UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless User manual

Brand: UBI

Model: EasyCoder 401 Linerless

Category: Print & Scan

Type: User manual

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless offers a lot of possibilities and can be used in a variety of ways. It is a direct thermal printer intended for printing linerless self-adhesive labels. The main difference between the models is that the Tear-Off model uses pre-perforated linerless strip, whereas the Cutter model has an automatic paper cutter. Linerless printing eliminates the liner, that usually protects the adhesive side of self-adhesive labels, and is thus more economical with 60% more labels per roll, which gives fewer paper reloads. The environment also benefits from less waste.

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

CONTENTS

Introduction Presentation of the EasyCoder 401 Linerless models .................................. 3

Get to Know Your Printer Front View ................................................................................................. 4

Rear View .................................................................................................. 4

Paper Stock Compartment .......................................................................... 5

Paper Load EasyCoder 401 Linerless Tear-Off (LLT).................................................... 6

EasyCoder 401 Linerless Cutter (LLC)....................................................... 9

Maintenance Printhead Cleaning ................................................................................... 12

External Cleaning ..................................................................................... 14

Cutter Cleaning ........................................................................................ 15

Printhead Replacement ............................................................................. 16

Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 17

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless

User's Manual

Edition 1, March 1996

Article No. 1-960408-00

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

Information in this manual is subject to change without prior notice and does not represent a

commitment on the part of UBI Printer AB.

EasyCoder and LabelShop are trademarks of United Barcode Industries (UBI).

Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Speedo is a trademark of Bitstream, Inc.

TrueType is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

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.

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

INTRODUCTION

The UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless printers come in

two main models:

• EasyCoder 401 Linerless Tear-Off (LLT)

• EasyCoder 401 Linerless Cutter (LLC)

Both models are direct thermal printers intended for

printing linerless self-adhesive labels. The main

difference between the models is that the Tear-Off

model uses pre-perforated linerless strip with black

marks which is manually torn off, whereas the

Cutter model has an automatic paper cutter that cuts

off labels from continuous linerless strip with or

without black marks.

Linerless printing eliminates the liner (backing

paper), that usually protects the adhesive side of

self-adhesive labels, and is thus more economi-

cal with 60% more labels per roll, which gives

fewer paper reloads. Variable label length allows

for fewer label sizes in stock. The environment

also benefits from less waste.

The linerless paper gives higher resistance against

chemicals, scratching and UV light and a darker

image with longer life than common direct ther-

mal labels with liner.

EasyCoder 401 Linerless printers can be controlled

by a host computer using standard or custom-made

application software, e.g. the UBI LabelShop label-

design program for Microsoft Windows. Custom-

made applications can be written in the versatile

Basic-inspired UBI Fingerprint programming lan-

guage.

Optionally, the EasyCoder 401 Linerless printers

can be fitted with a scalable fonts kit that allows the

use of outline fonts in Speedo and TrueType format

and a real-time clock circuit. The Tear-Off model

can also be fitted with a label-taken sensor or a

paper cutter.

Information on the different options can be found in

the UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless Technical

Manual, which also describes installation and com-

puter connection.

The following manuals may be of interest to the

operator or programmer:

• UBI EasyCoder 401 LL, Operator's Guide

• UBI Shell Standard, Startup Manual

• UBI EasyCoder 401 LL Technical Manual

• UBI Fingerprint Direct, Programmer's Guide

• UBI Fingerprint, Programmer's Guide

• UBI Fingerprint, Reference Manual

• UBI LabelShop, various manuals

EasyCoder 401 Linerless Tear-Off EasyCoder 401 Linerless Cutter

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

UBI PRINTER AB • SWEDEN

Type

Art. No.

Ser. No.

115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz

Power Ready Error

EasyCoder 401

GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER

Print Key

Label Taken Sensor

(option for EC 401 LLT only)

Display Window

LED Indicator Lamps

Cutter Interface Connector

Front Door (or cutter)

The front door can be swung open and removed

from the hinges. In EasyCoder 401 LLC, it is

replaced by a cutter unit, see next page.

Continued!

Voltage Switch

Provision for Parallel Interface Board

Display Contrast Adjustment

Main Switch

Mains Receptacle

Machine Sign

Serial Interface Connector "uart1:"

This illustration shows an EasyCoder 401 LLT printer.

From behind, both models look identical.

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

The paper stock compartment becomes accessible when the

right-hand and front doors or cutter are swung open. Although

the printer is operable when the doors are left opened or

completely removed, you are strongly recommended to keep

them closed during normal operation, so as to prevent the printer

mechanism from being exposed to dust.

This illustration shows an EasyCoder 401 LLC printer.

An adapter for 76 mm (3") paper roll cores is included in the

delivery and can be fitted on the paper supply spool.

Lock the adapter by means of the screw, making sure that the

screw hits the evenly rounded plastic surface, rather than the leaf

spring or the cam.

Load

IMPORTANT PRINTHEAD AND RIBBON INFORMATION

The use of any thermal transfer ribbons, other than those supplied by UBI, will invalidate 

the printhead warranty. UBI thermal transfer ribbons are engineered specifically for this printhead.



The quality of thermal and thermal transfer media supplies in this printer is also of great importance 

for the quality of printing bar codes and a long life of the printhead. UBI has carefully matched the 

paper we recommend/provide to the needs of this printer. We therefore strongly advise of using

only UBI recommended/provided supplies to ensure a high quality printing.



TEAR-OFF

GET TO KNOW YOUR PRINTER, cont'd.

Paper Supply Spool

Printhead Lift Knob

Thermal

Printhead

Slack Absorber

Tear-Off Edge

Power

Ready

Error

EasyCoder 401

Paper Cutter

(incl. LTS)

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

PAPER LOAD

EasyCoder 401 LLT

Open the front and right-hand doors. Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.

Remove the empty paper core, if any.

In case of paper roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first

fit the adapter on the paper supply spool.Fit a new paper roll on the tip of the paper supply spool.

5a 5b

Power

Ready

Error

EasyCoder 401

Turn the label slack absorber clockwise

so it snap-locks into open position.

38-40 mm

(1.5")

76 mm

(3")

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

PAPER LOAD, cont'd.

EasyCoder 401 LLT

8 9

Push the paper inwards as far as it will go in the print

unit. Make sure that it runs under the label stop sensor.

Pull out the paper and thread it under the slack absorber

and through the print unit as illustrated. Then push the

roll inwards as far as it will go.

Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.

Release the slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide

ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play (2). Close the front and side doors.

Power

Ready

Error

EasyCoder 401

IMPORTANT PRINTHEAD AND RIBBON INFORMATION

The use of any thermal transfer ribbons, other than those supplied by UBI, will invalidate 

the printhead warranty. UBI thermal transfer ribbons are engineered specifically for this printhead.



The quality of thermal and thermal transfer media supplies in this printer is also of great importance 

for the quality of printing bar codes and a long life of the printhead. UBI has carefully matched the 

paper we recommend/provide to the needs of this printer. We therefore strongly advise of using

only UBI recommended/provided supplies to ensure a high quality printing.



TEAR-OFF

This diagram shows the label web path.

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

Feed out two blank labels by pressing the <Print> key

twice.

Power

Ready

Error

EasyCoder 401

# 1

# 2

PAPER LOAD, cont'd.

EasyCoder 401 LLT

Power

Ready

Error

EasyCoder 401

Tear of the labels by pulling down at the outer side.

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

PAPER LOAD

EasyCoder 401 LLC

Open the cutter unit and the right-hand door.

5a 5b

Power Ready Error

Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.

Remove the empty paper core, if any.

In case of paper roll with a 76.2 mm (3 inches) core, first

fit the adapter on the paper supply spool.Fit a new paper roll on the tip of the paper supply spool.

Turn the label slack absorber clockwise

so it snap-locks into open position.

38-40 mm

(1.5")

76 mm

(3")

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

PAPER LOAD, cont'd.

EasyCoder 401 LLC

10 11

Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.

Thread the paper through the cutter so the equivalent of

at least one label protrudes outside the cutter.

Pull out the paper and thread it under the slack absorber

and through the print unit as illustrated. Then push the

roll inwards as far as it will go.

IMPORTANT PRINTHEAD AND RIBBON INFORMATION

The use of any thermal transfer ribbons, other than those supplied by UBI, will invalidate 

the printhead warranty. UBI thermal transfer ribbons are engineered specifically for this printhead



The quality of thermal and thermal transfer media supplies in this printer is also of great importa

for the quality of printing bar codes and a long life of the printhead. UBI has carefully matched

paper we recommend/provide to the needs of this printer. We therefore strongly advise of usi

only UBI recommended/provided supplies to ensure a high quality printing.



TEAR-OFF

Push the paper inwards as far as it will go in the print

unit. Make sure that it runs under the label stop sensor.

This diagram shows the label web path.

Release the slack absorber (1). Adjust the green guide

ring so the paper is guided with a minimum of play (2).

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

PAPER LOAD, cont'd.

EasyCoder 401 LLC

Close the cutter unit while pulling at the end of the paper.

Close the right-hand door.

Feed out and cut two blank copies by pressing the

<Print> key twice.

Power Ready Error

# 2

# 1

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

Load

PRINTHEAD CLEANING

Open the front and right-hand doors.

3 4

Remove the paper supply.

Cleaning of the printhead on a regular basis, preferably in

connection with paper reload, is important for the life of the

printhead and for the printout quality. Below is a description on

how to clean the printhead by means of Cleaning Cards. If

additional cleaning is required, e.g. for removing adhesive

residue from the print roller, dispenser edge, or label path, use

a cotton swab moistened with isopropyl alcohol.

Caution:

Isopropyl alcohol [(CH

)

CHOH; CAS 67-63-0] is a highly

flammable, moderately toxic and mildly irritating substance.

Cleaning Card

This pre-saturated disposable Thermal Printer Cleaning Card is

designed to safely and effectively remove all dirt, ink, tape,

residue, adhesive and other contaminants from Thermal Print Heads.

This Cleaning card will improve print quality and the life of the

Thermal Print Head.

NOTE: For Thermal Transfer Printers, remove ribbon.

• Open pouch and remove EasyCoder Cleaning Card.

• Lift thermal printhead and insert EasyCoder Cleaning Card.

Lower printhead and press FEED or PRINT. If printer returns

an error message, repeat the procedure but press FEED

or PRINT before lowering the printhead. The printer will start

feeding after printhead is lowered.

• Allow a few seconds for EasyCoder Cleaning Card to dry,

then insert dry card for a second time, feed to remove remaining

contamination.

• Remove Cleaning Card and dispose of properly.

• Use EasyCoder Cleaning Cards before inserting every roll of label

stock or ticket stock.

– Works on all EasyCoder Printers –

Directions



RECOMMENDED USAGE:

SAFE • EASY • EFFECTIVE

PROTECTS YOUR EQUIPMENT

Turn the printhead lift knob to “Load” position.

Open the Cleaning Card pouch. The cleaning card

contains isopropyl alcohol, see “Caution” above.

Power

Ready

Error

EasyCoder 401

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

Load

2.5 cm

(1")

Load

2.5 cm

(1")

Load

PRINTHEAD CLEANING, cont'd.

9 10

Pull out the cleaning card. Repeat if necessary.

Insert most of the cleaning card under the printhead (1).

Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position (2).

Pull out the cleaning card (1) and turn the printhead

lift knob to “Load” position (2).

Insert the cleaning card under the printhead again (1).

Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position (2).

➨

Allow the cleaned parts to dry before

loading the printer with paper.

Wait for approx. 30 seconds.

30 s.

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

Power

Ready

Error

EasyCoder 401

UBI PRINTER AB • SWEDEN

Type

Art. No.

Ser. No.

115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz

EXTERNAL CLEANING

Always remove the power cord before cleaning!

Wipe external surface with a soft cloth moistened with

water and, if necessary, a mild detergent.

Never spray the printer. Protect the printer from water

when cleaning the premises.

Never use any sharp tools for removing stuck labels.

The printhead and the print roller are easily damaged.

TEAR-OFF

IMPORTANT!

It is recommended to clean all surfaces in contact with the paper, including the

rubber roller, from adhesive residue at an interval of max. 3 km of paper feed

(corresponds approximately to 20 full size paper rolls). Use a cleaning card or a lint-

free cotton swab or cloth soaked with isopropyl alcohol.

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

CUTTER CLEANING

EasyCoder 401 LLC

Open the cutter.

3 4

Disconnect the brace and open the anvil blade by

lifting the arm. Wipe clean the anvil blade with the swab.

Regular cleaning from adhesive residue at the cutting edge of the

anvil blade at an interval of approximately 50,000 cuts is

essential for troublefree operation. Use WD-40 or a similar

substance

. If additional cleaning of the interior of the cutter unit

is required, use a cotton swab moistened with isopropyl alcohol.

Caution:

WD-40 is an anti-corrosion spray lubricant manufactured

by WD-40 Company Ltd., Milton Keynes, England,

which contains 50% alifatic petroleum distillate.

It is highly flammable and may be harmful if inhaled or

consumed and at prolonged skin contact.

Before use, carefully read the warning text on the container.

Soak a cotton swab with WD-40 multi-spray or similar

Close the anvil blade and lock it with the brace.

Then close the cutter.

Power Ready Error

/. In food industry and retail applications

subject to specific regulations, the WD-

40 could be replaced with a pure

consumable vegetable oil. After dis-

solving the residue, carefully wipe clean

the anvil blade.

Power Ready Error

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

PRINTHEAD REPLACEMENT

The quick-mount thermal printhead is easy to replace:

• Turn off the printer.

• Open the front and right-hand doors.

• Lift the printhead and remove the paper stock.

• Turn the printhead lock handle counter-clockwise to open posi-

tion, see illustration.

• Remove the printhead assy carefully as far as the cables allow.

• Remove the two printhead cables by pulling at the connectors.

• If you want to change the lateral position of the printhead, move

the #T20 Torx screw to its alternative position.

• Connect the two cables to the printhead.

• Fit the replacement printhead assy back into the bracket so the

guide screw fits into its slot and the rear end of the assy is held by

the two lugs.

• Turn the locking handle clockwise to locked position.

• Load paper. Then lower the printhead.

• Turn on the power. At power-up, the printer will automatically

reset itself to the characteristics of the printhead in regard of head

resistance.

• Close the front and right-hand door and the printer is ready for

operation.

Lug

Guide Screw

Slot

Lug

Open Position

Lock Handle

Locked Position

Alternative position

for guide screw

Printhead assy

Slot (for alternative position

of guide screw)

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

TROUBLE SHOOTING

The list below is intended to help the operator to correct possible

printout troubles or flaws in printout quality, and to decide when

assistance from the Service dept. of the nearest UBI distributor

is required. Note that most problems are due to operating errors

or normal wear of the printhead.

Symptom Possible Cause Remedy Refer to

Overall weak printout Adhesive build-up on printhead Clean printhead User's Manual

Wrong Paper type setup Change setup Technical Manual

Low Contrast setup Change setup Technical Manual

Printhead pressure too low Adjust both knobs Technical Manual

Worn printhead Replace printhead User's Manual

Wrong printhead voltage Replace CPU board ☎ Call Service

Printout weaker on one side Uneven printhead pressure Adjust outer knob Technical Manual

Weak spots Foreign particles on paper Wipe paper clean n.a.

Paper fibres on printhead Clean printhead User's Manual

Poor paper quality Use other media Technical Manual

Worn printhead Replace printhead User's Manual

Worn pressing roller Check/replace ☎ Call Service

Overall dark printout Wrong Paper Type setup Change setup Technical Manual

Contrast setup value too high Change setup Technical Manual

Printhead pressure too high Adjust both knobs Technical Manual

Wrong printhead voltage Replace CPU board ☎ Call Service

Excessive bleeding Wrong Paper Type setup Change setup Technical Manual

Contrast setup value too high Change setup Technical Manual

Printhead pressure too high Adjust both knobs Technical Manual

Faulty energy control Replace CPU board ☎ Call Service

White lines along paper web Printhead dirty Clean printhead User's Manual

Missing dots on printhead Replace printhead User's Manual

Large part of dot line missing Wrong X-start or Width setup Change setup Technical Manual

Failing printhead Replace printhead User's Manual

Failing strobe signal Check CPU-board ☎ Call Service

Last part of label missing Too small image buffer Increase buffer Technical Manual

Printout missing along inner edge Bad paper alignment Adjust User's Manual

X-start setup value too low Increase Technical Manual

Paper jams in printer Adhesive residue on printer parts Clean User's Manual

Adhesive residue in cutter Clean User's Manual

Compressed printing along web Too high release force required Change paper n.a.

Inferior ladder bar code printing Linerless less suited for ladder bar codes Change the layout n.a.

Bad cutting Adhesive residue on anvil blade Clean User's Manual

Paper jams in cutter unit Adhesive residue inside cutter unit Clean User's Manual

Parts of labels stuck inside cutter unit Clean User's Manual

Cutter does not cut Safety switch defect or not activated Check arm is closed User's Manual

Check switch ☎ Call Service

Wrong UBI Fingerprint version (< 6.1) Check version UBI Shell Manual

Printer does not feed LTS erroneously detects label not taken Adjust LTS Technical Manual

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual

NOTES

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless User manual

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless User manual

UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless User manual

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