SATO M-8485Se - REPLACING THE PRINT HEAD

Section 4.cleanin
g
and Maintenance
The primary adjustment for Print Darkness is the PRINT potentiometer on the
internal DIP Switch panel. It provides a continuous range of adjustment, allowing you
to make precise changes. Use a small cross-point screwdriver, turning clockwise for
darker
p
rint and counterclockwise fo
r
li
g
hter
p
rint.
NOTE: The PRINT potentiometer adjustment will affect the darkness in all of the
command code speed ranges, i.e. if the PRINT potentiometer is adjusted for lighter
p
rint
,
the darknes
s
wil
l
be li
g
hter in al
l
s
p
ee
d
ran
g
e
s
selecte
d
b
y
the comman
d
code.
Print S
p
eed
The other method of controlling print quality is by controlling the speed at which the
label is printed. This adjustment is made only on an individual label basis using the
Print Speed command code. For more details on this command, see Section 5:
Programming Reference . Changing the print speed allows the user to control the
amount
of time allowed for print element cooling before the media is stepped to the
next
print position. It is especially critical when printing “ladder” bar codes (bar codes
printed with the bars parallel to the print line). When printing a “ladder” bar code, it is
important to allow the head to cool sufficiently before stepping to the next position. If
it does not have sufficient time to cool, the bar will be “smeared” on the trailing edge.
The Print Speed can be set using the LCD panel or with the Print Speed software
command. The software command will override the any setting entered using the LCD
panel.The other method of controlling print quality is by controlling the speed at
which the label is printed. This adjustment is made only on an individual label basis
using the Print Speed command code. For more details on this command, see Section
5,
Programming Reference . Changing the print speed allows the user to control the
amount
of time allowed for print element cooling before the media is stepped to the
next
print position. It is especially critical when printing “ladder” bar codes (bar codes
printed with the bars parallel to the print line). When printing a “ladder” bar code, it is
important to allow the head to cool sufficiently before stepping to the next position. If
it does not have sufficient time to cool, the bar will be “smeared” on the trailing edge.
CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD, PLATEN
A
ND ROLLERS
Supplies needed: SATO SA070 Cleaning Kit (not supplied, check with your dealer)
Cleanin
g
the Print Head
1.
Turn the
p
rinte
r
off.
2.
Open the Label Access door.
3. Open the Print Head Assembly by pushing the Head Latch toward the rear
of the printer. The Print Head Assembly is spring-loaded and will
automaticall
y
o
p
en as soon as the Head Latch is disen
g
a
g
ed.
4. A
pp
l
y
SATO Thermal Print Head Cleaner to a cotton swab.
Pa
g
e 4-2 SATO “Se” Print En
g
ines