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Introduction
The RibbonMinder function ensures quality printing by determining when a ribbon should be
changed. The RibbonMinder (patent pending) monitors the consumption of ink from the rib
bon by analyzing the printer's hammer action. It is designed to alert the operator before the
print quality falls below a certain level. The function's parameters can be set to meet the spe
cific requirements of any job. In this way, the operator can determine at what level print quality
is no longer acceptable. When the print quality reaches this point, a WHEN WORN ACTION
will occur. The printer can either stop printing at this point or display a message indicating that
it is time to change the ribbon. Replacing the ribbon when the WHEN WORN ACTION occurs
will prevent the production of unreadable documents and bar codes.
This chapter provides step by step instructions that facilitate use of the RibbonMinder func
tion. Application hints and shortcuts are included at the end of the chapter. Words and phrases
which are in all capital letters correspond to the actual buttons on the printer control panel and
messages that appear in the display.
Overview
The RibbonMinder operates very much like the fuel gauge on an automobile. In a car, the fuel
gauge lets you know how much fuel remains. With RibbonMinder, the message display on the
printer control panel shows you how much usable ink remains in the ribbon.
This function performs without operator attention once it has been initially set up. It may also
be controlled through an interface with a host computer. These features of the RibbonMinder
function make it virtually autonomous and less prone to errors.
When the ribbon is new, the message display on the printer control panel indicates the ribbon
life is at 100%.
As printing continues, the percentage of usable ink remaining in the ribbon will continue to fall.
RibbonMinder
CHAPTER 9
R
M
IBBON
INDER
ON LINE
100%
DP AT 10 CPI
*
ON LINE
74%
DP AT 10 CPI
*
ON LINE
8%
DP AT 10 CPI
*
T
Typical new ribbon display
Ribbon ink is being consumed
Ribbon life is approaching end
9-1
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