Honeywell PF4i troubleshooting guide: errors, faults and fixes

Short answer: The printer has run out of media: according to the Intermec guide, error 1005 indicates that the last copy requested could not be printed because the media has run out. Load a new roll, close the printer and press the Print button to feed the media and adjust the feed.

Likely cause

The Fingerprint version of the PF4i guide states that error 1005 “Out of paper” signals a copy not printed for lack of media, and that the correct media type must be selected for the printer to report this error correctly. In IPL, the display shows “Paper out” and the beep sounds until reloading begins.

What to do

1. Open the media cover and turn the printhead lever clockwise to raise the printhead.
2. Remove the empty core, fit a new roll and adjust the edge guide so that the roll is flush with the centre section.
3. Feed the media through the print mechanism, push it towards the centre section, then turn the lever anticlockwise to lower the printhead.
4. Adjust the green edge guide, close the cover and press Print. Full details are given in the loading labels entry.
5. Check that the media type set (Media Type) matches the media loaded; if you have changed media, run a testfeed (see the calibration entry).

The Intermec Fingerprint tutorial states that once the cause has been dealt with, the error message is cleared by pressing one of the print or feed keys (Print, Feed).

Sources: EasyCoder PF4i Compact Industrial User's Guide (Fingerprint Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, Fingerprint version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · Intermec Fingerprint v8.00 Tutorial – Intermec Fingerprint v8.00 tutorial (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: The printer has run out of transfer ribbon. Load a new ribbon roll, ink side down, then check that the paper type is set to thermal transfer: Transfer in Fingerprint, TTR in IPL.

Likely cause

The Intermec Fingerprint tutorial lists error 1027 “Out of ribbon” among the errors that can occur while printing or feeding the media. In IPL, the display shows “Ribbon out” and the beep sounds until reloading begins.

What to do

1. Open the media cover and raise the printhead (lever clockwise).
2. Remove the used ribbon and the empty cores.
3. Fit the new roll on the supply hub, ink side facing down in the mechanism, then follow the loading the ribbon entry.
4. Check in Setup that Media > Paper Type is set to Transfer (Fingerprint) or TTR (IPL).

The Fingerprint guide also describes error 1083 “Ribbon Low”: it only appears if the Low Diameter parameter is enabled, which is not the case by default, and it is then reported every ten prints.

Sources: Intermec Fingerprint v8.00 Tutorial – Intermec Fingerprint v8.00 tutorial (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · EasyCoder PF4i Compact Industrial User's Guide (Fingerprint Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, Fingerprint version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: The printhead is raised. Lower it by turning the printhead lever anticlockwise, close the printer, then press Feed as the message instructs. In Fingerprint, if the printer refuses to print, the i key displays the cause.

Likely cause

The IPL version of the PF4i guide associates the “Print Head UP/Press Feed” message with a raised printhead. The Fingerprint version cites a raised printhead and end of media as possible causes when the printer refuses to print a test label, and refers to the i key to identify them.

What to do

1. Open the media cover and check that the media and, if there is one, the ribbon pass correctly under the printhead.
2. Turn the printhead lever anticlockwise to lower and engage the printhead.
3. Close the media cover.
4. In IPL, press Feed as the message requests.
5. In Fingerprint, if printing does not resume, press the i key to display the cause.

On the PF2i/PF4i Mid-Range model, a Head Lifted alert can be enabled on the Printer > Alerts page of the web home page, so that you are notified by e-mail or by SNMP trap.

Sources: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · EasyCoder PF4i Compact Industrial User's Guide (Fingerprint Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, Fingerprint version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to the Intermec guide, error 1031 indicates that the last label or ticket requested was printed, but that no next label was found because the media has run out. Reload the media and check that the media type set matches the media loaded.

Likely cause

The Fingerprint version of the PF4i guide distinguishes error 1031, where the last label ordered was printed, from error 1005, where the last copy could not be printed. It states that the printer reports these two errors correctly only if the correct media type is selected.

What to do

1. Reload the media (see the loading labels entry).
2. Check the media type set (Media Type): labels with gaps (Label w gaps), tickets with black marks (Ticket w mark), tickets with slots (Ticket w gaps), fixed-length or variable-length strip.
3. If you have changed the type or brand of media, run a testfeed (see the calibration entry).
4. If the printer still does not detect the labels, check the position of the LSS sensor and that its guides are clean (see the LSS sensor entry).

Sources: EasyCoder PF4i Compact Industrial User's Guide (Fingerprint Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, Fingerprint version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · Intermec Fingerprint v8.00 Tutorial – Intermec Fingerprint v8.00 tutorial (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: On the PF4i, calibration is done with a testfeed: the printer feeds blank labels while adjusting the label sensor (LSS) and locating the front edge of the labels. Intermec recommends it after a change of media type or brand, or when the media feeds incorrectly: press Shift and Feed at the same time.

Likely cause

According to the Fingerprint version of the PF4i guide, the sensitivity of the label stop sensor (LSS) may need readjusting when you switch from one media to another, especially for labels whose liner is more or less transparent; this is what the testfeed does.

Official calibration procedure (testfeed)

1. Load the media and check that the media type set (Media > Media Type) matches the media in use.
2. Press Shift (S) and Feed (F) at the same time: the printer feeds blank labels and adjusts the media feed.
3. The testfeed can also be started from the Testfeed menu in Setup, by pressing Enter, or with the Testfeed parameter on the printer's web home page (Web Shell).
4. If the media still does not feed correctly, check the position of the LSS sensor and clean the media guides (see the LSS sensor entry).

The PF2i/PF4i manual refers to the keypad keys by letters: F for Feed, S for Shift, T to enter and exit Setup, E to confirm a choice.

Sources: PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) · EasyCoder PF4i Compact Industrial User's Guide (Fingerprint Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, Fingerprint version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: The LSS sensor moves sideways across five fixed positions, from 3 to 20 mm from the inner edge of the media, and its two parts must be in the same position. If the printer feeds labels unexpectedly, Intermec also asks you to check and clean the sensor's transparent guides.

Likely cause

The LSS detects the gaps or marks in the media through transparent guides. A position unsuited to the media, or guides obstructed by dust, stuck labels or adhesive, interfere with detection. For irregularly shaped labels, align the sensor with the front of the labels.

Caution: Do not use any chemical other than isopropyl alcohol. According to Intermec, it is highly flammable, moderately toxic and mildly irritating.

Official procedures

1. Position: with a small screwdriver, push each part of the sensor inwards as far as it will go, then pull it out while counting the clicks. A hole in the lower plate makes it easier to reach the lower part.
2. Detection points from the inner edge of the media: 1 click = 3 mm, 2 = 8 mm, 3 = 12 mm, 4 = 16 mm, 5 = 20 mm. Place both parts in the same position.
3. Cleaning: lift the inner part of the upper guide and pull it outwards to free it from the lower guide, without damaging the cable.
4. Tilt the upper guide upwards and clean the shaded areas with a cleaning card or a soft cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol, without scratching the guides.
5. Reassemble the guide in reverse order, then run a testfeed (see the calibration entry).

Source: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to the Intermec guide, the characteristics of the media may have changed: press the Print button to run the feed adjustment again. Then check the Label rest dots and Media Type parameters and the position of the LSS, and clean the media guides.

Likely cause

The troubleshooting table cites, in order: media whose characteristics have changed, an incorrect Label rest dots parameter, an incorrect Media Type parameter, an incorrect LSS position, dirty sensors, then faulty sensors.

What to do

1. Press the Print button.
2. Check the Label rest dots and Media Type parameters in Setup.
3. Check the position of the LSS sensor and clean the media guides (see the LSS sensor entry).
4. Run another testfeed (see the calibration entry).

When to call a technician: if feeding is still abnormal after these checks, the guide points to faulty sensors, to be replaced by the service centre.

Source: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: Open the media cover, raise the printhead with its lever, fit the roll against the centre section, feed the media under the printhead, lower the printhead and adjust the green edge guide. Close the cover and press Print to feed the media and adjust the feed.

Likely cause

The Intermec manual describes several loading modes: tear-off, tear-off with quick-load guides, peel-off, cut-off (PF4i only, with the optional cutter) and external supply, for example fanfold paper placed behind the printer.

Official procedure (tear-off mode)

1. Open the media cover.
2. Turn the printhead lever clockwise to raise the printhead.
3. Remove the empty core from the supply hub.
4. Fit the new roll on the hub and adjust the edge guide so that the roll is flush with the centre section.
5. Feed the media through the print mechanism and push it towards the centre section, as far as it will go.
6. Turn the lever anticlockwise to lower the printhead.
7. Adjust the green edge guide so that it guides the media with minimal play.
8. Close the media cover.
9. Press the Print button to feed the media and adjust the feed; tear off the media by pulling it downwards.

In Fingerprint, run a testfeed (Shift + Feed) after changing the media type or if the media feeds incorrectly. In IPL, the manual asks you to keep the label bearing the sensitivity number attached to the roll: this number is used to set the media sensitivity.

Source: PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: Raise the printhead, fit the ribbon roll with the ink side facing down, pass it over the transparent upper LSS guide and attach it to an empty core placed on the rewind hub. Then set the paper type to Transfer (Fingerprint) or TTR (IPL).

Likely cause

The PF4i prints either in direct thermal on heat-sensitive media or in thermal transfer with an inked ribbon, which gives a more durable print. The ribbon can be wound with the ink on the outside or on the inside; choose it according to the label material.

Official procedure

1. Open the media cover and turn the printhead lever clockwise to raise the printhead.
2. If necessary, remove the used ribbon and the empty cores.
3. Slide the roll onto the supply hub so that the ink side faces down in the print mechanism.
4. Pass the ribbon through the mechanism, over the transparent upper LSS guide, and pull out about 20 cm of leader.
5. Without letting go of the ribbon, turn the lever anticlockwise to engage the printhead and hold the ribbon in place.
6. Slide an empty core onto the rewind hub so that the ribbon winds on when the hub turns anticlockwise.
7. Raise the printhead to release the ribbon, then wind the ribbon on by hand until all the transparent leader has passed the printhead and the ribbon is taut.
8. Lower the printhead (lever anticlockwise) and close the media cover.
9. Set the paper type: press T to enter Setup, go to Media > Paper Type > Transfer (Fingerprint) or Media > Paper Type > TTR (IPL), press E, then T to exit.

Protect the media from dust and particles: according to Intermec, they degrade printing and cause unnecessary printhead wear.

Source: PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: Switch off the printer, raise the printhead and remove the media. If it is wrapped around the platen roller, free it by hand without a sharp tool; only pull it out by force, turning the roller, after the printer has been off for at least one minute. Clean off the adhesive, reload and switch back on.

Likely cause

The Intermec guide warns that turning the platen roller by pulling the media when the printer has only just been switched off can cause irreparable damage to the electronics.

Caution: Always switch off the power before clearing a jam. The guide points out that isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable, moderately toxic and mildly irritating.

Official procedure

1. Switch off the power to the printer.
2. Raise the printhead and remove the media.
3. If the media is wrapped around or stuck to the platen roller, remove it by hand, without a sharp tool and avoiding turning the roller.
4. If you have to pull the media out by force while turning the roller, wait until the printer has been switched off for at least one minute.
5. Cut off the damaged or creased part of the media.
6. Look for traces of adhesive in the mechanism and clean them off with a cleaning card or a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
7. Reload the media (see the loading labels entry), switch the printer back on and readjust the feed with the Feed/Pause button.

Source: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: The Intermec guide states that the ink side of the ribbon is not facing the media. Reload the ribbon so that the ink side faces down in the print mechanism.

Likely cause

The troubleshooting table attributes the absence of printing in thermal transfer to a ribbon whose ink side is not facing the media.

What to do

1. Open the media cover and lift the printhead.
2. Remove the ribbon and refit it with the ink side facing down, following the loading the ribbon entry.
3. Check that the paper type is set to Transfer (Fingerprint) or TTR (IPL).

Sources: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: First reload the ribbon so that it is correctly fitted. Then check that the media type setting (media grade) is suitable, and clean the printhead. If the ribbon still breaks, the Intermec guide points to a fault in the printhead energy control.

Likely cause

The troubleshooting table cites, in order: an incorrectly fitted ribbon, an incorrect media type setting, then faulty energy control.

What to do

1. Reload the ribbon (see the loading the ribbon entry).
2. Check the media type setting (Paper Type) and correct it if necessary.
3. Then clean the printhead (see the printhead cleaning entry).

When to call a technician: if the ribbon still breaks with correct loading and settings, the guide points to faulty energy control, to be adjusted by the service centre.

Source: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to the Intermec guide, the front ribbon break shaft may be misaligned, the edge guide incorrectly set or the printhead pressure too high. Before adjusting the break shaft, rule out the other causes.

Likely cause

The troubleshooting table cites an incorrectly set ribbon break shaft, a badly adjusted edge guide and excessive printhead pressure. The front break shaft must be parallel to the printhead and the ribbon hubs; its adjustment screw is located just behind it.

What to do

1. Check the setting of the media edge guide (see the loading labels entry).
2. If the printhead pressure is too high, reduce it (see the printhead pressure entry).
3. Break shaft: if the ribbon tends to slide outwards, gently turn the adjustment screw clockwise (fw mark) to move the outer end of the shaft forwards.
4. If the ribbon tends to slide inwards, turn the screw anticlockwise (bw mark) to move the outer end of the shaft backwards.

The guide asks you to make sure that no other cause explains the creases before adjusting the break shaft.

Source: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: For weak print, the Intermec guide cites an incorrect media type setting, contrast set too low, printhead pressure too low or a worn printhead. It also asks you to clean the printhead every time you change media, with a cleaning card slid under the printhead.

Likely cause

The troubleshooting table attributes weak print, in order, to an incorrectly set media type (media grade), contrast set too low, printhead pressure too low, a worn printhead, then an incorrect printhead voltage.

Caution: Never use a sharp tool to remove stuck labels. The guide points out that isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable, moderately toxic and mildly irritating.

What to do (and official cleaning procedure)

1. Check the media type setting (Paper Type) and correct it if necessary.
2. Increase the contrast if it is too low: it can be set from -10% to +10% in 2% steps and returns to 0% every time the paper type is changed.
3. To clean the printhead, open the media cover, raise the printhead (lever clockwise) and remove the media and ribbon.
4. Take the cleaning card out of its envelope and read the warning text printed on it.
5. Slide most of the card under the printhead, engage the printhead, then pull the card out while raising the printhead.
6. Wait about 30 seconds for the liquid to dissolve the residue, then repeat. If necessary, start again with a new card.
7. Let it dry before reloading the media and ribbon.
8. If the print is still faded, increase the printhead pressure (see the printhead pressure entry), then replace the printhead if it is worn (see the printhead replacement entry).

When to call a technician: if the print is still faded after these adjustments, the guide points to an incorrect printhead voltage, corrected by the service centre replacing the CPU board.

For adhesive residue on the platen roller or the tear bar, the guide recommends a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol. If the print is fainter on one side only, see the pressure arm adjustment in the printhead pressure entry.

Sources: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · EasyCoder PF4i Compact Industrial User's Guide (Fingerprint Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, Fingerprint version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: Check the media type setting, then reduce the contrast and, if necessary, the printhead pressure. If the defect persists, the Intermec guide points to an incorrect printhead voltage or faulty energy control.

Likely cause

For print that is too dark and for smudging alike, the troubleshooting table cites: an incorrectly set media type, contrast set too high, printhead pressure too high; then an incorrect printhead voltage (dark print) or faulty energy control (smudging).

What to do

1. Check the media type setting (Paper Type) and correct it if necessary.
2. Reduce the contrast if it is too high.
3. Reduce the printhead pressure if it is too high (see the printhead pressure entry).

When to call a technician: if the print is still too dark or smudged after these adjustments, the guide points to an incorrect printhead voltage or faulty energy control, corrected by the service centre replacing the CPU board.

Source: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: The Intermec guide first cites a dirty printhead: clean it. If dots are still missing, the printhead is faulty and must be replaced.

Likely cause

According to the troubleshooting table: vertical white lines come from a dirty printhead, missing dots from a faulty printhead, dark lines along the feed direction from foreign matter on the printhead. Weak areas come from particles on the media, a poorly matched or poor-quality media and ribbon combination, or a worn printhead or platen roller. A large part of a dot line missing comes from a faulty printhead or a faulty strobe signal.

What to do

1. Clean the printhead (see the printhead cleaning entry).
2. For weak areas, clean or replace the media, and use matched, good-quality media and ribbon.
3. If dots are still missing, replace the printhead (see the printhead replacement entry).

When to call a technician: if the platen roller is worn or the strobe signal is faulty, the guide refers you to the service centre.

Source: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: If the inner edge of the print is missing, realign the media, put the small core and its holder in the lower position, then increase the X-start parameter. If the text or barcode is compressed, the Intermec guide asks you to reduce the print speed.

Likely cause

For a missing inner edge, the troubleshooting table cites: misaligned media, the small core and its holder left in the upper position, or an X-start parameter set too low. For compressed text or barcodes: too high a speed for a large media roll.

What to do

1. Realign the media by pushing it against the centre section (see the loading labels entry).
2. If the small core and its holder are in the upper position, put them in the lower position.
3. Increase the X-start parameter; it can be set, among other places, on the Printer > Media page of the printer's web home page.
4. If the content is compressed, reduce the print speed (Printer > Print Engine page of the web home page).

Sources: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: The printhead pressure is set at the factory; the Intermec guide provides for changing it with the adjustment screw for thicker or thinner media. If the print is fainter on one side, it is the pressure arm that needs centring on the media.

Likely cause

The printer is set at the factory for full-width media. According to the troubleshooting table, print that is weaker on one side comes from uneven printhead pressure, corrected by aligning the pressure arm.

Caution: Do not use more pressure than necessary: according to the guide, excessive pressure accelerates printhead wear and shortens its life.

Official procedures

1. Printhead pressure: with a flat-blade screwdriver, turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase the pressure (+) and anticlockwise to reduce it (-).
2. Print a few test labels and check the result: more pressure generally gives darker print. Repeat until you get a correct result.
3. To return to the factory setting, tighten the screw fully (+), then loosen it by four full turns (-).
4. Pressure arm: loosen the slotted screw that holds the pressure arm.
5. Move the arm inwards or outwards until the arrow at its end is centred on the media, pushing it near the screw rather than by its end.
6. If it resists, raise the printhead and pull the printhead bracket away from the arm's magnet. Then tighten the screw again to lock the arm.

Source: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: With the printer switched off, raise the printhead, remove the media and ribbon, pull the printhead bracket away from the pressure arm magnet, disconnect the two cables and fit the new printhead. The Intermec guide states that the firmware detects the new printhead only after a restart.

Likely cause

The troubleshooting table leads to replacing the printhead when it is worn (weak print, weak areas) or faulty (missing dots).

Caution: The power must be switched off while the printhead is being replaced.

Official procedure

1. Switch off the power and open the side door (media cover).
2. Turn the printhead lever clockwise to raise the printhead, then remove the media and ribbon.
3. Pull the printhead bracket away from the pressure arm magnet.
4. Detach the printhead bracket from the print mechanism and pull the printhead out as far as its cables allow.
5. Disconnect the cables by pulling on the connectors, not on the cables; the inner connector has a lock.
6. Connect the two cables to the new printhead, then reassemble in reverse order, checking that the cables run freely.
7. Load the media and ribbon, then turn the lever anticlockwise so that the magnet engages the printhead bracket.
8. Switch the printer back on: the new printhead is detected only at restart.

Source: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: Check that the network type is set to Ethernet and that the cable is connected, then switch the printer off and on again: it then obtains its address via DHCP+BOOTP. If no address is assigned, or if the Ready-to-Work light flashes to signal a network error, Intermec asks you to correct the settings with PrintSet.

Likely cause

When Ethernet is selected as the network type, the printer automatically obtains an IP address via DHCP+BOOTP at start-up. A fixed address is set with Fingerprint or IPL commands sent through the serial port.

Official procedure

1. Press T, go to Setup > Network > Network Type > Ethernet, then press T to exit.
2. Connect the network cable to the Ethernet port on the back plate.
3. Switch the printer off and on again.
4. Press I to switch to Information mode: the display scrolls through the interface information every five seconds; note the IP address shown under I/O net1. The Network Info test label also shows it.
5. Enter this address in a browser to open the printer's home page, logging in with the printer's administrator account (see the Intermec manual).
6. If no IP address is assigned, or if the Ready-to-Work light flashes to signal a network error, correct the network settings with the PrintSet utility through the serial port.

Source: PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: The PF4i must be fitted with the optional 802.11b/g radio. The Intermec manual recommends configuring it with the PrintSet utility through the serial port: add the printer with the Add Printer wizard, then run the Wireless Setup Wizard to enter the network and security settings.

Likely cause

The 802.11b/g radio supports no authentication, WEP (64 and 128-bit), WPA and WPA2 Personal, and WPA and WPA2 Enterprise (802.1x with PEAP, TTLS, LEAP or EAP-FAST). The manual assumes that the wireless network and access points are already installed.

Official procedure (PrintSet)

1. Download and install PrintSet on a Windows or Linux PC.
2. Connect the printer to the PC with the serial cable and, if necessary, match the PC's serial port parameters to those of the printer.
3. Start PrintSet and click Add Printer in the General Tasks area; follow the wizard until the printer has been added.
4. In the Printer Tasks area, click Wireless Setup Wizard and follow the wizard to enter the wireless network and security parameters.
5. Check that the printer is connected to the access point and has obtained an IP address.

If you use certificates, the manual asks you to test the connection without a certificate first, then transfer the certificate (PEM, DER or PKCS #12 format) once this test has succeeded. Configuration is also possible with Fingerprint or IPL commands from a serial terminal.

Source: PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: For USB, install the Intermec InterDriver driver before connecting the cable; no communication parameters need setting, but PrintSet does not work over USB. Through the serial port, the PC settings must match those of the printer: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit by default.

Likely cause

The Intermec manual requires InterDriver to be installed before the USB connection is made and states that PrintSet communicates only over serial, Ethernet or 802.11. Over serial, communication fails if the PC port parameters differ from those of the printer.

What to do

1. USB: install InterDriver on the PC, then connect the USB type B connector at the back of the printer to the PC.
2. Intermec recommends connecting only one printer per PC, either directly or through a hub.
3. Serial: connect the RS-232 cable supplied to the back of the printer and to a COM port on the PC.
4. Set the PC's serial port to match the printer: 9600 baud, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit; in Fingerprint, flow control is disabled by default.

When to call a technician: the PF4i's IEEE 1284 parallel interface is an option that must be installed in the printer by an authorised service technician.

Source: PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: The IPL version of the PF4i guide associates this message with a cutter error: open and then close the cutter, as the message instructs. A switch prevents the cutter from operating when it is open. Also check the media: the cutter cuts paper from 60 to 175 µm and must never cut through the labels.

Likely cause

The automatic cutter is an option on the PF4i. It cuts non-adhesive continuous media or, for self-adhesive labels, only the liner between the labels. According to the Fingerprint guide, a switch prevents it from operating in the open position.

Caution: The cutter must not cut through the labels: according to Intermec, the adhesive sticks to the blades and can damage the cutter. Switch off the printer before opening the cutter to reload the media.

What to do

1. Open the cutter, then close it while holding the media taut.
2. If you need to reload the media in cut-off mode, first switch off the printer, open the cutter and the media cover, feed the media through the mechanism and the cutter, close the cover and then the cutter while holding the media taut, and press Print.
3. Check that the media is paper of 60 to 175 µm and that the cutter cuts only the liner between the labels.

On the PF2i/PF4i Mid-Range model, a Cutter Error alert can be enabled on the Printer > Alerts page of the web home page. The label taken sensor (LTS) cannot be used with the cutter.

Sources: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · EasyCoder PF4i Compact Industrial User's Guide (Fingerprint Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, Fingerprint version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).

Short answer: With the optional label taken sensor (LTS), the printer holds back the next copy in a batch until the current label has been removed. Remove the label; if the sensor does not respond correctly, recalibrate the LTS from Setup.

Likely cause

The Intermec manual explains that the LTS holds back the next copy until the current label has been removed. According to the Fingerprint guide, its sensitivity may need adjusting to suit the ambient light and the reflectivity of the back of the liner; its menus only appear if the sensor is installed.

What to do

1. Remove the printed label.
2. To calibrate the LTS, press T to enter Setup, then go to Print Defs > LTS > LTS Adjust (Fingerprint) or to Configuration > LTS Calibration and press E (IPL).
3. Press E to start the LTS self-calibration; remove the test label when the printer asks you to, then press E.
4. Press T to exit Setup, then press Print to feed the media and adjust the feed.

Peel-off mode accepts only self-adhesive labels on a liner and cannot be used with the quick-load guides; registration may be limited for labels shorter than 25 mm. On the PF2i/PF4i Mid-Range model, a Label Not Taken alert (Fingerprint, with LTS) can be enabled on the Printer > Alerts page.

Sources: PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) · EasyCoder PF4i Compact Industrial User's Guide (Fingerprint Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, Fingerprint version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: On a PF4i running Fingerprint with the Intermec Shell start-up program, choose Default Setup in the Shell menu and confirm with Enter at the “ARE YOU SURE?” prompt: all parameters return to their default values.

Likely cause

According to the Fingerprint version of the PF4i guide, the Default Setup function in Intermec Shell resets all configuration parameters to their default values, listed in the “Setting Up the Printer” chapter of the guide.

Official procedure (Intermec Shell)

1. Switch on the printer: if Intermec Shell is the start-up program, the display shows “ENTER=SHELL” with a 5-second countdown.
2. Open Intermec Shell: for access to Intermec Shell, this entry refers you to the Fingerprint version of the PF4i guide (“Intermec Shell Startup Program” chapter).
3. Select DEFAULT SETUP.
4. At the “ARE YOU SURE? YES=ENTER/NO=ESC” prompt, press Enter: the display shows “DEFAULT SETUP PERFORMED”.

After returning to the default values, check the paper type and the media type, then run a testfeed (see the calibration entry).

Source: EasyCoder PF4i Compact Industrial User's Guide (Fingerprint Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, Fingerprint version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: Power green: printer switched on. Status (or Ready/Data) solid green: ready; flashing green: communication in progress. A solid red light (Status or Error) signals an error. On recent PF4i printers, the blue Ready-to-Work light is solid during operation, flashes at start-up, while waiting for external resources or when there is an error to deal with, and goes off in Setup mode, in Information mode or during a firmware update.

Likely cause

The 2003 PF4i guides describe three lights: Power, Ready/Data and Error. The PF2i/PF4i Mid-Range manual describes Power, Status and the blue Ready-to-Work light. In all cases, the message shown on the display specifies the error.

What to do

1. If a red light is on or the Ready-to-Work light is flashing, read the message displayed and find it in the lookup table.
2. Press the i key (I) to display error messages, the Ready-to-Work status and information about the communication channels; scroll through them with the < and > keys.
3. If the Ready-to-Work light is off because you are in Setup, press T to exit.

The printer also beeps: in IPL, a continuous beep signals that the media or ribbon has run out until it is reloaded; in Fingerprint, a beep accompanies errors.

Sources: PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) · User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · EasyCoder PF4i Compact Industrial User's Guide (Fingerprint Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, Fingerprint version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) (official documentation).

Short answer: The print job is paused. According to the Intermec guides, the large button on the front (Print or Feed/Pause depending on the version) pauses a print job, and the Pause key (P) pauses and resumes printing.

Likely cause

The IPL version of the PF4i guide associates the “Paused” message with the empty or paused state. Pressing the front button during printing pauses the job.

What to do

1. Press the Pause key (P) to resume printing.
2. If the message persists, check that there is media left in the printer (see the out of media entry).

On the PF2i/PF4i Mid-Range model, the Pause + Shift combination (P + S) stops a Fingerprint application, and a Pause Mode alert can be enabled on the Printer > Alerts page of the web home page.

Sources: User's Guide EasyCoder PF4i Bar Code Label Printer (IPL Version) – Intermec EasyCoder PF4i user guide, IPL version (Intermec Printer AB, 2003) · PF2i and PF4i Mid-Range Printer User's Manual – Intermec PF2i and PF4i user's manual, version 003 (1/2014) (official documentation).