Chapter 2: Loading Paper and Printing 2–27
Figure 2 - 7. Typical Display when Print Gap Mode is set to “Auto”
1. This number is for general reference. The precise relationship between the
displayed number and physical distance is complex and beyond the scope of this
manual.
After unlocking the Print Gap keys:
Press one of the Print Gap keys on the Control Panel. This activates the Print
Gap adjustment display. Look at the Control Panel. The upper right region of
the LCD shows a number 1 corresponding to the optimal print gap determined
by the detection process. The lower right region displays a “fine tuning” offset
which is added to the detected print gap to set the actual gap number. Initially
the “fine tuning” offset is 0, but it can be made negative or positive to adjust the
print gap smaller or larger, respectively, by pressing the
corresponding “-” or “+” Print Gap key on the control panel. The
offset range is limited by the printer. The lower left region of the
LCD provides a graphical indication of the adjustment being
made. There is a 5 second time-out: if no keys are pressed the
control panel display will revert to the prior menu and display.
Fine-tuning the print gap in this way may be done while printing
is in progress, allowing the operator to modify the gap and
immediately observe the effect it has upon print appearance.
See Chapter 3 for the specifics of the Print Gap menu.
Print Gap
If you prefer to manually set the Print Gap for the forms you will be using:
Set Print Gap Detect Mode to Manual
Use the Arrow and Enter keys to select Menu => Operator Menu => Print Gap
=> Mode => Manual.
Step 1. Manually Adjust Print Gap on Control Panel
Press one of the Print Gap keys on the Control Panel. This activates the Print
Gap adjustment display. The lower right region of the LCD shows a number1
corresponding to the current gap separating the hammer impactors from the
platen. Press the "+" or "-" Print Gap key to roughly match the setting to the
kind of paper that is loaded. This number will get larger or smaller respectively.
The range of allowed change is unrestricted over the complete gap range.2
Typical values range from 54 to 110 for single-part through six-part forms.
1. This number is for general reference. The precise relationship between the
displayed number and physical distance is complex and beyond the scope of this
manual.
2. The control software will prevent selection of a print gap so small that it would
pinch the paper so tightly that it will bind within the mechanism.