5.6.7 No Print or Light Print
If there is no printhead noise when the carriage traverses a document:
1.Check that the printhead is plugged into the carriage flex cables.
2.Check that the flex cables are plugged into the main PCB J3 and J4.
3.Replace timer U13 or MOSFET Q7 on the main PCB.
4.Repair or replace the main PCB with a bad driver circuit.
If there is printhead noise but there is no print or light print:
1.Correctly install the ribbon cartridge (see 3.1) or replace it if worn out.
2.Remove the cartridge and check for jammed ribbon.
3.Check that the cartridge knob rotates as the carriage traverses.
4.Check that QUIET MODE is turned off under 92 FUNCT.
5.Check the NORMAL and CQ DARKNESS parameters (see 3.5.4)
7.Check the printhead gap at both ends of the platen(see 5.4.1).
8.Clean the printhead (see 5.1.4).
9.Check that the carriage flange that clamps the drive belt is not bent down.
10.Check that the ribbon shield is pushed up until it clicks into place
5.6.8Print Quality
Symptom | Condition | Remedy |
Print not dark enough on | Ribbon needs replacement | Replace ribbon cartridge. |
receipts or multipart forms. | Ribbon installed incorrectly | See page 5 for ribbon installation |
| Increase print darkness setting | See “DARKNESS” service |
|
| parameters 3.5.4 |
Streaking or smearing over | Ribbon installed incorrectly | See page 3 for ribbon installation |
printed lines. | Ribbon shield is | Replace ribbon shield. |
| missing/damaged |
|
| Ribbon is near end of life. | Replace ribbon cartridge. |
| Ribbon has too much ink. |
|
| Generic ribbon installed | Replace with Craden ribbon |
Large gaps in printing or | Ribbon fabric is folded or | Replace ribbon cartridge. |
sporadic light print occurs. | twisted. |
|
| Ribbon installed incorrectly | See page 3 for ribbon installation |
| Generic ribbon installed | Replace with Craden ribbon |
A row of dots is missing | Printhead or printing circuit is | If unusable, initiate a service call |
| defective (unusual). |
|
Print is darker on one side | Racked carriage shaft or | If unusable, initiate a service call |
than on the other | misadjusted shaft cam |
|
Ribbon getting tangled in | Ribbon installed incorrectly | See page 3 for ribbon installation |
printer | Ribbon shield is damaged | Replace ribbon shield |
| Generic ribbon installed | Replace with Craden ribbon |
Documents being torn | Ribbon shield is damaged | Replace ribbon shield |
If print is light all across the print line, check as if printhead noise were present in 5.6.7. Print on a thick document will always be a little lighter than on a thin one.
If there is ribbon smear on the document and it is not very wrinkled:
1.Check that document is not too thick or printing is too close to a fold or edge (see 1.2)
2.Check for a displaced or missing ribbon shield.
3.Check printhead gap (see 5.4.1).
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