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RibbonMinder
The InfoPrint 6500 has a new feature that automatically monitors and
communicates ribbon life. Using a specially barcoded spool, the printer can
automatically detect when a new or used ribbon is loaded, and all ribbon
properties. With a sophisticated algorithm, the system monitors all jobs printed
and automatically updates the remaining ribbon life on the front panel display.
This allows the system administrator to have precise control over print quality and
consumable costs. The accurate presentation of available ribbon life allows for
efficient planning of print jobs. For example, you can install a new ribbon before
printing large print jobs.
When the ribbon life gets near the end point, the printer displays a ribbon low
message and flashes the indicator light. Printing will continue without
interruption. Once the ribbon reaches 0% remaining, the alarm sounds, the
indicator light flashes, the display updates, and printing pauses. If a new ribbon is
loaded, the system automatically detects the change, clears the condition, and
restarts the life at 100%. If it is not convenient to change the ribbon immediately,
cycle the printer on and offline and it will resume printing for a few minutes. This
should be enough to complete the job. If not, repeat the same procedure
indefinitely to extend printing on the same ribbon.
Output Darkness
By default the system is configured to meet most user requirements. However,
some applications require that the output remains darker than the nominal set
point while some applications are less critical and could tolerate a lighter final
image. The system can easily adjust to this variability. A setting under Printer
Control, Ribbon End Point is available that allows the user to adjust the final
output. The range is as follows:
Lighter −4 (Default)
Darker +1 through +6
Normal
Lighter −1 through −10
The ribbon life indicator always cycles between 100% and 0%, but if a darker
setting is selected, zero will be reached more quickly. If a lighter setting is selected,
the system will extend the amount of printing it takes to reach zero.
Ribbon Flipping
In some cases, the application's print pattern is narrow enough where only half of
the ribbon is used when printing. In these cases, you can flip the ribbon and use
the other half. The RibbonMinder detects the flip and resets the ribbon life to
100%.
Note: It is the user's responsibility to ensure the print pattern is sufficiently
narrow to support flipping. If not, the ribbon life may falsely indicate 100%
for the flipped ribbon.
Chapter 1. Printer Overview
3
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