.

38

Chapter 3

Paper Handling

This chapter describes how to load plain paper and special media in the printer. To get the best performance from your printer, use the media most appropriate for the task and make sure that you follow these instructions to load it correctly.

Selecting paper types

One of the most important things you can do to ensure the best possible performance from your printer is to select the correct print media. Your printer produces letter-quality print on most plain paper, including cotton bond and photocopier paper, and does not require special ink jet paper. However, the print quality varies with different paper types, especially with color printing. Plain paper should be fully tested before large quantities are purchased. Your printer accepts either plain paper or the special media as described below.

Plain paper

Paper fed to the printer must be free of curls, folds, and damaged edges. The printer can accept A4, A5, B5, Letter and Legal size sheets in portrait orientation. Paper thickness should be in the range 64 to 105 gsm. Paper must be fed to the printer one sheet at a time unless you have installed the optional sheet feeder. Canon produces Bubble Jet Paper LC-301, a plain paper designed specially for Canon Bubble Jet printers.

This printer meets the standards for using recycled paper. The BJC-50 produces excellent printouts on recycled paper.

38

.

Page 40
Image 40
Canon BJC-50 user manual Selecting paper types, Plain paper

BJC-50 specifications

The Canon BJC-50 is a portable bubble jet printer that made waves in the early 1990s for its compact design and high-quality output. Launched by Canon in 1995, it appealed to both home and business users who required mobility without compromising on performance. This printer offered a unique blend of features that set it apart from traditional desktop printers of its time.

One of the standout features of the BJC-50 is its lightweight and compact form factor, making it an ideal choice for users on the move. Weighing in at a mere 3.5 pounds, it easily fits into a travel bag, allowing professionals to print documents wherever they are. Its small footprint means it can be used in tight spaces, a significant advantage for home offices or small workstations.

The technology behind the BJC-50 is rooted in Canon's bubble jet printing technology. This involved heating ink to create tiny bubbles, which then forced droplets of ink onto the paper to create sharp text and vibrant images. This method delivered higher resolution printing compared to many pen and dot matrix printers at the time. The BJC-50 produced prints at a resolution of up to 600 x 600 dpi, resulting in clear and detailed documents.

Additionally, the Canon BJC-50 featured a flexible inkjet cartridge system. Users could choose between different cartridges optimized for text or photo printing. This adaptability allowed for a range of printing tasks, from basic black and white documents to full-color graphics. The printer also supported both standard and high-capacity cartridges, providing users with options depending on their printing volume.

Connectivity was another strong point of the BJC-50. It came equipped with a parallel port and offered optional infrared capabilities, which facilitated wireless printing from compatible devices. This feature was particularly novel in the 1990s, showcasing Canon's commitment to advancing user convenience and technology.

In terms of usability, the BJC-50 had an easy-to-use interface with straightforward control buttons. It featured a compact and accessible paper tray that could handle various media types and sizes, which made the transition between different printing tasks seamless and efficient.

All in all, the Canon BJC-50 was a pioneering portable printer that encapsulated the demands of its era, balancing size, technology, and functionality. While newer models have since taken the stage, the principles that guided the design and features of the BJC-50 continue to influence portable printing solutions today.