Intermec PX4I User Manual
User’s Guide
EasyCoder PX4i
Bar Code Label
Printer
(IPL Version)
User’s Guide
EasyCoder PX4i
Bar Code Label
Printer
(IPL 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.
Kimdura is a registered trademark of Kimberly Clark.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Valeron is a registered trademark of Valéron Strength Films, an ITW
Company.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
ii EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
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 printers (Intermec internal use only)
-01 Sept. 2004 First offi cial release. Supports IPL v2.30.
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) iii
iv EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
Contents
Before You Begin ........................................................................... ix
Introduction
1
2
Description of EasyCoder PX4i Printer ..........................................2
Safety Summary ............................................................................. 3
Product Identifi cation ....................................................................3
Installation
Unpacking the Printer .................................................................... 6
Front View .....................................................................................7
Rear View ......................................................................................8
Media Compartment .....................................................................9
Print Mechanism ..........................................................................10
Connections .................................................................................11
Controls and Indicators ...............................................................12
Contents
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
Power ............................................................................ 11
Computer ...................................................................... 11
Indicator Lamps ............................................................12
Display ..........................................................................13
Keyboard ....................................................................... 13
Beeper ...........................................................................14
Starting Up
3
Switching On the Printer ............................................................. 16
Media Load
4
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) v
Tear-Off (Straight-through) .........................................................18
Contents
5
6
Cut-Off ........................................................................................ 22
Peel-Off (Self-strip) ......................................................................27
Internal Batch Takeup (Roll-to-roll) .............................................32
External Supply (Fan-fold) ........................................................... 38
Thermal Transfer Printing
Ribbon Load ................................................................................42
Setting Up the Printer
Description. ................................................................................. 48
Default Setup ...............................................................................49
Setup Parameters .......................................................................... 50
Serial Communication ...................................................50
Baud Rate .......................................................50
Character Length ............................................50
Parity ...............................................................50
Stop Bits ..........................................................51
Protocol ..........................................................51
Test/Service ...................................................................53
Testprint .......................................................... 53
Data Dump .....................................................54
Memory Reset .................................................54
Media ............................................................................55
Media Type ..................................................... 55
Paper Type ....................................................... 55
Label Length ...................................................55
Sensitivity (Media sensitivity number) .............55
Darkness .........................................................56
Label Rest Point .............................................. 56
Form Adj Dots X ............................................ 56
Form Adj Dots Y ............................................. 56
Ribbon Low ....................................................56
Paper Low ....................................................... 56
Confi guration ................................................................57
Emulation ....................................................... 57
Print Speed ...................................................... 57
Cutter (option) ................................................ 57
Label Taken Sensor (option) ............................ 57
Returning to Factory Default Setup .............................................58
vi EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
7
8
9
10
Contents
Setup Mode
Navigating in Setup Mode ...........................................................60
Setup Mode Overviews ................................................................62
Options
Introduction ................................................................................68
Liner/Batch Takeup Unit ............................................................. 69
Paper Cutter .................................................................................69
Fan-Fold Guides ..........................................................................70
Media Roll Retainer .....................................................................70
3-inch Adapter ............................................................................. 70
Label Taken Sensor ......................................................................70
Interface Boards ...........................................................................71
Troubleshooting
Intermec Readiness Indicator .......................................................74
Troubleshooting List ....................................................................77
Maintenance
Printhead Cleaning ......................................................................80
External Cleaning ........................................................................83
Cleaning the Label Stop Sensor ....................................................84
Printhead Replacement ................................................................85
Media Jams .................................................................................. 88
Adjustments
11
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) vii
Narrow Media ..............................................................................90
Printhead Pressure ........................................................................ 91
Label Stop Sensor ......................................................................... 92
Contents
A
B
C
D
Technical Specifi cations
Technical Data .............................................................................96
Media Specifi cations
Media Roll Size ..........................................................................100
Media ........................................................................................101
Non-Adhesive Strip .....................................................101
Self-Adhesive Strip ....................................................... 102
Self-Adhesive Labels ..................................................... 103
Tickets with Gap ......................................................... 105
Tickets with Black Mark .............................................. 107
Interfaces
RS-232 Interface ........................................................................ 110
USB Interface ............................................................................111
Optional Interfaces ....................................................................112
Intermec Supplies
Setting the Media Sensitivity Number .......................................116
viii EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
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.
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) ix
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.
x EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
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 PX4i 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.
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) xi
Before You Begin
xii EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
Introduction
1
This chapter introduces the EasyCoder PX4i printer.
The chapter covers the following topics:
• Description of EasyCoder PX4i
• Safety summary
• Product identifi cation
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) 1
Chapter 1 — Introduction
Description of EasyCoder PX4i Printer
The EasyCoder PX4i is a high-volume thermal transfer printer with a
printhead resolution of 8 dots/mm = 203.2 dots/inch and a maximum
print width of 112 mm (4.5 inches).
The EasyCoder PX4i offers a large number of useful features, such as:
• High speed printing up to 300 mm/sec. (12 inches/sec.)
• Flash memory SIMMs for fi rmware, fonts, and bar codes
• Built-in CompactFlash memory card adapter
• Built-in RS-232 and USB interfaces
• Provision for one or two extra interface boards including wired or
wireless EasyLAN connections and parallel interface
• 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 8 and Appendix A for more information.
The printer is designed to work with 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 PX4i supports the Intermec Programming Language
(IPL) v2.30. A version of EasyCoder PX4i, that supports Intermec Fingerprint v8.30, is described in a special User’s Guide.
2 EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
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 13 kg (28.5 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.
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) 3
Chapter 1 — Introduction
4 EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
Installation
2
This chapter explains how to unpack and install the
EasyCoder PX4i 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
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) 5
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 PX4i printer
- 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.
6 EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
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 8 “Options” for information on possible optional
devices fi tted on the printer’s front.
Indicator lamps
Display window
Keyboard
&BTZ$
PEFS
Connector
for optional
cutter
19J
Print mechanism
Front door
Side door
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) 7
Chapter 2 — Installation
Rear View
The rear plate contains the On/Off switch, the AC power cord socket,
and various interface connectors and slots.
Provision for EasyLAN
Wireless antenna
(option)
Provision for EasyLAN
Ethernet connection
(option)
Intake slot for external
media supply
Memory card slot
Provision for IEEE 1284
interface board (option)
On/Off Switch
(not used)
AC Power cord socket
RS-232 serial interface
USB interface
Machine label
Intake slot for external
media supply
8 EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
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 8, “Options.”
Side door
Ribbon supply hub
Media supply
roll hub
Ribbon rewind hub
&
BTZ$
PEFS
1
9
J
Slack absorber
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) 9
Chapter 2 — Installation
Print Mechanism
The print mechanism features a high-performance thermal printhead
with quick-mount fi ttings to facilitate replacement.
Pressure arm
locking knob
Printhead
pressure
adjustment
knob
Edge
guide
Pressure
arm
Thermal printhead
Tear bar
Upper label stop sensor
guide (removable)
Lower label stop sensor guide
(removable)
Label stop sensor
position adjustment
screw
10 EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
Printhead lift
lever
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 PX4i 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
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
The printer supports USB v1.1. There is no communication setup for
USB. For more information, refer to Appendix C.
Optional Interface and Network Boards
Several types are available (see Chapter 8, “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. Press the <i> key to get information on
the active communication channels.
Switch off both PC and printer before connecting them together.
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) 11
Chapter 2 — Installation
Controls and Indicators
The EasyCoder PX4i has several ways of communicating directly with its
operator: three colored indicator lamps, a display window, a membraneswitch keyboard with 8 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 9).
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 9.
12 EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
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 shows a message when certain errors occur and guides the operator
through upgrading, startup, and setup. The following errors are reported:
Error Displayed message
Empty/Paused PAUSE
Out of media PAPER OUT
Out of ribbon RIBBON OUT
Printhead lifted PRINT HEAD UP/PRESS FEED
Cutter error OPEN&SHUT CUTTER
Ribbon fi tted RIBBON FITTED
Paper fault PAPER FAULT
Power supply error PSU ERROR
Power supply too hot PSU OVER TEMP
Printhead too hot PRINTHEAD HOT
Keyboard
The keyboard is of the membrane-switch type and has 7 keys. The keyboard is supplemented by a large “Feed/Pause” button. Some keys have
hard-coded functions in the startup and setup modes.
Feed/Pause button
Feed/Pause a print job. Repeat last printed label.
Enter the Setup Mode (see Chapter 7).
Display error messages and communication channel information.
Scroll between various types of information after pressing the <i>
key. Possible error messages and information on active communi-
cation 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)
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) 13
Chapter 2 — Installation
Beeper
The beeper acknowledges that a key has been pressed. Optionally, an
audible alarm can be enabled using an IPL command. It will start beeping at paper out and ribbon our and will continue beeping until the start
of reload.
14 EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
Starting Up
3
This chapter explains how to start up the printer after
installation or after having been switched off.
EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version) 15
Chapter 3 — Starting Up
Switching On the Printer
Before switching on the printer, make the necessary connections, 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
:::
When the initialization is completed, a label is fed out. The following
message appears, indicating that the printer is ready for operation.
IPL 2.30
The message indicates the IPL version number.
16 EasyCoder PX4i User’s Guide (IPL version)
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