Star Micronics LC-20 user manual Maintenance, Replacing the Print Head

I

MAINTENANCE

Essentially,your printer is a robust piece of equipment, but shouId be treatedwitha modicumofcarein orderto avoidmalfunctions.Forexample:

. Keepyourprinterin a “comfortable”environment.Roughlyspeaking,if you arecomfortable,thenthe environmentis suitablefor yourprinter,too (see Chapter1).

. Do not subjectthe printerto physicalshocksor excessivevibration.

. Avoidextremelydustyenvironments.Dust is the enemyof all precision mechanicaldevices.

. To clean the exteriorof the printer, use a cloth barely dampenedwith eitherwaterwith a littledetergentor a little alcohol,but do not allowany liquidto fall insidethe printer.

●Theinteriorof theprintermaybe cleanedwith a smallvacuumcleaneror a compressed-airaerosol(sold for this purpose).When performingthis operation, be sure not to bend or damage any cable connectionsor electroniccomponents.

REPLACING THE PRINT HEAD

Thisisnotajob whichyouwillneedto doveryoften.Thepnnt headhasbeen designedto last for about 100millioncharacters.In normaleverydayuse, thistranslatesto yearsof life.However,if theprintqualityis faint,evenafter youhavechangedtheribbonor youhaveadjustedthe gapbetweenthe print head and the platen (see Chapter1),the print head will need replacement.

Only use a replacementprint head as recommendedby your supplier.

1.Turn OFF the printer,and unplugthe power cord.

2.Removethe top cover and ribboncartridge.

3.Iftheprinterhasbeenin opeiationimmediatelybeforethisoperation,the print head will be hot. Allow time for the print head to cool before attempingto work on it.

4.Move the print head carriage toward the right until you can see the connectorcover. Removethe connectorcover and pull the cable free from the connector.

5.Unscrewthe two screwsthat hold the print head in pIace and set them aside.

95