Intermec EasyCoder 501 XP & 601 XP – Service Manual
80
Chapter 8 Print Unit
8.9 Headlift Mecha-
nism, cont.
Printhead Pressure Adjustment (EasyCoder 501 XP and 601 XP)
The pressure of the thermal printhead against the ribbon or media
is factory adjusted. However, the use of thicker or thinner media
than normal could require the printhead pressure to be readjusted.
Turn the green adjustment knob clockwise for increased pressure,
or counterclockwise for less pressure. Print a few labels, prefer-
ably test labels, and check the printout. Increased pressure gener-
ally gives a blacker printout and vice versa. Repeat until the desired
result is obtained.
To fi nd the basic setting, proceed as follows:
• Remove the transfer ribbon (if any).
• Load the printer with full width media and close the printhead.
• Adjust the headlift arm to center position.
• Turn the green adjustment knob counterclockwise until it feels
loose (no pressure left).
• Take up the slack in the green knob until you notice an increased
resistance.
• Using a 2 mm hexagonal key, loosen the factory adjustment
grub screw (see illustration on previous page) until the print-
head starts to come up.
• Carefully tighten the grub screw until you just start noticing a
small resistance when trying to pull out the media (see note).
• Apply some locking fl uid on the grub screw.
• Raise and lower the printhead.
• -
EasyCoder 501 XP:
Turn the knob 3 to 4 full turns clockwise. Each turn increases
the pressure by approx. 1 kp to a total of 3-4 kp (29.4-39.2
N).
-
EasyCoder 601 XP:
Turn the knob 4 to 5 full turns clockwise. Each turn increases
the pressure by approx. 1 kp to a total of 4-5 kp (39.2-49.0
N).
• Fine-adjust by means of test labels and the trial-and-error
method (possibly after having loaded the transfer ribbon
again).
Refer to the illustrations on the next page!
IMPORTANT!
Do not use a higher printhead pres-
sure than necessary, because it may
increase the wear of the printhead
and thus shorten its life.
CAUTION!
It is possible to apply very high
printhead pressure by means of the fac-
tory adjustment grub screw, which may
damage the printhead, the
platen roller and the headlift arm.
