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UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
1
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
2
Information in this manual is subject to change without prior notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of UBI Printer AB.
© Copyright UBI Printer AB, 1996. All rights reserved. Published in Sweden.
EasyCoder and LabelShop are trademarks of United Barcode Industries (UBI).
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
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
3
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
4
UBI PRINTER AB • SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
Print
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
5
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
Print
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
Print
EasyCoder 401
Paper Cutter
(incl. LTS)
UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
6
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.
1
3
5a 5b
4
2
Power
Ready
Error
Print
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
7
PAPER LOAD, cont'd.
EasyCoder 401 LLT
6
8 9
7
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.
10
Power
Ready
Error
Print
EasyCoder 401
11
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.
2.
1.
UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
8
Feed out two blank labels by pressing the <Print> key
twice.
Power
Ready
Error
EasyCoder 401
Print
2x
# 1
# 2
PAPER LOAD, cont'd.
EasyCoder 401 LLT
12
13
Power
Ready
Error
EasyCoder 401
Print
Tear of the labels by pulling down at the outer side.
UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
9
PAPER LOAD
EasyCoder 401 LLC
Open the cutter unit and the right-hand door.
1
3
5a 5b
4
2
Print
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
10
PAPER LOAD, cont'd.
EasyCoder 401 LLC
6
8
10 11
9
Turn the printhead lift knob to “Print” position.
7
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
n
for the quality of printing bar codes and a long life of the printhead. UBI has carefully matched
th
paper we recommend/provide to the needs of this printer. We therefore strongly advise of usi
n
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).
2.
1.
UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
11
PAPER LOAD, cont'd.
EasyCoder 401 LLC
12
13
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.
Print
Power Ready Error
-
2x
# 2
# 1
UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
12
Load
Print
PRINTHEAD CLEANING
Open the front and right-hand doors.
1
3 4
2
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
3
)
2
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
Print
EasyCoder 401
UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
13
Load
Print
2.5 cm
(1")
1.
2.
Print
Load
Print
2.5 cm
(1")
1.
2.
Print
Load
Print
1.
Load
Print
PRINTHEAD CLEANING, cont'd.
5
7
9 10
8
6
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.
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
30 s.
UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
14
Power
Ready
Error
EasyCoder 401
Print
UBI PRINTER AB • SWEDEN
Type
Art. No.
Ser. No.
115/230 V 2.6/1.3 A 50–60 Hz
EXTERNAL CLEANING
1
3
4
2
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
15
CUTTER CLEANING
EasyCoder 401 LLC
Open the cutter.
1
3 4
2
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
1
. 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
1
.
Close the anvil blade and lock it with the brace.
Then close the cutter.
Print
Power Ready Error
-
1
/. 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.
Print
Power Ready Error
-
UBI EasyCoder 401 Linerless – User's Manual
16
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
17
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
18
NOTES
/