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Novajet PROe Series Service Manual
Banding: Hardware vs Software
The technician must be able to identify whether the banding that is
being observed is related to either a hardware or a software problem.
The two examples in Figure 3-10 represent classic types of hardware
and software banding errors.
Hardware banding is usually characterized by consistent banding
strips as shown. It signifies a slippage in the media's normal move-
ment that is possibly due to the stepper motor, lower drive shaft
assembly, or the rollguides on the back of the printer. All these
possible faulty areas deal with a rotational movement that, if faulty,
will generate a consistent banding pattern. The MPCB and Carrier
PCB can also cause this type of error to incur.
Software banding is characterized by inconsistent banding lines.
These banding lines are generated by the software when incorrectly
interpreting the paper advancing/ink firing sequence of the expected
print file. Because it is not directly tied to a mechanical movement,
the bands become inconsistent in both frequency and duration. The
possible causes are the printer driver, the original software package,
or the RIP, if used. To eliminate the chance that it is the printer
driver:
1) Remove any RIP or network systems and connect the printer
2) Print a test file approved by ENCAD that uses only the
56
Maintenance
Figure 3-10. Examples of Banding.
directly to the computer.
printer driver software and the ENCAD printer.
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