Intermec EasyCoder 501 XP & 601 XP – Service Manual
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Chapter 7 Transfer Ribbon Mechanism
Description
The ribbon end sensor is the same for EasyCoder 501 XP and
EasyCoder 601 XP. It is a photoelectrical device that detects
whether there is any thermal transfer ribbon loaded in the printer
or not. It is fi tted to the center section immediately behind the print
mechanism by means of a single #T10 Torx screw. The sensor
assembly consists of a sensor with cable and connector, and a com-
bined mirror/bracket.
Working Principles
The ribbon end sensor works like this. A narrow beam of light is
emitted from the sensor and is either absorbed by the black transfer
ribbon, or refl ected back by a mirror to a receiver in the sensor. The
fi rmware compares the signal from the sensor with the printer’s
setup in regard of media type in order to avoid printing on the
wrong type of media:
Setup Detection Error
Thermal transfer media Ribbon OK
Thermal transfer media No ribbon Error 1027 Out of transfer ribbon
Direct thermal media No ribbon OK
Direct thermal media Ribbon OK
The ribbon end sensor is connected to P52 on the CPU board.
7.4 Ribbon End
Sensor
Sensor
Mirror
Bracket