EC-FT-420 - Printer EC Line - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Barcode Printer
Model	EC-FT-420
Print Technology	Thermal Transfer / Direct Thermal
Resolution	203 dpi (8 dots/mm)
Print Speed	50.8 to 101.6 mm/s (2 to 4 inches/sec)
Maximum Print Width	104 mm (4.10 inches)
Maximum Print Length	1727 mm (68 inches)
Media Width Range	25 mm to 110 mm
Media Roll Maximum Diameter	105 mm
Media Core Diameter	26 mm (1 inch) with adapters for 1.5" and 3"
Ribbon Type	Outward roll, wax/resin hybrid
Ribbon Length	300 meters
Ribbon Width Range	30 mm to 110 mm
Connectivity	Parallel port (IEEE 1284)
Control Panel	2 LEDs (Ready, Status) and one FEED button
Sensor	Label gap and black mark detection
Supported Barcodes	Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, UPC-A/E, EAN-8/13, PDF417, DataMatrix, QR Code
Power Supply	AV 18V 4000mA (adapter included)
Dimensions (L x W x H)	286 x 233 x 176 mm
Weight	2.43 kg
Operating Temperature	5°C to 40°C
Storage Temperature	-20°C to 50°C
Operating Humidity	30% to 85% non-condensing
Included Accessories	Power cord, parallel cable, label axis, ribbon axis (2), empty ribbon roll, sample labels, CD, warranty card

Frequently Asked Questions - EC-FT-420 EC Line

How do I install the ribbon?

Open the top cover, lift the upper print mechanism by pressing the locking buttons. Place a new ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply shaft, feed the ribbon under the print head, wrap it around the ribbon shaft, and stick it onto the empty ribbon roll core. Firmly close the upper print mechanisms.

How do I calibrate the printer after changing media?

Keep pressing the FEED button while turning on the power until the printing motor activates. The printer will automatically feed label stock for a certain length to perform calibration. Always do this when media is changed to ensure correct label detection.

What does a red Status LED mean?

A red status LED indicates an error. Possible causes: software or command error, out of label, label jam, mechanism not closed, or blocked sensor. Perform a self-test by holding the FEED key while powering on; check the printout for details.

How do I clean the thermal print head?

Turn off the printer, open the top cover, remove the ribbon, and lift the print head. Use a soft cloth with industrial alcohol to wipe away any dust, glue, or stains on the print head. Weekly cleaning is recommended.

Why is my printer printing blank labels?

Check if the label is placed upside down or if the label type is incorrect. Ensure the correct printer driver is selected and that the print type (thermal transfer vs direct thermal) matches your media and ribbon.

How do I set the printer to factory defaults?

Turn on the printer and wait at least 5 seconds. Press and hold the FEED button for about 10 seconds until both LEDs turn off in order. When they light again, release the button. The printer will feed 12 inches of label and restore factory settings.

How do I print a self-test configuration report?

Power off the printer. Press and hold the FEED key, then power on the printer. Release the FEED key after three beeps. The printer will print a test sample and configuration profile, then return to standby mode.

What types of labels can I use?

The printer supports label gap, back mark, and continuous media. Paper width: 25 mm to 110 mm, thickness: 0.06 mm to 0.3 mm, roll external diameter up to 105 mm. For direct thermal, use thermal sensitive media; for thermal transfer, use plain labels with ribbon.

How do I connect the printer to my computer?

Ensure the printer is powered off. Connect the power cable to the printer and wall outlet. Connect a parallel cable from the printer to your PC. Power on the PC and printer. Install the driver from the included CD.

How do I resolve label jams?

Clean the label jam carefully. If label is stuck on the thermal print head, remove it with a soft cloth and alcohol. Check for obstructions in the media path. Ensure the label guides are aligned and the media is not tangled.

USER MANUAL EC-FT-420 EC Line

Exterior view of a beige electronic device with a transparent lid and mounting holes (no visible text or symbols)

1 General

1.1 Printer Accessories
1.2 General Specifications
1.3 Communicate Interface
1.4 Printer Parts

2 PRINTER INSTALLATIONS

2.1 Ribbon Installation
2.2 Label Installation
2.3 Label Roll Core
2.4 Installation Instruction
2.5 PC Connection

3 Control Panel

3.1 FEED Key
3.2 Notice

4 Maintenance and Adjustment

4.1 Thermal Print Head Cleaning
4.2 Troubleshooting

1. General

1.1. Printer Accessories

After unpacking, please check the accessories that come with the package and store appropriately.

1	Barcode Printer
2	Power Cord
3	Printer Cable (Parallel)
4	Label Axis
5	Ribbon Axis X 2 Pieces
6	Empty Ribbon Roll
7	Label
8	Ribbon Axis
9	CD
10	Warranty Card

1.2. General Specifications

Model	FT-420
Resolution	203dpi/ (8 dot/mm)
Print Model	Thermal Transfer / Direct Thermal
CPU	32bit
Sensor	Type :Label gap and black mark sensingDetection: Label length auto sensing or program command setting
Print Speed	50.8mm(2.0inch)/Sec—101.6mm(4.0inch)/Sec
Print Length	1727 mm(68inch)
Print Width	25 mm(1inch) ~ 104 mm(4.10inch)
Media	Paper Roll External Diameter: Maximum Diameter 105mmPaper Roll Axis: 26mmPaper Width:25mm—110mmPaper Thickness:0.06mm—0.3mmMedia Type: Label gap, Back Mark, Continuous
Ribbon	Types : Outward Roll (wax hybrid resin)Length : 300 MExternal Diameter: 64mm(Max)Core Inner Diameter: 25.4 mm (1Inch.)Width : 30 mm to 110 mm (1.18 Inch. To 4.33 Inch.)
Image	Monochrome PCX,BMP(support after the software control: ICO WMF,JPG,EMF Picture, can control the picture amplification, reduced, rotation, mirror image and highlight
Bar Code	Code 39, Code 93, Code 128 (subset A,B,C), UPC A / E (add on 2 & 5), I 2 of 5I, EAN 8 / 13 (add on 2 & 5), Codebar , China Postal Code, PDF417 & Datamatrix code,(QR code available)
Interface	Parallel port
Control Panel	LED*2: Ready, StatusFunction Key*1:Feed
Power	AV 18V 4000mA
Environment	Operating Temperature: 40°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C)Storage Temperature: -40°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)Operating Humidity: 30-85%, non-condensing. Free air.Storage Humidity: 10-90%, non-condensing. Free air.
Physical Dimension	Length: 286mm / Height: 176mmWidth: 233 mm / Weight: 2.43 Kg

1.3. Communication Interface

Parallel Interface
Interface cable	:	Parallel cable compatible to IBM PC
Pin out	:	See below

PIN NO.	FUNCTION	TRANSMITTER
1	/Strobe	host / printer
2-9	Data 0-7	host
10	/Acknowledge	printer
11	Busy	printer
12	/Paper empty	printer
13	/Select	printer
14	/Auto-Line Feed	host / printer
15	N/C
16	Signal Gnd
17	Chasis Gnd
18	+5V ,max 500mA
19-30	Signal Gnd	host
31	/Initialize	host / printer
32	/Error	printer
33	Signal Ground
34-35	N/C
36	/Select-In	host / printer

1.4. Printer Parts

1	Upper cover opens a button	11	LED Light(Ready)
2	Top Cover	12	LED Light (Status)
3	Ribbon Rewind Wheel	13	Ribbon Supply Shaft
4	Locking Tenon (left/right)	14	Label Guide
5	Ribbon Rewind Shaft + Empty Ribbon Roll	15	Platen Roller
6	Front Cover Piece	16	Power Switch
7	Mount the Gaika slot	17	Power Socket
8	Label Supply	18	Parallel Port
9	Label Roll Core	19	Fan-Fold Label Insert
10	FEED Key

2. Printer Installation

This printer model has the following print modes:

Thermal Transfer (TT) :	When printing, ribbon must be installed to transfer the print contents onto the media.
Direct Thermal (DT) :	When printing, no ribbon is necessary; it only requires direct thermal media.

2.1. Ribbon Installation

1. Place the printer on a horizontal surface, and open the top cover by pressing the Cover Open Buttons on both sides.
2. Loosen and then lift the upper print mechanism by pressing the locking buttons..
3. Place a new ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply shaft。
4. Feed the ribbon from the Ribbon Supply Shaft under the Print Head.
5. Warp the ribbon around the Ribbon Shaft and stick the ribbon onto the Empty Ribbon Roll Core。
6. Firmly close the upper print mechanisms.

2.2. Label Installation

1. Open the top cover by pressing the Cover. Open Buttons on both sides。

2. Place the label roll onto the Label Roll Core.
3. Loosen and lift the upper print mechanism ☐ by pressing the locking buttons.
4. Feed the label through the two Label Guides to the Tear-off Bar. Align the label guides to the label edge.
5. Firmly close the upper print mechanisms.

2.3.Label Roll Core Installation Instruction

(A) 1" roll core installation

Close-up of a mechanical component with a green arrow pointing to a small component (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of a white cylindrical object with a small protrusion, possibly part of a printer or scanner (no visible text or symbols)

(B) 1.5" roll core installation

Close-up of a mechanical component with a blue arrow pointing to a specific part (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of a mechanical component with cylindrical and rectangular parts (no visible text or symbols)

(C) 3" roll core installation

Close-up of a mechanical component with a blue arrow pointing to a small feature (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of a white plastic container with internal compartments and side handles (no text or symbols visible)

2.4. PC Connection

1. Please make sure the printer is powered off.
2. Take the power cable, plug the cable switch to the power socket, and then connect the other end of the cable to the printer power socket.
3. Connect the cable to the USB/parallel port on the printer and on the PC.
4. Power on the PC and the printer and the printer's LED light will on.

3. Control Panel

3.1. FEED Key

After pressing the FEED key, printer will send the media (according to media type) to the specified stop position. When printing with continuous media, pressing the FEED key will feed media out to a certain length. When printing labels, pressing the FEED key will feed one label at a time; if the label is not sent out in a correct position, please proceed with the Auto Sensing

Self-Test

The Self-Test function in a printer will help user to figure out whether the printer is operating normally. In the Self-Test Mode, the printer will print out a test sample as below figure. The printer will back to standby mode after printing out the test sample. Below are the Self-Test procedures:

1. Power off the printer, press and hold the FEED key.
2. Power on the printer (while still holding the FEED key); release the FEED key after printer beeping 3 times.
3. After about 1 second, printer would automatically print out the following. This indicates the printer is operating normally.

3.2. Notice

When prints on the way, the printer does not have the paper, after loads the paper, should put the power off, and termination the print on host, print again!

Self test: Press and hold the FEED Key then power on the printer. The printer automatic printing self-checking content, then automatically to detect the paper, it is means the printer does not have the breakdown.

When prints on the way the RED LED is ON, please do the self test.

Operator Controls

Power Switch Controls printer power

READY-normal operation

Off-the power should be tuned off before connect or disconnect the communication cables and power cables

Feed Button

Advance the label media to fist printing position

Press to take the printer out of a "pause" condition

Keep pressing while turning on the power to print out a configuration profile

Ready Indicator

Show the printer status

Green: printer is ready to operate

Blinking: printer is paused

Power indicator

Shows the power and error status

Off-printer power off

Green: printer power off

Blinking: error occurs

Performing Calibration

1. Keep pressing the feed button while turning on the power until the printing motor becomes activated.
2. The calibration has been performed while the printer automatically feed label stock for certain length

NOTE:

This step is very important and must always be carried out whenever media is changed Fail to do so will result in miss-detection of the label sensor.

Printing Configuration Report

1. Keep pressing the feed button while turning on the power until the printing motor becomes activated.
2. After feeding 12-inch blank media the printing motor will suspend for one second then it will print out the configuration profile This profile states the firmware version ROM check sum, RS232, thermal transfer/direct thermal settings hardware configuration and font types.
3. At PPLB emulation the printer will enter character dump mode .TO exit from dump made just re-start the printer again.

Returning to Factory Default Settings

1. Turn on the printer and wait for 5 or more seconds.
2. Press the feed button for about 10 seconds then the ready indicator and the power indicator will go off in order.
3. While two indicators become lit again release the feed button
4. At this moment the printer will feed the label stock 12 inches in length and come back to the factory default settings.

NOTE:

All settings are stored in non-volatile E2PROM and cannot be destroyed even turn off the printer.

Notes :

If you are just updating your driver, make sure to delete the previous version first.

4. Maintenance and Adjustment

4-1. Maintenance and Adjustment

Thermal Print Head Cleaning Unclear printouts may be caused by dusty print head, ribbon stain or label liner glue. Therefore when printing, it's necessary to keep the top cover closed. Also, check and prevent paper/label from being stained or dusty to ensure print quality and to prolong the print head life. Print head cleaning instructions are as follows:

1. Power-off the printer.
2. Open the top cover.
3. Take out the ribbon.
4. Hold down the button hook to the card opened up so that print head lifted upward
5. If on the print head (see blue arrow) there's label pieces or other stain, please use a soft cloth with industrial use alcohol to wipe away the stain.

Interior view of a mechanical device with a blue arrow pointing to a component (no visible text or symbols)

Note1: Weekly cleaning on the print head is recommended. Note2: When cleaning the print head with soft cloth, make sure there is no any metal or hard particle attached on it. Note3: You can also clean the print head with the cleaning card that comes with the printer.

4-2. Troubleshooting

Problem	Recommended Solution
Power on the printer, but the LED does not light up	Check the power connector
LED light turns red(power/status) after printing stops	Check for software setting or program command errors Check if label is all out。Check if label is jammed/tangled up。Check if mechanism is not closed (Thermal Print Head not positioned correctly)。Check if sensor is blocked by paper/label。
Printing started, but nothing was printed on the label	Check if label is placed upside down or if label is not suitable for the application。Select the correct printer driver。Select the correct label and print type。
When printing, label is jammed/tangled up	Clean the label jam, and if label is stuck on Thermal Print Head, please remove it by using soft cloth with alcohol。
When printing, only part of the contents were printed	Check if label or ribbon is stuck on the Thermal Print Head。Check if application software has errors。Check if start position setting has errors。Check if ribbon has wrinkles。Check if ribbon supply shaft is creating friction with the platen roller. If the platen roller needs to be replaced please contact your reseller for more information。Check if power supply is correct
When printing, part of the label wasn't printed completely	Check if Thermal Print Head is stained or dustedUse internal command “~T” to check Thermal Print Head can print completelyCheck the media quality。
Printout not in desired position	Check if sensor is covered by paper or dustCheck if liner is suitable for use, please contact reseller for more informationCheck if label roll edge is aligned with Label Width Guide
When printing, page skipping occurs	Check if error occurs on label height setting。Check is sensor is covered by dust。
Unclear printout	Check print darkness settingCheck if Thermal Print Head is covered with glue or stain。

【Notice】If above operation can't solve the troubles, Please contact you local dealer for further technical.