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1
UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Introduction Contents ..................................................................................................... 1
FCC, DOC and VDE Notices ..................................................................... 3
Preface ....................................................................................................... 4
Installation Installation Check List ................................................................................ 7
Unpacking .................................................................................................. 8
Mains Connection....................................................................................... 9
Computer Connection............................................................................... 10
Starting Up Startup Files ............................................................................................. 11
Turning On the Printer .............................................................................. 11
Messages at Startup .................................................................................. 12
Setup Parameters General Information ................................................................................. 13
Contrast .................................................................................................... 14
Serial Communication .............................................................................. 14
Detection .................................................................................................. 17
Media Size ............................................................................................... 19
Print Window (printhead in left-hand position) ......................................... 20
Print Window (printhead in right-hand position) ....................................... 21
Media Type .............................................................................................. 22
Print Defines............................................................................................. 22
Performance ............................................................................................. 23
Memory Allocation .................................................................................. 23
Setting Up
EasyCoder 401
Different Methods .................................................................................... 24
Printing Principles General Information ................................................................................. 25
Direct Thermal Printing ............................................................................ 25
Thermal Transfer Printing......................................................................... 25
Switching between Printing Methods........................................................ 26
Printing Adjustments ................................................................................ 27
Dot Size.................................................................................................... 28
Conversion Table ..................................................................................... 28
Direct Thermal Paper General Information ................................................................................. 29
Pre-printed Paper ...................................................................................... 29
Transfer Ribbons and General Information ................................................................................. 30
Receiving Face Material Transfer Ribbon Types ............................................................................. 30
Receiving Face Materials.......................................................................... 30
Selecting Paper/Ribbon Setup Options ........................................................................................... 31
Thermal Transfer Printing......................................................................... 31
Direct Thermal Printing ............................................................................ 32
Paper Dimensions Roll Size................................................................................................... 33
Non-Adhesive Strip .................................................................................. 34
Self-Adhesive Strip .................................................................................. 35
Self-Adhesive Labels................................................................................ 36
Tickets with Gap ...................................................................................... 37
Tickets with Black Mark .......................................................................... 38
CONTENTS
UBI EasyCoder 401
Technical Manual
UBI Fingerprint 6.1
Edition 4, January 1997
Art. No. 1-960369-03
Continued!
Page 2
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
CONTENTS, cont'd.
Label-Taken Sensor General Information ................................................................................. 39
Adjusting the Sensitivity........................................................................... 40
Program Example ..................................................................................... 41
Paper Cutter General Information ................................................................................. 42
Controlling the Cutter ............................................................................... 43
Cleaning ................................................................................................... 43
Scalable Fonts Kit General Information ................................................................................. 44
Scaling Fonts in UBI Fingerprint.............................................................. 44
Downloading Outline Font Files from a PC .............................................. 45
Printout Samples....................................................................................... 46
Electronics Accessing the CPU Board ........................................................................ 47
CPU Board ............................................................................................... 48
UBI Fingerprint EPROMs........................................................................ 49
Configuration EPROMs ........................................................................... 49
ROM-expansion EPROMs ....................................................................... 49
RAM memory .......................................................................................... 50
Real-time Clock Circuit ............................................................................ 50
Fuse.......................................................................................................... 50
Potentiometers .......................................................................................... 51
Interfaces Communication Port "uart1:".................................................................... 53
RS 232C (V24) on "uart1:" ....................................................................... 54
RS 422 on "uart1:".................................................................................... 56
20 mA Current Loop on "uart1:"............................................................... 58
Parallel Interface Board ............................................................................ 61
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
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.
VDE 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.
Information in this manual is subject to change without prior notice and does not represent a commitment
on the part of UBI Printer AB.
© Copyright UBI Printer AB, 1997. All rights reserved. Published in Sweden.
EasyCoder and LabelShop are trademarks of United Barcode Industries (UBI).
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
Bitstream is a registered trademark and Speedo is a trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corp.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, MS, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Torx is a registered trademark of Camcar Division of Textron Inc.
TrueType is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
PREFACE
This Technical Manual is intended to facilitate installation and
setup. It also gives information on labels, tickets, tags, paper strip
and thermal transfer ribbons. Compared to edition 3, this edition
includes information on improvements to the ribbon feed and a new
method for preventing ribbon wrinkling. This manual is presently
supplemented by the following publications:
• EasyCoder 401, Operator's Guide
Illustrated step-by-step instructions for paper and ribbon load as well as daily
maintenance. Multilingual.
• EasyCoder 401, User's Manuals
Gives information on how to run and maintain the printer, how to load paper
supply, and – in case thermal transfer printers – how to load the transfer ribbon.
• UBI Shell Standard Startup Manual
Gives information on how to run the UBI Shell startup program.
• EasyCoder 401, Service Manual
Gives information on troubleshooting, adjustments and repair of the Easy-
Coder 401 printer.
• EasyCoder 401, Spare Parts & Options
Illustrates the various spare parts and field-installable options.
• UBI Direct Protocol, Programmer's Guide
Introduction to the UBI Direct Protocol, an easy-to-use “slave” protocol for
computer connection.
• UBI Fingerprint, Programmer's Guide
Introduction to the UBI Fingerprint programming language, which is used to
control the printer's functions and the printing.
• UBI Fingerprint, Reference Manual
Contains information on the instructions and other features in the UBI
Fingerprint programming language.
• UBI LabelShop, various manuals
Information on how to use the various UBI LabelShop WYSIWYG labelediting programs for Microsoft Windows.
• UBI Windows Drivers, Installation Instruction
Information on how to install and use the UBI Windows Drivers for Microsoft
Windows 3.1x and Windows 95.
Please note that the UBI EasyCoder 401 LinerLess printer models
are described in separate manuals!
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
PREFACE, cont'd.
The UBI EasyCoder 401 is a rugged industrial thermal transfer/direct thermal printer
intended for low volume label production of max. 1,000 – 2,000 labels/day.
The EasyCoder 401 is fitted with the UBI Fingerprint firmware, which is compatible
with the various UBI LabelShop label-editing programs, the UBI Windows Driver
(optional parallel interface board required), and the UBI Direct Protocol. The flexible
UBI Fingerprint programming language also allows you to create your own programs.
The EasyCoder 401 can be fitted a number of options including a scalable fonts kit that
allows the use of outline fonts in Speedo and TrueType format, a paper cutter or a labeltaken sensor, a real-time clock circuit, and a parallel interface board.
Power
Ready
Error
EasyCoder 401
Print
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Feature EasyCoder 401 Notes
Print Technique Direct Thermal & Thermal Transfer
Quick-Mount Printhead 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi) Thick-film technique
Print Width max. 104 mm (4.09")
Media Width max. 120 mm (4.7")
Print Length max. 1250 mm (49.2")
Print Speed max. 100 mm/sec. (4"/sec.)
Fonts, expandible 4 times Standard: 10 Bitmapped
1
Min. 1 Bitmapped
Smooth Fonts Yes, with UBI Toolbox or Scalable Fonts Kit
2
Print Directions for Text, Images, Lines, and Boxes 4
Bar Code Generators Depends on firmware version
1
Internal Paper Roll Diameter max. 152 mm (6.0")
Ribbon Length 450 m (1476 ft.)
Keyboard, built-in Print key only
Display 2 lines x 16 characters LCD
Dimensions (W x D x H) 275 x 382 x 239 mm (10.8 x 15 x 9.4")
Weight (excl. paper, ribbon and options) 14.0 kgs (31 lbs)
Ambient Operating Temperature + 5˚C – +40˚C (+41˚F – +104˚F) Applies to printer –not to media
Humidity 20–80% non-condensing Applies to printer –not to media
Sound Emission Level < 60 dB (A)
Microprocessor 32 bit
Firmware UBI Fingerprint 6.1 Incl. UBI Direct Protocol
Startup program UBI Shell Standard
On-Board RAM Memory, standard 256 kbytes Max. 512 kbytes
2
Label and Ribbon End Sensors Standard
Mains Voltage 115/230 VAC +10/-15%, 2.6/1.3 A 60/50 Hz Selected by means of a switch
Max. Power Consumption 300 W
Communication Interface, standard RS 232C Prepared for RS 422/20 mA CL
1 x Centronics Interface
2
Optional On separate interface board
RS 232C Cable
2
Optional
Centronics Cable
2
Optional
Label-Taken Sensor (LTS)
2
Optional
Real-Time Clock Circuit
2
Optional
External RS 232C Alphanumeric Keyboard
2
Optional
Paper Cutter Unit
2
Optional
Guides for External Fan-Fold Paper Supply
2
Optional
Scalable Fonts Kit
2
Optional Scales Speedo and TrueType fonts
UBI Toolbox, PC Windows configuration support
2
Optional
UBI LabelShop, WYSIWYG Label Software for Windows
2
Optional A number of versions available
UBI Windows Driver2 (excl. cable) Optional
1
/. See UBI Fingerprint manuals
2
/. Options to be installed by user or reseller
PREFACE, cont'd.
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Installation Check List
❑ Unpack the printer as described on next page.
❑ Standard EasyCoder printer:
If you have a standard EasyCoder 401 printer, go on to next step.
Customized EasyCoder printer:
If you have a customized EasyCoder 401 printer, check its CPU
board and possible parallel interface board in regard of interface
circuits and straps as described in the chapters “Electronics”
and “Interfaces” at the end of this manual. Then go on to next
step.
❑ Connect the printer to a mains socket as described later on in this
chapter.
❑ Connect the printer to its host computer by means of a suitable
communication cable as described later in this chapter. (Refer to
the chapter “Interfaces” for more information on computer
connection and cable configurations).
❑ Load a supply of paper and thermal transfer ribbon, or thermal
paper only, see the Operator's Guide or User's Manual. Be
careful to adjust the position of the label stop sensor so it will
detect the front edge of the labels, tickets or tags, or optionally
the black marks at the back of the paper web.
❑ Check that the printhead is lowered.
❑ If the printer is fitted with an optional paper cutter, check that the
cutter unit is locked in closed position.
❑ Turn on the power.
❑ Proceed according to the chapter “Starting Up”.
INSTALLATION
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Before starting the installation, carefully examine the delivery for
possible damage or missing parts:
❑ Open the box and lift the printer, together with the foam-plastic
shock absorbers, out of the box.
❑ Remove the shock absorbers and check that the machine has not
been visibly damaged during the transportation. Keep the packing material until you are sure that the printer functions properly.
❑ The machine sign on the printer's rear plate gives information on:
• Type
• Article number
• Serial number
❑ Check the printer in regard to possible options ordered.
❑ Check that the mains cord has a pin configuration that will fit into
a wall socket according to the local standard.
Should any kind of damage have occurred during transportation,
immediately make a complaint to the carrier.
Any incorrect delivery or missing parts should be reported to the
distributor.
INSTALLATION, cont'd.
Unpacking
0
230V
MADE IN SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
TA
European type US/Canadian type GB type
230V mains plug 115V mains plug 230V mains plug
Machine Sign
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
❑ Make sure that the printer is set for the correct voltage by
checking the voltage switch on the printer's rear plate.
❑ Fit the mains cord, which is included in the delivery, into the
mains receptacle. Connect the other end of the cord to a
grounded wall socket. To avoid interference from noise, surges
and spikes, a dedicated line is preferred. If no such line is
available, avoid lines to which electric motors, refrigerators and
similar devices are connected.
❑ The power can be turned on/off by means of the main switch
situated above the mains receptacle. The “Power” LED on the
printer's keyboard indicates when the power is on.
Mains Connection
INSTALLATION, cont'd.
0
230V
MADE IN SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
TA
Print
Power Ready Error
EasyCoder 401
Power On LED
Mains Receptacle
Voltage Switch
Main Switch
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
INSTALLATION, cont'd.
Computer Connection
Hints:
• For UBI LabelShop, UBI Direct Protocol or UBI Fingerprint programming,
use the "uart1:" serial RS 232C communication channel.
• For UBI Windows Driver, use the "centronics:" parallel communication
channel.
• UBI's standard communication cables and adapters makes it possible to
connect the printer directly to the serial or parallel port of an IBM AT, XT or
PS-2 personal computer.
EasyCoder 401 is always fitted with one communication port
("uart1:") for RS 232C on the rear plate. Optionally, this communication port can be reconfigured for either RS 422 or 20 mA
Current Loop after additional circuits have been fitted on the CPU
board, see chapter “Interfaces”.
The EasyCoder 401 can also be fitted with an optional parallel
interface board, e.g. for use with the UBI Windows Driver.
No communication cable is provided unless ordered separately.
Refer to the chapter “Interfaces” for cable configuration descriptions.
Refer to the manual of the host computer or terminal for information
on how to connect the other end of the communication cable.
230V
0
MADE IN SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
TA
Parallel Port
36-p female Centronics
(option)
Serial RS 232C Port
DB25 male
WARNING!
When connecting printer and host,
the power should be off!
UBI Standard Cables
RS 232C Cables:
Printer to IBM-AT 1-975581-05
Printer to IBM-XT/PS2 1-975580-05
Centronics Cable:
DB-25/Centronics 1-010001-00
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
At startup, the behaviour of the printer is decided by the possible
existence of a startup (autoexec) file, i.e. a program that automatically starts running when the printer is turned on, somewhere in the
printer's memory. There are three major possibilities:
A The printer is fitted with the UBI Shell Standard file-managing
program, which allows the operator to choose between a variety
of applications and functions.
B The printer is fitted with no startup file at all.
C The printer is fitted with a custom-made application program
that is design to perform a specific task, e.g. to print tickets,
baggage tags, or product labels for a certain company.
There can be one startup file stored in each of the following parts of
the printer's memory: RAM and ROM. If there are startup files
stored in more than one place, they will be used with the following
priority:
1. Printer's RAM memory.
2. Printer's ROM memory, e.g. the configuration EPROM's.
This implies that if you have a startup file stored in the configuration EPROMs and another in the printer's RAM memory when
you turn on the printer, the startup file in the RAM memory will
be used.
Do not start the printer before you have made the necessary
connection, and checked that the printhead is lowered and the
optional cutter is in closed position.
Turn on the power by means of the main switch on the rear plate.
The “Power” LED 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. If the printer is fitted
with a paper cutter, it will rotate to home position. Finally, some
kind of message will appear in the display window.
After starting up the printer for the first time, keep the power on
overnight to recharge the memory backup battery.
STARTING UP
Startup Files
EPROM = Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory
RAM = Random Access Memory
ROM = Read-Only Memory
Turning On the Printer
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
The type of startup file running in the printer is indicated by the
message shown in the display window directly after power up.
A. UBI Shell Startup Program (standard in EasyCoder 401):
PRINT=UBI SHELL
5 sec. v.4.0
4 sec. v.4.0
3 sec. v.4.0
2 sec. v.4.0
1 sec. v.4.0
Refer to the UBI Shell Standard Startup Manual. The digits in the
lower right corner of the display indicate the version of UBI Shell.
B. No Startup File (non-standard EasyCoder 401):
UBI Fingerprint
6.1
Refer to the documentation of the corresponding version of UBI
Fingerprint for further information.
C. Custom-made Application Program (non-standard EasyCoder 401):
Any other display message than those illustrated above indicate that
the printer is running some custom-made, non-standard application
program or that some error has occurred.
STARTING UP, cont'd.
Messages at Startup
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
The setup allows you to adapt the printer for the desired type of
computer communication and to control the printing. The setup
parameters are:
General Information
Parameter Options Default
1
❑ Contrast Variable (0–10) Middle (5)
❑ Ser-Com2:
◆ Baudrate 300 | 600 | 1200 | 2400 | 4800 | 9600 | 19200 9600
◆ Parity even | odd | mark | space | none none
◆ Char length 7 bits | 8 bits 7 bits
◆ Stop bits 1 bit | 2 bits 2 bits
◆ Flow control:
- RTS/CTS Enable | disable disable
- ENQ/ACK Enable | disable disable
- XON/XOFF, data from host Enable | disable enable
- XON/XOFF, data to host Enable | disable enable
◆ New line CR/LF | LF | CR CR/LF
❑ Detection:
◆ LSS adjust Variable n.a.
◆ Feedadj:
- Startadj Variable ± 0
- Stopadj Variable ± 0
❑ Service:
◆ Media size:
- X-start Variable (0 – 831) 0
- Width Variable (0 – 832) 832
- Length Unlimited 1200
◆ Media type: Label (w gaps) | Ticket (w mark) | Ticket (w gaps) |
Fix length strip | Var length strip Label (w gaps)
◆ Print defs:
- Head resist Set automatically at startup n.a.
- Paper type Select supply option. See chapter “Selecting Paper/Ribbon” UBI HP 20
- New supplies Select a new type of supply by means of a 13-digit code n.a.
- Testprint A series of test labels can be printed n.a.
◆ Performance3: Normal | High | Ultrahigh Normal
◆ Memory alloc:
- Image buff size Variable (max. 250 kbyte) 48 kbyte
- Rec buf size
2
Variable 300 byte
- Trans buf size
2
Variable 300 byte
SETUP PARAMETERS
1
/. “Default” refers to the default setup values in the standard configuration EPROM's. A custom-made printer fitted with
non-standard configuration EPROM's may have a different combination of default setup values.
2
/. There is no communication setup and no receive and transmit buffers for the optional parallel communication channel.
3
/. All three options relate to the same nominal print speed.
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SETUP PARAMETERS, cont'd.
Continued!
This chapter explains the meaning of the various setup parameters.
There are several ways to change the setup:
• By means of the Terminal Setup option in UBI Shell, see the UBI
Shell Standard Startup Manual.
• By means of setup files or setup strings. See the UBI Fingerprint
Reference Manual,
SETUP statement, or the UBI Direct Protocol
Programmer's Guide.
The contrast setup allows you to make minor adjustment of the
printout in regard of blackness, e.g. to adapt the printer to variations
in quality between different batches of the same paper quality.
The serial communication setup controls the communication between the printer and the connected computer or other devices on
the standard serial channel "uart1:".
The serial communication setup has no consequence whatsoever
for parallel communication via an optional parallel interface
board.
For the serial communication channel, the following parameters
can be set. Make sure they match the setup of the connected device
or vice versa. The default setup (indicated by bold characters below)
is selected as to make the printer understand and act upon UBI
Fingerprint instructions transmitted from the host, regardless how
the host is set up. 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.
• Baudrate:
The baudrate is the transmission speed in bits per second. The
following baudrates can be selected:
300
600
1200
2,400
4,800
9,600 Max. recommended baudrate for 20 mA current loop
19,200
If communication problems occur, try a lower baudrate.
Contrast
Serial Communication
• Baudrate
• Parity
• Character Length
• Stop Bits
• Flow Control
• New Line
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
• Parity:
The parity decides how the software will check for transmission
errors. There are five options:
None
Even
Odd
Mark
Space
• Character Length:
The character length specifies the number of bits in a character.
For most purposes 7 bits will be sufficient, but if special characters
or characters specific for other languages are to be used, 8 bits are
recommended. Refer to the UBI Fingerprint Reference Manual
for information on which characters are available in various
combinations of character length and character set.
7 Characters ASCII 0 – 127 decimal can be transmitted.
8 Characters ASCII 0 – 255 decimal can be transmitted.
• Stop Bits:
The number of stop bits specifies how many bits will define the
end of a character. There are two options:
1
2
• Flowcontrol:
There are several different ways to control the exchange of data
between the printer and the connected computer or other device
(“Handshaking”). Each option can be enabled or disabled
separately, but normally only one alternative should be selected.
For galvanically insulated interfaces, i.e. 20 mA current loop and
RS 422, ENQ/ACK or XON/XOFF are to prefer in order to retain
interference protection and limit the number of lines.
RTS/CTS
This 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 filled 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, e.g.
MS Windows Terminal
, RTS/CTS is designated “Hardware”.
SETUP PARAMETERS, cont'd.
Serial Communication,
cont'd.
Continued!
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
• Flowcontrol, cont'd:
DTR
DTR (“Data Terminal Ready”) is a signal, which is not controlled in the setup mode,
but by straps on the CPU board or interface board. DTR high indicates that the
transmitting unit is turned on.
ENQ/ACK
In this protocol, the communication is controlled by the special 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 transmission is held up awaiting an ACK character from the receiving
unit. By default, this option is disabled.
XON/XOFF
In this protocol, the communication is controlled by the special 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 filled by 75%, and the
transmission from the host is held up awaiting an XON character. When enough
data have been processed that the receive buffer is filled 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 may differ.
By default, XON/XOFF is enabled for data both ways.
• New Line:
This setup parameter allows you select the character(s) transmitted
from the printer to specify the switching to a new line. There are
three options:
CR/LF ASCII 13 dec. + ASCII 10 dec.
LF ASCII 10 dec.
CR ASCII 13 dec.
SETUP PARAMETERS, cont'd.
Serial Communication,
cont'd.
Page 17
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SETUP PARAMETERS, cont'd.
The Detection facilities are used to adjust the label stop/black mark
sensor (LSS) and to control the paper feed.
LSS Adjustment:
The LSS is a photo-electric detection device that controls the paper
feed. Situated inside the printing mechanism, it detects the front
edges of the labels, slits in tickets or tags, or the rear edges of black
marks at the back side of the paper web.
If the printer is set up for “Label (w gaps)”, “Ticket (w gaps)”, “Fix
length strip”, or “Var. length strip”, a narrow beam of light is
emitted from the upper part of the LSS and received by the sensor
in the lower part. Non-transparent paper will block the beam
completely, whereas semi-transparent backing paper between labels will allow some of the light to pass through. A detection gap in
the ticket web causes no interference at all. An out-of-paper
condition is assumed, when no interference to the beam has been
detected within a feed length corresponding to the distance between
the dot line on the printhead and the sensor.
When the printer is set up for “Ticket (w mark)”, the light is emitted
from the lower part of the LSS. The beam can be reflected back to
the receiver by the white paper at the back of the web. If the beam
hits a black mark, practically no light will be reflected back . An outof-paper condition is assumed, when no reflected light has been
detected within a feed length corresponding to the distance between
the dot line on the printhead and the sensor.
Obviously, it is important that the printer is set up for the correct type
of media (see “Media Type” later in this chapter) so the firmware
can interpret the signals correctly.
The LSS can be moved max. 50 mm sideways across the web. The
inner edge of the handle indicates the lateral position of the sensor.
The LSS is automatically fine-adjusted when a Testfeed operation
is performed. Moreover, the LSS emitters can be adjusted in regard
of light intensity in the Setup Mode (accessible via UBI Shell) or by
means of setup files, and the LSS receiver can be adjusted by means
of a potentiometer on the CPU board (see the chapter “Electronics/
Potentiometers”).
If the printer works as expected, there is no need to adjust the LSS,
but if the printer starts to feed out labels or tickets in an unexpected
manner, check that the sensor is properly aligned in relation to the
web and that it has not become dirty. Perform a few Testfeeds to
make the sensor auto-adjust. If the error remains, proceed according
to the description of the Setup Mode in the UBI Shell Standard
Startup Manual. Only as a last resort should the potentiometer be
adjusted.
Continued!
Detection
• LSS Adjustment
• Feed Adjustment
Emitter and
Receiver
Emitter
The upper part of the LSS is a light emitter
for labels, tickets and strip, whereas the
lower part contains both a receiver and
an emitter for black mark detection.
Handle
The inner edge of the handle indicates the
position of the LSS.
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SETUP PARAMETERS, cont'd.
Feed Adjustment:
The Feed Adjustment contains two parameters, Start adjustment
and Stop adjustment, that will be effected regardless of which
program is run. Such global adjustments can be further modified for
various purposes by the use of
FORMFEEDs within the currently
running program.
Note:
It is possible to turn off the label stop sensor for a certain amount
of paper feed, and to override the start adjustment and stop
adjustment setup by means of the
LBLCOND statement, see UBI
Fingerprint manuals.
The Start Adjustment is given as a positive or negative number of
dots:
•A positive start adjustment means that the specified length of
paper web will be fed out before the printing starts. Accordingly,
the origo is moved away from the forward edge of the copy. (This
has the same effect as a positive
FORMFEED before a PRINTFEED).
•A negative start adjustment means that the specified length of
paper web will be pulled back before the printing starts.
Accordingly, the origo is moved towards the forward edge of the
copy. (This has the same effect as a negative
FORMFEED before
a
PRINTFEED).
The Stop Adjustment is set up the same way.
•A positive stop adjustment means that the specified length of
paper web will be fed out after the printing is completed.
Accordingly, the origo is moved away from the forward edge of
next copy. (This has the same effect as a positive
FORMFEED after
a
PRINTFEED).
•A negative stop adjustment means that the specified length of
paper web will be pulled back after the printing is completed.
Accordingly, the origo is moved towards the forward edge of next
copy. (This has the same effect as a negative
FORMFEED after a
P
RINTFEED).
Detection, cont'd.
TPH density 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi):
1 dot = 0.125 mm = 4.92 mils
Rec. adjustments:
Density: Value
Tear Off:
Start adjust: -114
Stop adjust: 0
Strip:
Start adjust: -114
Stop adjust: 70
Cutting between labels:
Start adjust: -294
Stop adjust: +180
Cutting variable length strip:
Start adjust: -294
Stop adjust: +250
For more information on the instructions
FORMFEED and PRINTFEED, see UBI
Fingerprint Reference Manual or UBI
Direct Protocol Programmer's Guide.
Page 19
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SETUP PARAMETERS, cont'd.
X-start, Width and Length:
To protect the printhead from the potentially harmful condition of
printing outside the paper web, a printable area must be specified by
the use of the setup parameters X-start, Width and Length.
❑ X-start specifies the position of the origo along the dots on the
printhead. By default, X-start is set as 0, i.e. at dot No. 0 which
is the dot closest to the printer's centre-line wall.
Number of dots: 832
Outermost dot number: 831
Max. print width: 104 mm (≈ 4.1")
By setting a value larger than 0 for the X-start parameter, you will
move the origo outwards, away from the inner edge of the web.
In other words, the larger X-start value – the wider inner margin
and the less printable area.
❑ Width specifies the width of the printable area and is defined as
a number of dots from the origo. The sum of the X-start value and
the width value gives the outer margin of the printable area, as
illustrated on next page. The width must not be so large as to
allow printing outside the paper web.
❑ Length serves three purposes:
• To decide the length of the printable area from origo and along
the Y-coordinate as a number of dots.
• To decide the amount of paper feed when using “fix length
strip”.
• To set an “emergency stop”, which works when the printer is
set up for “Label (w gaps)”, “Ticket (w mark)”, or “Ticket (w
gaps)”. If the LSS has not detected a gap or mark within 150%
of the set length, the paper feed is automatically stopped to
avoid feeding out a whole roll of paper, e.g. because of a
blocked or faulty LSS.
This implies that you can use labels or tickets longer than the
printable area:
Max. printable area (9999 dots): 1,250 mm (49.2")
Max. label or ticket length: 1,875 mm (73.8")
By setting up the X-start, the Width and the Length, you will
create a “print window” in which the printing can be performed.
Any object or field protruding outside the print window in any
direction will cause an error condition (Error 1003 “Field out of
label”) and the printing will be inhibited.
Continued!
Media Size
• X-start
• Width
• Length
Note!
It is important to change the width
setup whenever a narrow paper
is used. Never print outside the
paper web! That may cause damage to the printhead by overheating, since the paper serves as a
cooling media for the printhead
dots.
TPH density 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi):
1 dot = 0.125 mm = 4.92 mils
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Print Window:
Printhead in left-hand position
Continued!
PAPER FEED
DIRECTION
Dot 0
Dot-line
on printhead
X-start Width
Origo
Length
From
paper supply
Dot 831
16 mm (0.63")
PRINT
WINDOW
PRINT
WINDOW
max. 120 mm (4.7")
104 mm (4.1")
SETUP PARAMETERS, cont'd.
The printhead can be fitted in two positions. When the printhead is
fitted in the innermost, left-hand position (see illustration), dot No.
0 is aligned with the inner edge of the paper web. Since the
maximum print width is 104 mm (4.1") and the maximum web
width is 120 mm (4.7"), this leaves a margin of at least 16 mm (0.6")
along the outer edge of the web, where no printing can be performed.
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Print Window:
Printhead in right-hand position
Continued!
SETUP PARAMETERS, cont'd.
Dot 0
X-start Width
Origo
Length
Dot 831
PRINT
WINDOW
PRINT
WINDOW
PAPER FEED
DIRECTION
Dot-line
on printhead
From
paper supply
13 mm (0.51")
110 mm (4.33")
3 mm (0.12")
max. 120 mm (4.7")
104 mm (4.1")
The printhead can be fitted in two positions. When the printhead is
fitted in the outer, right-hand position (see illustration), dot No. 0 is
situated 3 mm (0.12") inwards from the inner edge of the paper web.
Since the maximum print width is 104 mm (4.1") and the maximum
web width is 120 mm (4.7"), this leaves a margin of at least 13 mm
(0.51") along the outer edge of the web, where no printing can be
performed. Furthermore, if an 110 mm (4.33") wide web is used, the
printhead will be centre-aligned with a 3 mm (0.12") wide margin
on either side.
Page 22
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SETUP PARAMETERS, cont'd.
Media Type
The Media Type setup controls how the LSS and the paper feed
work. There are five different media types:
❑ Label (w gaps) is used for adhesive labels mounted on backing
paper.
❑ Ticket (w mark) is used for labels, tickets, or strip provided with
black marks at the back of the paper web.
❑ Ticket (w gaps) is used for tickets and tags with detection slits.
❑ Fix length strip means that the length of the print window
decides the length of strip to be fed out.
❑ Var length strip adds a sufficient amount of paper feed after the
last printable dot (may even be a blank space character or a
“white dot” in an image) to allow the strip to be torn off.
It is important to select the correct option, so the printer can indicate
possible paper errors. Two different error conditions may occur:
Error 1005 “Out of paper” indicates that the last ordered copy
could not be printed because of an empty paper 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 paper stock.
Head Resistance:
The power to the printhead is adjusted automatically according to
the printhead resistance each time the printer is started. There is no
manual head resistance setup.
Paper Type:
To obtain the best printout quality, the printer should be set up for
the characteristics of the brand of direct thermal paper or transfer
ribbon currently used, see chapter “Selecting Paper/Ribbon”. Any
attempt to print with transfer ribbon loaded and the printer set up for
direct thermal paper, or vice versa, will result in an error condition
(Error 1027 “Out of transfer ribbon” or Error 1058 “Transfer
ribbon fitted”).
New Supplies:
Other types of supplies, than those included as standard options in
the paper type setup, can be selected by means of a 13 digit code,
provided by the manufacturer or distributor. After a new supply has
been selected once by means of “New Supplies”, it will be stored
in the RAM memory and appear as an option in “Paper Type”,
specified by the first 4 digits in its code number.
Print Defines
• Printhead Resistance
• Paper Type
• New Supplies
Page 23
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SETUP PARAMETERS, cont'd.
Performance
Memory Allocation
• Image Buffer
• Receive Buffer
• Transmit Buffer
The Performance setup allows you to select the print speed. There
are three options:
• Normal
• High (sets printer to Normal)
• Ultra High (sets printer to Normal)
In EasyCoder 401, the High and Ultra High options are disabled,
so even if they can be selected, the printer will still be set to Normal
performance. Thus all three options translate to the same nominal
print speed, which is 100 mm/second (≈4"/second) regardless of
type of printing and print direction
1
.
The Memory Allocation setup allows you to set the size for three
memory buffers.
❑ The Image Buffer stores the printout image before printing and
during batch printing. To ensure that high print speed is sustained during the printing of demanding label formats, the size
of the Image Buffer may need to be increased. The maximum
size of the image buffer is 250 kbytes.
❑ The Receive Buffer stores the input data received on the serial
communication channel "uart1:" before processing.
❑ The Transmit Buffer stores the output data on the serial
communication channel "uart1:" before transmission.
1
/. Supplies, which have been specified by
means of the “New Supplies” option,
have separate fixed settings in regard of
print speed. Whenever such a supply is
selected, the “Performance” setup will
be of no consequence
Page 24
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SETTING UP EASYCODER 401
Different Methods The EasyCoder 401 is intended for applications, where the printing
will be controlled from a host computer and very little action is
required by the operator. Accordingly, there is only one key
available on the membrane keyboard on this type of printer.
The method of changing the setup depends on whether the printer
is fitted with some kind of startup file, a subject that was more
thoroughly discussed in the chapter Starting Up earlier in this
manual, to which the alphabetic references below refer.
A. EasyCoder 401 with UBI Shell:
• You can change any setup parameter via the Terminal Setup
option in UBI Shell Standard.
• You can change the LSS setup via the Setup option of UBI Shell
Standard.
• As an alternative, you can also change the setup by means of a
setup file or setup string, see
SETUP in the UBI Fingerprint
Reference Manual or in the UBI Direct Protocol Programmer's
Guide.
B. EasyCoder 401 with no startup file installed:
• An EasyCoder 401 without any startup file can only be set up by
means of setup files or setup strings, see
SETUP in the UBI
Fingerprint Reference Manual or in the UBI Direct Protocol
Programmer's Guide.
C. EasyCoder 401 with a custom-made application program:
• Normally, necessary provisions for changing the setup should be
provided by the program by means of setup files or setup strings,
see
SETUP in the UBI Fingerprint Reference Manual or in the UBI
Direct Protocol Programmer's Guide.
Page 25
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
PRINTING PRINCIPLES
The printing is produced by the thermal printhead, which consists
of a line of very small, closely spaced resistors on a ceramic tile
fitted across the paper web. When a current is led through the
resistors, commonly called “dots,” these will be heated very
quickly. The heating is controlled by a powerful 32-bit microprocessor. When the current is shut off, the dots cool down just as fast.
The direct thermal printing method requires a special paper coated
with a thin layer of heat-sensitive chemicals. As the paper is fed past
the dots, the heat from the dots will make the chemicals react,
producing a dark salt, which makes up the imprint under each dot.
The thermal transfer printing method requires that the printer is
fitted with a special mechanism in which a special “ink”-coated
transfer ribbon is fed between the printhead and the receiving face
material, usually plain paper.
When the ribbon is heated by the dots on the printhead, the “ink”
melts and sticks to the receiving face material (e.g. paper), where the
ink immediately becomes solid again, producing a black spot. In
fact, the “ink” is a mixture of colour pigment and wax or resin that
melts at temperatures well above room temperature. Thus, a
transfer ribbon will not smudge the fingers of the operator, neither
before nor after printing. Printed labels do not smudge other objects,
but if an unfortunate combination of ribbon type and face material
is used, the printout may become smeared at extensive rubbing.
The thermal transfer method allows a wide range of face materials
to be printed upon, e.g. papers, boards, plastics, foils etc., provided
a transfer ribbon suited for the face material in question is used.
General Information
Thermal Transfer Printing
Direct Thermal Printing
Page 26
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
PRINTING PRINCIPLES, cont'd.
Switching between
Printing Methods
Provided the printer is fitted with a thermal transfer ribbon mechanism, you may choose printing method at will.
❑ Set up the printer for the correct paper or ribbon type in the Setup
Mode (Service\Print Defs\Paper Type).
For setup instructions, please refer to the chapter “Setting up
EasyCoder 401”.
Since direct thermal printing requires more heat that thermal
transfer printing, there is a safeguard against incorrect setup:
• If the printer is loaded with thermal transfer ribbon but set up
for direct thermal printing, error condition 1058 “Transfer
ribbon fitted” will occur at printing.
• If the printer is not loaded with thermal transfer ribbon but set
up for thermal transfer printing, error condition 1027 “Out of
transfer ribbon” will occur at printing.
❑ Adjust the printhead pressure. Direct thermal printing requires
more pressure than thermal transfer printing. Do not use more
pressure than necessary, since it may reduce the life of the
printhead and – in case of thermal transfer printing – cause
ribbon wrinkling. Please refer to chapter “Printing Adjust-
ments” on next page.
❑ Load a supply of direct thermal paper only, or thermal transfer
ribbon plus a suitable face material. Please refer to the Operator's
Guide or User's Manual for loading instructions.
❑ Print a few labels and check that the printing is distinct and even
across the label web. If not, readjust the printhead pressure (see
next page).
❑ In case of thermal transfer printing, check that the ribbon does
not become wrinkled.
❑ In case of peel-off operation, check that the backing paper is tight
and flat after it has passed the dispenser edge. If not, adjust the
dispenser edge.
Page 27
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
+
-
+
-
Printhead Pressure:
At printing, the thermal printhead must be pressed against the
pressing roller so the heat can be transferred to the ribbon or thermal
paper. There must also be enough pressure to provide a sufficient
amount of friction between the paper and the pressing roller that
drives the paper. Too weak pressure gives a weak printout quality,
whereas too strong pressure may cause ribbon wrinkling and
unnecessary wear of the printhead.
The pressure is factory adjusted, but special applications or a
change between printing methods may require readjustment using
the trial-and-error method. Do not use more pressure than necessary
to obtain the desired printout quality.
The print unit is fitted with two adjustable spring packages, which
allow the pressure to be set by turning the knobs:
• Turn the knobs clockwise to increase the pressure.
• Turn the knobs counter-clockwise to decrease the pressure.
At each quarter of a turn, the resistance increases and a clicking
sound can be heard.
Printing Adjustments
PRINTING PRINCIPLES, cont'd.
Continued!
Adjustment Knobs
Page 28
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
PRINTING PRINCIPLES, cont'd.
Printing Adjustments,
cont'd.
Printhead Pressure, cont'd:
The required pressure may vary between printing methods and face
materials of different thickness. Direct thermal printing may require more pressure than thermal transfer printing, and thicker face
materials require more pressure than thinner.
Make a rough adjustment like this:
• Turn both adjustment knobs clockwise as far as they go to
maximum pressure.
• Release the pressure of the inner spring package by turning the
knob 2
1
/4 turns counter-clockwise (9 clicks).
• Release the pressure of the outer spring package by turning the
knob 2 turns counter-clockwise (8 clicks).
Fine-adjust the pressure by turning the outer knob, while retaining
the setting of the inner knob. If the desired result cannot be obtained,
increase or decrease the pressure by turning both knobs a quarter of
a turn in the same direction, then fine-adjust the outer knob.
The basis for all measures and positioning in the UBI Fingerprint
programming language is the size of printhead dots. For example,
in an 8 dots/mm printhead, each dot has a nominal size of 0.125 mm
(4.9 mils). This means that a heated dot under standardized conditions will produce a black spot which has a diameter of 0.125 mm.
Depending on dot temperature, exposure time, paper and ribbon
characteristics etc., the spot may actually be somewhat smaller
(weak print) or larger (black print), but that does not affect the
calculation of distances, sizes and positions.
The 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi) printhead contains 832 dots, which gives
a maximum print width of 104 mm (4.095").
The same unit of measure (dots) can be used both across and along
the paper feed direction.
Density: 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi)
Dot size (mm): 0.125
Dot size (mils): 4.92
Dot size (inches): 0.00492
1 mm: 8 dots
1 inch: 203.2 dots
1/16 inch: 12.7 dots
Dot Size
Conversion Table
Page 29
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
DIRECT THERMAL P APER
UBI has specified two quality grades of direct thermal paper:
❑ Premium Quality, which sets high demands on printout quality
and resistance against moisture, high temperature, UV-light,
plasticisers and oil.
❑ Economy Quality, which gives slightly lower printout quality
and is less resistant to moisture, plasticisers and vegetable oil. In
all other respects, it is equal to Premium Quality.
When using pre-printed thermal paper, we strongly advice against
using background pre-print on such areas that are intended for
thermal printing. Not only may the readability of bar codes be
impaired by an inappropriate background colour, but the pre-print
ink may also be too opaque or have such an insulating effect, that
the legibility of text will be insufficient.
Make sure that the pre-print ink does not contain any titanium
dioxide (a white agent), which has a strong grinding effect that may
wear out the printhead prematurely. The same applies to some types
of fluorescent ink. If possible, avoid ink containing sodium, chlorine and potassium, since these agents may adversely affect the
printhead through chemical corrosion.
If pre-printing cannot be avoided on areas intended for thermal
printing, the ink or varnish must be resistant to heat up to 225˚C
(+437˚F) for at least 1 second at 2.0 kgs/cm
2
. Otherwise, the ink will
melt and clog the printhead.
General Information
Pre-printed Paper
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
In principle, the thermal transfer method allows printing to be
applied on almost any receiving face material that can be fed
through the printer. In reality, a combination of the characteristics
of the transfer ribbon and the face material (paper, plastic, vinyl etc.)
decides the readability and the durability of the printout. For
example, a coarse surface will give a less readable printout for highdensity bar codes. Smooth but slippery surfaces, like vinyl or glossy
paper, may produce a highly readable but less durable printout,
which may require a primer coating.
A general rule, which applies to all thermal printers regardless of
brand, is that “ladder-style” bar codes set higher demands on both
transfer ribbon and receiving face material.
UBI offers three families of transfer ribbons optimized for different
purposes:
GP General Purpose transfer ribbon allows high speed printing
and gives a good printout, but is somewhat sensitive to
smearing, especially on smooth surfaces. It may be the best
choice for coarse surfaces, like Vellum paper.
HP High Performance transfer ribbon allows high speed print-
ing and gives a highly readable and defined printout on most
face materials with smooth surfaces. It has a good “smear
resistance” and is most suitable for intricate logotypes and
images on Matt Coated/Transfer Supreme face materials.
HR High Resistance transfer ribbon gives an extremely durable
printout, which is resistant to most chemical agents and high
temperatures. However, this transfer ribbon sets high demands on the receiving face material, which must be very
smooth, especially for the printing of ladder-style bar codes.
The use of HR ribbons requires the print speed and the energy
supplied by the printhead to be controlled with great accuracy
according to the receiving face material. Custom-made setup
options adapted for special application can also be created.
Consult your UBI distributor.
There are numerous paper brands and other face materials, which
can be used. Many offers a higher printout quality, but at the
expense of a higher price. Others may be cheaper, but less suited for
high-density printing. The overall economy and required printout
quality, print speed, durability and other characteristics should
result in a combination between transfer ribbon and face material
which gives the best result for each application. Consult your UBI
distributor.
TRANSFER RIBBON AND RECEIVING FACE MATERIAL
General Information
Receiving Face Materials
Transfer Ribbon Types
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SELECTING PAPER/RIBBON
Standard Transfer Ribbons from UBI
(other widths available on special request)
GENERAL PURPOSE Length 450 m (1475 ft.)
Width: 58 mm (2.28") 88 mm (3.47") 110 mm (4.33")
Part Number: 1-970645-20 1-970645-10 1-970645-01
HIGH PERFORMANCE Length 450 m (1475 ft.)
Width: 60 mm (2.36") 90 mm (3.54") 110 mm (4.33")
Part Number: 1-970646-20 1-970646-10 1-970646-01
HIGH RESISTANCE Length 450 m (1475 ft.)
Width: 58 mm (2.28") 88 mm (3.47") 110 mm (4.33")
Part Number: – – 1-970647-02
The printer can be set for various types of direct thermal papers, or
combinations of transfer ribbons and receiving face materials, by
means of the setup parameter “Paper Type”.
The printer is fitted with a number of standard thermal paper and
transfer ribbon options, as listed below.
Furthermore, the “New Supplies” setup parameter allows additional options to be selected by a 13-digit code. Once selected, it can
be reselected as a “Paper Type” option using the first 4 digits of its
code number. The first digit indicates direct thermal paper (0) or
thermal transfer ribbon (1).
In printers not fitted with any thermal transfer ribbon mechanism,
only direct thermal paper options will be displayed.
Setup Options
STANDARD SETUP OPTIONS
Ribbon Type Receiving Face Material Setup Option
General Purpose Vellum Paper UBI GP 10
Matt Coated/Transfer Supreme UBI GP 11
High Performance Matt Coated/Transfer Supreme UBI HP 20
Semi Gloss White Paper UBI HP 21
High Resistance Matt Synthetic UBI HR 30
Gloss Synthetic UBI HR 31
Thermal Transfer Printing
Printhead Warranty:
The use of any thermal transfer ribbon, other than those supplied by
UBI, will invalidate the printhead warranty. UBI thermal transfer
ribbons are engineered specifically for the printhead of EasyCoder
401.
Page 32
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SELECTING PAPER/RIBBON, cont'd.
Direct Thermal Printing
STANDARD SETUP OPTIONS
Supplier Type Quality Setup Option
Kanzan
1
KL-46B Top coated KANZAKI 86S
Ricoh 130 LAB/LAM Top coated RICOH 130LAB/LAM
UBI Economy Non top coated UBI DT 110
Premium Top coated UBI DT 110
The paper settings above are optimized for bar code printing. This
may cause an impression of a somewhat weak printout for pure text
and image printing. Increasing the energy to the printhead will
make the printout blacker at the expense of the quality of bar codes.
When extra black printout is desired, use one of the following setup
options (direct thermal printing only):
UBI DT 110+ 15% more energy to printhead.
UBI DT 110++ 30% more energy to printhead.
Due to the increased amount of energy to the printhead, a more
frequent cleaning of the printhead is recommended if preprint or
varnishes are used on the thermal paper in connection with these
setup options.
In addition to the standard options above, there are some thermal
paper with similar characteristics, which also can be used, although
UBI does not guarantee the same printout quality, especially not at
vertical bar code printing (“ladder style”).
Supplier Type Quality Setup option
Appleton T1062A Top coated UBI DT 110
T0972 Top coated UBI DT 120
Blümberg T1968 SN Non top coated UBI DT 110
Fasson US 90HC Top coated UBI DT 110
Jujo AP62KM-A Non top coated UBI DT 110
TP62KM-A6 Non top coated UBI DT 110
TP63KS Semi top coated UBI DT 120
Kanzaki KPT-86RS Top coated
2
UBI DT 120
Ricoh 130IAB Top coated
2
UBI DT 110
130NA Top coated
3
UBI DT 110
130LEB-E Non top coated UBI DT 110
Smith & McLaurin T953 Non top coated UBI DT 110
Tomoegawa LPB-70BT Top coated UBI DT 120
Printhead Warranty:
The use of direct thermal papers, other than those specified above,
may result in premature wear-out of the printhead and the printhead
warranty will not apply.
1
/. Same as Kanzaki KPT-86S
2
/. IR-readable
3
/. Tag 150 g/m
2
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Roll Size
PAPER DIMENSIONS
Bobbin (Ø 38 mm/1.5")
Note:
175µm is the recommended maximum
thickness. Thicker web may be used at
the possible expense of an impaired
printout quality. However, the stiffness
is also important. A stiff web limits the
maximum thickness and vice versa.
Adapter (Ø 76 mm/3")
Restrictions applying to paper rolls fitted inside the printer:
Core:
Diameter w/o adapter .. : 38–40 mm (1.5–1.6")
Diameter w. adapter .... : 7 6 m m (3")
Width .........................: Must not protrude outside the web .
Warning!
The web must not be attached the core in such a manner
that the printer cannot pull the end of the web free from the
core. Else, the thermal transfer ribbon may be damaged.
Roll:
Max. diameter.............: 152 mm (6.00")
Max. width .................: 120 mm (4.72")
Min. width .................. : 25.4 mm (1.0")
Max. web thickness..... : 175 µm (0.007") see note!
We recommend that a paper roll fitted inside the printer should be
wound with the labels, printable surface or thermal coating facing
outwards.
For paper supply outside the printer, e.g. fan-folds or external paper
roll, the only restriction to be observed is the width and thickness of
the web, which should be the same as for an internal paper roll.
Important! Any external paper supply should be well protected
against sand, grit etc. Even very small but hard foreign particles
may cause severe harm to the delicate printhead.
Web width:
Max. 120.0 mm ( 4.7")
Min. 25.4 mm (1.0")
Printable
side
or
labels
Core diameter:
38 - 40 mm (1.5" - 1.6")
or
76.2 mm (3")
Roll diameter:
max. 152 mm (6")
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
PAPER DIMENSIONS, cont'd.
a
NON-ADHESIVE
STRIP
← a → Web Width:
Maximum .................................................. : 120.0 mm (4.72")
Minimum ...................................................: 25.4 mm (1.00")
Non-Adhesive Strip
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
PAPER DIMENSIONS, cont'd.
← a → Web Width
(including backing paper):
Maximum ....................................................... : 120.0 mm (4.72")
Minimum ....................................................... : 25.4 mm (1.00")
The backing paper must not extend more than a total of 1.6 mm (0.06") outside
the paper and should protrude equally on both sides.
← b → Paper Width
(excluding backing paper):
Maximum ....................................................... : 118.4 mm (4.66")
Minimum ....................................................... : 23.8 mm (0.94")
This type of paper is not suitable for use with a paper cutter.
Self-Adhesive Strip
b
a
SELF-ADHESIVE
STRIP
c c
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Self-Adhesive Labels
PAPER DIMENSIONS, cont'd.
← a → Web Width
(including backing paper):
Maximum .................................................. : 120.0 mm (4.72")
Minimum ...................................................: 25.4 mm (1.00")
← b → Backing Paper
The backing paper must not extend more than a total of 1.6 mm (0.06")
outside the paper and should protrude equally on both sides.
Minimum transparency: 40% (DIN 53147).
← c → Label Width
(excluding backing paper):
Maximum .................................................. : 118.4 mm (4.66")
Minimum ...................................................: 23.8 mm (0.94")
← d → Label Length:
Max. label length1...................................... : 1875 mm (73.8")
Min. label length ........................................ : 10 mm (0.39")
Max. printable length ................................. : 1250 mm (49.2")
← e → Label Gap:
Maximum .................................................. : 10.0 mm (0.39")
Recommended ........................................... : 1.6 mm (0.06")
Minimum ...................................................: 1.2 mm (0.05")
The adjustable label stop sensor must be able to detect the extreme front and
rear edges of the labels. Therefore, do not use larger inner corner radii than
can be compensated for by adjusting the sensor's position, i.e. ≈ 50 mm
(1.97").
1
/. The last third of a label with
maximum length cannot be used for
printing! Also see “Max. printable
length”.
a
b
c
e
SELF-ADHESIVE
LABELS
b
d
PAPER FEED
DIRECTION
Page 37
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Tickets with Gap
PAPER DIMENSIONS, cont'd.
← a → Web Width:
Maximum .................................................. : 120.0 mm (4.72")
Minimum ...................................................: 25.4 mm (1.00")
← b → Copy Length:
Max. length between slots1......................... : 1875 mm (73.8")
Min. length between slots........................... : 10 mm (0.39")
Max. printable length ................................. : 1250 mm (49.2")
← c → Detection Slit Start:
The restriction of the minimum detection slit length must be observed and
the slit must not break the inner edge of the web.
← d → Detection Slit Length:
The length of the detection slit (excluding corner radii) must be:
Minimum ...................................................: 5.0 mm (0.20")
← e → Detection Slit End:
Provided the restrictions of the minimum slit length and slit start are
observed, the distance from the inner edge of the web to the outer end of the
slit (excluding corner radius) may be:
Maximum .................................................. : 50.0 mm (1.97")
← f → Detection Slit Height:
Maximum .................................................. : 10.0 mm (0.39")
Recommended ........................................... : 1.6 mm (0.06")
Minimum ...................................................: 1.2 mm (0.05")
It is recommended not to allow possible perforation to break the edges of the
web. Else there is a small risk that the web may be partly separated before
printing, causing a paper jam.
1
/. The last third of a ticket or tag with
maximum length cannot be used for
printing! Also see “Max. printable
length”.
a
TICKETS & TAGS
e
PAPER FEED
DIRECTION
b
f
d
c
Page 38
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
PAPER DIMENSIONS, cont'd.
1
/. The last third of a ticket or tag with
maximum length cannot be used for
printing! Also see “Max. printable
length”.
a
TICKETS
e
PAPER FEED
DIRECTION
f
dc
g
b
Tickets with Black Mark ← a → Web Width:
Maximum .................................................. : 120.0 mm (4.72")
Minimum ...................................................: 25.4 mm (1.00")
← b → Copy Length:
Max. length1............................................... : 1875 mm (73.8")
Min. length ................................................ : 20 mm (0.8")
Max. printable length ................................. : 1250 mm (49.2")
← c → Black Mark Offset:
Max. offset................................................. : 40 mm (1.57")
Min. offset ................................................. : 0 mm (0.0")
← d → Black Mark Width:
The detectable width of the black mark must be:
Minimum ...................................................: 10 mm (0.4")
← e → Black Mark End:
No restriction, but the LSS cannot detect the mark more than 50 mm (1.97")
from the inner edge of the paper.
← f → Black Mark Height:
Commonly used height .............................. : 12.5 mm (0.5")
Minimum ...................................................: 5.0 mm (0.2")
← g → Black Mark Y-Position:
It is recommended to place the black mark as close to the front edge of the
ticket as possible and use a negative Stop Adjust value to control the paper
feed, so the tickets can be properly torn or cut off (see chapter “Setup
Parameters”).
It is recommended not to allow possible perforation to break the edges of the
web. Else there is a small risk that the web may be partly separated before
printing, causing a paper jam.
Important!
Preprint that may interfere with the detection of the black mark should be
avoided on the back of the paper. However, the LBLCOND instruction allows
the sensor to be temporarily disabled during a certain amount of paper feed
in order to avoid unintentional detection, see UBI Fingerprint manuals.
The mark should be non-reflective carbon black on a whitish background.
Page 39
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
The Label-Taken Sensor (LTS) is a device, which enables the
printer's software to detect if the latest printed label, ticket, tag etc.
has been removed before printing another copy.
The label-taken sensor is usually factory-fitted, but it is also
available as a kit for upgrading of existing printers. It cannot be
fitted in combination with a paper cutter.
The label-taken sensor consists of a photoelectric sensor with a
bracket and a connection cable. The sensor is fitted inside the front
door, see illustration below.
The photoelectric sensor emits a narrow beam of light, which will
be reflected back to the sensor by any label, ticket, tag, piece of strip
or backing paper, that has not been removed from the outfeed area.
A prerequisite is that the web is fed out along the inner wall of the
printer.
The sensitivity can be adjusted by means of a potentiometer, as
described on next page.
Continued!
General Information
LABEL-TAKEN SENSOR
Print
Power Ready Error
EasyCoder 401
Label-Taken Sensor
Page 40
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
LABEL-TAKEN SENSOR, cont'd.
❑ The sensitivity of the label-taken sensor can be adjusted by
means of a potentiometer situated on the CPU board, as described in the chapter “Electronics; Potentiometers” later in this
manual
1
.
CAUTION!
Since the adjustment must be performed with the power on, take
utmost care to avoid any risk of electrical shock or shortcircuits. Only use a non-conductive screwdriver and keep the
fingers away from the CPU board and the area behind it, where
the mains inlet and mains switch are situated.
❑ You can adjust the potentiometer randomly and check if it is
working properly by trying to print a label without removing the
previous one. Also check that you can print a label when there
is no label left under the LTS. Use the trial-and-error method
until the LTS works properly.
❑ Another way is to make a simple UBI Fingerprint program that
checks the printer's status using the
PRSTAT function (also see
UBI Fingerprint manuals). Here is an example on how such a
program can be made:
10 BREAK 1,88
20 BREAK 1 ON
30 ON BREAK 1 GOSUB 1000
40 FORMFEED
50 IF (PRSTAT AND 2) THEN BEEP
60 GOTO 50
70 END
1000BREAK 1 OFF
1010GOTO 70
RUN
You can break this program by transmitting the character X
(ASCII 88 decimal) on the standard interface "uart1:".
• Leave the label, ticket etc. in the outfeed slot.
• The sensor is properly adjusted when the printer beeps
continuously. Turn the potentiometer screw a quarter of a
turn in each direction. The beeping should not stop.
• Remove the label and the beeping should cease at once.
• If necessary, adjust the potentiometer until the label-taken
sensor works as described above.
• When adjusting the potentiometer, always create a safetymargin by turning the adjustment screw a quarter of a turn
further after the beeper has started or ceased to sound.
❑ Close the cover.
Adjusting the Sensitivity
Continued!
1
/. The intensity of the light emitted from
the LTS can be adjusted by means of a
strap on P-607 on the CPU Board:
No strap = weaker
Strap = stronger
Page 41
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Program Example
LABEL-TAKEN SENSOR, cont'd.
The LTS can be enabled or disabled by means of the instructions
LTS& ON and LTS& OFF respectively (introduced with UBI Finger-
print 6.0 and the UBI Direct Protocol). Here is an example on how
the label-taken sensor is used to control the printing of a ten-label
batch printing job. A new copy will not be printed until the pending
label has been removed.
FONT "SW030RSN"
PRTXT "HELLO"
LTS& ON
PRINTFEED 10
In UBI Fingerprint versions earlier than 6.0, the status of the label-
taken sensor must be polled by a
PRSTAT function. The same
example as above can be run by a program like this:
10 FONT "SW030RSN.1"
20 PRTXT "HELLO"
30 GOSUB 100
40 END
100 I%=10 :REM I% sets number of copies
110 IF (PRSTAT AND 2) THEN GOTO 110
120 PRINTFEED
130 I%=I%-1
140 IF I%>0 THEN GOTO 110
150 RETURN
RUN
Page 42
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
PAPER CUTTER
Continued!
General Information
CAUTION!
The cutting edge will rotate when
the power is turned on and when
the printer is rebooted.
Always keep the cutter unit in
closed position during operation.
Print
Power Ready Error
EasyCoder 401
The EasyCoder 401 can easily be fitted with an optional Paper
Cutter, provided the printer is not also equipped with a label-taken
sensor (LTS). The cutter unit is fitted on the same hinges as the front
door, which it replaces, and is connected by a single cable to the
DIN-connector on the printer's front.
The Paper Cutter is available both as a factory-installed option and
as an upgrading kit.
The Paper Cutter is intended to cut through continuous nonadhesive paper strip or through the backing paper between labels.
It must not be used to cut through any kind of adhesive, which would
stick to the cutting parts and rapidly render the cutter inoperable –
possibly also causing damage to the electric motor.
Maximum paper thickness is 175 µm (≈ 175 grammes/m
2
) for
normal paper-based materials.
The Paper Cutter increases the printer's total weight by approx. 1.0
kgs (=2.2 lbs) and its length by 28 mm (1.1").
Page 43
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
PAPER CUTTER, cont'd.
General Information, cont'd.
Print
Power Ready Error
The Paper Cutter can be tilted forward in order to facilitate cleaning
and paper load.
The cutter is activated by CUT or CUT ON instructions, see UBI
Fingerprint manuals or UBI Direct Protocol Programmer's Guide.
The rotating edge will cut through the paper approx. 37 mm (1.5")
in front of the printer's dot line. The paper feed should be adjusted
accordingly, see “Setup Parameters; Detection” earlier in this
manual.
Should you inadvertently have cut through self-adhesive web, you
will have to clean the “knife”, which is a rotating shaft with an edge.
Tilt down the cutter and use a piece of tissue moistened with
isopropyl alcohol, or a similar solvent, to wipe clean the shaft.
CAUTION!
Turn off the power or disconnect the cutter before cleaning.
Keep fingers away from cutting parts!
Cleaning
Controlling the Cutter
CAUTION!
For safety reasons, the cutter must not
be operated when in open position.
As a precaution, the cable could be
disconnected.
Page 44
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
General Information
SCALABLE FONTS KIT
EasyCoder 401 can be fitted with an optional firmware package,
that allows the printer to use scalable outline fonts in Speedo and
TrueType formats.
Speedo and TrueType are standard outline font formats for personal
computers developed by Bitstream, Inc. and Apple Computer, Inc.
respectively. There are thousands of different fonts available from
UBI Printer AB at a low cost. The fonts come as files in PC format
and can be downloaded to the printer via the Kermit communication
protocol (see later in this chapter).
This gold label guarantees the quality and
functionality of original Speedo and TrueType products from UBI. Products from other
suppliers might work, but the functionality
cannot be guaranteed, nor is any support given
by UBI
The UBI Fingerprint statement
FONT converts the selected outline
font according to the specified characteristics to UBI's bitmap font
format, after which it can be used as any other installed bitmap font
(also see
FONT statement in UBI Fingerprint Reference Manual).
The outline font can by converted in regard of:
• Name
• Size
• Range of characters
• Direction
• Slanting
• Rotation
• Character map table
After the conversion the bitmap font may either be saved in the
battery backed-up part of the RAM memory or in a no-save area (i.e.
the bitmap font will be erased at power-off).
Scaling Fonts in
UBI Fingerprint
Page 45
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SCALABLE FONTS KIT, cont'd.
Downloading Outline Font
Files from a PC
Scalable outline font files come in PC format. Using a personal
computer, such font files can be downloaded to the RAM memory
of the printer. The following description applies to the Terminal
program in Microsoft Windows, but similar methods can be used
with other communication programs that support Kermit.
• Break any program running in the printer. The printer should be
in the Immediate Mode of UBI Fingerprint.
• Set up the printer and the computer for RS 232C with the same
communication parameters and connect the computer to the
communication port "uart1:" of the printer.
• Check that the communication works both ways by typing e.g.
BEEP on the computer. The printer should respond by emitting
a short beeping sound and return Ok to the computer's screen.
• Set up the printer to receive a file by typing:
TRANSFER K "R" ↵
For more information, refer to the
TRANSFER KERMIT statement
in the UBI Fingerprint Reference Manual.
• In the Terminal program, select:
Settings\Binary Transfer\Kermit.
• Start the transfer of the file by selecting:
Transfers\Send Binary File.
• Select the scalable outline font file you want to transfer, e.g.
BX000003.SPD.
• At the bottom of the window, the progress of the transfer is shown.
Downloading will take a minute or so, depending on the size of
the file.
Page 46
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
SCALABLE FONTS KIT, cont'd.
Printout Samples
The following 10 scalable outline fonts in Speedo format are stored
in the EPROMs of the Scalable Fonts Kit. All characters from
ASCII 32 through 254 decimal according to the Roman 8 character
set are included.
UBI0003.SPD
Bitstream Swiss 721
0003 Roman
UBI0005.SPD
Bitstream Swiss 721
0005 Bold
UBI0010.SPD
Bitstream Swiss 721
0010 Bold Condensed
UBI0011.SPD
Bitstream Dutch 801
0011 Roman
UBI0013.SPD
Bitstream Dutch 801
0013 Bold
UBI0138.SPD
Bitstream Futura
0138 Light
UBI0414.SPD
Bitstream Letter Gothic 12 Pitch
0414 Roman
UBI0596.SPD
Bitstream Monospace 821
0596 Roman
UBI0598.SPD
Bitstream Monospace 821
0598 Bold
UBI0959.SPD
Bitstream Zurich
0959 Extra Condensed
Fixed Spacing
Fixed Spacing
Fixed Spacing
Page 47
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
EasyCoder 401
Power
Ready
Error
Print
ELECTRONICS
Accessing the CPU Board
WARNING!
Disconnect the power cord
before removing the cover.
Dangerous voltage!
3 Screws
Cover Plate
3 Screws
The CPU board is situated in the electronics compartment on the left
side of the printer's centre-line wall. To gain access to the electronics
compartment, proceed as follows:
❑ Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord. The CPU
board contains power supply circuits with dangerous voltage.
❑ Remove the three #T10 Torx screws situated along the lower
edge of the cover plate as indicated on the illustration below.
❑ Open the right-hand door and remove the three #T10 Torx
screws at the top of the cover plate.
❑ Remove the cover plate.
❑ Reassemble in reverse order.
Page 48
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
The CPU board contains a number of jumpers and socket-mounted
circuits, which decide how the printer will work.
The illustration shows the CPU board 1-040700-30.
Before touching the CPU board, carefully read the following
instructions:
• Take precautions to prevent electrostatic discharge.
• Keep in mind that the RAMs and the clock circuit are battery
backed-up. Therefore, there is a risk of short-circuit if any
conductive tools are used on the CPU board.
• When adding or replacing any socket-mounted circuits, make
sure that their “front” markings are pointing in the direction
indicated by the illustration above.
CPU Board
ELECTRONICS, cont'd.
NOTE:
A red lamp (LED) at the upper front
corner of the CPU board is lit
when the power is on.
POWER ON
040700.10
FLASHEPROM
IC-20
232
CL
422
BW
FW
P-102 P-100 P-101
LTSLSS R-END
DISP
+-
P-208
P-206
P-209
P-207
P-204
P-205
IC-104
IC-105
IC-102
IC-103
IC-100
IC-101
IC-106
IC-107
IC-108
IC-109
FY-300
Power On LED
Page 49
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
ELECTRONICS, cont'd.
The CPU board can be fitted with two, four, or six EPROM
1
packages. Since EPROMs do not require any current to retain their
content and cannot be erased while fitted the printer, they are used
to store programs and files, which are necessary for running the
printer. EPROMs must always be fitted in couples, where both
EPROMs must be CMOS-type of the same size and have a maximum access time of 120 nS. In case of any EPROMs larger than 256
kbyte (2 Mbit), three jumpers must be fitted in the left-hand positions
of P-100, P-101, and P-102.
The CPU board is prepared to have all EPROMs replaced by Flash
Memory packages with an individual size of 512 kbyte (4 Mbit). This
requires special software, and three jumpers must be fitted in the
right-hand positions of P-100, P-101, and P-102.
IC-100 & IC-101
These two EPROMs are alike for all EasyCoder printers with the
same version of the UBI Fingerprint software and always contain:
• The UBI Fingerprint firmware.
• The default setup (see the chapter “Setup Parameters”).
• Standard bar code generators
1
.
• UPC/EAN bar code interpretation fonts.
• Standard fonts
SW030RSN.1 and SW030RSN.2
2
.
• Setup options for direct thermal paper and thermal transfer
ribbon, see the chapter “Selecting Paper/Ribbon”.
• Utility programs
MKAUTO.PRG and FILELIST.PRG
2
.
•
UBI.1 image.
IC-102 & IC-103
These two Configuration EPROMs give the printer its special
characteristics and may either contain a standard set of files for the
printer model in question, or a special set of files and application
programs composed according to the customer's requirements.
IC-104 & IC-105
In these two sockets, two additional EPROMs containing e.g.
additional bar codes or firmware for scaling TrueType and Speedo
fonts can be fitted (see “Scalable Fonts Kit”).
P-100, P-101 & P-102
As standard, these straps are left empty, but three jumpers must be
fitted if any EPROMs larger than 256 kbyte, or Flash Memory
packages, are fitted in sockets IC-100 – IC-105:
Pin 1–2 (r-h pos.) Flash Memory packages
Pin 2–3 (l-h pos.) EPROMs > 256 kbyte
Continued!
UBI Fingerprint
EPROMs
1
/. EPROM is an abbreviation for
Erasable Programmable Read-Only
Memory.
2
/. Please refer to the corresponding
version of the UBI Fingerprint
manuals.
Configuration EPROMs
ROM-expansion EPROMs
Present EPROM Types:
IC-100 & IC-101:
27C010 128 kbyte (1 Mbit)
27C020 256 kbyte (2 Mbit)
IC-102 – IC-105:
27C010 128 kbyte (1 Mbit)
27C020 256 kbyte (2 Mbit)
27C040 512 kbyte (4 Mbit)
Page 50
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
IC-106, IC-107, IC-108 and IC-109
In these sockets either two or four SRAM1 packages, which contain
the printer's working and storage memory, can be fitted. The SRAM
packages must have an access time of max. 120 ns and be fitted in
couples (first couple on IC-106 and IC-107, second on IC-108 and
IC-109).
All SRAM packages must be of the same type and size:
• 2
× 128 kbyte (1 Mbit) = 256 kbyte (2 Mbit)
• 4
× 128 kbyte (1 Mbit) = 512 kbyte (4 Mbit)
• 2
× 512 kbyte (4 Mbit) = 1.024 kbyte (8 Mbit)
• 4
× 512 kbyte (4 Mbit) = 2.048 kbyte (16 Mbit)
The size of the SRAM's is automatically defined by the printer.
The RAM memory is battery backed-up to avoid loss of data when
the printer is turned off or if the power fails. The NiCd-accumulator
is automatically recharged when the power is on. After having
installed the printer, leave the power on overnight to allow the
battery to become fully recharged. If the printer is kept turned on
less than full working hours, it is recommended to leave the power
on overnight at least once a week. Do not leave the printer off for
several weeks (e.g. during holidays) without having made a full
memory backup on a computer disk.
IC-20
The optional real-time clock circuit (RTC) contains a clock/
calendar with battery backup. When an RTC is fitted on IC-20, the
time and date do not have to be set manually each time the printer
is started. (See
TIME$ and DATE$ in the UBI Fingerprint manuals
or in the UBI Direct Protocol Programmer's Guide).
When installing an RTC, be careful to fit it with the semi-circular
marking pointing upward, as seen when the CPU board is fitted in
the printer. Because of the risk of short-circuits, do not use any
conductive tools when fitting or removing the RTC.
FY-300
The CPU board contains components for transforming the mains
current into the various voltages required by the logics and the
printhead. The CPU board is protected by a fuse situated at the lower
left corner of the board.
Never replace a blown fuse without having found and remedied the
fault, that caused it to blow. That usually requires the assistance of
a skilled service technician.
ELECTRONICS, cont'd.
RAM Memory
Real-time Clock Circuit
Fuse
WARNING!
The semicircular “front” marking of
each package should face upward as
seen when the CPU board is fitted
in the printer.
If a RAM package is fitted upside
down, the recharging of the CPU
board's battery backup could be
damaged. This will eventually cause
memory loss.
1
/. SRAM is an abbreviation for Static
Random Access M emory.
Page 51
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
POWER ON
040700.10
FLASHEPROM
232
CL
422
BW
FW
P-102 P-100 P-101
LTSLSS
P-604
P-607
R-END
DISP
+-
P-208
P-206
P-209
P-207
P-204
P-205
MADE IN SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
TA
The CPU board is fitted with four potentiometers with the following
functions:
• Display contrast adjustment
• Label stop sensor (LSS) adjustment
• Label-taken sensor (LTS) adjustment
• Ribbon end sensor (R-End) adjustment
❑ Display Contrast Adjustment:
This potentiometer is situated close to the connector of "uart1:"
and can be accessed through a small hole in the rear plate. Using
a narrow-tipped screwdriver, turn the screw in either direction
until the text in the LCD display on the printer's front becomes
clearly visible in the prevailing light conditions when viewed
from a normal working position.
ELECTRONICS, cont'd.
Potentiometers
Continued!
Display Adjustment
LSS
LTS
R-End
Display
Page 52
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
The remaining three potentiometers are situated along the top edge
of the CPU board and can only be accessed after the left-hand cover
plate has been removed. Normally, they do not require any adjustment.
❑ Label Stop Sensor Adjustment:
This potentiometer is used in connection with the printer's Setup
Mode for adjusting the sensitivity of the label stop sensor, e.g.
according to the transparency of various brands of backing
paper. In most cases, it will be sufficient to use the adjustment
method offered in the Setup Mode and the Testfeed facility.
❑ Label-Taken Sensor Adjustment
The label-taken sensor (optional) is situated above the paper
outfeed slot and detects if a label has not been removed from the
outfeed area. Thereby, the printer can be programmed not to
print any more copies before the last copy has been removed.
The operation of this sensor depends to a large extent on the
reflectivity of the labels (e.g. glossiness, colour etc.). Thus, it
may sometimes require adjustment when switching between
different types of labels.
The light intensity of the emitter can be changed between two
values by means of fitting or removing a strap on P-607 (strap
fitted = increased intensity).
❑ Ribbon End Sensor Adjustment:
The ribbon end sensor is situated at the rear part of the printing
mechanism. It emits a narrow beam of light and detects when
there is no more thermal transfer ribbon left to stop the light from
being reflected back from the mirror plate. This sensor is factoryadjusted and should normally not require any further adjustment, except after possible replacement.
The light intensity of the emitter can be changed between two
values by means of fitting or removing a strap on P-604 (strap
fitted = increased intensity).
Obviously, this sensor is omitted if the printer is not fitted with
any transfer ribbon mechanism.
Before changing the setting of a potentiometer, always make
sure that the corresponding sensor is clean, free from obstructions (e.g. pieces of labels or adhesive residue), and properly
aligned. In case of the ribbon end sensor, also check the mirror
plate.
ELECTRONICS, cont'd.
Potentiometers, cont'd.
Caution!
Adjustment must be done with utmost care. Since the power must
be on during the adjustment procedure, precautions must be taken
to avoid any risk of electrical shock
or short-circuits! Use non-conductive tools and keep fingers
away from the CPU board, especially the area behind it, where the
mains inlet and main switch are
situated.
Page 53
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
INTERFACES
Communication Port
"uart1:"
All EasyCoder 401 printers are fitted with a DB25 male interface
connector on their rear plates (comm. port "uart1:"). This connector
can be used for an RS 232C, an RS 422, or a 20 mA current loop
interface depending on how the CPU board is strapped. In the latter
two cases, additional circuits must be fitted. The configuration of
the connection cable is also important.
If the printer is ordered without any connection cable, a suitable
cable can be procured locally and, if necessary, be modified
according to the pinout descriptions in this chapter.
NOTE!
A shielded communication cable is required in order to comply
with the FCC/DOC approval and to avoid
the risk of interference to radio communications.
GNDC
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
15
14
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
GNDC
TXD out
RXD in
RTS out
CTS in
DSR in
GNDI
+20 mA 1
-20 mA 1
+TXD
-TXD
+20 mA 2
GNDC
-20 mA 2
+RS 422 In
+5V Ext.
-RS 422 In
+RXD
+RS 422 Out
DTR out
-RS 422 Out
-RXD
Signals on the printer's
communication port "uart1:"
0
230V
MADE IN SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
TA
UART = Universal Asynchronous
Receiver and Transmitter
Page 54
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
232
CL
422
"UART1:"
P202
IC-200
P203
3 2 1
P200
+-
RS 232C (V24) is the most common interface for serial communication with computers over short distances. The transmission can
only take place between one transmitter and one receiver. The most
simple form of two-way communication only requires a 3-wire
cable. The maximum transmission distance is about 10–15 metres
(33–49 ft.) and the maximum transmission speed is 19,200 baud.
■ RS 232C circuit must be fitted on IC-200 (fitted as standard).
■ Jumper must be fitted on uppermost position of P-202.
❑ RS 422 circuit on IC-207, opto-couplers on IC-205 and IC-206
(optional) and straps on P-204 – P-209 are of no consequence.
The following hardware straps can be fitted:
P-200 DTR-signal:
Pin 1–2 DTR indicates printer turned on.
Pin 2–3 A copy of the flow signal RTS is produced.
P-203 External 5 Volt
1
:
Jumper fitted connects +5V to pin 16. Warning! Max 200 mA.
INTERFACES, cont'd.
RS 232C (V24) on "uart1:"
Continued!
IC-200
(RS 232C circuit)
P-203
(external +5V)
P-202
(Interface select)
P-200
(DTR/RTS select)
1
/. Warning! Be careful not to enable the
external 5V unintentionally, which may
cause harm to the terminal, PC or other
device connected to this port!
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
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Cable configuration:
The following ready-made RS 232C connection cables can be
ordered from UBI. Cables procured from other sources should
follow the same wiring principles.
Note:
Be careful not to connect the external +5V unintentionally, which
may harm your computer or terminal.
To Printer ("uart1:") To IBM-XT & PS/2
DB25 female connector ⇐ cable ⇒ DB25 female connector
Housing • • Housing
Cable shield 1 • • 1 Cable shield
TXD out 2 • • 2 TXD out
RXD in 3 • • 3 RXD in
RTS out 4 • • 4 RTS out
CTS
1
in 5 • • 5 CTS in
DSR in 6 • • 6 DSR in
Signal GND 7 • • 7 Signal GND
not used 8-15 • • 8-25 not used
(+5V) 16 •
not used 17-19 •
DTR out 20 •
not used 21-25 •
To Printer ("uart1:") To IBM-AT
DB25 female connector ⇐ cable ⇒ DB9 female connector
Housing • • Housing
Cable shield 1 • • 1 not used
TXD out 2 • • 2 RXD in
RXD in 3 • • 3 TXD out
RTS out 4 • • 4 not used
CTS
1
in 5 • • 5 Signal GND
DSR in 6 • • 6 DSR in
Signal GND 7 • • 7 RTS out
not used 8-15 • • 8 CTS in
(+5V) 16 • • 9 not used
not used 17-19 •
DTR out 20 •
not used 21-25 •
INTERFACES, cont'd.
1
/. If the communication cable is not
configured to transmit any CTS signal to
the printer, a permanent CTS signal will
automatically be produced.
Printer ⇒ IBM-XT/IBM-PS2
Art.No. 1-975580-05
Length: 3 metres (9.8 ft.)
Printer ⇒ IBM-AT
Art.No. 1-975581-05
Length: 3 metres (9.8 ft.)
➠
➠
1
/. If the communication cable is not
configured to transmit any CTS signal to
the printer, a permanent CTS signal will
automatically be produced.
RS 232C (V24) on "uart1:",
cont'd.
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
232
CL
422
"UART1:"
P202
IC-207
P203
P208
P206
P209
P207
P204
P205
+-
INTERFACES, cont'd.
RS 422 is a point-to-point interface for connection between one
printer and one host computer over a distance of up to 1,200 metres
(4,000 ft.) by use of a four-wire cable. The transmission is full
duplex, i.e. reception and transmission can take place simultaneously.
RS 422 requires an additional circuit and a number of straps to be
fitted on the CPU board:
RS 422 on "uart1:"
Continued!
RS 422 connection between host computer and printer
+ RS422 IN
- RS422 IN
+ RS422 OUT
- RS422 OUT
Power
Ready
Error
EasyCoder 401
Print
P-204 – P-209
(comm. straps)
P-202
(interface select)
P-203
(external +5V)
IC-207
(RS 422 circuit)
Page 57
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
INTERFACES, cont'd.
RS 422 on "uart1:", cont'd.
On the CPU board, check:
■ An optional RS 422 circuit must be fitted on IC-207.
■ Jumper must be fitted on the lowest position of P-202 to select
RS 422.
■ Jumper must be fitted on some of P-204 – P-209 according to
diagram below.
❑ RS 232C circuit on IC-200 (standard), jumper on P-200, and
opto-couplers on IC-205 and IC-206 (optional) are of no consequence.
P-203 External 5 Volt
1
:
Jumper fitted connects +5V to pin 16. Warning! Max. 200 mA.
(Note that +5V requires an additional wire in the cable).
P-204 – P-209 Communication straps:
Jumpers can be fitted on P-204, P-205, P-206, P-207, P-208 and/or
P-209 in order to adapt the RS 422 communication to the host, as
shown in the diagram below. Normally, jumpers should be fitted on
P-205, P-207 and P-209.
1
/. Warning! Be careful not to enable the
external 5V unintentionally, which may
cause harm to the terminal, PC or other
device connected to this port!
IC-207
DI
RO
RI+
RI-
DO+
DO-
+ RS422 IN
- RS422 IN
+ RS422 OUT
- RS422 OUT
15
17
19
21
P-201
("uart1:")
+5V +5V
P-208 P-209
P-206 P-207
P-204 P-205
/TXD
/RXD
4.7k
4.7k
100
100
4.7k
4.7k
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
The 20 mA current loop interface is a single-ended, full duplex
serial interface which uses current instead of voltage to transmit
signals on a four-wire line. 20 mA current corresponds to a logical
“0” and 0 mA corresponds to a logical “1”.
Opto-couplers are used to separate the transmission line from the
internal logics of the printer and the host computer. Therefore this
interface is suitable where electrical interference may occur, and for
transmission over longer distances (up to 500 metres or 1,500 ft.).
Depending on the configuration of the connection cable between
printer and host computer, the printer can work either active (i.e.
supplying the current) or passive. A transmission speed between
300 and 9,600 baud is recommended.
232
CL
422
"UART1:"
P202
IC-205
IC-206
P203
+-
20 mA Current Loop
on "uart1:"
INTERFACES, cont'd.
Continued!
P-203
(external +5V)
IC-205 & IC-206
(opto-couplers)
P-202
(interface select)
Page 59
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
20 mA Current Loop
on "uart1:", cont'd.
INTERFACES, cont'd.
On the CPU board, check:
■ Opto-couplers must be fitted on IC-205 and IC-206. These are
not included as standard and must be ordered separately.
■ Jumper must be fitted on middle position of P-202 to select 20
mA current loop.
❑ RS 422 circuit fitted on IC-207 (optional), RS 232C circuit fitted
on IC-200 (standard) and jumpers fitted on P-204 – P-209 or on
P-200 are of no consequence.
P-203 External 5 Volt:
Jumper fitted connects +5V to pin 16. Warning! Max. 200 mA.
Be careful not to enable the external 5V unintentionally, which may
cause harm to the terminal, PC or other device connected to this
port!
Cable configuration:
The printer end of the connection cable should have a DB25 female
connector. The computer end of the cable depends on your type of
computer.
The printer's connector contains the following signals:
Pin 9 + 20 mA
Pin 10 – 20 mA
Pin 11 TXD +
Pin 12 TXD –
Pin 13 + 20 mA*
Pin 14 – 20 mA*
Pin 16 + 5V, 200 mA (if jumper fitted on P-203)
Pin 18 RXD +
Pin 25 RXD –
*. In case of printer being active receiver.
Continued!
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
INTERFACES, cont'd.
PRINTER
CABLE
COMPUTER
+
-
+
-
Transmitter
Receiver
47 ohm
270
ohm
Pin 9
Pin 11
Pin 12
Pin 10
Pin 13
Pin 18
Pin 25
Pin 14
TXD+
TXD-
RXD+
RXD-
+
+
-
Transmitter
Receiver
47 ohm
270
ohm
Pin 9
Pin 11
Pin 12
Pin 10
Pin 18
Pin 25
TXD+
TXD-
RXD+
RXD-
Printer active transmitter/active receiver
Printer active transmitter/passive receiver
Power
Ready
Error
EasyCoder 401
Print
The examples below illustrate two of four possible cases of the
printer or host computer being active transmitter or receiver, i.e.
being the supplier of the current to the loop.
20 mA Current Loop
on "uart1:", cont'd.
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
The Parallel Interface Board adds one extra parallel communication
port ("centronics:") to the standard serial communication port
("uart1:").
The Parallel Interface Board may either be bought separately as a
kit complete with installation instructions, or be factory installed.
The following types of interfaces can be selected:
"uart1:"
Fitted on printer's CPU pcb.
RS 232C Standard.
RS 422 or 20 mA CL Option. Additional circuits required.
"centronics:"
Fitted on Parallel interface pcb.
Centronics parallel interface
The setup is in no way affected by the Parallel Interface Board, since
the Centronics interface does neither require any communication
setup nor uses any buffers.
INTERFACES, cont'd.
Parallel Interface Board
230V
0
MADE IN SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
TA
"centronics:"
"uart 1:"
Page 62
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
INTERFACES, cont'd.
Three different straps can be fitted on the Parallel Interface Board:
External +5V
Jumper fitted on connector P-2 enables external +5V (max. 200
mA) on pin 18.
Warning! Be careful not to enable the external +5V unintentionally, which may cause harm to the terminal, computer or other
device connected to this port!
Busy Signal:
S1: Jumper fitted = BUSY signal on until end of ACK signal.
No jumper fitted =
ACK after BUSY signal (as on previous
versions of this board).
S2/S3
1
: Jumper fitted on S-2 = BUSY signal on falling edge of
/STROBE signal (i.e. according to specifications)
Jumper fitted on S-3 =
BUSY signal on rising edge
of
/STROBE signal (i.e. as on previous versions of this
board).
1
/. A jumper must be fitted on either S-2 or
S-3.
P-2
Female
Centronics
connector
S-2/S-3
S-1
P2
S1
S3
S2
Parallel Interface Board,
cont'd.
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
Connector configuration
The connector is the standard female 36-pole Centronics type. The
mounting holes are connected to chassis ground.
Note:
The PE signal (Paper End) on pin 12 requires an error-trapping
routine to be included in the UBI Fingerprint software, activating
the
BUSY and READY statements. Here is an example on how such
a routine may be written:
10 IF (PRSTAT AND 4) THEN GOSUB 1000
20 IF (PRSTAT AND 4) = 0 THEN GOSUB 2000
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
1000 BUSY4
1010 RETURN
2000 READY4
2010 RETURN
Also see BUSY and READY statements and PRSTAT function in the
UBI Fingerprint manuals.
INTERFACES, cont'd.
Parallel Interface Board,
cont'd.
Pin Signal Dir. Remarks
1 /STROBE In
2 DATA 0 In
3 DATA 1 In
4 DATA 2 In
5 DATA 3 In
6 DATA 4 In
7 DATA 5 In
8 DATA 6 In
9 DATA 7 In
10 ACK Out
11 BUSY Out
12 PE Out See note!
13 SELECT Out
14–15 – – not used
16–17 GND
18 + 5V Out If strap fitted on P-2. Max. 200 mA.
19–30 GND
31 /INPRM In
32 /ERROR Out
33–35 – – not used
36 /SLCTIN In
37–38 GND Housing
UBI offers a 3 metres (9.8 ft.) long
ready-made parallel communication
cable (36-p male Centronics – DB25
male).
Article No. 1-010001-00
Page 64
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UBI EasyCoder 401 – Technical Manual
NOTES
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