Intermec Label Maker PD41 User Manual
User’s Guide  
EasyCoder® PD41  
Printer  
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Contents  
Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii  
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii  
Global Services and Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii  
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii  
Web Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii  
Telephone Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii  
Who Should Read This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix  
Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix  
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1  
1
2
Description of EasyCoder PD41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2  
Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2  
Product Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4  
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4  
Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5  
Rear View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6  
Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6  
Media Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7  
Print Mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7  
Installing the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8  
Connecting the Printer to your System. . . . . . . . . .8  
Connecting the Printer through the USB  
interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9  
Connecting the Printer to a Network. . . .9  
Connecting the Printer through the Serial  
Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9  
Connecting the Printer through the Parallel  
Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10  
Printing a Test Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10  
Operating the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11  
Loading Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12  
Tear-Off (straight-through) Operation . . . . . . . . .12  
Tear-Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12  
Peel-Off (Self-Strip) Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15  
Peel-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15  
Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . .18  
Loading Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18  
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LED indicators and the Print Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21  
LED indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21  
Print Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22  
Maintaining the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  
3
4
General Maintenance Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26  
Printhead Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26  
Internal Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27  
External Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27  
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29  
Printer Operation Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30  
Print Quality Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
Ready-to-Work™ Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Ready-to-Work LED Flashing or Off . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Troubleshooting Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Ribbon Wrinkling Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Clearing Media Jams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
Printhead Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34  
Label Gap Sensor Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
Setting up the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39  
5
The Printer Startup Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40  
Changing Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41  
Using PrintSet 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41  
Using the Printer’s Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41  
Using the Command Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41  
Running Testmode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
Testmode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
Extended Testmode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43  
Upgrading Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47  
iv  
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Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49  
A
B
Printer Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50  
Media Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
Media Roll Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54  
Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54  
Internal Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54  
Ribbon Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55  
Paper Types and Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56  
Non-Adhesive Strip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56  
Self-Adhesive Strip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57  
Self-Adhesive Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58  
Tickets with Gaps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60  
Tickets with Black Mark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62  
Setup Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65  
C
Setup Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66  
Serial Communication Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66  
Feed Adjust Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68  
Media Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69  
Media Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69  
Paper Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72  
Direct Thermal Printing . . . . . . . . . . . .72  
Thermal Transfer printing . . . . . . . . . . .73  
Contrast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74  
Print Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74  
Interfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75  
D
RS-232 Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76  
Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76  
Interface cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76  
USB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77  
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EasyLAN Ethernet Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78  
Parallel IEEE 1284 Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78  
Interface cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78  
Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81  
E
EasyLAN Ethernet Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82  
Parallel IEEE 1284 Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82  
Cutter Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82  
Internal Rewinder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82  
Printhead Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82  
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Before You Begin  
Before You Begin  
This section provides you with safety information, technical  
support information, and sources for additional product  
information.  
Safety Information  
Your safety is extremely important. Read and follow all warnings  
and cautions in this document before handling and operating  
Intermec equipment. You can be seriously injured, and  
equipment and data can be damaged if you do not follow the  
safety warnings and cautions. Be sure to read the EasyCoder PD41  
Safety Instructions, where the basic safety precautions regarding  
the operation of the PD41 are described and illustrated.  
This section explains how to identify and understand warnings,  
cautions, and notes that are in this document. You may also see  
icons that tell you when to follow ESD procedures.  
A warning alerts you of an operating procedure,  
practice, condition, or statement that must be  
strictly observed to avoid death or serious injury to  
the persons working on the equipment.  
A caution alerts you to an operating procedure,  
practice, condition, or statement that must be  
strictly observed to prevent equipment damage or  
destruction, or corruption or loss of data.  
This icon appears at the beginning of any  
procedure in this manual that could cause you to  
touch components (such as printed circuit boards)  
that are susceptible to damage from electrostatic  
discharge (ESD). When you see this icon, you must  
follow standard ESD guidelines to avoid damaging  
the equipment you are servicing.  
Note: Notes either provide extra information about a  
topic or contain special instructions for handling a  
particular condition or set of circumstances.  
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Before You Begin  
Global Services and Support  
Warranty Information  
To understand the warranty for your Intermec product, visit the  
Intermec web site at www.intermec.com and click Service &  
Support. The Intermec Global Sales & Service page appears.  
From the Service & Support menu, move your pointer over  
Support, and then click Warranty.  
Disclaimer of warranties: The sample code included in this  
document is presented for reference only. The code does not  
necessarily represent complete, tested programs. The code is  
provided “as is with all faults.” All warranties are expressly  
disclaimed, including the implied warranties of merchantability  
and fitness for a particular purpose.  
Web Support  
Visit the Intermec web site at www.intermec.com to download  
our current manuals in PDF format. To order printed versions of  
the Intermec manuals, contact your local Intermec representative  
or distributor.  
Visit the Intermec technical knowledge base (Knowledge  
Central) at intermec.custhelp.com to review technical  
information or to request technical support for your Intermec  
product.  
Telephone Support  
These services are available from Intermec Technologies  
Corporation.  
In the USA and  
Canada call 1-800-  
755-5505 and  
Services  
Description  
choose this option  
Factory Repair Request a return authorization 1  
and On-site  
Repair  
number for authorized service  
center repair, or request an on-  
site repair technician.  
Technical  
Support  
Get technical support on your 2  
Intermec product.  
Service  
Inquire about an existing  
3
Contract Status contract, renew a contract, or  
ask invoicing questions.  
viii  
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Before You Begin  
In the USA and  
Canada call 1-800-  
755-5505 and  
choose this option  
Services  
Description  
Schedule Site Schedule a site survey, or  
4
Surveys or  
request a product or system  
installation.  
Installations  
Ordering  
Products  
Talk to sales administration,  
place an order, or check the  
status of your order.  
5
Outside the U.S.A. and Canada, contact your local Intermec  
representative. To search for your local representative, from the  
Intermec web site, click Contact.  
Who Should Read This Manual  
This User’s Guide is for the person who is responsible for  
installing, configuring, and maintaining the EasyCoder PD41  
Printer.  
This User’s Guide provides you with information about the  
features of the EasyCoder PD41, and how to install, configure,  
operate, maintain, and troubleshoot it.  
Related Documents  
This table contains a list of related Intermec documents and their  
part numbers.  
Document Title  
Part Number  
EasyCoder PD41 Quick Start Guide  
1-960655-00  
Intermec Fingerprint v8.70.0/v10.0.0 Programmer’s 1-960582-07  
Reference Manual  
EasyCoder PD41 Safety Instructions  
1-960662-00  
EasyLAN Ethernet for PD41 Installation Intructions 1-960656-00  
EasyCoder PD41 Internal Rewinder Installation  
Instructions  
EasyCoder PD41 Parallel Interface Installation  
Instructions  
1-960659-00  
1-960661-00  
1-960657-00  
EasyCoder PD41 Cutter Installation Instructions  
EasyCoder PD41 Printhead Installation Instructions 1-960658-00  
EasyCoder PD41 Printer User’s Guide  
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Before You Begin  
The Intermec web site at www.intermec.com contains our  
documents (as PDF files) that you can download for free.  
To download documents  
1 Visit the Intermec web site at www.intermec.com.  
2 Click Service & Support > Manuals.  
3 In the Select a Product field, choose the product whose  
documentation you want to download.  
To order printed versions of the Intermec manuals, contact your  
local Intermec representative or distributor.  
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Getting Started  
1
This chapter introduces the EasyCoder PD41, and explains how  
to get your new printer connected to your system and print a test  
label. The chapter covers the following topics:  
• Description of the EasyCoder PD41  
• Installing the Printer  
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Chapter 1 — Getting Started  
Description of EasyCoder PD41  
The EasyCoder PD41 printer is a dependable and versatile  
printer suitable for medium-duty applications in manufacturing,  
transportation and warehouse environments. It has all-metal  
chassis and covers, proven printing mechanics and powerful  
electronics providing sturdiness, performance and reliability.  
The EasyCoder PD41 can print demanding crisp variable-data  
labels continuously at 150 millimeters per second (mm/s) or 6  
inches per second (ips). It takes industry standard 213mm (8.35  
in) label rolls and 450 meters (18000 inches) of ribbon. The  
printer accepts a wide range of paper types with different  
thicknesses, as well as both ink-in and ink-out ribbon.  
The EasyCoder PD41 offers versatile connectivity through serial  
and USB interfaces. It is also equipped with Parallel IEEE 1284  
and / or EasyLan Ethernet interfaces depending on the chosen  
configuration.  
The EasyCoder PD41 supports the unique and flexible Intermec  
Fingerprint language, which allows the user or third-party  
developer to create custom-made application programs and label  
formats in a BASIC-like environment.  
The printer is also designed to work with the Intermec Direct  
Protocol programming language (a slave protocol, subset of  
Fingerprint), the Intermec InterDriver and Intermec LabelShop.  
The InterDriver allows you to print labels from standard MS  
Windows applications, such as Microsoft Office. Intermec  
LabelShop is a series of label-design programs that work under  
MS Windows.  
Other features, such as a cutter and an internal rewinder, are  
available as option kits.  
Unpacking the Printer  
Unpack the printer and its accessories on a flat surface such as a  
table.  
Unpack the Printer  
1 Open the box and lift out the printer and included  
accessories.  
2
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Chapter 1 — Getting Started  
2 Check that no visible damage has occured during  
transportation. Keep the packing material in case you need to  
move or reship the printer.  
3 Check to make sure any options you ordered are included.  
4 In addition to the options you may have ordered, the box  
should contain the following:  
• Intermec EasyCoder PD41 printer  
• Power supply adapter with either one power cord for  
115V U.S. wall sockets or two different power cords for  
230V European and 240V U.K. wall sockets  
• USB cable  
• Empty ribbon core (for thermal transfer printing)  
• High Media Edge Guide  
• Quick Start Guide  
• A PrinterCompanion CD containing software, this and  
other related manuals.  
If you find any damage has occured during transportation, notify  
the carrier immediately. If the delivery is missing parts or is  
otherwise incorrect, report it to the distributor.  
EasyCoder  
PD41  
Power cable  
High media  
edge guide  
EU  
UK  
US  
USB cable  
Empty  
ribbon core  
Printer  
Companion CD  
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Chapter 1 — Getting Started  
The discharge of electrostatic energy accumulated  
on the human body, clothing, or other surfaces can  
damage or destroy the printhead or electronic  
components used in this printer. Avoid touching  
the electrical connectors while unpacking and  
setting up the printer.  
Product Identification  
The machine and serial number labels are attached to the  
printer’s rear plate, and contain information on type, model and  
serial number as well as AC voltage and frequency.  
Front View  
Side door  
Control  
LEDs  
Print  
Button  
EasyCoder PD41: Front view  
4
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Chapter 1 — Getting Started  
Controls and Indicators  
Front panel: LEDs and Print button.  
The blue button on the front panel is the Print button, which  
also functions as a control button in Testmode. The significance  
of each of the four LEDs surrounding the Print button is  
described in the table below. A more complete description of the  
LEDs can be found in Chapter 2.  
Control LEDs  
LED name  
Light Color Symbol Function  
Power  
Green  
Green  
Red  
Power indicator.  
Ready/Data  
Error  
Printer ready.  
Error indicator.  
Ready-to-Work™ Blue  
IntermecReady-to-Work™  
indicator.  
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Chapter 1 — Getting Started  
Rear View  
Intake for  
external  
media supply  
Side door  
Machine  
labels  
EasyCoder PD41: Rear View  
Connectors  
Ethernet RJ-45 connector  
USB port  
MAC address label  
Serial RS-232 port  
Parallel IEEE 1284 port  
I
O
Compact Flash slot  
Power On/Off switch  
AC power cord socket  
Rear view: Connection sockets  
6
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Chapter 1 — Getting Started  
Media Compartment  
Ink position lever  
Edge guide  
Media supply post  
Ribbon supply shaft  
Ribbon rewind shaft  
EasyCoder PD41: Media Compartment  
Print Mechanism  
Ribbon  
rod  
Label taken  
sensor  
Media  
feed  
rods  
Printhead  
balance boxes  
Printhead  
lever  
Tear bar  
Thermal printhead  
EasyCoder PD41: Print Mechanism  
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Chapter 1 — Getting Started  
Installing the Printer  
Plugging in the Printer  
1 Make sure the Power Switch is turned off.  
2 Connect the power cable to the printer.  
3 Plug the power cable into your electrical outlet.  
3
1
2
Connecting the Printer to your System  
The EasyCoder PD41 is fitted with a USB Type B connector for  
the USB interface port and one 9-pin D-style subminiature  
(DB9) socket for the RS-232 serial interface port. In addition to  
this the printer is, depending on configuration, fitted with a 36-  
pin Centronics socket for the parallel (IEEE 1284) port and/or  
an RJ-45 socket for the Ethernet network connection.  
Information on the socket and connector types can be found in  
Appendix D, “Interfaces.”  
8
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Chapter 1 — Getting Started  
Connecting the Printer through the USB interface  
In order to use the USB connection, you need to install the  
Intermec InterDriver software on your computer. This can be  
found on the PrinterCompanion CD along with instructions on  
how to install it. The USB interface is not suitable for terminal  
connections and thus not for programming.  
Connecting the Printer to a Network  
The printer is set to automatically receive an IP number from the  
network (DHCP). The blue Ready-to-Work LED is lit steadily if  
the printer has been succesfully connected to the network. The IP  
number will be printed on the test label (see next section on how  
to print test labels), which can be used to check the printer’s  
settings on the printer home page. This is accessed by entering  
the printer’s IP number in the adress field of your web browser,  
for example http://255.255.255.001  
If your network does not assign IP numbers automatically, or the  
Ready-to-Work indicator is flashing to indicate a network error,  
you can use PrintSet 4 (found on the Printer Companion CD) to  
correct the network settings. Alternatively, set up a terminal  
connection through the serial interface and use the Fingerprint  
SETUPcommand. See Chapter 5, “Configuring Setup”, or refer  
to the Intermec Fingerprint v10.X.X Programmer’s Reference  
Manual.  
The network connection can be used either with LabelShop or  
the Intermec InterDriver. It can also be used to directly send  
commands to the printer through a terminal connection, such as  
one established through the Windows HyperTerminal program.  
In this case, it utilizes the Raw TCP protocol through port 9100.  
Connecting the Printer through the Serial Port  
The serial connection can be used either with LabelShop or the  
Intermec InterDriver. It can also be used to directly send  
commands to the printer through a terminal connection, such as  
one established through the Windows HyperTerminal program.  
The printer’s default serial communication settings are: baud rate  
9600, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and no flow control. See  
Appendix C, “Setup parameters,” for more information.  
EasyCoder PD41 Printer User’s Guide  
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Chapter 1 — Getting Started  
Connecting the Printer through the Parallel Port  
Use the parallel interface (also referred to as“centronics”), with  
Intermec LabelShop or the Intermec InterDriver. The parallel  
port supports Windows plug-n-play and additional status  
reporting through IEEE 1284 nibble ID mode.  
Printing a Test Label  
In order to verify that the printer is fully functional and to obtain  
its current configuration, you can print a test label. This  
procedure is part of the Testmode function, described in full in  
Chapter 5.  
Printing test labels  
1 Switch off the printer’s power.  
2 Load media as described in Chapter 2, “Loading Media”.  
3 Press and hold down the blue Print button.  
4 Keep the Print button pressed down, and turn on the power  
switch. Do not release the print button until after about ten  
seconds when the printer enters Testmode and three of the  
front LEDs will start blinking one at a time.  
5 The paper type is specified by releasing the Print button at the  
cue of different LED flash patterns. In order to establish the  
correct media setting, release the Print button at the  
appropriate time according to the following table.  
Setting the Paper Type  
Flashing LED determines  
Media Type  
Data/Ready  
Green  
Labels with gap  
Error  
Red  
Tickets with black mark  
Continuos stock  
Ready-to-Work  
Blue  
The printer will print several test labels containing the  
printer’s setup parameters. It will then enter Dumpmode.  
6 Press the Print button once to exit.  
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Operating the Printer  
2
This chapter explains the basic operation of the printer. You will  
learn how to load media for different types of operation and  
familiarize yourself with the printer’s control LEDs and the Print  
button. This chapter covers the following topics:  
• Loading Media  
• LED indicators and the Print button  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
Loading Media  
The EasyCoder PD41 can print on labels, tickets, tags and  
continuous stock in various formats.  
Tear-Off (straight-through) Operation  
This section describes the case when media is torn off manually  
against the printer’s tear bar. This method is also known as  
“straight-through” printing. Different sorts of media can be used  
in Tear-Off operation:  
• Non-adhesive continuous stock  
• Self-adhesive continuous stock with liner  
• Self-adhesive labels with liner  
• Tickets with gaps, with or without perforations  
• Tickets with black marks, with or without perforations  
Tear-Off  
1
2
1
2
Open the side door.  
Pull out the printhead lever and turn  
it counterclockwise.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
Tear-Off, continued  
3
4
Lift the label feed guide.  
Load a media roll onto the media  
supply hub, pushing it all the way in.  
5
6
Lock the position of the media roll  
with the media edge guide.  
Guide the media through the rods.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
Tear-Off, continued  
7
8
Route the media through the print  
mechanism.  
If using fan-fold media, load it  
through the rear intake and route the  
media the same way as a media roll.  
9
10  
Reset the label feed guide and the  
printhead lever.  
Close the side door. Press the Print  
button to advance the media.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
Peel-Off (Self-Strip) Operation  
This section describes the case when self-adhesive labels are  
separated from the liner immediately after printing. The same  
procedure is followed when installing media for Batch Takeup,  
with the difference that both label and liner is rewound, and the  
label-taken sensor is not used. These modes of operation require  
an optional internal rewinder unit, see Appendix E, “Options.”  
This is also known as self-strip operation. The label-taken sensor  
can hold the printing of the next label in a batch until the present  
label has been removed. Only self-adhesive labels with liner can  
be used in peel-off operation.  
Peel-Off  
1
2
Remove the front cover.  
Open the cover, mount the media roll,  
and route the media through the  
media feed rods.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
Peel-Off, continued  
3
4
Route the liner through the print  
mechanism and back as shown  
above.  
Wrap the liner on the liner takeup roll  
and lock it in place.  
5
6
Reset the label feed guide and the  
printhead lever.  
Reattach the front cover.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
Peel-Off, continued  
7
8
Push in the location indicated above Turn the Label-Taken Sensor (LTS) to a  
to bring out the label-taken sensor.  
fully horizontal position.  
9
10  
Close the side door.  
Press the Print button to feed the  
media.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon  
Thermal transfer printing makes it possible to use a wide range of  
receiving face materials and gives a durable printout that is less  
vulnerable to fat, chemicals, heat, sunlight etc than direct thermal  
printing. Make sure to select a ribbon type that matches the type  
of receiving material and set up the printer accordingly.  
The EasyCoder PD41 can use transfer ribbon rolls wound with  
the ink-coated side facing either outward or inward.  
The ribbon is normally loaded in conjunction with a new media  
roll. For clarity, however, the illustrations below do not show the  
media roll. See the previous sections for information on how to  
load media for your type of operation.  
Loading Ribbon  
1
2
1
2
Open the side door.  
Pull out the printhead lever, and turn  
it counterclockwise.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
Loading Ribbon, continued  
3
4a  
Push the ribbon roll onto the right  
ribbon hub, and the empty ribbon  
core on the left hub.  
In case you are using ink-out ribbon,  
route the ribbon as shown here.  
4b  
5
In case you are using ink-in ribbon,  
route the ribbon as shown in this  
figure.  
Move the ink-position lever to the left  
for ink-out ribbon, and to the right for  
ink-in ribbon.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
Loading Ribbon, continued  
6
Reset the printhead lever to its  
original position. Close the side door.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
LED indicators and the Print Button  
The PD41 printer can be in the following “states”, which indicate  
its current mode of operation.  
PD41 Printer States  
State  
Explanation  
Power Off  
Upgrading  
TestMode  
Extended TestMode  
PUP  
Firmware is being upgraded.  
See Chapter 5 for description.  
See Chapter 5 for description.  
Power-UP (starting up)  
Idle  
Application running  
Printing  
Printing (wait for LTS)  
Waiting for label-taken sensor to indicate  
that label has been taken.  
Paused  
Error  
Paused during print job  
Error state  
LED indicators  
The four LED indicators will be turned on, off or flash  
depending on which state the printer is in. The Power LED will  
always be lit for all states except Power Off.  
The blue Ready-to-Work LED shows the operational status of the  
printer. In simple terms, it is lit when the printer is operational.  
When the Ready-to-Work indicator is turned off, or flashes, it  
indicates that the printer is not fully operational. There are a  
number of conditions that can cause this behaviour; refer to  
Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting” for a detailed explanation. It can  
also flash when in Testmode or Extended Testmode, see  
“Running Testmode” in Chapter 5.  
The red Error LED will be lit or flash when an error condition  
has occured. This will also cause the Ready-to-Work LED to flash  
or turn off.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
The green Ready/Data indicator will be turned on, off or flash  
depending on the printer’s current state. The behavior of the  
green Data/Ready and red Error LEDs is shown in the table  
below.  
Ready/Data and Error LED behavior  
State  
Ready/Data  
Error  
Power Off  
Upgrading  
Testmode  
Extended Testmode  
PUP  
Off  
Off  
LEDs turned on one after the other.  
See Chapter 5 for description.  
See Chapter 5 for description.  
On  
On/Flash  
On  
Off  
Off  
Off  
Off  
Off  
Off  
On / Flash  
1
Idle  
Application running  
Printing  
Printing (wait for LTS) Quick flashes  
Paused  
Error  
1
On/Flash  
2
3
Flash  
Off  
4
Footnotes on flashing LED behavior:  
1
Flashing with 50% duty ctycle, 0.8 second period when receiving  
data, synchronized with Ready-to-Work LED.  
2
3
Two fast flashes, 1.6 second period.  
Flashing with 50% duty cycle, 0.8 second period, not sycnhronized  
with Ready-to-Work LED.  
4
Error LED will be lit for Out of Paper, Out of Ribbon, Head  
Lifted, Cutter Error and Testfeed not Done conditions. Will flash  
as (2), when thermal printhead is too hot. Will flash as (3) for  
other error conditions caught by the Direct Protocol error handler.  
Print Button  
The Print button has different functionality depending on the  
printer’s state. Different actions can be specified by pressing the  
button less than and more than one second respectively.  
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Chapter 2 — Operating the Printer  
Print Button function  
State  
Button pressed < 1 s  
No action  
No action  
Button pressed > 1 s  
Power Off  
Upgrading  
Testmode  
Extended  
Testmode  
See “Running Testmode” in Chapter 5  
See “Running Testmode” in Chapter 5  
Idle  
Formfeed/Printfeed  
Testfeed  
Application  
running  
Defined by application  
Printing  
Paused  
Error  
Pause print job  
Continue print job Cancel print job  
See Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting”  
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Maintaining the  
Printer  
3
This chapter explains basic maintenance of the printer. By  
following the instructions in this chapter you avoid common  
problems, and increase the lifetime of your printer. This chapter  
covers the following topics:  
• General Maintenance Advice  
• Printhead Cleaning  
• Internal Cleaning  
• External Cleaning  
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Chapter 3 — Maintaining the Printer  
General Maintenance Advice  
In order to attain optimal productivity and a long life for your  
EasyCoder PD41, it is recommended that you regularly inspect  
the printer and its operation environment to ensure the printer is  
operated correctly.  
Read the EasyCoder PD41 Safety Instructions for basic operational  
safety requirements. Keep the printer in a dry area, away from  
larger electrical motors, welders and similar which might affect  
printer operation.  
Clean you printer regularly, as described in the procedures below,  
in order to maintain the quality of your labels and extend the life  
of your printer.  
Always unplug the power cord before cleaning the  
printer.  
Printhead Cleaning  
Cleaning the printhead on a regular basis is important for the life  
of the printhead and to maintain high printout quality. You  
should clean the printhead using cleaning cards or a cotton swab  
moistened with isopropyl alcohol, preferably each time you load  
a new supply of transfer ribbon.  
Isopropyl alcohol [(CH3)2CHOH] is a highly  
flammable, moderately toxic, and mildly irritating  
substance.  
Cleaning the printhead  
1 Open the side door.  
2 Remove the media and ribbon.  
3 Pull out the printhead lever and flip it counterclockwise a  
quarter of turn.  
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Chapter 3 — Maintaining the Printer  
4 Use a cleaning card or a soft cotton swab moistened with  
isopropyl alcohol to dissolve any contamination on the line of  
heat-emitting dots at the front/bottom of the printhead.  
5 Wait 30 seconds and carefully rub off any contamination.  
Repeat if necessary.  
Never use any hard or sharp tools to peel away  
stuck labels or similar,. The printhead is delicate  
and can easily be damaged.  
6 Allow the printhead to dry for a minute or more before  
loading a new supply of media and ribbon.  
Internal Cleaning  
Regular cleaning of the printer’s media compartment ensures  
smoother printing operation and avoids problems with media  
jams.  
Use a soft cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the  
inside of the printer. Be sure to keep the following parts clean:  
• Drive roller and tear bar.  
• Media edge guides and media path.  
• Label sensors.  
Isopropyl alcohol [(CH3)2CHOH;CAS67-63-0] is  
a highly flammable, moderately toxic, and mildly  
irritating substance.  
If there are stuck labels, or adhesive residue from labels, peel as  
much as possible with your fingers, and then use isopropyl  
alcohol to dissolve the remaining adhesive.  
External Cleaning  
Making sure to keep the printer clean externally will reduce the  
risk of dust or foreign particles reaching the inside of the printer  
and affect printer functionality.  
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Chapter 3 — Maintaining the Printer  
Use a soft cloth, possibly moistened with water or a mild  
detergent when cleaning the printer externally. Make sure to keep  
the surface surrounding the printer clean as well.  
If the printer is used in an environment where the  
premises are cleaned by a water hose or steam,  
move the printer to another room or cover it very  
carefully with a plastic sheet and make sure that the  
power cord is unplugged.  
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Troubleshooting  
4
This chapter helps to diagnose problems that may occur during  
printer operation and how to resolve them. This chapter covers  
the following topics:  
• Printer Operation Problems  
• Print Quality Problems  
• Troubleshooting Adjustments  
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Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting  
Printer Operation Problems  
The following table lists possible problems that affect the  
printer’s operation.  
Printing Operation Problems  
Problem  
Solution / Reason  
The Power control LED is • Check that the power cable is correctly  
not lit when power is  
switched on.  
connected to printer and electrical  
outlet.  
Error LED turns solid red • Check if printer is out of media or  
after printing.  
ribbon.  
• Check if media is jammed or tangled.  
• Check that the print mechanism is  
locked and closed correctly.  
• Check the cutter.  
• Check application.  
Label is jammed after  
printing.  
• Clear the media jam. If the label is  
stuck on the thermal printhead, clean  
as instructed in Chapter 3.  
When printing, labels are • Run a new testfeed by holding print  
skipped.  
button more than one second.  
• Check if label gap sensor is disturbed  
by dust or foreign particles.  
When using cutter, label • Check whether the media thickness  
was not cut straight.  
exceeds 0.25mm (9.8 mils).  
• Check if the media is loaded correctly.  
When using cutter, label • Check that the cutter is installed  
could not feed or  
abnormal cutting occurs.  
properly.  
• Check if paper feed rods are sticky.  
Clean as described in Chapter 3.  
Blue Ready-to-Work LED • See section later in this chapter  
blinks.  
regarding the Ready-to-Work LED.  
When using internal  
rewinder, abnormal  
function occurs.  
• Check that media is loaded correctly.  
Printer keeps printing or • Check media settings.  
feeding when it should  
stop.  
• Check label gap sensor position.  
• Sensors may be dirty.  
Printing is slow.  
• Check application.  
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Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting  
Print Quality Problems  
Print Quality Problems  
Problem  
Solution / Reason  
Printout is faded or weak • Check the media settings: Constant,  
Factor and Contrast.  
• Check if printhead needs cleaning.  
• Check printhead pressure.  
• Check printhead dotline position.  
Printer is working but  
nothing is printed  
• Check if media is placed upside down.  
• Ensure that the ink-side of the ribbon  
faces the media.  
• Select the correct media type, direct  
thermal or thermal transfer printing.  
• Check that the printhead is correctly  
connected to the print mechanism.  
Only partial labels are  
printed  
• Check printhead balance. See later in  
this chapter.  
Part of the images is not • Check if printhead needs cleaning.  
printed along the feed  
direction  
• Check that the ribbon does not  
wrinkle, and follow instructions on  
ribbon adjustments in this chapter.  
Printout darkness is  
uneven across media path  
• Check printhead balance.  
• Check printhead pressure.  
Printout is not in desired • Check for errors in printing software  
position  
application.  
• Check if label gap sensor is disturbed  
by media, dust or ribbon.  
• Check the lateral position of label gap  
sensor.  
• Check the edge guide and media guide.  
• Check the media (insufficient  
transparency, interfering preprint lines  
in black mark operation, etc.)  
• Check if platen roller needs cleaning or  
replacement.  
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Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting  
Ready-to-Work™ Indicator  
The blue Ready-to-Work LED is lit when the printer is  
operational. It can be turned off or flash in case something is not  
working as expected.  
Ready-to-Work LED Flashing or Off  
The Ready-to-Work indicator is set to flash when the printer is  
receiving data, as well as under several different error conditions.  
Normally, this is due to an IP link error, where the printer has a  
network card but has not yet received an IP number. Other  
causes may be that the printhead is lifted, or the media is loaded  
incorrectly. The Ready-to-Work LED will be turned off if the  
printhead temperature is too high. An error diagnosis can be  
obtained with the command SYSHEALTH$. Enter the line PRINT  
SYSHEALTH$ through a terminal connection to receive the  
printer’s Ready-to-Work status.  
Troubleshooting Adjustments  
This section describes in detail some of the solutions mentioned  
in the Troubleshooting tables above.  
Ribbon Wrinkling Adjustments  
The follwing two procedures can solve ribbon wrinkling  
problems.  
Ribbon Tension Adjustment  
1 Push the knob on the ribbon supply hub.  
2 Rotate it clockwise to increase breaking force or  
counterclockwise to decrease breaking force.  
Ribbon tension adjustment  
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Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting  
Ribbon Shield Adjustment  
The ribbon shield mechanism is located on the thermal  
printhead. It has two adjustable screws, A and B, as shown below.  
A
B
Ribbon shield adjustment screws  
If the label printout matches Test label A, turn screw A  
clockwise. If the printout matches Test label B, turn screw B  
clockwise. Turn the screw half a circle and perform a new test  
printing. Continue until you achieve a smooth printout quality.  
Screw adjustment must not exceed two full turns or paper may  
not feed smoothly. In such a case, turn the screws  
counterclockwise completely and start over the adjustment.  
Test Label A  
Test Label B  
1234567890  
1234567890  
Possible printouts due to ribbon wrinkling  
Clearing Media Jams  
Clearing Media Jam in Print mechanism  
1 Switch off the power to the printer.  
2 Pull the printhead lever out and turn it counterclockwise to  
lift the printhead.  
3 Pull out the media from the print mechanism.  
If the media has been wound up or is stuck on the platen  
roller, carefully remove it by hand without using any sharp  
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Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting  
tools that can damage the platen roller or printhead. Avoid  
rotating the platen roller.  
Take care to avoid causing the platen roller to  
rotate. The electronic components may be  
damaged permanently.  
4 Cut off any damaged or wrinkled part of the media.  
5 Check to see if there is any adhesive somewhere in the print  
mechanism. If so, follow the cleaning instructions in the  
section “Internal Cleaning” in Chapter 3.  
6 Reload the media as described in Chapter 2.  
7 Switch on the power.  
8 Readjust the media feed by pressing the Print button.  
Printhead Adjustments  
A correctly adjusted printhead is crucial for obtaining optimal  
printout quality.  
Adjusting Printhead Balance  
The printer is factory-adjusted for full-size media width. When  
using media less than full-width, it is recommended that you  
adjust the position of the printhead balance boxes in order for the  
printhead to be equally pressured against full media width.  
Printhead balance might be poorly adjusted if the printout is  
weaker on one side of the media path.  
To adjust the printhead pressure, follow these steps:  
1 Open the side door.  
2 If transfer ribbon has been installed, remove it.  
3 Lift the printhead by pulling the printhead lever out and  
flipping it a quarter of a turn counterclockwise.  
4 Move the balance box on the right side (outer) top the right  
(outward) for wider media, and inwards (to the left) for  
narrower media.  
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Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting  
Balance  
box  
5 Engage the printhead and load the ribbon.  
6 Test and readjust if necessary. (Tip: Use direct thermal media  
to avoid loading and unloading of ribbon multiple times.)  
Adjusting Printhead Pressure  
The pressure of the thermal printhead against the platen roller is  
factory-adjusted. However, if the printing is weaker on one side  
of the media, or if the thermal transfer ribbon starts to crease  
(indicated by unprinted white streaks along the media feed  
direction), it may be necessary to readjust the printhead pressure.  
Note: Before readjusting the printhead pressure, try  
the to move the outer balance box as described in  
Adjusting Printhead Balance procedure.  
1 Open the side door.  
2 Remove the ribbon.  
3 Lift the printhead by pulling the printhead lever out and  
flipping it a quarter of a turn counterclockwise.  
4 Use a straight-slot screwdriver to turn the screw at the top of  
the balance boxes clockwise to increase the pressure, or  
counterclockwise to decrease the pressure.  
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Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting  
5 Engage the printhead and load the ribbon.  
6 Test and readjust if necessary. (Tip: Use direct thermal media  
to avoid loading and unloading of ribbon multiple times.)  
Adjusting Printhead Dot Line  
When using thick or stiff media, the printhead needs to be  
moved forward so the dot line is aligned precisely with the top of  
the platen roller. They must of course be perfectly parallel as well.  
1 Open the side door.  
2 Remove the ribbon and engage the printhead.  
3 Use a straight-slot screwdriver to turn the two screws at the  
top of the printhead bracket counterclockwise a single turn.  
4 Lift the printhead by pulling the printhead lever and flipping  
it counterclockwise a quarter of a turn.  
5 Carefully turn both screws at the front of the printhead  
clockwise a quarter of a turn at a time (a full turn  
corresponds to 0.55 mm, which is a lot). Make sure to make  
identical adjustments on both screws. If you are unsure,  
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Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting  
tighten both screws completely by turning them  
counterclockwise as far as they go and start over.  
6 Engage the printhead and lock the printhead by tightening  
the two screws at the top of the printhead bracket, that is, the  
reverse action of step 3.  
7 Load the ribbon (if any).  
8 Test and readjust if necessary. (Tip: Use direct thermal media  
to avoid loading and unloading of ribbon multiple times.)  
Label Gap Sensor Adjustments  
The label gap/black mark sensor (also called Label Stop Sensor -  
LSS) is a photoelectric sensor that controls the printer’s media  
feed by detecting gaps between labels, or slots or black marks in  
continuous stock. This requires the label gap sensor to be aligned  
with the gaps, slots or marks on the media. If you are using  
irregularly shaped labels, align the sensor with the front tip of the  
labels.  
Adjusting Label Gap Sensor Position  
1 Use the lever at the rear side of the print mechanism to move  
the sensor inward or outward.  
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Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting  
Sensor lever  
2 Check the point of detection from the front (with the  
printhead lifted.)  
Point of  
detection  
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Setting up the Printer  
5
The EasyCoder PD41 has many settings that control printer  
operation, communication settings, media types and more. This  
chapter describes the printer’s startup sequence and explains how  
to set or change setup parameters. It also includes a description of  
the two Testmodes available, and a guide on firmware upgrading.  
This chapter covers the following topics:  
• The Printer Startup Sequence  
• Changing Configuration Settings  
• Running Testmode  
• Upgrading Firmware  
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Chapter 5 — Setting up the Printer  
The Printer Startup Sequence  
When switched on, the printer will go through a sequence of  
steps in order to decide what settings should be set and what  
application (if any) should be started.  
Printer Startup Sequence  
1 Check for firmware binary on CompactFlash card. If so,  
upgrade.  
Note: If the CompactFlash contains an earlier  
firmware version than one installed in the printer,  
the printer’s firmware will be downgraded.  
2 Check if printhead is lifted and button is pressed. If so, go to  
Extended Testmode, otherwise continue startup with step 3.  
3 Check for the presence of a startup file (autoexec.bat), first on  
CompactFlash, then on “c/”. If so, run the startup file.  
4 Check to see if button is pressed. If so, go to Testmode.  
5 Continue Power-Up. Check APPLICATION file in “c/:” for  
program file name. If found, run. If empty, go to idle state.  
You can thus control the printer’s behavior after startup by  
creating an autoexec.bat file and saving it on a memory card or in  
the printer’s permanent memory (device “c/”), writing an  
application name in the “APPLICATION” name, or choosing to  
go into Testmode.  
It is recommended to start custom applications by writing the  
name of the desired program (“ProgramName.PRG”) in the  
APPLICATION file in “c/”. See the Intermec Fingerprint v10.0.0  
Programmer’s Reference Manual to learn how to edit and save a  
file to the printer.  
Starting a custom application can also be done by creating a  
startup file (autoexec.bat) which will execute on startup. This file  
must contain Fingerprint commands that are interpreted  
immediately. Normal commands are LOAD and RUN. See the  
Intermec Fingerprint v10.0.0 Programmer’s Reference Manual to  
learn how to create and save such a file to the printer.  
The process of entering and using Testmode and Extended  
Testmode is described later in this chapter.  
40  
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Chapter 5 — Setting up the Printer  
Changing Configuration Settings  
The complete list of setup options can be found in Appendix C.  
Depending on the communication method you use with your  
printer, you can set configuration settings with different  
methods.  
Using PrintSet 4  
The recommended way to set your printer’s configuration is to  
use the included PrintSet 4 program. PrintSet 4 can  
communicate with your printer either via a serial cable or a  
network connection. You will find PrintSet 4 on the Printer  
Companion CD, and on the Intermec website. This printer  
configuration program works on Windows (2000 and XP)  
computers, and allows you to easily change all of the setup  
parameters. It also includes setup wizards, which guide you  
through common configuration tasks.  
Using the Printer’s Home Page  
If you have a network option and the printer is available on the  
network, you can browse to the printer’s home page: Just enter  
the printer’s IP number in your browser’s adress field. There you  
can enter the configuration page and change the settings. You  
will need the printer’s administrator username and password.  
Using the Command Line  
You can change setup parameters by sending Fingerprint  
commands directly through your terminal program (either  
through serial or network connection). The Fingerprint  
command to use is SETUP, and should be followed by the node  
and its values you want to set. For example:  
SETUP “MEDIA,MEDIA TYPE,LABEL (w GAPS)”  
The SETUPis used to both write and read setup parameters. It  
can also be used with setup files in which all configuration  
parameters are set. For more information on how to use the  
SETUP command, see the Fingerprint v10.X.X Programmer’s  
Reference Manual.  
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Chapter 5 — Setting up the Printer  
Running Testmode  
You can check certain settings, print a test label, or enter the  
dump mode for troubleshooting purposes by using the printer  
testmodes. Two testmodes are available, Testmode and Extended  
Testmode.  
Testmode  
Normal testmode is used to select the media type, to print test  
labels, and to enter dump mode. Testmode is entered by pressing  
the Print button while switching the printer’s power on. This  
starts the Testmode which will go through a sequence of actions;  
these can be controlled by pressing the Print button at the cue of  
different LED flash patterns. The sequence of steps in testmode is  
shown in the tables below:  
Testmode: Activating  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW Button Comment  
1
1
Make sure the printhead  
lever is lowered. Press and  
hold the Print button and  
switch the printer On.  
Testmode is activated after  
10 seconds.  
2
1
1
1
LEDs flash fast one at a time.  
Keep button pressed.  
Testmode: Selecting Media Type  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW  
Button Comment  
3
Release the button when LED corresponding to your media  
type flashes  
3a  
3b  
3c  
4
1
0
0
0
Labels with gaps.  
Ticket with mark.  
Variable length strip.  
1
1
The printer will automatically perform a sensor calibration  
(Testfeed) according to your selection, and will select thermal  
transfer printing if ribbons is installed, otherwise direct thermal.  
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Chapter 5 — Setting up the Printer  
Testmode: Printing Test Labels  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW  
The printer will then print four test labels after the testfeed in  
step 4. To skip any test labels tap the button.  
Button Comment  
5
Testmode: Running the Dump mode  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW  
Button Comment  
6
The printer is now in Dumpmode and the printer scans the  
communication ports. The printer will print any characters it  
received on the communication ports to a label when exiting  
dump mode.  
7
8
Tap the button once to exit Dumpmode. If you tap the button  
within two seconds of entering dump mode, no labels are  
printed.  
1
1
The printer will start as on  
rebooted status. When  
operational, Data/Ready  
and RtW will be lit.  
Extended Testmode  
The extended testmode can be used to run additional tests. This  
includes the option to print test labels, running a testfeed in slow  
mode, entering dump mode and resetting to factory defaults. The  
extended Testmode is entered by raising the printhead, and  
switching power on while keeping the Print button pressed.  
Extended Testmode will run a sequence which can be controlled  
via the Print button, and raising or lowering the printhead. The  
sequence of steps in the Extended Testmode follows in the table:  
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Chapter 5 — Setting up the Printer  
Extended Testmode: Activating  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW Button Comment  
1
1
Make sure the printhead is  
lifted. Press and hold the  
Print button and switch the  
printer On. Extended  
Testmode is activated after  
10 seconds.  
2
flash  
flash  
flash  
All 3 LEDs flash rapidly four  
times. Extended Testmode is  
activated. Release button to  
continue.  
Extended Testmode: Selecting Function  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW  
Button Comment  
3
flash  
flash  
flash  
0
LEDs flash fast four times,  
in four-second intervals.  
4
5
flash  
Lower the printhead.  
Press the Print button and  
hold.  
1
6
Release the button when LED combination corresponding to  
your choice of function flashes. Then see corresponding  
function table below.  
7a  
7b  
0
0
0
1
1
0
Test Label function.  
Testfeed Mode Slow  
function.  
7c  
7d  
7e  
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
Dump mode function.  
Factory default function.  
Exit Extended Testmode.  
The functions 7a-7e are described on the next page.  
44  
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Chapter 5 — Setting up the Printer  
Extended Testmode: 7a - Test Label Function  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW  
Button Comment  
7a  
1
LED flashes once per  
second.  
1
Tap the Print button, once  
for each of 7test labels.  
Press Print button and hold it to exit Test Label function and return to  
Step 6.  
Extended Testmode: 7b - Testfeed Mode Slow Function  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW  
Button Comment  
7b  
1
LEDs flash once per  
second.  
1
Tap the Print button to  
start Testfeed (Mode slow).  
Test label is printed.  
1
LED flashes once per  
second.  
Press Print button and hold it to exit Testfeed Mode Slow function,  
and return to step 6.  
Extended Testmode: 7c - Dumpmode Function  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW  
Button Comment  
7c  
1
1
LEDs flash once per  
second.  
1
Tap the Print button to  
start Dumpmode.  
The printer will autohunt the communucation ports.  
Tap the button to exit.  
Press >1 second to save dumpmode info.  
1
1
Leds flash once per second.  
Press button and hold it to exit this function and return to Step 6.  
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Chapter 5 — Setting up the Printer  
Extended Testmode: 7d - Factory Default Function  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW  
Button Comment  
LEDs flash once per  
second.  
7d  
1
Lift the printhead, tap the Print button, and lower the printhead.  
LEDs will flash.  
Tap the button. Printer will start resetting to factory defaults. This is  
indicated by scrolling LEDs.  
1
LED flashes once per  
second, indicating factory  
default reset is done.  
Press the button > 1 second to perform testfeed. When done, printer  
will be ready for use (out of Testfeed mode.)  
Extended Testmode: 7e - Exit  
Data/  
Step Ready Error RtW  
Button Comment  
7e  
1
1
1
1
LEDs flash once per  
second.  
1
Tap the Print button to exit  
Extended Testmode.  
The LEDs flash rapidly, and printer is ready for use.  
46  
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Chapter 5 — Setting up the Printer  
Upgrading Firmware  
The www.intermec.com web site contains the latest software that  
you can download for free.  
To download firmware updates  
1 Visit the Intermec web site at www.intermec.com.  
2 Click Service & Support > Downloads.  
3 In the Select a Product field, choose the EasyCoder PD41  
and you will be presented with the latest software available.  
4 Download the latest firmware version to your computer.  
5 Extract the zip file to a folder on your computer. Normally,  
three versions of the firmware are included with the following  
differences and naming convention:  
• No suffix: Normal firmware upgrade.  
• FD suffix: Firmware upgrade resetting Factory Default.  
Only applicable when upgrading through a Compact  
Flash card.  
• NU suffix: Boots with new firmware, yet printer returns to  
previous firmware version on reboot (No Upgrade). Only  
applicable when upgrading through a Compact Flash  
card.  
To upgrade the downloaded firmware to your printer, use any one of the  
following methods:  
• Use PrintSet 4 and follow the firmware upgrade procedure.  
• If you have a network connection, browse to the printer’s  
home page (see Chapter 2, “Network connection”), and select  
Maintenance. Upload the firmware file.  
• Copy the firmware binary file to a CompactFlash card. Turn  
the printer off, insert the card into the printer’s  
CompactFlash socket and switch on the printer. The printer  
will be upgraded automatically.  
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Chapter 5 — Setting up the Printer  
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Technical Data  
A
This Appendix lists technical specifications for the EasyCoder  
PD41. The appendix contains:  
• Table of Printer Specifications.  
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Appendix A — Technical Data  
Printer Specifications  
Printer Specifications Table  
Physical Dimensions  
Dimensions (WxLxH) 276 x 454.4 x 283.0 mm  
(10.85 x 17.9 x 11.2 inches)  
Weight (excl. media)  
13 kg (28.7 pounds)  
Power Supply  
Input Rating  
Power Consumption  
100-240 VAC, 3-1 A, 50-60 Hz  
• Stand-by : 12W  
• Normal operation/printing: 80W  
• Peak: 250W  
Printing  
Print Technique  
Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer  
Printhead Resolutions 8 dots/mm (203.2 dpi) or  
11.81 dots/mm (300dpi)  
Print Speed  
8 dots/mm (203 dpi) 50.8 to 152.4 mm/sec . (2 to 6 in./sec.)  
11.8 dots/mm (300dpi) 50.8 to 101.6 mm/sec. (2 to 4 in./sec.)  
Print Width Max.  
8 dots/mm (203 dpi) 104 mm (4.09 in.)  
11.8 dots/mm (300dpi) 105.7 mm (4.16 in.)  
Print Length Max.  
8 dots/mm (203 dpi) 1270 mm (50 in.)  
11.8 dots/mm (300dpi) 558.2 mm (22 in.)  
Modes of Operation  
Tear-Off (Straight-  
through)  
Yes  
Cut-off  
Option with cutter  
Peel-Off (self-strip)  
Option with internal  
rewinder  
Firmware  
Operating System  
Fingerprint v10.0.X  
IncludesDirect  
Protocol  
Smooth Fonts  
TrueType and TrueDoc fonts  
50  
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Appendix A — Technical Data  
Printer Specifications Table  
Resident scaleable fonts 15  
Character Sets  
• 23 single-byte character sets standard.  
• UTF-8 support as standard.  
Resident Bar Codes  
61  
Environment  
Operating temperature +5°C to +40°C (+41°F to 104°F)  
Storage temperature  
Operating Humidity  
Storage Humidity  
-20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 122°F)  
20 to 80% non-condensing  
10 to 90% non-condensing  
Media  
Media width  
25 to 118 mm (1 to 4.65 inches)  
Max 114mm (4.49 in.) with cutter.  
213 mm (8.35 in.) max.  
Media Roll diameter  
190 mm (7.5 in.) with internal rewinder.  
Max 140 mm (5.51 in.)  
Internal Rewinder  
diameter  
Media Roll Core  
Diameter  
38.1 to 76.2 mm (1.5 to 3 in.)  
Media Thickness  
60 μm to 250 μm (2.3 to 9.8 mils)  
Transfer Ribbon  
Material  
Wax, hybrid, or resin  
Winding  
Ribbon width  
Ink on either inside or outside of roll  
30 to 110 mm (1.18 to 4.33 in.)  
Ribbon Roll Diameter 76 mm (2.99 in.) equivalent to 450 meters  
(outer)  
(1471 ft) of ribbon.  
Inner core Diameter  
25.2 to 25.6 mm (1 in.)  
Sensors  
Label Gap/Black Mark/ Yes  
Out of Media  
Printhead Lifted  
Label Taken  
Ribbon End  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Controls  
LED indicators  
Keys  
4: Power, Data/Ready, Error, Ready-to-Work  
One  
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Appendix A — Technical Data  
Printer Specifications Table  
Electronics  
Micropocessor  
ARM 9  
Standard Memory  
4 MB Flash, 8 MB SDRAM.  
Interfaces  
RS-232 Serial  
USB  
Yes  
Yes  
Ethernet  
IEEE 1284 Parallel  
CompactFlash  
Yes/Option  
Yes/Option  
Yes  
Accesories and Options  
Internal Rewinder and Batch Takeup  
Cutter  
Printhead 203/300 dpi  
EasyLAN Ethernet Interface  
Parallel IEEE 1284 Interface  
52  
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Media Specifications  
B
This appendix illustrates the different media types the EasyCoder  
PD41 can operate with, and states the allowed dimensions of the  
paper, ribbon and rolls. This appendix covers the following  
topics:  
• Media Roll Sizes  
• Paper Types and Sizes  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
Media Roll Sizes  
The media roll must comply with the following dimensions:  
Media roll dimensions  
Core  
Diameters:  
Width:  
38 to 76.2 mm (1.5 to 3 inches)  
Must not protrude outside the media.  
Internal Roll  
Max. diamater  
Max diameter with  
internal rewinder  
212 mm  
190 mm  
8.35 inches  
7.5 inches  
Max. width  
Max. width with cutter  
Min. width  
118 mm  
114 mm  
25 mm  
4.65 inches  
4.49 inches  
1.00 inches  
Thickness  
60 to 250 μm  
2.3 to 9.8 mils  
Thicker media may be used, but print quality will be reduced.  
the stiffness is also important, and must be balanced against  
thickness to maintain print quality.  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
The media supply must not be exposed to sand, dust, grit etc.  
Any hard particles, no matter how small, can damage the  
printhead.  
Ribbon Size  
The core of the ribbon must be 25.2-25.6 mm (1 inch), as the  
empty ribbon core included in the box. The outer dimensions of  
the ribbon roll may be:  
Max. diameter  
Max. width  
Min. width  
76 mm  
110 mm  
30 mm  
2.99 inches  
4.33 inches  
1.18 inches  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
Paper Types and Sizes  
Non-Adhesive Strip  
a: Media Width  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
118.0 mm  
25.0 mm  
4.65 inches  
1.00 inches  
Paper Type Setup  
• Variable length strip  
• Fixed length strip  
NON-ADHESIVE  
STRIP  
Non-adhesive strip  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
Self-Adhesive Strip  
a: Media Width  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
118.0 mm  
25.0 mm  
4.65 inches  
1.00 inches  
b: Liner  
The liner must extend evenly on both sides and not more than a total  
of 1.6 mm (0.06) inches outside the face material.  
c: Media Width (excluding liner)  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
116.4 mm  
23.8 mm  
4.58 inches  
0.94 inches  
Paper Type Setup  
• Variable length strip  
• Fixed length strip  
SELF-ADHESIVE  
STRIP  
Self-adhesive strip  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
Self-Adhesive Labels  
a: Media Width  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
118.0 mm  
25.0 mm  
4.65 inches  
1.00 inches  
b: Liner  
The liner must extend evenly on both sides and not more than a total  
of 1.6 mm (0.06) inches outside the face material.  
c: Label Width (excluding liner)  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
116.4 mm  
23.8 mm  
4.58 inches  
0.94 inches  
d: Label Length  
8 dots/mm (203 dpi)  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
1270 mm*  
6 mm  
50 inches  
0.2 inches  
11.81 dots/mm (300 dpi)  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
558.8 mm*  
6 mm  
22 inches  
0.2 inches  
* This is the print length limit set by memory constraints.  
e: Label Gap  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
Recommended:  
26.0 mm  
1.2 mm  
3.0 mm  
1.02 inches  
0.05 inches  
0.12 inches  
The Label Gap sensor must be able to detect the front edges of  
the labels. It can be moved 0 to 57 mm (0 to 2.24 inches) from  
the inner edge of the media.  
Paper Type Setup  
• Labels with Gaps  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
a
c
d
e
SELF-ADHESIVE  
LABELS  
b
b
FEED  
DIRECTION  
Self-adhesive Labels  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
Tickets with Gaps  
a: Media Width  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
118.0 mm  
25.0 mm  
4.65 inches  
1.00 inches  
b: Copy Length  
8 dots/mm (203 dpi)  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
1270 mm*  
6 mm  
50 inches  
0.2 inches  
11.81 dots/mm (300 dpi)  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
558.8 mm*  
6 mm  
22 inches  
0.2 inches  
* This is the print length limit set by memory constraints.  
c: Detection Position  
Variable:  
0 to 57 mm 0 to 2.24 inches  
d: Detection Slit Length  
The length of the detection slit (excluding corner radius) must be  
minimum 2.5 mm (0.10 inches) on either side of the detection  
position.  
e: Detection Slit Height  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
Recommended:  
26.0 mm  
1.2 mm  
3.0 mm  
1.02 inches  
0.05 inches  
0.12 inches  
Paper Type Setup  
• Tickets with Gaps  
Note: Do not allow any perforation to break the edge  
of the media as this may cause the media to split and  
jam the printer.  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
a
b
d
c
e
TICKETS & TAGS  
FEED  
DIRECTION  
Tickets with Gaps  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
Tickets with Black Mark  
a: Media Width  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
118.0 mm  
25.0 mm  
4.65 inches  
1.00 inches  
b: Copy Length  
8 dots/mm (203 dpi)  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
1270 mm*  
6 mm  
50 inches  
0.2 inches  
11.81 dots/mm (300 dpi)  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
558.8 mm*  
6 mm  
22 inches  
0.2 inches  
* This is the print length limit set by memory constraints.  
c: Detection Position  
Variable:  
0 to 57 mm 0 to 2.24 inches  
d: Black Mark Width  
The detectable width of the black mark should be at least 5.0 mm (0.2  
inches) on either side of the Label Gap Sensor detection point.  
e: Black Mark Length  
Maximum:  
Minimum:  
Common:  
25.0 mm  
3 mm  
0.98 inches  
0.12 inches  
0.2 inches  
5 mm  
f: Black Mark Y-Position  
It is recommended that you place the black mark as close to the front  
edge of ticket as possible and use a negative Stop Adjust value to  
control the media feed, so the tickets can be properly torn off.  
Paper Type Setup  
• Tickets with Mark  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
Note: Preprint that may interfere with the detection  
of the black mark should be avoided.  
Note: the black mark should be non-reflective carbon  
black on a white or near-white background. Do not  
allow any perforations to break the edge of the media  
as this may cause the media to split and jam the  
printer.  
a
b
c
e
f
d
TICKETS  
WITH MARKS  
FEED  
DIRECTION  
Tickets with Black Mark  
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Appendix B — Media Specifications  
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Setup Parameters  
C
This appendix lists all of the setup parameters that you can  
configure to fit your operating environment. This appendix  
covers the following topics:  
• Setup Description  
• Serial Communication Setup  
• Feed Adjust Setup  
• Media Setup  
• Print Definitions Setup  
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Appendix C — Setup Parameters  
Setup Description  
The printer’s Setup parameters are used to set the printer’s  
operational behavior. Chapter 5, “Configuring Settings”,  
explains how to set or change the parameters, and this is also  
explained in the Fingerprint v10.X.X Programmer’s Reference  
Manual, under the SETUPcommand.  
Serial Communication Setup  
The serial communication parameters control the  
communication between the printer and the connected computer  
or other devices on the standard serial port, referred to as  
"uart1:".  
For the serial communication channel ("uart1:"), the following  
parameters can be set. Make sure they match the setup of the  
connected device or vice versa. If the setup of the printer and the  
setup of the host do not match, the response from the printer to  
host will be garbled.  
Baud Rate  
The baud rate is the transmission speed in bits per second. There  
are 10 options:  
• 300  
• 600  
• 1200  
• 2400  
• 4800  
• 9600 (default)  
• 19200  
• 38400  
• 57600  
• 115200  
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Appendix C — Setup Parameters  
Character Length  
The character length specifies the number of bits that will define  
a character. Eight bits are recommended, since that option allows  
more special characters and characters that are used exclusively in  
foreign languages. Refer to the Intermec Fingerprint v10.X.X,  
Programmer’s Reference Manual for more information.  
• 7 (Characters ASCII 000 to 127 decimal)  
• 8 (Characters ASCII 000 to 255 decimal). Default.  
Parity  
The parity decides how the firmware will check for transmission  
errors. There are five options:  
• None (default)  
• Even  
• Odd  
• Mark  
• Space  
Stop Bits  
The number of stop bits specifies how many bits will define the  
end of a character. There are two options:  
• 1 (default)  
• 2  
Flow Control  
RTS/CTS is a protocol in which communication is controlled  
via currents through separate lines in a cable that are set either to  
HIGH or LOW. By default, this option is disabled.  
CTS on the Printer is connected to RTS on the PC and vice  
versa. CTS HIGH from the printer indicates that the unit is  
ready to receive data.  
CTS LOW from the printer indicated that the receive buffer is  
full (see XON/XOFF). In some computer programs, e.g.  
Microsoft Windows HyperTerminal, RTS/CTS is designated  
"Hardware."  
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Appendix C — Setup Parameters  
XON/XOFF is a protocol in which communication is controlled  
by the control characters XON (ASCII 17 dec.) and XOFF  
(ASCII 19 dec.) 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).  
New Line  
Selects the character or characters transmitted from the printer to  
indicate a new line. There are three options:  
• CR/LF  
• LF  
ASCII 13 + 10 dec. (default)  
ASCII 10 dec.  
• CR  
ASCII 13 dec.  
Receive Buffer  
The Receive buffer stores the input data before processing. The  
size is 8192 bytes and cannot be changed.  
Transmit Buffer  
The transmit buffer stores the input data before processing.  
Default size is 8192 bytes and cannot be changed.  
Feed Adjust Setup  
The Feedadjust part of the Setup Mode controls how much of  
the media is fed out or pulled back before and/or after the actual  
printing. These settings are global and will be effected regardless  
of which program is run.  
Note: The firmware uses the front edges of labels with  
gaps, the ends of detection slots, and the forward  
edges of black marks for detection, all seen in relation  
to the feed direction.  
Start Adjust  
The Start Adjust value is given as a positive or negative number  
of dots. Default value is 0, which places the origin a certain  
distance back from the forward edge of the copy.  
• A positive start adjustment means that the specified length of  
media will be fed out before the printing starts. Thus, the  
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Appendix C — Setup Parameters  
origin is moved further back from the forward edge of the  
copy.  
• A negative start adjustment means that the specified length of  
media will be pulled back before the printing starts. Thus, the  
origin is moved towards the forward edge of the copy.  
Stop Adjust  
The Stop Adjust value is given as a positive or negative number of  
dots. Default value is 0, which stops the media feed in a position  
suitable for tear off operation.  
• A positive stop adjustment means that the normal media feed  
after the printing is completed will be increased by the  
specified value.  
• A negative stop adjustment means that the normal media feed  
after the printing is completed will be decreased by the  
specified value.  
Media Setup  
The media parameters tell the firmware the characteristics of the  
media that will be used, so that the printout will be positioned  
correctly and attain the highest possible quality.  
Media Size  
The size of the printable area is defined by three parameters; X-  
Start, Width, and Length.  
X-Start  
Specifies the position of the origin along the dots on the  
printhead.  
The default X-start value prevents printing outside the labels  
when the liner is slightly wider than the labels. If you want to  
maximize the print width, reset the X-start value to its default: 0.  
By increasing the value for the X-start parameter, the origin will  
be moved outwards, away from the inner edge of the media path.  
In other words, the larger X-start value, the wider inner margin  
and the less available print width.  
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Appendix C — Setup Parameters  
Width  
Specifies the width of the printable area in number of dots from  
the origin. Thus, the sum of the X-start and width values gives  
the outer margin of the printable area. The width should be set to  
prevent printing outside the media, which may harm the  
printhead.  
Length  
Specifies the length of the printable area in number of dots from  
the origin along the Y-coordinate and allocates memory space for  
two identical image buffers in the printer’s temporary memory.  
The size of each buffer can be calculated using this formula:  
Buffer size (bits) = [Print length in dots] x [Printhead width in dots]  
• The length setup also decides the amount of media feed when  
using “fix length strip.”  
• The length setup creates an emergency stop, which works  
when the printer is set up for “Label (w gaps)”, “Ticket (w  
mark)”, or “Ticket (w gaps).” If the label stop sensor has not  
detected a gap or mark within 150% of the set length, the  
media feed is automatically stopped to avoid feeding out a  
whole roll of media, due to sensor malfunction.  
By setting up the X-start, the Width, and the Length, you will  
create a print window inside which printing can be performed.  
Any object or field extending outside the print window in any  
direction will either be clipped or cause an error condition (Error  
1003 “Field out of label”), see Intermec Fingerprint v10.xx,  
Programmer’s Reference Manual.  
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Appendix C — Setup Parameters  
14 mm (0.55 in)  
max. 104.0 mm (4.095 in)  
PRINT  
WINDOW  
Length  
Origin  
Dot-line  
on printhead  
X-start  
Width (1-832 dots)  
FEED  
DIRECTION  
Dot #831  
Dot #0  
25-118 mm (1-4.65 in)  
Print Window: 8 dots/mm standard printhead  
Media Type  
The Media Type parameter controls how the label stop sensor  
(LSS) and the media feed work. There are five media type  
options, see also Appendix B, “Media Specifications”:  
• Label (w gaps) is used for adhesive labels mounted on liner.  
• Ticket (w mark) is used for labels, tickets, or continuous stock  
provided with black marks at the back.  
• Ticket (w gaps) is used for tickets and tags with detection slits.  
• Fix length strip is used for continuous stock where the length  
of the print window decides the length of media to be fed out.  
• Var length strip is used for continuous stock. The size of the  
print images decides the length of each copy.  
It is important to select the correct media type, so the printer can  
communicate the following errors.  
• Error 1005 “Out of paper” indicates that the last ordered  
copy could not be printed because of an empty media stock.  
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Appendix C — Setup Parameters  
• Error 1031 “Next label not found” indicates that the last  
ordered label or ticket was successfully printed, but no more  
labels/tickets can be printed because of an empty media stock.  
Paper Type  
The Paper Type parameters control the heat emitted from the  
printhead to the direct thermal media or, optionally, the transfer  
ribbon in order to produce the dots that make up the printout  
image.  
Labels, tickets, tags, strip, and ribbons for various types of  
application are available from Intermec. To attain optimal  
printout quality and extending the life of the printhead, use  
Intermec supplies. Heat setting recommendations for Intermec  
media can be found from the Intermec website:  
www.intermec.com/eprise/main/Intermec/Content/Products/  
Products_HeatSettings  
As a general rule, high energy and/or high print speed will  
shorten the life of the printhead. Never use incorrect paper type  
settings or higher print speed settings than necessary for  
obtaining an acceptable printout quality and throughput speed.  
If the ambient temperature is lower than +15°C (+59°F), decrease  
the print speed by 50 mm/sec.  
Start by choosing between two alternatives:  
• Direct Thermal printing (option)  
• Thermal Transfer printing (default)  
Note: It is highly recommended to use PrintSet 4 to  
set the Paper Type setup parameters. PrintSet 4  
includes a Print Quality Wizard that guides you  
through the process of improving printout quality.  
Your choice will decide which parameters to enter next:  
Direct Thermal Printing  
• Label Constant (range 50 to 115). Default 85.  
• Label Factor (range 10 to 50). Default 40.  
The following table gives initial recommendations for suitable  
settings.  
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Appendix C — Setup Parameters  
Direct Thermal Recommmended Settings  
Max Print  
Speed (203 Speed (300  
Max Print  
Paper  
Label  
Label  
sensitivity Constant Factor  
dpi  
dpi)  
Low  
Standard  
High  
100  
90  
80  
40  
40  
40  
40  
75  
50  
75  
100  
100  
100  
125  
150  
Ultra High  
70  
Use the above settings as initial settings and adjust the Label  
Constant if necessary.  
Thermal Transfer printing  
• Ribbon Constant (range 50 to 115). Default 90.  
• Ribbon Factor (range 10 to 50). Default 25.  
• Label Offset (range -50 to 50). Default 0.  
The following tables gives initial recommendations for suitable  
settings.  
Thermal Transfer Recommended Settings  
Max Print Max Print  
Ribbon Speed (203 Speed (300  
Ribbon  
Ribbon  
Constant  
Factor  
dpi  
dpi)  
Wax  
80  
90  
20  
25  
75  
100-150  
75  
75-100  
Hybrid  
(Wax/Resin)  
Resin  
100  
30  
150  
100  
The receiving material has been excluded from this table, since  
the ribbon has the largest impact for heat settings for thermal  
transfer settings.  
Use the above settings as initial values, and adjust the Ribbon  
Constant if necessary.  
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Appendix C — Setup Parameters  
Contrast  
Use the contrast parameter to make minor adjustments of the  
blackness of the printout, for example to adapt the printer to  
variations in quality between different batches of the same media.  
The options are values between -10% to 10% in steps of 2.  
Default value is 0%. The contrast is reset to the default value  
whenever a new paper type is specified, regardless which method  
has been used.  
Testfeed  
The Testfeed is a read-only parameter that indicates internal  
parameters for the Label Stop Sensor. These are automatically set  
when running a Testfeed (by pressing Print button more than  
one second.) It is very important to run a testfeed when switching  
from one media type to another.  
Testfeed Mode  
In certain unusual cases, a Testfeed may have been unable to  
succesfully identify gaps or marks in the media. It is thus possible  
to set the Testfeed Mode to Slow to allow the Label Stop Sensor  
to more easily identify media gaps/marks. The options are Slow  
and Fast (default).  
LEN (Slow Mode)  
When the Testfeed Mode is set to slow, the printer will sample  
the media length plus 10mm. You can change the sample length  
by specifying the number of dots in LEN(Slow Mode), the  
minimum being the number of dots corresponding to 10mm.  
The default (media length plus 10mm) is specified by the value 0.  
Print Definitions  
Print Speed  
The Print Speed is specified in mm/second. Allowed values are  
50-150 mm/s (2-6 ips) for the 203dpi printhead and 50-100  
mm/s (2-4 ips) for the 300 dpi printhead. Default is 100 mm/s  
(4 ips) and 75 mm/s (3 ips) for 203 and 300 dpi printheads  
respectively.  
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Interfaces  
D
This appendix describes the default interfaces, as well as the  
optional kits that add functionality to your EasyCoder PD41.  
This appendix covers the following topics:  
• RS-232 Serial Interface  
• USB Interface  
• EasyLAN Ethernet Interface (Option)  
• Parallel IEEE 1284 Interface (Option)  
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Appendix D — Interfaces  
RS-232 Serial Interface  
Protocol  
Default Setup  
Baud rate  
9600  
Character length 8 bits  
Parity  
None  
Stop bits  
Handshaking  
1
XON/XOFF and RTS/CTS  
To change the Serial settings, see Chapter 5, “Configuring  
Setup”.  
Interface cable  
The computer end of the cable depends on the computer model.  
The printer end is a DB-9pin plug, as shown below.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
9
7
8
RS-232 DB9-pins  
Signals on the printer’s serial port:  
DB-9 Signal Meaning  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
External +5V DC Max 500mA  
Transmit data  
Receive data  
TXD  
RXD  
GND  
Ground  
CTS  
RTS  
Clear to send  
Request to send  
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Appendix D — Interfaces  
USB Interface  
The printer supports USB v1.1 (also called USB 2.0 full speed).  
To use the USB interface to print from a PC, you need to have  
the Intermec USB printer driver installed on your PC. You will  
find this driver (InterDriver) on the Printer Companion CD  
along with installation instructions.  
The printer is a so called “self-powered device”. We recommend  
that you only connect one printer to each USB port on the host,  
either directly or via a hub. Other devices, like a keyboard and a  
mouse, can be connected to the same hub. If you need more than  
one Intermec USB printer to a host, you should use different  
USB ports.  
The USB cable included with the EasyCoder PD41 has a USB  
Type A connector on one end to connect to a PC, and a USB  
TypeB connector to connect to the printer.  
There is no communication setup for the USB port.  
USB Type A connector (connects to PC or hub)  
USB Type B connector (connects to printer)  
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Appendix D — Interfaces  
EasyLAN Ethernet Interface  
The EasyLAN Ethernet interface has an RJ-45 socket for use  
with a standard RJ-45 cable. The interface supports 10/100  
Mbps Fast Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX) and is fully  
compliant to the IEEE 802.3u standard. The network card MAC  
adress can be found on the label below the socket.  
Network status LEDs  
Ethernet RJ-45  
Ethernet RJ-45  
connector  
socket  
One yellow and one green LED indicate the network status.  
Network Status LEDs  
Green On:  
Green Off:  
Link  
No link  
Green Blinking: Activity  
Yellow Off:  
Yellow On:  
10BT  
100BT  
Parallel IEEE 1284 Interface  
The parallel port supports Windows plug-n-play and additional  
status reporting through IEEE 1284 nibble ID mode.  
Interface cable  
Parallel cable compatible with PC.  
Pinout Description  
Pin  
Function  
Transmitter Comment  
1
nStrobe  
Data 0-7  
nAcknowledge  
Busy  
Perror  
Select  
host  
host  
printer  
printer  
printer  
printer  
2-9  
10  
11  
12  
13  
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Appendix D — Interfaces  
Pinout Description  
Pin  
Function  
Transmitter Comment  
14  
nAutoFd  
15-16 Not connected  
17  
18  
Chassis ground  
External +5V DC  
Max 500mA  
19-30 Signal ground  
31  
32  
33  
nInit  
nFault  
Signal ground  
printer  
34-35 Not connected  
36 nSelectln  
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Appendix D — Interfaces  
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Options  
E
This appendix describes the options that add functionality to  
your EasyCoder PD41 Printer. For a complete description and  
installations instructions, see the respective installation  
instructions document for each kit. Please note that several of  
these options can only be factory-fitted or installed by an  
authorized service technician. This appendix covers the following  
topics:  
• EasyLAN Ethernet  
• Parallel IEEE 1284 Interface  
• Cutter  
• Internal Rewinder and Batch Takeup  
• Printhead Kit (203 or 300 dpi)  
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Appendix E — Options  
EasyLAN Ethernet Interface  
The EasyLAN Ethernet Interface kit adds network capability to  
your printer. See “Interfaces” in Appendix D.  
Parallel IEEE 1284 Interface  
This kit adds a parallel (“centronics”) port to your printer. See  
the “Interfaces” in Appendix D.  
Cutter Kit  
The Cutter is designed to cut off continuous paper-based stock  
or liner between labels. The paper cutter can be controlled using  
the instructions CUT, CUT ON and CUT OFF in Fingerprint  
(and Direct Protocol).  
Internal Rewinder  
The Internal Rewinder (and Batch Takeup) kit is an optional  
device for peel-off (self-strip) operation, which means that the  
labels are separated from the liner (backing paper) after printing  
and the liner is wound up on an internal hub. It can also be used  
to roll up complete batches of label rolls. The unit also includes a  
guide shaft. See Chapter 2, “Loading Media”, for instructions on  
how to load the media for peel-off operation.  
Printhead Kit  
The printer can be fitted with either a 203dpi or 300dpi  
printhead. These printheads use different PCBs (printed circuit  
board?). The printhead kit is thus available as a replacement kit  
(printhead only), or as a complete kit (printhead plus PCB).  
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Appendix E — Options  
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Corporate Headquarters  
6001 36th Avenue West  
Everett, Washington 98203  
U.S.A.  
tel 425.348.2600  
fax 425.355.9551  
www.intermec.com  
EasyCoder PD41 Printer User’s Guide  
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P/N 1-960652-00  
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