Principles of Operation

Platen Gap Adjustment

The platen gap (the gap between the platen and the printhead) can be adjusted to allow the printer to use paper of different weights or thicknesses. When the platen gap adjust lever is moved forward or backward, the carriage guide shaft rotates. This rotation moves the carriage either toward or away from the platen, and changes the platen gap. Setting the adjust lever to position 2 (the 5th slot from the top) turns off the platen gap switch, which slows down the printing speed of the printer to protect the printhead. The platen gap (PG) sensor detects the position of the adjust lever. The correct platen gap is 0.38 mm f 0.02 mm with the adjust lever set to position 0.

Platen

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Platen Gap

Adjustment

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PO SensorFigure 6-3. Platen Gap Adjust Lever

6-4

Epson FX-870/1170