Intermec EasyCoder PX6i User Manual
User’s Guide
EasyCoder PX6i
Bar Code Label
Printer
(Fingerprint Version)
User’s Guide
EasyCoder PX6i
Bar Code Label
Printer
(Fingerprint Version)
ii EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
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.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
TrueDoc is a registered trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
TrueType is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
Unicode is a trademark of Unicode Inc.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
EasyCoder PX6i 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 2004 For preproduction DAT printers
-01 Sept. 2004 For preproduction MAT printers
iv EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) v
Contents
Contents
Before You Begin ...........................................................................ix
Safety Summary .............................................................. ix
Safety Icons .....................................................................x
Global Services and Support ........................................... xi
Warranty Information ...................................... xi
Web Support .................................................... xi
Telephone Support ........................................... xi
Who Should Read This Document ..................xi
Related Documents .......................................... xi
1
Introduction
Description of EasyCoder PX6i Printer ..........................................2
Safety Summary ............................................................................. 3
Product Identifi cation ....................................................................3
2
Installation
Unpacking the Printer .................................................................... 6
Front View ..................................................................................... 7
Rear View ......................................................................................8
Media Compartment .....................................................................9
Print Mechanism ..........................................................................10
Connections .................................................................................11
Power ............................................................................11
Computer ...................................................................... 11
Controls and Indicators ...............................................................12
Indicator Lamps ............................................................12
Display ..........................................................................13
Keyboard ....................................................................... 13
Beeper ...........................................................................14
3
Starting Up
Startup Files .................................................................................16
Memory Card ..............................................................................17
Switching On the Printer .............................................................18
vi EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Contents
4
Media Load
Tear-Off (Straight-through) .........................................................20
Cut-Off ........................................................................................25
Peel-Off (Self-strip) ...................................................................... 30
External Supply (Fan-fold) ...........................................................36
5
Thermal Transfer Printing
Ribbon Load ................................................................................40
6
Setting Up the Printer
Description. ................................................................................. 48
Default Setup ............................................................................... 49
Reading the Current Setup ........................................................... 50
Setup Parameters ..........................................................................51
Serial Communication ...................................................51
Baud Rate .......................................................51
Character Length ............................................52
Parity ...............................................................52
Stop Bits ..........................................................52
Flow Control ................................................... 52
New Line ........................................................53
Receive Buffer .................................................53
Transmit Buffer ............................................... 53
Feed Adjust .................................................................... 54
Start Adjust ..................................................... 54
Stop Adjust .....................................................54
Recommended Feed Adjustments ....................55
Media ............................................................................56
Media Size .......................................................56
Media Type ..................................................... 59
Paper Type ....................................................... 60
Contrast .......................................................... 62
Paper Sensor ....................................................62
Testfeed ........................................................... 62
Print Defi nes .................................................................63
Head Resistance ..............................................63
Testprint .......................................................... 63
Print Speed ...................................................... 63
EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) vii
Contents
LSS Test .......................................................... 63
LTS (Label Taken Sensor) ................................63
Returning to Factory Default Setup .............................................66
7
Setup Mode
Entering the Setup Mode at Installation .......................................68
Navigating in Setup Mode ...........................................................69
Setup Mode Overviews ................................................................71
8
Intermec Shell Startup Program
Introduction ................................................................................82
Starting with Intermec Shell .........................................................84
Intermec Shell Overview .............................................................. 88
Line Analyzer ............................................................................... 89
9
Options
Introduction ................................................................................92
Liner Takeup Unit ........................................................................93
Paper Cutter .................................................................................93
Fan-fold Guides ...........................................................................94
3-inch Adapter .............................................................................94
Label Taken Sensor ......................................................................94
Real Time Clock ..........................................................................95
CompactFlash Protection Plate ....................................................95
Alphanumeric Keyboards ............................................................. 95
Interface Boards ...........................................................................95
10
Troubleshooting
Intermec Readiness Indicator ....................................................... 98
Troubleshooting List ..................................................................101
11
Maintenance
Printhead Cleaning ....................................................................104
External Cleaning ......................................................................108
Cleaning the Label Stop Sensor ..................................................109
Printhead Replacement ..............................................................110
Media Jams ................................................................................ 114
viii EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Contents
12
Adjustments
Narrow Media ............................................................................ 116
Printhead Pressure ...................................................................... 117
Label Stop Sensor .......................................................................118
A
Technical Specifi cations
Technical Data ...........................................................................122
B
Media Specifi cations
Media Roll Size ..........................................................................126
Media ........................................................................................127
Non-Adhesive Strip .....................................................127
Self-Adhesive Strip .......................................................128
Self-Adhesive Labels ..................................................... 129
Tickets with Gap ......................................................... 131
Tickets with Black Mark ..............................................133
C
Interfaces
RS-232 Interface ........................................................................136
USB Interface ............................................................................137
Bar Code Wand Interface ...........................................................138
Optional Interfaces ....................................................................139
D
Intermec Supplies
Direct Thermal Media ................................................................144
Thermal Transfer Media .............................................................145
Transfer Ribbons ........................................................................146
Bar Code Directions ..................................................................147
Recommended Paper Type Settings (Europe) .............................148
Recommended Paper Type Settings (North America) .................150
EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) ix
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.
x EasyCoder PX6i 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.
EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) xi
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.
Who Should Read This Document?
This User’s Guide provides you with information about the features of
the EasyCoder PX6i printer and how to install, confi gure, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot it.
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.
xii EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Before You Begin
EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 1
1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the EasyCoder PX6i printer.
The chapter covers the following topics:
• Description of EasyCoder PX6i
• Safety summary
• Product identifi cation
2 EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 1 — Introduction
Description of EasyCoder PX6i Printer
The EasyCoder PX6i is an industrial, rugged, high-volume thermal
transfer printer with a printhead resolution of 8 dots/mm = 203.2 dots/
inch or 11.81 dots/mm = 300 dots/inch and a maximum print width of
168 mm (6.6 inches).
The EasyCoder PX6i offers a large number of useful features, such as:
• High speed printing up to 225 mm/sec. (9 inches/sec.)
• Flash memory SIMMs for fi rmware, fonts, bar codes, and application
programs
• Built-in CompactFlash memory card adapter
• Built-in RS-232 and USB interfaces
• Provision for up to three extra interface boards including wired or
wireless EasyLAN connections, parallel interface, double serial interfaces, and serial/industrial interfaces
• Keyboard and display with backlight
• Support for network monitoring through optional software tools
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 PX6i supports the unique and fl exible Intermec Fingerprint v8.30 programming language, which allows the user or third-party
developer to create custom-made application programs and label formats
in a BASIC-like environment.
The printer 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 PX6i supports 15 scalable 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 PX6i, that supports the Intermec Programming
Language (IPL) v2.30, is described in a special User’s Guide.
EasyCoder PX6i 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 doors are open, so ensure that
the doors are closed before you operate the printer.
• Do not remove the 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 15 kg (33 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.
4 EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 1 — Introduction
EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 5
2
Installation
This chapter explains how to unpack and install the
EasyCoder PX6i 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
6 EasyCoder PX6i 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 PX6i printer
- Two adapter for 3-inch media roll core
- Power cord
- Quality check card
- Cleaning card
- This User’s Guide
- Compact disk (CD) with supporting software, additional manuals,
and product information.
• 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.
#
LOSED
/
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E
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EasyCoder PX6i 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 front door is held by a snap-lock. Open the front door to view the
various parts on the printer’s front.
Refer to Chapter 9 “Options” for information on possible optional
devices fi tted on the printer’s front.
Side door
Indicator lamps
Display window
Keyboard
Front door
Print mechanism
Connector
for optional
cutter
8 EasyCoder PX6i 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 two optional
interface boards
Bar code wand socket
("wand:")
USB Interface ("usb1:")
Provision for EasyLAN
Wireless antenna
(option)
Provision for EasyLAN
Ethernet connection
(option)
Intake slot for external
media supply
Intake slot for external
media supply
#
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EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 9
Chapter 2 — Installation
Media Compartment
The media compartment is covered by the side door which can be
opened 180° downwards to provide full access for media and ribbon
load. The door is held in closed position by a magnetic lock. It can be
completely removed by pushing it rearwards.
The media can be supplied from a rotating hub or from an external
supply of fan folds behind the printer. Also see Chapter 9, “Options.”
Media supply
roll hub
Side door
Ribbon rewind hub
Slack absorber
Ribbon supply hub
#LOSED
/
PE
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10 EasyCoder PX6i 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.
Label stop sensor
position adjustment screw
(hidden inside locking
handle)
Thermal printhead
Tear bar
Pressure
arm
Printhead lift
lever
Edge
guide
Printhead
pressure
adjustment
knob
Pressure arm
locking knob
Locking handle
EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 11
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 PX6i 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:", "uart4:", "uart5:", "centronics:", and "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 v8.3x, 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.
12 EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 2 — Installation
Controls and Indicators
The EasyCoder PX6i has several ways of communicating directly with its
operator: three colored indicator lamps, a display window, a membraneswitch keyboard with 23 programmable keys and buttons 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.
+
+
EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 13
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 provides information on installed fi rmware or running application,
prompts the operator in Intermec Shell and in the Setup Mode, and can
show information on possible errors and active communication channels.
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 and a
“Print” button. Some keys have hard-coded functions in the startup and
setup modes.
Print/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.
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
14 EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
Chapter 2 — Installation
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)
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!
EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version) 15
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
16 EasyCoder PX6i User’s Guide (Fingerprint version)
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 may also be provided 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 per-
manent 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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