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Printing the prime pattern
Before printing and during printing, the printer wipes the ink cartridge jets at the service
station. This function is user selectable during printing. Wiping occurs automatically
between prints. Still, ink cartridge jets can become clogged, especially with prolonged
exposure to the air or with nonuse. Printing the Prime pattern helps to clear the jets and
to check that the ink cartridges fire properly. It is recommended that you print the prime
pattern daily to ensure the best possible print quality.
The printer includes a feature called Open Jet Compensation. This feature helps maintain
optimal print quality and gives you the confidence to print long, unattended jobs. It is
available in all modes. During multi-pass printing, the printer will automatically com-
pensate for jets found to be electrically damaged. The only intervention needed is to
verify that there are no clogged jets and then choose which print mode is most appropri-
ate for your needs. This is done by printing the Prime test pattern and then setting the
print mode accordingly.
➪ ➪ ➪ ➪ ➪
To print the prime pattern
1
With media loaded, press the Shortcut button. Press the up or down arrow until
Prime displays. Press Select.
A test pattern prints. It should be smooth with no obvious banding.
2
If the printed results are unsatisfactory, run the test several more times to unclog
the inkjet nozzles.
➪ ➪ ➪ ➪ ➪
To interpret the Prime test pattern
The test pattern consists of bands of color for each cartridge and a sloping line.
Within the Prime test pattern, each jet is represented with a short horizontal line.
Together, these short horizontal lines form a "stair step" pattern. Clogged jets
appear as missing or misdirected lines in the "stair step" pattern. Electrically defec-
tive jets appear as solid bars.
ENCAD
T-200
Reference Guide
®
TM
Printer Setup 1-10
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