. Test label “Network Info” is only printed if the printer
has an optional EasyLAN interface board. If the information does not fi t
on one label, two or more labels will be printed. If the printer refuses to
print a test label, press the <i> key to fi nd out what is wrong, for example
“printhead lifted” or “out-of paper”. See next page for examples of test
labels.
Page 74
702 ohms/8 dots
UART1 9600-8-N-1
RTS/CTS DISABLE
ENQ/ACK DISABLE
XON/XOFF
DATA TO HOST DISABLE
DATA FROM HOST DISABLE
NEW LINE CR/LF
REC BUF 300
TRANS BUF 300
PRINT CONFIG
STARTADJ 0
STOPADJ 0
XSTART 24
WIDTH 808
LENGTH 1200
MEDIA TYPE LABEL (w GAPS)
PAPER TYPE TRANSFER
LABEL CONSTANT 85
LABEL FACTOR 40
RIBBON CONSTANT 90
RIBBON FACTOR 25
LABEL OFFSET 0
RIBBON SENSOR 14
LOW DIAMETER 36
CONTRAST +0%
TESTFEED 170 202 2 5
HEAD RESIST 702
PRINT SPEED 100
LTS VALUE 8
IP SELECTION DHCP+BOOTP
IP ADDRESS 192.168.235.104
NETMASK 255.255.254.0
DEFAULT ROUTER 192.168.234.1
NAMESERVER 192.169.234.20
FIRMWARE
Fingerprint (version number)
MCS (number, date, time, and processor family)
Hardware
1-971631-50 / PSU / 1.0 / 0031-000000
1-971633-25 / Console / 1.1 / 0033-000000
1-959032-01 / TPH / 0.0 / 0001Z-00085
1-971630-50 / CPU / 1.1 / 0030-000016
1-971641-50 / IEEE1284-1 / 1.1 / 0146-000010
EasyLAN / 00104017B872 Model PF4i
Hardware version 4.0 (CLIC version 1)
Ram 8192 (k)
Flash 0+4096 (k)
CompactFlash 0 (k)
c: 4023296 bytes free
tmp: 3702056 bytes free
Odometer 0 (m)
60 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Chess
Bar Codes #2
Diamonds
Bar Codes #1
Setup Info
Test Labels
Hardware Info
Page 75
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 61
Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Print Speed
The print speed is variable between 100 and 200 mm/sec. for printers
fi tted with an 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi) printhead and between 100 and
150 mm/sec. for printers with an optional 11.81 dots/mm (300 dpi)
printhead. Generally, the lower the speed, the better the printout quality. This is especially true when printing bar codes with the bars running
across the media path (“ladder style”), when printing on demanding face
materials, and when printing at low ambient temperatures. The default
setting is 100 mm/sec. (approx. 4 inches/sec.).
The combination of a large media roll (>152 mm/6 inches
diameter) and/or narrow media width in combination with
high print speed (> 150 mm/6 inches per sec.) could cause
jerks in the media feed. Such jerks will compress text and
spoil the readability of ladder-style bar codes placed close
to the front edge of the label. In case of batch printing,
only the fi rst label in the batch will be affected. Negative
startadjust values tend to increase the jerks.
• If the media roll is larger than 152 mm (6 inches), do
not use a print speed > 150 mm/sec.
• If a negative start adjust is used, do not use a print speed
> 125 mm/sec.
• Narrow media width may require further restrictions on
print speed.
• Avoid placing text and ladder-style bar codes close to the
front edge of labels.
LSS Test
The function on the label stop sensor (LSS) can be tested automatically
or manually as decribed in Chapter 12 “Adjustments.”
LTS (Label Taken Sensor)
The sensitivity of the LTS can be tested and adjusted as described in
Chapter 12 “Adjustments.”
Page 76
62 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 6—Setting Up the Printer
Returning to Factory Default Setup
There are two ways to return to the factory default setup of the printer:
A Insert a special CompactFlash memory card and restart the printer.
B Using the printer’s built-in keyboard.
To reset the printer using the keyboard, do like this:
1 Lift the printhead.
2 Switch on the power to the printer and press the <i/F5> key and wait
until the printer beeps.
3 Swiftly press the following keys:
<d/F4> t <c/F2> t <c/F2> t <e/F1>
4 The following message will be displayed:
Factory Default?
Enter=Yes ESC=No
5 Within 10 seconds, press <Enter> to reset the printer to factory
default. The parameters will be reset and the printer will continue the
normal startup.
If you press <Esc/F2> or wait until the 10 seconds timeout has passed,
the normal startup will continue without any reset being performed.
Note: If any of the fi les "card:NOSHELL.CFG",
rom:NOSHELL.CFG", or "c:NOSHELL.CFG" exists in the
printer’s memory, no reset to factory default will be performed.
The factory default will remove all fi les used to store settings.
It will not reset settings that already has been read when the
fi les are removed. This means that EasyLAN Wireless settings
(SSID, keys, etc.) will retain their values from the previous
start. However, the next reboot will reset them to factory
default.
Page 77
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 63
7
Setup Mode
This chapter describes how to enter the setup mode
at installation, explains how to navigate in the setup
mode, and provides overviews over which parameters
and messages are available for the standard printer and
with various interface boards.
Page 78
64 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
Entering Setup Mode at Installation
The method of entering the Setup Mode depends on which startup fi les
are stored in the printer’s memory, a subject that was more thoroughly
discussed in Chapter 3, “Starting Up.”
EasyCoder PF4i with Intermec Shell
• Switch on the power.
• When the display shows the message “Enter=Shell; x sec...”, press
<Enter>.
• Press <Setup> (this facility can be used anywhere within Intermec
Shell).
• Set up the printer as described in this chapter.
• Return to Intermec Shell by pressing <Setup>.
EasyCoder PF4i with a custom-made application program
• Normally, there is no need to enter the Setup Mode for custom-made
application programs. Necessary provisions for changing the setup,
manually or automatically, should be provided by the program.
Page 79
-
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 65
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
Navigating in Setup Mode
While going through the setup procedure, you are guided by texts in the
printer’s display. You can navigate between setup menus, acknowledge
displayed values, select or type new values, etc. by using the keys on the
printer’s keyboard.
Note: An external keyboard cannot be used inside the Setup
Mode.
1
/. “Left”, “right”, “up”, and “down” refer to the overviews later in this chapter.
Move up one level
1
.
Move one menu to the left on the same level or scroll back in a
stack of options
1
.
Exit the Setup Mode. Can be used anywhere in Setup Mode.
Enter numeric values.
Acknowledge and move to next menu or perform testfeeds in
the Testfeed menu, or print test labels in the Test label menu.
Move down one level
1
.
Display error messages at test label printing failure.
Clear displayed values.
Specify negative values (leading position).
Move one menu to the right on the same level or scroll forward
in a stack of options
1
.
Page 80
SETUP:
SER-COM, UART1
SETUP:
PRINT DEFS
Option
SETUP:
MEDIA
SETUP:
FEEDADJ
SETUP:
NETWORK
SETUP:
NET-COM, NET1
Option
SETUP:
SER-COM, UART3
Option
SETUP:
SER-COM, UART2
Option
Starting point
66 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
The Setup Mode is organized as an endless loop, from which you can
select a number of sub-categories. At startup, the fi rmware determines
if options such as a label taken sensor, a cutter, or an interface board is
installed in the printer. Only installed options are shown in the Setup
Mode.
The diagram below shows the options in the main loop. Detailed overviews are shown on the pages that follow.
Page 81
NEW LINE:
CR
NEW LINE:
LF
DATA TO HOST:
ENABLE
DATA FROM HOST:
ENABLE
BAUDRATE;
4800
BAUDRATE;
2400
BAUDRATE;
1200
BAUDRATE;
600
BAUDRATE;
300
BAUDRATE;
115200
BAUDRATE;
57500
BAUDRATE;
38400
BAUDRATE;
19200
PARITY:
SPACE
PARITY:
MARK
PARITY:
ODD
PARITY:
EVEN
CHAR LENGTH
7
STOP BITS:
2
ENQ/ACK:
ENABLE
SETUP:
SER-COM, UART1
SETUP:
SER-COM, UART2
SETUP:
SER-COM, UART3
SETUP:
NET-COM, NET1
SER-COM, UART1:
BAUDRATE
SER-COM, UART1:
CHAR LENGTH
SER-COM, UART1:
PARITY
SER-COM, UART1:
STOP BITS
SER-COM, UART1:
FLOWCONTROL
BAUDRATE;
9600
CHAR LENGTH8PARITY:
NONE
STOP BITS:
1
FLOW CONTROL:
RTS/CTS
FLOW CONTROL:
ENQ/ACK
ENQ-ACK:
DISABLE
ENQ/ACK:
ENABLE
RTS/CTS:
DISABLE
FLOW CONTROL:
XON/XOFF
SER-COM, UART1:
NEW LINE
NEW LINE:
CR/LF
XON/XOFF:
DATA TO HOST
XON/XOFF:
DATA FROM HOST
DATA TO HOST:
DISABLE
DATA FROM HOST:
DISABLE
SER-COM, UART1:
REC BUF
REC BUF:
[1024]:
SER-COM, UART1:
TRANS BUF
TRANS BUF:
[1024]:
See separate overview See separate overview See separate overview
SETUP:
NETWORK
See separate overview
Continued on
the next page
Scroll forward
Scroll back
Scroll forward
Scroll back
Scroll forward
Scroll back
Scroll forward
Scroll back
Scroll forward
Scroll back
Scroll forward
Scroll back
Scroll forward
Scroll back
Scroll forward
Scroll back
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 67
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
Setup Mode; Serial Communication "uart1:"
(Intermec Fingerprint v8.20)
Legend:
Dotted boxes and lines indicate options.
Thick boxes indicates default options.
Values inside brackets indicate default settings.
Page 82
SETUP:
FEEDADJ
FEEDADJ:
STARTADJ
FEEDADJ:
STOPADJ:
STARTADJ:
[0]:
STOPADJ:
[0]:
Continued on
the next page
Continued from the
previous page
68 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
Setup Mode; Feed Adjust
(Intermec Fingerprint v8.20)
Page 83
CONTRAST:
-2%
CONTRAST:
-4%
CONTRAST:
-6%
CONTRAST:
-8%
CONTRAST:
-10%
CONTRAST:
+10%
CONTRAST:
+8%
CONTRAST:
+6%
CONTRAST:
+4%
CONTRAST:
+2%
MEDIA TYPE:
VAR LENGTH STRIP
MEDIA TYPE:
FIX LENGTH STRIP
MEDIA TYPE:
TICKET (w GAPS)
MEDIA TYPE:
TICKET (w MARK)
SETUP:
MEDIA
MEDIA:
MEDIA SIZE
MEDIA:
MEDIA TYPE
MEDIA SIZE:
XSTART
MEDIA SIZE:
WIDTH
MEDIA SIZE:
LENGTH
MEDIA TYPE:
LABEL (w GAPS)
XSTART:
[24]:
WIDTH:
[832]:
LENGTH:
[1200]:
MEDIA:
PAPER TYPE
PAPER TYPE:
TRANSFER
TRANSFER:
RIBBON CONSTANT
TRANSFER:
RIBBON FACTOR
TRANSFER:
LABEL OFFSET
TRANSFER:
RIBBON SENSOR
TRANSFER:
LOW DIAMETER
RIBBON CONSTANT:
[90]:
RIBBON FACTOR:
[25]:
LABEL OFFSET:
[0]:
RIBBON SENSOR:
[14]:
LOW DIAMETER:
[0]:
MEDIA:
CONTRAST
MEDIA:
TEST FEED
PAPER TYPE:
DIRECT THERMAL
CONTRAST:
+0%
TEST FEED:
[26 28 0 10]
DIRECT THERMAL:
LABEL CONSTANT
DIRECT THERMAL:
LABEL FACTOR
LABEL CONSTANT
[85]:
LABEL FACTOR:
[40]:
Continued from
the previous page
Continued on
the next page
Press <Enter> to perform a testfeed.
Values are read-only.
Scroll forward
Scroll back
Scroll forward
Scroll back
Not displayed if a transfer
ribbon mechanism is
not installed in the
printer.
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 69
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
Setup Mode; Media
(Intermec Fingerprint v8.20)
Page 84
TESTPRINT:
NETWORK INFO
TESTPRINT:
HARDWARE INFO
TESTPRINT:
SETUP INFO
TESTPRINT:
BAR CODES #2
TESTPRINT:
BAR CODES #1
TESTPRINT:
CHESS
SETUP:
PRINT DEFS
PRINT DEFS:
HEAD RESIST
PRINT DEFS:
TESTPRINT
PRINT DEFS:
PRINT SPEED
HEAD RESIST:
[nnn]:
TESTPRINT:
DIAMONDS
PRINT SPEED:
[100]:
PRINT DEFS:
LTS
LTS:
LTS ADJUST
LTS:
LTS TEST
LTS:
LTS VALUE
REMOVE LABEL AND
PRESS ENTER
REMOVE LABEL
ENTER TO STOP
LTS VALUE:
[10]:
SENSITIVITY 10
OUT OF 9-10
PRINT DEFS:
LSS TEST
LSS TEST:
LSS AUTO
LSS TEST:
LSS MANUAL
LSS AUTO:
LSS [G: 2]D: 6
Continued from
the previous page
Return to the start of the Setup Mode loop
(SETUP/SER-COM, UART1) or press <Setup>
to exit the Setup Mode.
Read-only
Only displayed if an
optional EasyLAN board
is installed.
Toggle between
gain (G) and drive
(D)
Decrease/increase
value inside
brackets
Only displayed if an optional LTS (Label Taken
Sensor) is installed in the printer.
Scroll forward
Scroll back
<Enter> to print
<?> for error info
70 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
Setup Mode; Print Defs
(Intermec Fingerprint v8.20)
Page 85
DATA TO HOST:
ENABLE
DATA FROM HOST:
ENABLE
BAUDRATE;
4800
BAUDRATE;
2400
BAUDRATE;
1200
BAUDRATE;
600
BAUDRATE;
300
BAUDRATE;
115200
BAUDRATE;
57500
BAUDRATE;
38400
BAUDRATE;
19200
PARITY:
SPACE
PARITY:
MARK
PARITY:
ODD
PARITY:
EVEN
CHAR LENGTH
7
STOP BITS:
2
ENQ/ACK:
ENABLE
SETUP:SETUP:
SER-COM, UART2
SER-COM, UART2:
PROT ADDR
SER-COM, UART2:
BAUDRATE
SER-COM, UART2:
CHAR LENGTH
SER-COM, UART2:
PARITY
SER-COM, UART2:
STOP BITS
SER-COM, UART2:
FLOWCONTROL
BAUDRATE;
9600
CHAR LENGTH8PARITY:
NONE
STOP BITS:
1
FLOW CONTROL:
RTS/CTS
FLOW CONTROL:
ENQ/ACK
ENQ-ACK:
DISABLE
ENQ/ACK:
ENABLE
RTS/CTS:
DISABLE
FLOW CONTROL:
XON/XOFF
SER-COM, UART2:
REC BUF
REC BUF:
[1024]:
XON/XOFF:
DATA TO HOST
XON/XOFF:
DATA FROM HOST
DATA TO HOST:
DISABLE
DATA TO HOST:
ENABLE
PROT ADDR:
DISABLE
DATA FROM HOST:
DISABLE
SER-COM, UART2:
TRANS BUF
TRANS BUF:
[1024]:
NEW LINE:
CR
NEW LINE:
LF
SER-COM, UART2:
NEW LINE
NEW LINE:
CR/LF
SER-COM, UART2:
CONNECTED HW
CONNECTED HW:
RS232
SER-COM, UART2:
PROTOCOL ADDR.
PROTOCOL ADDR.
[1]:
These menus will only be displayed when an optional Double Serial or Serial/Industrial interface board is installed.
In case of a Double Serial interface baord, also see the overview for Serial Communication, uart3.
Only displayed in case of
RS485 on "uart2:".
Enter printer’s protocol
address (0–31).
Only displayed in case
of RS485.
Read-only
Menus inside this dotted box are not displayed in case of RS485 on "uart2:".
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 71
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
Setup Mode; Serial Communication "uart2:" (option)
(Intermec Fingerprint v8.20)
Page 86
NEW LINE:
CR
NEW LINE:
LF
DATA TO HOST:
ENABLE
DATA FROM HOST:
ENABLE
BAUDRATE;
4800
BAUDRATE;
2400
BAUDRATE;
1200
BAUDRATE;
600
BAUDRATE;
300
BAUDRATE;
115200
BAUDRATE;
57500
BAUDRATE;
38400
BAUDRATE;
19200
PARITY:
SPACE
PARITY:
MARK
PARITY:
ODD
PARITY:
EVEN
CHAR LENGTH
7
STOP BITS:
2
ENQ/ACK:
ENABLE
SETUP:
SER-COM, UART3
SER-COM, UART3:
BAUDRATE
SER-COM, UART3:
CHAR LENGTH
SER-COM, UART3:
PARITY
SER-COM, UART3:
STOP BITS
SER-COM, UART3:
FLOWCONTROL
BAUDRATE;
9600
CHAR LENGTH8PARITY:
NONE
STOP BITS:
1
FLOW CONTROL:
RTS/CTS
FLOW CONTROL:
ENQ/ACK
ENQ-ACK:
DISABLE
ENQ/ACK:
ENABLE
RTS/CTS:
DISABLE
SER-COM, UART3:
CONNECTED HW
CONNECTED HW:
RS232
FLOW CONTROL:
XON/XOFF
SER-COM, UART3:
NEW LINE
NEW LINE:
CR/LF
XON/XOFF:
DATA TO HOST
XON/XOFF:
DATA FROM HOST
DATA TO HOST:
DISABLE
DATA FROM HOST:
DISABLE
SER-COM, UART3:
REC BUF
REC BUF:
[1024]:
SER-COM, UART3:
TRANS BUF
TRANS BUF:
[1024]:
Read-only
These menus will only be displayed when an optional Double Serial interface board is installed,
also see the overview for Serial Communication, uart2.
72 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
Setup Mode; Serial Communication "uart3:" (option)
(Intermec Fingerprint v8.20)
Page 87
BAUDRATE;
CR
BAUDRATE;
LF
PARITY:
BOOTP
PARITY:
DHCP
PARITY:
MANUAL
SETUP:
NET-COM, NET1
SETUP:
NETWORK
NET-COM, NET1:
NEW LINE
NETWORK:
IP SELECTION
NETWORK:
IP ADDRESS
NETWORK:
NETMASK
NETWORK:
DEFAULT ROUTER
NETWORK:
NAME SERVER
NEW LINE
CR/LF
IP SELECTION:
DHCP+BOOTP
IP ADDRESS:
192.168.1.79
NETMASK:
255.255.255.0
DEFAULT ROUTER:
192.168.1.1
NAME SERVER:
192.168.1.7
NETWORK:
MAC ADDRESS
MAC ADDRESS:
00104017b80e
Read-only if DCHP
and/or BOOTP
is selected.
These menus will only be displayed when an optional EasyLAN interface board is installed.
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 73
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
Setup Mode; Network Communication "net1:" (option)
(Intermec Fingerprint v8.20)
Page 88
74 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 7—Setup Mode
Page 89
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 75
8
Intermec Shell Startup
Program
This chapter describes the Intermec Shell startup
program and covers the following topics:
• Introduction
• Starting with Intermec Shell
• Intermec Shell Overview
• Line Analyzer
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Chapter 8—Intermec Shell Startup Program
Introduction
Intermec Shell is a startup program, which is a program that automatically starts running when the printer is switched on. Intermec Shell helps
the operator to choose between a number of standard or custom-made
application programs and to start certain useful facilities, as listed below.
Application Programs
• Intermec Fingerprint (for creating your own programs or to run the
Intermec InterDriver)
• Intermec Direct Protocol (easy-to-use slave protocol)
• LINE_AXP.PRG (line analyzer program)
• Other application programs in the printer’s memory.
A prerequisite for a program to appear as an option in Intermec Shell
is that the program is provided with the extension “.PRG” and is
stored in the root of the directory "/c" or "card1:". However, some
original Intermec utility programs are excluded as long as they remain
stored in "/rom":
- ERRHAND.PRG
- FILELIST.PRG
- LBLSHTXT.PRG
- MKAUTO.PRG
- SHELLXP.PRG
- WINXP.PRG
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 77
Chapter 8—Intermec Shell Startup Program
Other Facilities
• Setup Mode (manual setup from printer’s keyboard)
• Print Setup (printing setup on label)
• Testfeed (formfeeds and auto-adjust of the LSS)
• Test Label (printing of test labels)
• Default setup (resetting all setup parameters to default)
• Software Update (downloading data from a host to a CompactFlash
card in the printer, upgrading the printer’s fi rmware from a CompactFlash card, or upgrading the printer’s fi rmware from fi le in a PC)
• Reboot (restarting the printer)
Note: Intermec Shell is factory-installed in the printer’s permanent memory (device "/rom"). If you insert a memory card
with another startup fi le before you switch on the printer, or if
there is a startup fi le stored in the printer’s permanent memory
(device "/c"), this startup fi le will be used instead of Intermec
Shell (see Chapter 3, “Startup Files”).
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Chapter 8—Intermec Shell Startup Program
Starting with Intermec Shell
A few seconds after you have switched on the power to the printer and
the initialization is completed, the countdown menu of the Intermec
Shell program will be displayed:
ENTER=SHELL
5 sec. v.8.1
Now you have 5 seconds to enter Intermec Shell by pressing <Enter>.
The lower line tells you how much time you have left. Should the time
run out before you have taken any action, the last selected application
in Intermec Shell will be opened. If you use the same application all the
time, you will only need to switch on the power, once the application has
been selected.
If no other application has yet been selected, the current version of
Intermec Fingerprint will be opened with "auto" selected as std I/O
channel (see Intermec Fingerprint manuals). When the countdown is
completed, you will see these lines in the display:
Fingerprint
8.20
If you want to select another application, just cycle the power and enter
Intermec Shell before the countdown is completed.
When you enter the Intermec Shell from the countdown menus, the
Select Application menu will be displayed:
SHELL
SEL. APPLICATION
In this menu, you can choose between two options:
• Press <Enter> to go to menus where you can select an application
program.
• Press <`> to go to the Facilities part of Intermec Shell.
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 79
Chapter 8—Intermec Shell Startup Program
Selecting an Application
In Intermec Shell, the menus present the options in infi nite loops, To see
all menus and options, refer to the overview in this chapter. The Select
application lets you choose an application program that resides in the
printer’s memory:
• Current appl. starts the last selected application (by default Intermec
Fingerprint with "auto" selected as standard I/O channel).
• Fingerprint is used to create, modify, or run programs written in the
Intermec Fingerprint programming language and to run the Intermec
InterDriver. This option requires that you also select a standard
IN/OUT channel, which is the channel you want to use for communication between the printer and the computer. Normally, you select
"uart1:". Refer to the Intermec Fingerprint manuals.
• Direct Protocol is an easy-to-use printer protocol for downloading
label formats and variable input data to a printer from a host computer. This option requires that you also select a standard IN/OUT
channel, that is the serial channel you want to use for communication
between the printer and the host. Normally, you select "uart1:". Refer
to the Intermec Direct Protocol v8.xx, Programmer’s Reference Manual.
• LINE-AXP.PRG (Line Analyzer) is a Fingerprint program that cap-
tures characters received by the printer on a communication channel
and prints them on labels. (See later in this chapter.)
• Other Application Programs will presented as additional options.
Note: When an application program is started, it may automatically change the communication setup. If another application
is selected later, this communication setup will remain valid,
unless the new application includes instructions that automatically change the setup. The setup could also be changed
manually in the Setup Mode.
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Chapter 8—Intermec Shell Startup Program
Selecting Other Facilities
As an alternative to selecting an application, you can step through a
number of other useful facilities:
Setup
Set up the printer using its built-in keyboard, see Chapter 7, “Setup
Mode.”
Print Setup
Produce a printout of the printer’s current setup values (test label “Setup
Info”).
Testfeed
Feed out a number of label, ticket, tag, or portions of continuous stock
while the printer auto-adjusts its media feed and label stop/black mark
sensor. It is recommended to perform a Testfeed each time you load a roll
of labels from a new batch or a different brand.
Test Label
Print a series of four test labels (test labels “Diamonds”, “Chess”, “Bar
Codes #1”, and “Bar Codes #2”) in order to test the printout quality and
printhead alignment. The labels are presented in an infi nite loop, so you
can print the series over and over again. Press <Enter> for each new label.
Default Setup
Reset all setup parameters to their default values, as listed in Chapter 6,
“Setting Up the Printer.”
Software Update
Using the Zmodem communication tool, fi les can be downloaded from
a PC, either to be stored on a standard CompactFlash memory card or to
upgrade the printer’s fi rmware. The following options are available:
• Update CompactFlash card allows the printer to be used as a CompactFlash card programming device. Any fi les can be downloaded
from a PC to a standard CompactFlash card inserted in the memory
card slot in the printer’s rear plate.
A typical application is to create a fi rmware upgrade card from an
upgrade fi le stored in a PC. You can use the card to upgrade the
fi rmware in several printers simply by moving the card from printer
to printer. Just insert the card, switch on the power, and wait from the
prompts to appear in the printer’s display window.
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Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 81
Chapter 8—Intermec Shell Startup Program
• Update fi rmware is used to directly upgrade the fi rmware of a specifi c
printer from a new fi rmware version stored as a fi le in a PC. If the
printer is equipped with an EasyLAN Ethernet or Wireless board, the
user must have access rights to upgrade the fi rmware, see the EasyLAN
User’s Guide.
If the CompactFlash card or upgrade fi le contains an earlier
fi rmware version than the one in the printer, the printer’s
fi rmware will be downgraded without warning.
Firmware upgrade fi les can be found on www.intermec.com or be
obtained from your local Intermec distributor.
Reboot
Corresponds to cycling the power to the printer. To exit Intermec Shell
without having selected any application, select Reboot. Then wait for the
5 seconds countdown to fi nish, and the last selected application will be
opened.
Page 96
SHELL
TEST LABEL
SHELL
TESTFEED
SHELL
DEFAULT SETUP
Performs a Testfeed (feeds out a number of blank copies
while autoadjusting the label stop sensor).
Prints test labels “Diamonds”, “Chess”, “Bar Codes #1”, and “Bar Codes #2” in a loo
p
Press Enter for each new label.
SHELL
REBOOT
Restarts the printer (same as power off/on)
Printer rebooted
automatically.
STD I/O CHANNEL
uart2:
STD I/O CHANNEL
uart3:
SEL. APPLICATION
Fingerprint 8.20
SHELL
SETUP
See the chapter “Setup Mode”
Prints a list of current setup values (test label “Setup Info”).
Note: Dotted channels are only shown if
the corresponding optional interface pcb
is fitted.
SHELL
PRINT SETUP
ENTER=SHELL
5 sec. v.8.1
ENTER=SHELL
4 sec. v.8.1
ENTER=SHELL
3 sec. v.8.1
ENTER=SHELL
2 sec. v.8.1
ENTER=SHELL
1 sec. v.8.1
Last selected
application is started
Default:
Fingerprint 8.20 w. std I/O = "auto"
Last selected application is started
The selected application is started
POWER ON
Return to previous menu.
Proceed to next menu.
Accept displayed option
and proceed, or
execute displayed option.
Perform a Testfeed
anywhere in Intermec Shell.
Enter the Setup Mode
from anywhere
in Intermec Shell.
Legend:
SHELL
SEL. APPLICATION
SEL. APPLICATION
Direct Protocol
SEL.APPL rom:
LINE_AXP.PRG
Optional application
programs
SETUP:
SER-COM,UART1
SEL. APPLICATION
CURRENT APPL.
ARE YOU SURE?
YES=ENTER/NO=ESC
DEFAULT SETUP
PERFORMED
SHELL
SOFTWARE UPDATE
UPDATE:
COMPACT FLASH?
UPDATE:
FIRMWARE?
TRANSFER
COMPLETED
TRANSFER FILE
USING ZMODEM
STD I/O CHANNEL
centronics:
STD I/O CHANNEL
net1:
STD I/O CHANNEL
usb1:
STD I/O CHANNEL
auto
STD I/O CHANNEL
uart1:
TRANSFER FILE
USING ZMODEM
82 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 8—Intermec Shell Startup Program
Intermec Shell v8.1 Overview
Page 97
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 83
Chapter 8—Intermec Shell Startup Program
Line Analyzer
The Line Analyzer (LINE_AXP.PRG) is a program written in the
Intermec Fingerprint programming language and is intended to help
solving possible communication problems. As the name implies, the Line
Analyzer captures all incoming characters on a specifi ed communication
channel and prints them on one or more labels.
Printable characters are printed in black-on-white, whereas control
characters and space characters (ASCII 000–032 dec) are printed in
white-on-black.
While the printer is receiving data, the “Ready” control lamp blinks.
There is a 0.5 second timeout. That is, if no more characters have been
received after 0.5 second, the program considers the transmission terminated and prints out a label.
As long as a continuous string of characters is being received, the program wraps the lines until the label is full and then starts to print another
label. At the bottom of each label, the following information is printed:
• Page number
• Number of characters printed on the label
• Total number of characters received so far
The Line Analyzer is displayed as the option “LINE_AXP.PRG" under
the “SEL. APPLICATION” menu. After the Line Analyzer has been
selected and the printer has started up again, the printer feeds out two
labels and the following menu is displayed:
Line Analyzer
Sel.port(1-6) 1
Enter the desired communication port using the numeric keys on the
printer’s keyboard:
1 = "uart1:"
2 = "uart2:"
3 = "uart3:"
4 = "centronics:"
5 = "net1:"
6 = "usb1:"
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84 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 8—Intermec Shell Startup Program
If the printer is not fi tted with the specifi ed port, an error message
appears in the display and you can select another port:
Line Analyzer
Error:56
Page 99
Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 85
9
Options
This chapter describes the options available for the
EasyCoder PF4i printer. The options can be factory
installed, fi eld-installed by an authorized service technician, or in some cases installed by the operator.
Page 100
86 Intermec EasyCoder PF4i—User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 9—Options
Introduction
The EasyCoder PF4i provides a high degree of fl exibility because it has
a modular design. By adding options to the basic printer, the EasyCoder
PF4i can be adapted for a variety of applications. Most options can
easily be installed by the operator, however a few should be installed by
an authorized service technician or are only available as factory-installed
options.
Label taken
sensor
Liner takeup
and guide
shaft
3-inch
adapter
Quick-Load
guides (included)
Short side door
Media supply
roll post
1.5-inch
rotating
supply hub
Long side door
Interface board
(various types)
Transfer ribbon
mechanism
Paper cutter
Cutter tray
Long side door
with 8-in. Megatop
Printhead spring
Covers
Special printheads
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