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This page records changes to this document. The document was originally released as version 001. Version Date Description of Change 8/07 Removed listing of accessories. Revised information about installing and using a compact flash card. Made a few minor format corrections. PF8d/PF8t Printer User’s Guide...
Your safety is extremely important. Read and follow all warnings and cautions in this document before handling and operating Intermec equipment. You can be seriously injured, and equipment and data can be damaged if you do not follow the safety warnings and cautions.
Global Services and Support Warranty Information To understand the warranty for your Intermec product, visit the Intermec web site at www.intermec.com and click Service & Support > Warranty. Web Support Visit the Intermec web site at www.intermec.com to download our current manuals (in PDF). To order printed versions of the Intermec manuals, contact your local Intermec representative or distributor.
PF8d and PF8t printers. This user’s guide provides you with information about the features of the PF8d and PF8t printers, and how to install, configure, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot them. Patent Information This product is protected by one or more of the following United States patents: 5,581,293;...
Using the PF8 Printers Use this chapter to familiarize yourself with the PF8 printers. In this chapter you will find these sections: • Introducing the PF8 Printers • Features of the PF8 Printers • Understanding the LED Indicators PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
1000 labels per day). There are two models of the PF8 printer: • The PF8d is a 203 dpi direct thermal printer. • The PF8t is a direct thermal/thermal transfer printer that is available in 203 and 300 dpi models.
The PF8 printers are controlled by using a Power switch, a Feed button, and a multi-color status LED. The Power switch is located on the side of the PF8d and on the back of the PF8t. You can use the Feed button in two ways: •...
The PF8t is a thermal transfer/direct thermal capable printer. The media compartment for thermal transfer printers accommodates the media supply and the transfer ribbon supply. In direct thermal printers like the PF8d, the top cover and the print mechanism are combined into a single unit. Print...
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Print Ribbon rewind mechanism wheel Locking mechanism (2 places) Print line adjustment gear Rewind shaft Label guide and empty (2 places) Ribbon ribbon take supply up core Black mark shaft sensor Platen roller PF8t Media Compartment PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
(RS-232) Parallel label slot port Serial port port PF8d and PF8t Rear View Connections and Controls The bottom of the PF8d also has hanger holes that allow you to wall-mount the printer. Wall-mount holes Bottom case cover PF8d Wall-Mount Holes...
Downloading font, form, or graphic Green (solid) Dump mode Green (solid) Ready mode Green (solid) Print mode Orange (solid) Boot mode Red (blinking) Media jam, overheated printhead or stepper motor Red (blinking) Downloading firmware Red (solid) Error mode PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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Chapter 1 — Using the PF8 Printers PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
Installing the Printer Use this chapter to install your PF8d and PF8t printers. In this chapter you will find these sections: • Connecting the Printer to Your Network • Turning on the Printer • Installing the Compact Flash (PF8t Only) •...
Note: The PF8 printers ship with a USB cable. Connecting the Printer Through the USB Interface To use the USB connection, you need to install the Intermec InterDriver software on your computer. To ensure you get the latest version, check the Intermec web site first. This software can also be found on the PrinterCompanion CD.
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4 The File Download - Security Warning screen appears. Click the Run button to run the .exe or the Save button to save it to your PC to be run later. In this procedure, the Run button was selected. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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5 The Internet Explorer - Security Warning screen appears. Click the Run button to start the InterDriver installation. 6 The Intermec End User License Agreement appears. To continue with the installation, read the agreement and select the radio button to accept the agreement, and then click the Next button.
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Chapter 2 — Installing the Printer 7 The Installation Directory screen appears. The default installation directory is c:\Intermec\InterDriver7. Click the Next button to use the default directory or specify a different location to install the files. 8 Clear the Run Add Print Wizard after unpacking drivers check box and click the Finish button.
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Chapter 2 — Installing the Printer 10 Click the Next button on the Search and Installation Options screen. 11 Click the Continue Anyway button on the Hardware Installation warning screen. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
Danger of personal injury if the printer and power supply are operated in an environment where they can get wet. Only use with Intermec power supply adapter P/N 1-092363-xx. 2 Place the power supply adapter in a suitable location between the printer and an electrical outlet.
2 Open the top cover by pressing the cover open buttons on either side of the top cover. 3 Remove any media and the spindle. 4 Open and remove the compact flash card slot cover from the printer base. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
Note: If you are using continuous stock or gap media, release the Feed button when the status LED is blinking green. If you are using black marked media, release the Feed button when the LED is blinking red. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
The PF8t also has the ability to print on thermal transfer media such as self-adhesive labels, non-adhesive tags, or continuous stock. When printing on thermal transfer media you must also install a thermal transfer ribbon. There are three ways of using media on the PF8 printers: PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
1 Press the cover open buttons on both sides of the case to open the top cover. Fold the cover upwards/rearwards. 2 Pull or lift the spindle and remove the empty label roll core (if present). PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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Chapter 2 — Installing the Printer PF8d PF8t Note: The PF8d spindle lifts up, but remains attached to the printer while the PF8t spindle lifts completely out of the spindle compartment. 3 Insert the spindle into the core of a fresh media roll. Rotate the spindle to fit the inside diameter of the core (see the core diameter markings on the spindle).
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Note: On the PF8t you will also need to press the locking mechanism and open the print mechanism/ribbon container to load media and access the media adjustment tabs. PF8d PF8t 5 Adjust the label guide to fit the media you are using. PF8d PF8t PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
2 Open the peel-off mechanism on the front of the printer. 3 Pull or lift the spindle and remove the empty label roll core (if present). Note: The PF8d spindle lifts up, but remains attached to the printer while the PF8t spindle lifts completely out of the spindle compartment.
Fold the cover upwards/rearwards. 2 Pull or lift the spindle and remove the empty label roll core (if present). Note: The PF8d spindle lifts up, but remains attached to the printer while the PF8t spindle lifts completely out of the spindle compartment.
1 Press the cover open buttons on both sides of the case to open the top cover. Fold the cover upwards/rearwards. 2 Press the green release tabs at the bottom of the top cover on both sides of the printhead. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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5 Wrap the ribbon around the ribbon shaft. Using the tape fitted at the front of the ribbon leader, attach the leader to the top of the rewind core. Be careful to center align the ribbon leader with the core. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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4 Rewind the unused ribbon onto the supply spool. Remove the roll by pushing it to the left until the right end disengages then lift the roll up. Fasten the loose end with a piece of tape or label to prevent the roll from unwrapping. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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5 Remove the rewind roll by pushing it to the left until the right end disengages, then lift out. Dispose of the used ribbon. Note: Keep the ribbon core. You will need it the next time you load ribbon. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
Troubleshooting and Maintaining the Printer Use this chapter to troubleshoot and maintain your PF8d and PF8t printers. This chapter contains these sections: • Troubleshooting • Upgrading the Firmware • Cleaning the Case • Cleaning the Printhead • Adjusting the Thermal Printhead Pressure •...
• Label or tag too short. • Label taken sensor or cable defective. Indicator LED flashes red Overheated. Wait for the printer to cool down and the indicator and printing is interrupted. LED changes to green and printing (if halted) resumes. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
Upgrading the Firmware To upgrade the printer firmware you will need the following: • The Intermec ESim Config Tool for the PF8, which is on the PrinterCompanion CD that ships with the printer, or can be downloaded at www.intermec.com. You can use the Config Tool to download a new firmware version directly to the printer.
2 Press the cover open buttons on both sides of the case to open the top cover. Fold the cover upwards/rearwards. 3 Using a straight-slot screwdriver, turn the screws clockwise to increase printhead pressure or counterclockwise to decrease printhead pressure. Adjustment screws (2 places) PF8t PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
• When switching between peel-off, tear-off, and cut-off operation, you must adjust the media feed in ESim by using a j command. If you are using InterDriver you can select a mode of operation without issuing commands. You can select the following modes: PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
If this happens, the status LED will change from green to orange, indicating you need to adjust the sensor using the Auto-Sensing mode. For more information see “Understanding Auto-Sensing Mode” on page 17. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
Specifications This appendix provides technical specifications for the PF8d and PF8t printers and their available features and options. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
Width: 25 mm to 118 mm (1 in to 4.65 in) Thickness: 0.05 to 0.18 mm (.002 to .007 in) Firmware ESim (v7.x) Software ActiveX Controls (v1.3) InterDriver (v7.06 M5) ESim Config Tool (v2.1) LabelShop Patch (v6.12 SP5) Resident Fonts 6, 7, 10, 12, 24 points PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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Operation: 30% to 85%, non-condensing. Free air Storage: 10% to 90%, non-condensing. Free air Printer Dimensions Length: 218 mm (8.58 in) Height: 166 mm (6.53 in) Width: 168 mm (6.61 in) Weight: 2.0 Kg (4.4 lbs) PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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Note: The total current output from the serial port cannot exceed 500 ma. Serial Default: 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, XON/XOFF protocol Setting: RTX/CTS RS-232 Housing: 9-pin to 9-pin USB Interface Function VBUS Connector Type: B PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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+5V, max 500ma 19-30 Signal GND host /Initialize host/printer /Error printer Signal GND 34-35 /Select in host/printer Handshake: DSTB connects to the printer, BUSY connects to the host Interface cable: Parallel cable compatible with PC PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
203 dpi Max. 1727 mm (68.0 in) Min. 12 mm (0.47 in) 300 dpi Max. 900 mm (35.43 in) Min. 12 mm (0.47 in) Print Width Max. 104 mm (4.09 in) Sensor Type Adjustable reflective sensor, Fixed transmissive sensor center aligned PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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5), Codabar, Post NET, MaxiCode, PDF417, Datamatrix code, QR code, UPC SCC, EAN?UCC composite code Interfaces erial port: RS-232 (Baud rate: 4800 to 115200, XON/XOFF, RTS/CTS) USB port: v2.0 Parallel port: Compatible mode Control Panel One tri-color power LED, Feed function button PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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Printer - DB9 Plug +5V, max 500ma Note: The total current output from the serial port cannot exceed 500 ma. Serial Default: 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, XON/XOFF protocol Setting: RTX/CTS PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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+5V, max 500ma 19-30 Signal GND host /Initialize host/printer /Error printer Signal GND 34-35 /Select in host/printer Handshake: DSTB connects to the printer, BUSY connects to the host Interface cable: Parallel cable compatible with PC PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
Serial and parallel cables, media, and transfer ribbons are also available for the PF8 printers. To order accessories, media, or transfer ribbon, contact your local Intermec sales representative. Cutter Kit The cutter is designed to cut off continuous paper-based stock or liner between labels.
Appendix A — Specifications Stripper Module The self-strip feature peels the label away from the liner (backing paper) and presents the label to the operator for easier and faster on-demand labeling. PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
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Appendix A — Specifications PF8d/PF8t Printers User’s Guide...
Media Specifications This appendix explains the different types of media that the PF8 printers can use and indicates the allowed dimensions of that media. PF8d/PF8t Printer User’s Guide...
Appendix B — Media Specifications Direct Thermal Media Intermec offers a premium and an economy grade of direct thermal media for the PF8 printers: Premium Quality Top-coated media with high demands on printout quality and resistance against moisture, plasticizers and vegetable oils.
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Duratran II Syntran Polyesters The materials of choice in combination with HR/TMX3201/ TMX3202 ribbons. Gives high resistance to chemicals, heat, and mechanical abrasion. Examples of Polyesters Europe North America TTR High Gloss Polyester Duratran II Gloss Polyester PF8d/PF8t Printer User’s Guide...
Appendix B — Media Specifications Transfer Ribbons Intermec offer three types of thermal transfer ribbons optimized for different purposes: General Purpose (GP/TMX1500) General purpose transfer ribbons allow high speed printing and give a good printout, but are somewhat sensitive to smearing.
Detection slot height (d) Maximum: 10 mm (0.39 in) Minimum: 1 mm (0.08 in) The label gap sensor is offset 4.5 mm (0.177 in) to the right of the center of the media path. TICKETS,TAGS, & CONTINUOUS STRIP PF8d/PF8t Printer User’s Guide...
Minimum: 3 mm (0.12 in) The black mark sensor is offset 10 mm (0.394 in) to the right of the center of the media path. Max. reflectance 5% at 940 nanometer. Carbon black. TICKETS,TAGS, & CONTINUOUS STRIP PF8d/PF8t Printer User’s Guide...
Q command. Continuous stock cannot be used in the Auto-Sensing mode. Tag or strip width (a) Maximum: 116.0 mm (4.57 in) Minimum: 25.0 mm (1.00 in) CONTINUOUS STRIP PF8d/PF8t Printer User’s Guide...
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Worldwide Headquarters 6001 36th Avenue West Everett, Washington 98203 U.S.A. tel 425.348.2600 fax 425.355.9551 www.intermec.com PF8d/PF8t Printer User’s Guide *934-011-002* P/N 934-011-002...
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