Printronix SLPA8000 User Manual page 238

Chapter 6
Troubleshooting Other Symptoms
Symptom
Printer advances media, but
ribbon does not advance.
Ribbon take-up spindle is not
rewinding the used ribbon.
Printer cuts (melts) through
the transfer ribbon.
Printing stops and ONLINE
status indicator flashes.
Narrow width ribbon breaks
frequently.
238
Table 12. General Symptom List
RIBBON
1. Make sure the ribbon is installed correctly.
2. A poor ribbon/media combination can cause insufficient
friction between media and ribbon. Verify that the correct
ribbon and media are being used.
3. The printhead pressure may not be set high enough. Set
the head pressure adjustment dial higher.
4. There may be adhesive on the printhead. Clean the
printhead.
1. In the QUICK SETUP or MEDIA CONTROL menu, verify
that Print Mode is set to Transfer.
2. Power off the printer and verify that the take-up spindle
rotates freely with no binding.
3. If binding exists, remove the side cover and check the gear
train.
4. Verify that the ribbon take-up motor is connected to J8 on
the controller board.
5. Replace the ribbon take-up motor.
1. Verify that the printing heat setting (Print Intensity) is set to
the proper level. In the QUICK SETUP or MEDIA
CONTROL menu, set Print Intensity to the correct level.
2. Verify that Print Speed is not too low. In the QUICK
SETUP or MEDIA CONTROL menu, set Print Speed
higher.
3. Verify that the correct ribbon is installed. The melting point
for thermal transfer varies significantly among ribbon
types.
1. Check the LCD for a fault message. Press PAUSE to
display the fault message again.
2. Inspect for a jammed label. Remove jammed label.
3. Check that the transfer ribbon and label stock are routed
correctly.
The Ribbon Width value in the MEDIA CONTROL menu is set
too large, causing too great a ribbon take-up and ribbon supply
spindle torque. Reduce the Ribbon Width value to decrease
the torque on the ribbon spindles. The Ribbon Width value
should be very close to the Label Width value.
To reduce the torque further, set Ribbon Length (in the MEDIA
CONTROL menu) from Save As Paper to Set In Menu. Then
set a value less than the installed ribbon width.
Solution