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Chapter 3 Diagnostic Printer Tests
Diagnostic Printer Tests
A set of printer tests is included in the configuration menu structure for use as
diagnostic tools. Use these printer tests to check the print quality and basic
operation of the printer. You will also use some of the tests in some
adjustment procedures. The diagnostic printer tests are summarized below:
• Shift Recycle — A “sliding” alphanumeric pattern useful for identifying
missing or malformed characters, improper vertical alignment, or vertical
compression.
• All E’s — A pattern of all uppercase letter E’s useful for identifying
missing characters, misplaced dots, smeared characters, improper
phasing, or light/dark character variations.
• E’s + TOF — A pattern of all E’s repeated for ten lines and followed by a
form feed to the top of the next page. This test is useful for identifying
paper motion or paper feed problems.
• All H’s — A pattern of all uppercase letter H’s useful for detecting missing
characters or dots, smeared characters, or improper phasing.
• Underline Only — An underline pattern useful for identifying hammer
bank misalignment.
• All Black — Prints all dot positions, creating a solid black band.
Exercises the shuttle and hammer bank at maximum capacity.
• Shuttle Slow — Exercises the shuttle and ribbon mechanisms at low
speed. You can also use this test to check ribbon tracking and reversing.
• Shuttle Fast — Exercises the shuttle and ribbon mechanisms at high
speed. You can also use this test to check ribbon tracking and reversing.
• Shuttle Only — Runs the shuttle mechanism with no ribbon movement.
• Phase Printer — A hammer timing test that permits you to adjust the
hammer phase value. The hammer phase value is a timing parameter
that controls the vertical alignment of dots in character printing. The
numerical units are relative, they do not represent a physical
measurement or value. There is no “correct” value or range. The factory
prints the initial phase value on the casting of the shuttle assembly, next
to the motor housing. Use this value as your starting point when adjusting
hammer phasing.
• Paperout Adj. — Prints a vertical comb pattern. You use this pattern
when you do the end of forms (paper out) adjustment procedure. The
comb pattern lets you measure the number of dot rows from the
completion of a paper out fault to the end of the paper.
• Burnin Test — Do not use. This test is used by the printer manufacturer
to burn in the printer prior to shipment and has no value as a maintenance
tool.
• Print Error Log — Prints the current log of errors. Most non-routine faults
(ribbon stall, voltage faults) are stored in the error log.
• Clear Error Log — Clears all entries from the error log.
• E-NET Test Page — Prints the ethernet statistics stored in the ethernet
network adapter, if the adapter is installed. See page 117.
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