end of the cartridge into the corresponding slots in the printer frame (Figure 1-11). The cartridge should snap neatly into place.

With the paper bail resting on the platen, you can tuck the ribbon between the metal ribbon guide and the black print head.

As Figure 1-11 suggests, you can ease the ribbon into place with the deft application of a dull pencil. To remove any slack in the ribbon, turn the ribbon knob in the direction of the arrow.

Note: When you replace a ribbon, remember that the print head may be hot from usage; be careful.

Paper Loading

How you load your paper depends on which model of FX you have and which type of paper and feeder you are using. This section covers each type of paper loading and then illustrates the top-of-form position on both models.

Both the FX-80 and the FX-100 include tractors so that you can use continuous-feed paper with pin-feed holes and friction mechanisms so that you can use paper without these holes.

Continuous-feed paper usually comes fanfolded into a box and has pin-feed holes arranged on half-inch tear-off strips at each side. This allows the printer’s pin feeders to engage the paper and pull it evenly through the printer. After printing you can remove the tear-off strips and separate the pages.

The FX-80’s built-in tractor handles continuous-feed paper that is 9% inches wide, which is the standard 8½-inch width with the tear- off strips removed. The FX printers’ removable tractor units (optional on the FX-80, standard on the FX-100) handle continuous paper in widths from 4 inches to the width of the platen - 10 inches on the FX-80,16 inches on the FX-100. The friction feeder on each FX handles all papers narrower than the width of the platen.

To refresh your memory about names of the parts, refer back to Figure 1-2.

FX-80: built-in tractor feed

The FX-80’s built-in tractor will accommodate 9%- to 10-inch wide continuous-feed paper with pin-feed holes. You should have few problems loading it if you follow these instructions carefully.

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