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Printer Self-Tests
With the exception of testing the interface between the printer and the host
computer (and the associated data cable), you do not need to send data from
the host computer to the printer to test printer operation. You can use the
printer built-in diagnostic tests to check many of the functions of your printer,
including print quality and overall operation. These diagnostic tests include
the following:
•
Printer Demonstration — Demonstrates all the functions and features
available on the printer.
•
Print Error Log — This test prints the contents of the printer internal error
log.
•
Ripple Print — A "sliding" alphanumeric pattern used to identify missing
or malformed characters, improper vertical alignment, or vertical
compression.
•
All E's — A pattern of all uppercase letter E's used to identify missing
characters, misplaced dots, smeared characters, improper phasing, or
light/dark character variations.
•
All H's — pattern of all uppercase letter H's used to detect missing
characters or dots, smeared characters, or improper phasing.
•
All E's + FF (Form Feed) — A pattern of all uppercase E's repeated for
ten lines and followed by a form feed to the next page top-of-form, used to
identify paper motion or feeding problems, such as paper path obstruction
or improper forms.
•
Underlines — An underline pattern useful for identifying hammer bank
misalignment.
NOTE: The Operator Print Test menu is displayed in Chapter 4, page 116
Hex Code Printout
A hex code printout (or hex dump) lists each data character received from the
host computer, along with its corresponding two-digit hexadecimal code. Hex
dumps can be used to troubleshoot some types of printer data reception
problems.
Each printable character prints as its assigned symbol and as its hex
equivalent. Each nonprintable character prints both as a period (.) and as its
hex equivalent. Figure 68 shows a sample Hex Code Printout.
Printer Self-Test
Cleaning Inside The Printer
135
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