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• 5/2009 Added information describing the PB51 printer. • Added changes to the media adjust in the PB50 printer. 11/2008 These changes were made for the current release: • Support for the ESC/P programming language.
Returns and Repairs > Warranty. Web Support Visit the Intermec website 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. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
Who Should Read This Manual This document is for the person who is responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining the PB50 or PB51 mobile printer. This document provides you with information about the features of the mobile printer, and how to install, configure, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot it.
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1 Visit the Intermec website at www.intermec.com. 2 Click the Products tab. 3 Use the Products menu, navigate to your product page. For example, to find the PB50 mobile printer page, click Printers and Media > Mobile Printers > PB50. 4 Click the Manuals tab.
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Before You Begin PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
Using the Mobile Printer Use this chapter to familiarize yourself with your mobile printer. This chapter contains these sections: • Introducing the Mobile Printer • Features of the Printer • Using the Batteries • Loading Media • Understanding the Printer Modes •...
The PB50, PB50C, and PB51 are rugged direct thermal label and receipt printers designed for use with Intermec mobile computers and SF51 and SR61 scanners. Use the PB50 for label printing, and the PB51 for receipt printing. Note: Unless otherwise noted, this manual uses the term “printer” to refer to both the PB50 and PB51 printers.
Control panel Communications port Ready-to-Work indicator PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer: This illustration shows the important features of the printer. A weather-resistant flap protects the communications port and the external power connector. Note: Only the PB50 has a self-strip door.
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Each information message appears on the screen for five seconds. Press in Pause mode to cancel the print job (Fingerprint and IPL only). The button does not have a unique function when using the ESC/P language. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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When the light is off, it means one of the following: • The printer is in Standby mode. • The printer is in Info mode. • The printer is in Setup mode. The printer is powered on and operating. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
The first time you start your printer after you upgrade your firmware, you are prompted to select a printer language. The language you select automatically runs each time you turn on your printer. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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The current printer language and firmware version appear on the screen when the printer is in Ready mode. IPL 12.0.0 The Screen of a Printer Running IPL Firmware To select your printer language 1 Turn on your printer. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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Go to SETUP > PRINT DEFS > CMD LANGUAGE. Direct Protocol ZSim, DSim, or Press Setup button. CSim Enter the Fingerprint password: 8311. Press Setup button. Go to SETUP > PRINT DEFS > CMD LANGUAGE. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
When in Standby mode, a fully charged battery can last up to one week without recharging. Use Intermec Model AB13 battery only. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. The Model AB13 battery may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated.
2 Insert the battery with the tab facing away from the front control panel. 3 Insert the edge of the battery under the lip of the printer and then push down until you hear the battery latch click. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
It takes approximately six hours to charge the battery while it is installed in the printer. To charge the battery inside the printer, you need: • an Intermec 12 VDC power supply (Model AE19). • an AC power cord. To charge the battery inside the printer 1 Install the battery in the printer.
Use the Standby Timer option to turn off power to the radio, the display, and the backlight. The Standby Timer option has the same effect on the printer as pressing the Standby button. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
0 °C (32 °F) reduces the overall battery life. Over time, rechargeable batteries lose the ability to maintain a charge. You can only recharge a battery a finite number of times before you must replace it. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
Chapter 1 — Using the Mobile Printer Loading Media You can use roll or fanfold receipt media with both the PB50 and PB51 printers. Your printer ships with a small amount of media loaded, and a test page printed to make sure that the printer works.
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5 Pull out approximately 8 cm (3 inches) of the media. 6 Close the media cover. The printer emits the hardware sound to tell you that the media door closed correctly. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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Note: The PB51 does not have a self-strip door. Instead, the self-strip door is molded plastic and part of the media cover. 8 Press and hold the Feed button for more than two seconds to calibrate the media. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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If the printer is on, press the soft key (usually the Setup button) to return to Ready mode. 2 Press the blue media cover release button until the cover releases. 3 Slide the two media supports apart. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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4 Insert a dummy core and press the media adjust guide until the dummy core is held firmly in place. 5 Load the fanfold media from the bottom of the printer. 6 Pull out approximately 8 cm (3 inches) of the media. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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7 Close the media cover. The printer emits the hardware sound to tell you that the media door closed correctly. To load media for self-strip printing (PB50 only) 1 Complete Steps 1 through 5 in the previous procedure. 2 Open the self-strip door in the media cover.
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5 Close the media cover until it latches and press down on the self- strip door to make sure it locks. 6 Pull on the liner to tighten it. 7 Press and hold the Feed button for more than two seconds to calibrate the media. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
If there is an error, the error message appears first, followed by the printer information. Each message appears for five seconds. Note: You must use IPL or Fingerprint to start Information mode. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
1 Press the Feed button to pause printing. 2 Press the Information button (or soft key) to cancel the current print job. To cancel the current print job with ESC/P • Press and hold the Setup button. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
• Press to increase the value of the currently selected setting. BAUDRATE: 9600 Normal Editing Mode: In normal editing mode, you see an up arrow and a right arrow for making selections. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
1 Make sure the printer is in Ready mode and is loaded with media. 2 Press and hold the Feed and Standby buttons for about five seconds, or until the SELECT MEDIA message appears on the screen. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
5 Close the media cover. You are now in Extended Test mode. • Press to select the next function or option. • Press to start the current function. • Press to stop Extended Test mode. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
Test/Service menu. 4 Press to select the Testprint Config menu. 5 Press to select the Config menu. 6 Press to choose a test page. 7 Press to print the selected test page. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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2 Release the buttons when the printer shows the SELECT MEDIA message, or a message stating the type of media loaded in the printer. 3 Press the Feed button to stop Dump Mode. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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Chapter 1 — Using the Mobile Printer PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
Configuring the Mobile Printer This chapter contains these sections: • Connecting the Printer to Your PC • Connecting the Printer to Your Network • Configuring the Printer Settings • Upgrading the Firmware • Downloading Fonts and Graphics...
To connect the printer through the USB port 1 Run the InterDriver installation program. 2 If a Security Warning window appears, click Run. The Intermec End User License Agreement appears. 3 Read and accept the agreement, and then click Next. The Installation Directory screen appears.
3 If necessary, configure the PC port settings as follows: Parameter Default Setting Baud rate 115200 Data bits Parity None Stop bits 4 If you are using HyperTerminal a Click the Settings tab. b Click ASCII Setup. The ASCII Setup window appears. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
(328 feet) depending on the Bluetooth range capabilities of the remote device, environmental conditions, and obstructions. For the Bluetooth-enabled devices to exchange data, both devices must establish a connection. Bluetooth software is always running in the background. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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The printer then accepts or rejects the connection. Use Intermec Settings on the mobile computer to enable the Bluetooth settings on the printer. If the printer has a Bluetooth connection, it can also connect to Bluetooth scanners, such as the SF51 and the SR61 Cordless scanners.
3 Select your printer from the My Printers list. 4 In the Printer Tasks list, click Wireless Setup Wizard. If you are prompted for the administrator username and password, type them and click Next. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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PC or to a serial adapter on your mobile computer. 3 Open a communications program such as HyperTerminal on your PC and configure the following parameters for the serial port: Parameter Default Setting Baud rate 115200 Data bits Parity None Stop bits PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
7 Verify that the printer is connected to the access point and make sure it can get an IP address. Understanding the 802.11 Radio Icons Icon Description Excellent signal Strong signal Good signal PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
2 Send the following commands to configure the WEP keys. The following example sets WEP key 1 to 1234 and enables WEP key 1. <STX><SI>ws,WEP1, 0x0001020304<ETX> <STX><SI>ws,.WEP_KEY,1<ETX> 3 Send the following command to activate the settings: <STX><SI>ws,ACTIVE,1<ETX> PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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<STX><SI>ws,WPA,ON<ETX> <STX><SI>ws,WPA2,ON<ETX> <STX><SI>ws,WPA_PSK, <ETX> 3 Send these commands to configure the EAP_TYPE: xxxx <STX><SI>ws,EAP_TYPE, <ETX> where xxxx can be OFF, LEAP, PEAP, or TTLS. xxxx <STX><SI>ws,.EAP_USER, <ETX> xxxx <STX><SI>ws,.EAP_PASS, <ETX> PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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An additional read-only variable for the supplicant state, called STATE, is also returned. • You may need to send the following command several times for the wireless station to connect: <STX><SI>ws,ACTIVE,1<ETX> PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
WPA or WPA2 authentication. Send the WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK command to set a pre-shared key: setup "wlan","WPA","ON" setup "wlan","WPA2","ON" xxxxxxxxxx setup "wlan","WPA_PSK"," " setup "wlan","ACTIVE","1" setup write "wlan","uart1:" where xxxxxxxxxx is a value between 8 and 64 characters. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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Send the following commands to set a certificate and enable validation: c:/test.pfx export setup "8021x","CA_CERT"," " setup "8021x","VALIDATE","ON" where c:/test.pfx is the location and name of the certificate and export is the passphrase. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
“Understanding Setup Mode” on page The top levels of the Setup menu are organized in a one-way loop. Each level has several sub-levels. Note: The Setup menu is not available when using ESC/P. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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The Main Levels of the Setup Menu in Fingerprint Starting point SETUP: SETUP: SETUP: SER-COM NETWORK DISPLAY SETUP: SETUP: POWER TEST/SERVICE SETUP: SETUP: CONFIGURATION MEDIA The Main Levels of the Setup Menu in IPL PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
Changing Configuration Settings From PrintSet PrintSet Version 4.2 (or later) is a printer configuration tool that you can download from the Intermec website and install on a host PC. PrintSet communicates with your printer through a serial cable or a network connection on any PC with Windows 98 (or later).
Start a communications program. b In the communications program window, type: ESC{QST:NW} and press Enter. The IP address of the printer appears in the communications program window. 5 Start a web browser. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
You can use the SmartSystems Console to change configuration settings on your printer. The printer ships with the SmartSystems client preloaded. The console is part of SmartSystems Foundation, and is available from the Intermec website. To download SmartSystems Foundation, go to www.intermec.com/products/smrtsysfoundation/index.aspx.
Note: If you upgrade your printer firmware to version 11.5.0 or later, your printer is loaded with Intermec Printer Language (IPL), Fingerprint, ESC/P, ZSim, CSim, and DSim. The first time you start your printer after you upgrade your firmware, you are prompted to select a printer language.
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In the OS/Firmware/Drivers section, click the link to the latest version of firmware and download the files to your PC. 3 Open PrintSet. The Intermec PrintSet dialog box appears. 4 From the printer tree, select the printer you want to upgrade.
Network menu. d Press until you reach IP Address. e Press to select and view the IP Address. Press the Setup button to return to Ready mode. 5 Start a web browser. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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Chapter 2 — Configuring the Mobile Printer 6 In the Address text box, type the IP address of your printer and press Enter. 7 Click Maintenance. The Maintenance page appears. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
HyperTerminal, and a printer running either the IPL, Fingerprint, or ESC/P printer language. Note: Intermec recommends that you upgrade your printer firmware using PrintSet or the home page of the printer. To upgrade the printer firmware using a communications program and IPL 1 Connect your printer to your PC using a serial cable.
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10 Browse to the firmware (.bin) file you want to upgrade to and select it. Wait approximately five minutes for the firmware upgrade to complete. When the upgrade is complete, the communications program shows the “Kernel flashing OK” message and the printer automatically restarts. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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8 Browse to the firmware (.bin) file you want to upgrade to and select it. Wait approximately five minutes for the firmware upgrade to complete. When the upgrade is complete, the communications program shows the “Kernel flashing OK” message and the printer automatically restarts. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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9 In the protocol drop-down box, select Zmodem. 10 Browse to the firmware (.bin) file you want to upgrade to and select it. Wait approximately five minutes for the firmware upgrade to complete. When the upgrade is complete, the communications PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
The easiest way to download fonts and graphics is to use PrintSet, the free Intermec printer application. You can download PrintSet from the downloads page for the your printer on the Intermec website at www.intermec.com. Follow the procedures in the PrintSet online help to download fonts and graphics.
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Chapter 2 — Configuring the Mobile Printer PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
Troubleshooting and Maintaining the Mobile Printer Use this chapter to solve problems you may encounter while using the printer. You will also find information on booting the printer and routine maintenance. This chapter contains these sections: • Troubleshooting the Mobile Printer •...
60. If you cannot find the answer to your problem, you may need to contact Product Support. Contacting Product Support Before you call Intermec Product Support, you may want to visit the Intermec technical knowledge base (Knowledge Central). To do so, go www.intermec.com and click Support >...
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IP configuration The printer does not have a network IP error address. Wait for the printer to acquire an IP address before continuing. IP link error The printer does not have a network connection. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
“Cleaning the Printer” on page • The printout is not in Check for errors in the software application. the desired position. • Make sure the label gap sensor and platen roller are clean. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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The battery charge is Check the battery date. If the battery is a few not lasting as long as it years old, the shortened life may be due to should. normal aging. • Replace the battery. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
The Dump mode icon appears and printer is ready to receive data. For more information on how to start “Understanding Dump Mode” on page Dump mode, see PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
Control Panel buttons. Characters are printed on a continuous line along with their corresponding hexadecimal numbers. For information on how to start Dump mode from Extended Test mode, see “Understanding Extended Test Mode” on page PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
1 Disconnect the printer from power if externally powered. 2 Remove the battery from the printer for at least one second. 3 Insert the battery back into the printer. 4 Reconnect external power if your printer is externally powered. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
To avoid possible personal injury or damage to the printer, never insert any pointed or sharp objects into the printer. Use only the cleaning agents specified in this section. Intermec is not responsible for damage caused by any other cleaning materials used on this printer.
Printhead Platen roller Label gap sensor PB50 and PB51 Mobile Label and Receipt Printer: Identifying the parts of the printer to clean regularly Cleaning the Printhead Clean the printhead after printing five rolls of media to prolong the life of the printhead and ensure high print quality.
Note: Intermec recommends that you use only the cleaning swab for this task. Using other methods or tools to clean the printhead and platen roller can damage the printer.
Cleaning the Printer Media Compartment 1 Open the media cover. 2 Remove the media and ribbon. 3 Use a brush or air blow the compartment. 4 Make sure the paper sensors are free of dust. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
IP54. The paper path and slots are excluded from IP54. Memory RAM: 16 MB Flash: 64 MB Print Speed and Resolution Print speed: up to 4 ips (100 mm/s) Resolution: 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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Gap, notch, and black marks are used as repeat indicators: • Gap: Label and fanfold media • Notch: Tag media • Black mark: Label, tag, and fanfold media PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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Keep these tips in mind when ordering media for the printer: • The PB51 printer can detect black marks only on the front side of the media. The PB50 can detect black marks on both sides. • You can use higher-caliber media in the printer, but print quality will be reduced.
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Dependent on format and environment North America Receipt Media Duratherm TC 2 ips Duratherm NTC - 2 2 ips Duratherm NTC 2 ips European Label Media Thermal Eco 2 ips Thermal Top 4 ips PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
Appendix A — Specifications Interfaces This section describes the standard interfaces available on the PB50 and PB51 printers. RS-232 Serial Interface Use the following tables and graphics to understand serial port default settings Serial Port Default Settings Parameter Default Setting...
Ring indicator USB Interface To use the USB interface to print from a PC, you need to install the Intermec InterDriver printer driver on your PC. For help setting up USB communications, see “Connecting the Printer Through the USB Interface” on page...
USB Type B Connector Accessories for the Mobile Printer You can use these accessories (sold and ordered separately) with the printer. To order accessories, contact your local Intermec sales representative. 4-Bay Battery Charger (Model AC18) Use the AC18 to charge up to four batteries at a time. The battery charger is designed to sense when a battery is fully charged and not overcharge it, ensuring long and consistent battery life.
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Intermec Cleaning Swab Use the Intermec cleaning swab to clean the printhead and platen roller. One cleaning swab is included with the printer. You can purchase additional cleaning swabs from www.intermec.com.
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Appendix A — Specifications PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
LBL WIDTH FORM ADJ DOTS FORM ADJ DOTS LBL REST POINT SENSITIVITY MEDIA TYPE DARKNESS DOTS DOTS MODE CONFIGURATION PWRUP PRINT SPEED EMULATION CALIBRATION POWER LOW BATTERY SLEEP TIMER STANDBY TIMER DISPLAY ORIENTATION CONTRAST PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
PRINT DEFS LSS TEST CLIP DEFAULT CMD LANGUAGE HEAD RESIST TESTPRINT PRINT SPEED LTS VALUE LESS AUTO POWER LTS ADJUST LSS MANUAL LOW BATTERY SLEEP TIMER STANDBY TIMER LTS TEST DISPLAY CONTRAST ORIENTATION PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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Appendix B — IPL and Fingerprint Setup Menus PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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See factory default temperature settings. when to replace differences between PB50 and PB51 bin file. See firmware, upgrade information. display. See Control Panel. PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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Fingerprint setup menu languages firmware changing current version described – upgrade information LED. See Ready-to-Work indicator, upgrade warning about. upgrading, with – Line Analyzer – HyperTerminal See also troubleshooting. – PrintSet LSS too high error PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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IP address – illustrated intended uses – pins and descriptions language port communication settings memory – operating temperatures troubleshooting password See also connect printer to PC. platen roller serial number PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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– Standby Timer stop printing, with ESC/P upgrade firmware. See firmware, Fingerprint upgrade information. USB. See connecting printer to PC. support information warranty Knowledge Central wireless. See 802.11 wireless. phone number website PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...
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Index PB50 and PB51 Mobile Printer User Guide...