EPCP

Overview

The Hobart EPCP is the console component of the Access PrePack System. Hobart’s replacement-parts catalog identifies it as the EPCP-1 Console, model ML-29269. The operator manual identifies the Access PrePack System as equipment for a meat room or produce back room, with merchandising capabilities for different fonts, graphics and label types.

The EPCP is part of a system that includes a printer and scale. The manual identifies the EPP printer as ML-29268 and lists the EPSA-1 and EPSA-2 scales as ML-29275 and ML-29276, respectively. These are related system components, not EPCP configurations.

Key Features

• Touch-screen operator interface: The manual states that necessary operator data appears on the touch screen.
• Product and retail data: The Access EPP Scale System can store information on thousands of products. Data may include PLU number, UPC number, pricing, tare and shelf life.
• Consumer information: The system can store NutriFacts, safe-handling information, expanded text, health tips, meal planners, recipes, cooking instructions and merchandising graphics.
• Merchandising options: The manual describes multiple fonts, graphics and label types.

Specifications

• Product: Hobart EPCP console for the Access PrePack System.
• Model number: ML-29269.
• System components identified in the manual: EPP printer ML-29268; EPSA-1 scale ML-29275; EPSA-2 scale ML-29276.
• Operating temperature range: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C), stated for the system.
• Electrical requirement: 120 or 208/240 volts, 50 or 60 Hz, single phase (2-wire plus ground), stated for the system. The manual locates the power cord on the back of the printer.
• Communication connections: The manual notes configurable ports in addition to electrical connections and identifies an RJ-45 jack.
• Weight verification increment: The manual describes checking scale results in 0.01 lb increments.
• FCC statement: The manual says the equipment was tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device under Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Installation & Requirements

The operator manual says the scale should be installed and moved only by qualified Hobart Service Technicians. It gives the system’s electrical requirement as 120 or 208/240 volts, 50 or 60 Hz, single phase (2-wire plus ground), and specifies that the printer’s power cord is at the back of the printer. The manual also notes that the system has configurable communication ports in addition to its electrical connections and identifies an RJ-45 jack. The available manual text does not provide further connection configuration details.

Operation

Operators interact with the system through the touch screen, where the manual says necessary operator data appears. The system holds product information used for handling and processing, including PLU and UPC numbers, pricing, tare and shelf life. It can also hold consumer-facing content such as nutrition facts, safe-handling information, recipes, cooking instructions and merchandising graphics.

The manual instructs operators to routinely verify label information. Check that price per pound multiplied by package weight agrees with the printed label, and compare the scale weight with the weight printed on the label. It recommends weighing the same package several times to check consistency. Packages near the middle of a 0.01 lb increment may normally vary up or down by 0.01 lb. Greater variation indicates that the system needs adjustment; the manual advises contacting a local Hobart representative in that case, or whenever necessary.

The operator manual defines its screen instructions as follows: “TYPE” means entering a sequence using the operator-screen numeric keypad or alpha keyboard; “TOUCH” means activating an entry shown on the operator display; and “SELECT” means choosing an item from a list displayed on the operator screen.

Applications

The Access PrePack System is described for use in meat rooms and produce back rooms. Its stored product, pricing and label information supports weighing and labelling prepacked products, while its graphics and other consumer content support product merchandising.