NCR 7169 - Thermal print head; Thermal head failure detection

1-6 NCR 7169 Multifunction Printer
Thermal print head
The 7169 Multifunction Printer uses a thermal print head for printing receipts. It is
extremely fast and quiet. Because it uses heat to print directly on paper, there is no
cassette or ribbon to change, eliminating soiled fingers and paper dust.
The print head does not need to be regularly cleaned nor require a scheduled
maintenance. However, if it appears dirty, wipe it with cotton swabs and rubbing
alcohol. If spotty or light print problems persist after cleaning the print head, refer to
Service Level Troubleshooting on page76.
If the recommended paper is used, the print head does not need to be regularly cleaned.
If a non–recommended paper has been used for an extended period of time, cleaning
the print head would not be of much benefit. For more information, refer to Ordering
Paper and Supplies on page57.
The print head is designed to have a long life span, but it can be replaced overtime if
needed. Only a trained service representative may replace the print head. To determine
if the print head needs to be replaced, refer to Service Level Troubleshooting on page76.
Thermal head failure detection
The 7169 provides Thermal Head Failure Detection Function. This function detects the
thermal head failure as earlier as possible and reports the failure dot count in the
diagnostic form.
The following are two ways to enable this function:
• Power-on Detection—the printer must be configured through the 7169 resident
firmware setup menu. Once configured, the printer executes the detection when it is
turned on. The printer application needs to be modified to check the error status
detected during the boot sequence.
Note: The printer application can get the result by either Real Time Status
Transmission or Unsolicited Status Update.
• Manual Detection—the printer application can execute the thermal head failure
detection by Execute Head Failure Detection command. The printer application
needs to be modified to send the head failure detection command and check the
error status.