Printronix P9000 Series manual Printer Self-Tests, Running the Self-Tests

Printer Self-Tests

The printer contains several self-tests that are helpful in evaluating and maintaining optimum printer performance. Each of these tests may be initiated from the DIAGNOSTICS/ PRINTER TEST 8 INCH WIDTH or DIAGNOSTICS/PRINTER TEST FULL WIDTH conF figuration menus. Self-tests may periodically halt shuttle activity for long time intervals. Available self-tests are as follows:

nShift Recycle

nAll E's

nE's plus TOF

nAll H's

nUnderline Only

nBlack Plot

nShuttle / Ribbon

nDemonstration Test

Shift Recycle - a •sliding" alphanumeric pattern useful in identifying missing or malformed characters, improper vertical alignment, or vertical compression.

All E's - a pattern of all uppercase letter E's useful in identifying missing characters, misplaced dots, smeared characters, improper registration of left and right moving strokes (phasing), or light/dark character variations.

E's plus TOF - a pattern of all E's followed by a form feed to the next page top-of-form, useful in identifying high speed paper motion feeding problems.

All H's - a pattern of all uppercase letter H's useful in detecting missing characters, misplaced dots, smeared characters, or improper phasing.

Underline Only - an underline pattern useful in identifying vertical hammer tip misalignment.

Black Plot - all odd dot positions are printed and followed by periodic pauses in shuttle activF ity. This is useful for identifying horizontal hammer tip misalignment.

Shuttle / Ribbon - a test that verifies proper operation by exercising shuttle and ribbon moF tion. This is useful for identifying spooling and ribbon guide misalignment.

Demonstration Test - a test of all print attributes.

Running the Self-Tests

To run the self-tests, perform the following steps.

1.Place the printer off line and raise the printer cover.

2.Press MENU DOWN; repeatedly press NEXT or PREV until DIAGNOSTICS is disF played.

3.Press MENU DOWN, then repeatedly press NEXT or PREV until either PRINTER TEST FULL WIDTH or PRINTER TEST 8 INCH WIDTH message is displayed.

Routine Service & Diagnostics 8-5