5.4MECHANICAL ADJUSTMENTS 5.4.1 Printhead Gap
Too large a gap causes light print and missing dots. Too small a gap causes ribbon smear.
1.Open the cabinet, raise the carriage with the lift ring and remove the ribbon cartridge.
2.Hold the ribbon shield at its corners between the shield face and shield base. Raise the ribbon guide plate and push the shield down and slide it to the right side to remove it.
3.Lower the carriage. Insert a narrow .015" (.38 mm) feeler gauge between the platen (printing surface) and printhead nose from the side of the printhead. Insure that the feeler is flat against the platen and completely under the printwires (not under the gap wheel or behind the printwires). The .015" feeler should just fit without raising the printhead but a slight resistance should be felt as the feeler slides below the printwires.
4.If the gap is incorrect, slightly loosen the two larger head screws on either side of the printhead that fasten the gap plate to the printhead. (Use a 5/16” wrench to hold the mounting nuts). The gap changes as these screws are loosened so only loosen them enough to be able to move the plate.
5.Decrease the gap by pushing the printhead down against the feeler. Increase the gap by rotating a screwdriver blade in the slot between the gap plate and the printhead Insure that the gap plate is centered around the printhead nose and tighten the screws. Recheck the gap per step 4.
6.Replace the ribbon shield by raising the carriage, sliding the shield from the side between the carriage and the ribbon guide plate until the shield slot is centered. Gently push the shield up until it snaps into place.
7.Mount the ribbon and use 95 FUNCT to print (See 3.8) and check print quality. Adjust the NORMAL and CQ DARKNESS parameters (see 5.2).
Insert the feeler gauge from the side of the printhead. Be sure the feeler gauge passes under the printwires only. (Front roller and input guide removed for clarity)
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