EPCP-1

Overview

The Hobart EPCP-1 is an Access PrePack console. Hobart’s parts catalogue identifies this model as the EPCP-1 VxWorks Console, ML-29269. It is the console component of an Access PrePack System, rather than a complete scale or printer. The parts catalogue lists the EPP-1 printer for use with the EPCP-1; the EPP-2 is also listed for EPCP-1, EPCP-3, and EPCP-4 systems.

The Access PrePack System is used with weighing and package-label workflows. Its product records can include NutriFacts, safe-handling information, expanded text, health tips, meal planners, recipes, cooking instructions, and merchandising graphics. The system can store information for thousands of products.

Key Features

• Console identification: EPCP-1 VxWorks Console, part number ML-29269.
• System product records: Access PrePack can store product information and related merchandising and food-handling content.
• Supervisor functions: The documented Access PrePack interface includes setup for store information, scale operation, product records, label settings, and operator functions.
• Help: The system manual describes context-sensitive help, including page descriptions, questions, and scale information.
• Console reset switch: A reset switch is located on the bottom of the console.

Specifications

• Product: Hobart Access EPCP PrePack console.
• Model: EPCP-1.
• Console part number: ML-29269.
• Operating system: VxWorks, as identified in the parts catalogue for the EPCP-1.
• Access PrePack system operating temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C), as stated in the system supervisor manual.
• Console connection: The manual identifies an RJ-45 jack for Ethernet on the console.
• Access EPCP control-panel shipping weight: 15.9 lb, as listed on the Hobart specification sheet.
• Access PrePack System electrical requirement: The supervisor manual states 120 or 208/240 V, 50 or 60 Hz, single phase, 2-wire plus ground. It notes that the power cord is on the back of the printer unit.
• Listed printer pairing: EPP-1 is listed for EPCP-1 only; EPP-2 is listed for EPCP-1, EPCP-3, and EPCP-4.

Installation & Requirements

Hobart’s supervisor manual states that the scale should be installed or moved only by qualified Hobart service technicians. The Access PrePack System electrical requirement given in that manual is 120 or 208/240 V, 50 or 60 Hz, single phase, with 2 wires plus ground. The manual locates the system power cord on the back of the printer unit. It also identifies an RJ-45 Ethernet jack on the console and notes that the system has ports that can be configured for peripherals.

Operation

The console is used with the Access PrePack System’s operator and supervisor functions. The manual describes a system in which supervisors can configure store information, scale operation, products, labels, and operators. Available setup options vary with system configuration, so not every screen or function described in the manual will be present on every system.

Product and label workflow

Access PrePack product records can hold information such as NutriFacts, safe-handling instructions, expanded text, health tips, meal planners, recipes, cooking instructions, and merchandising graphics. The manual also describes product and shelf-life settings, pricing, tare, product classes, and label fields. Label types determine how information is arranged on a label; the label fields available depend on the selected label type. The system manual lists examples of printable fields such as sell-by dates and packed-on dates, where the selected label type permits them.

Supervisor setup and help

The supervisor manual documents setup for store name, store ID, and store graphic, along with scale statistics and normal scale operation. Depending on system configuration, normal operation settings include language and country, date and time formats, keypad styles, and network connectivity testing. The manual also describes adjusting flashkey grids, with a maximum grid of 16 by 16 rows and columns.

Context-sensitive help is available in the documented Access PrePack system. Its help levels include a description of the current page, a questions screen, and information about the scale.

Troubleshooting

If the console stops responding, the manual says to use the reset switch on the bottom of the console. Pressing it causes an orderly shutdown of the operating system; pressing it when the console is off powers it on. The reset switch shuts down the operating system only, so electrical power remains supplied to the console.

To power down the system, the manual directs users to use the on/off switch on the back of the printer. It specifically warns not to remove power by unplugging the system.

Applications

The EPCP-1 is intended for use as the console in an Access PrePack weighing and label-printing system. Hobart describes Access PrePack Systems as combinations of scales, consoles, and printers used in food-preparation and package-label workflows. The EPCP-1 parts listing names the EPP-1 printer as its printer pairing; confirm the specific system components and configuration when matching replacement equipment.