EPCP-5HTi

Overview

The Hobart EPCP-5HTi is an ACCESS EPCP prepack console covered by the Hobart HT Access System Operator Manual. The manual identifies the HT Access System as a meat-room or produce back-room scale with merchandising capabilities, including multiple fonts, graphics and label types. Its touch-screen interface presents operator data and provides access to product and scale functions.

The system can store information for thousands of products. Retail and handling data can include PLU number, UPC number, pricing, tare and shelf life. Consumer-facing product content can include nutrition facts, safe-handling information, expanded text, health tips, meal planners, recipes, cooking instructions and merchandising graphics.

Key Features

• Touch-screen controls: Three operator screens provide access to system features. Operators can move between screens using the screen-view controls or by swiping across the display.
• Product and label information: The system supports product records with pricing, tare, shelf-life and identification data, along with merchandising and consumer information.
• Operator and system alerts: The interface can show product recall, printer, planogram and network-connectivity alerts. The printer alert can indicate issues such as an open label cassette or no labels. A network alert can indicate lost connectivity.
• Configurable screens: The left screen has an area for dynamic content that a supervisor can configure. The center screen can include a numeric keypad, product information, run totals, operation-mode settings and dynamic content, depending on configuration.
• Operation choices: The HT Access System can be set up for manual or automatic operation. Additional automatic functions are available when the system is attached to an automatic wrapper.
• Connectivity: The system provides Type A USB 2.0 ports and an RJ-45 Ethernet connection for TCP/IP.

Specifications

• Model: EPCP-5HTi
• Product type: ACCESS EPCP PREPACK CONSOLE
• System manual: HT Access System Operator Manual, model number ML-44242 for EPCP-5HTi
• Intended work area described in the manual: Meat room or produce back room
• Product storage: Information for thousands of products
• Operator interface: Three touch-screen operator screens
• Operating temperature range: 14°F to 104°F (-10°C to 40°C)
• Electrical supply: 120 V, 60 Hz, 1 phase, 2-wire plus ground
• Power cord: Provided; connects to the back of the printer
• Communication ports: Two Type A USB 2.0 ports and an RJ-45 jack for Ethernet (TCP/IP)
• Weight verification increment referenced by the manual: 0.005 lb. Packages near the middle of an increment may vary up or down by 0.005 lb; variation greater than 0.005 lb indicates the need for weigher adjustment.

Installation & Requirements

The manual states that the HT Access System should be installed or moved only by a qualified Hobart Service Technician. Its operating temperature range is 14°F to 104°F (-10°C to 40°C). The provided power cord connects to the back of the printer, and the required electrical supply is 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase, with 2-wire plus ground.

The manual identifies two Type A USB 2.0 ports and an RJ-45 Ethernet jack for TCP/IP communication. Its troubleshooting instructions also identify the connections between the printer and display unit: the display power cord connects to the printer and display, and a USB cable connects the printer and display. The available source does not specify installation clearances, gas connections or ventilation requirements.

Operation

Operator screens and information

The three touch screens are used to enter information and move through scale features. The screen-view location icon indicates which screen is active; operators can touch the left or right square to change screens, or touch and swipe to move between them. The fixed screen information includes a home icon, menu icon, capacity information, zero indicator, screen-view location, alert area, operator name when login is required, and date and time. The information bar and the position of the home and menu icons can be configured.

The home icon returns to the configured main page. The menu icon opens additional scale features. The capacity area shows the scale capacity range, and the zero indicator appears when the scale has no weight on it and is zeroed. The alert area can display product recall, printer, planogram and network information. A red, flashing network indicator and red application background signal lost connectivity; touching the network area can show details when enabled.

Product handling and operating modes

Product information can be searched by PLU or description, as listed in the operator manual. The system can be configured for manual or automatic operation. The manual notes that automatic modes vary and that an attached automatic wrapper provides additional functions.

For automatic wrapping with label printing and application, the operator sets Apply, Wrap and Label to green in the Operation Mode setup screen, then exits that screen. The A, W and L indicators and PLU area turn green. When a product is placed on the wrapper scale, it passes through the wrapper. Once the scale senses a stable weight, a label prints and is applied as the product emerges from the wrapper.

For automatic label printing without applying the label, the operator sets Label to green and Apply and Wrap to red, then exits the setup screen. The L indicator turns green and the PLU area is black. When a product is placed on the wrapper scale, a label prints after a stable weight is sensed; the operator removes the label from the printer and applies it to the product manually. The manual also identifies an automatic print-and-apply-without-wrap mode. Exact settings for that mode are not included in the provided excerpt.

Weight and price checks

The manual instructs operators to routinely verify label information, check that price per pound multiplied by weight agrees with the printed price, and compare the scale weight with the weight printed on the label. It recommends weighing the same package several times to verify consistency. Packages near the middle of the 0.005 lb increment may vary up or down by 0.005 lb. Variation greater than 0.005 lb indicates that the weigher needs adjustment; the manual directs operators to contact a local Hobart Representative in that situation or when adjustment is otherwise necessary.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Loading labels

Before loading labels, the manual calls for cleaning the printhead and setting the label size plate. Remove labels from the first 12 inches of the new roll to make a leader. Pull the printhead positioning lever toward the printhead to lower it, then press the label-door release on the interior back wall behind the roller and lower the label door. Place the roll on the hub with the leader feeding from the bottom of the roll in a clockwise direction. Remove the take-up spool key, route the leader under the black label guide and around the roller and take-up spool, then insert the key with its short side first so the leader is caught under its long side. Take up slack and align the leader on the spool. Close the label door, raise the printhead with its positioning lever and close the printer label access door. The printer advances the labels into the ready position.

To set the label size plate, lift the plate and place it in the slots for the label size being used. Move the lever on the hub to the corresponding slot. If the label size changes, the printer settings must also be adjusted.

Printhead and roller cleaning

The manual recommends cleaning the printhead approximately once each week, whenever residue interferes with labels, and cleaning the roller when a new roll of labels is installed. The Hobart Printhead Cleaning Kit is identified as part number 00-913096-00001. The manual notes that 70% isopropyl alcohol must be purchased locally because of shipping restrictions.

With the label door lowered, labels removed and printhead lowered, check for label stock and adhesive on the printhead. Use the cleaning-kit scraper to remove stuck label stock. Gently use the kit eraser on burnt-on adhesive, then scrub the printhead with the kit cleaner and a swab until residue is removed. Clean the roller with cleaner and swabs, and allow both the printhead and roller to dry before loading labels. Do not use a metal tool on the printhead, as it could scratch or break it. Check for labels stuck on printer parts and remove them. The manual states that printer-unit cleaning is the customer's responsibility and is not covered by Hobart warranty.

Troubleshooting

• No display: Check that the power switch on the back of the printer is on, the power cord is connected to a working electrical outlet and the rear of the printer, the display power cord is connected at the printer and display, and the USB cable is connected at both the printer and display.
• Operator ID not accepted: Confirm that the correct ID is being entered. If it is correct, have a supervisor check the ID number.
• Product number not found: Verify that the product number is valid.
• System prompts the operator to take a label, but no label is present: Check whether part of a label is hidden in the label exit and make sure the exit is clear.
• Part of an unprinted label is exposed: Check that the labels are threaded properly.
• Blank, partly printed or misaligned labels: Check label threading. If the problem continues, clean the printhead using the Hobart Printhead Cleaning Kit.

Applications

The manual describes the HT Access System for meat-room and produce back-room work. Its product records and label features support weighing and labeling products while displaying information such as product identification, pricing, tare, shelf life and consumer-facing content. In operations using an automatic wrapper, the system can be set to wrap products and print and apply labels after a stable weight is sensed.