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Priming the ink cartridges
Before printing and at regular intervals during printing, the printer wipes the ink
cartridge jets at the service station. This function is user selectable during
printing or between prints. Still, ink cartridge jets can become clogged, espe-
cially with prolonged exposure to the air or with disuse. Printing the Prime
pattern helps to clear the jets and to check that the ink cartridges fire properly.
ENCAD recommends that you prime the cartridges daily to ensure the best
possible print quality.
The 1500 TX includes a feature called Open Jet Detection and Compensation.
This feature helps maintain optimal print quality and gives you the confidence to
print long, unattended jobs. During multi-pass printing, the 1500 TX will auto-
matically compensate for jets found to be electrically damaged. The only
intervention needed is to verify that there are no clogged jets and then choose
which print mode is most appropriate for your needs. This is by printing the
Prime test pattern and then setting the print mode accordingly.
To prime the ink cartridges
1
With media loaded, press Utility/Prime.
A test pattern prints.
2
If the printed results are unsatisfactory, run the test several more times
to unclog the inkjet nozzles.
To interpret the Prime test pattern
The test pattern consists of bands of color for each cartridge and a
sloping line. Within the Prime test pattern, each jet is represented with
a short horizontal line. Together, these short horizontal lines form a
"stair step" pattern. Electrically defective jets appear as solid bars.
Clogged jets appear as gaps or misdirected lines in the "stair step"
pattern. The print modes for which compensation is available are
shown clearly above the Prime.
1500 TX User's Guide
Getting Started 2-15
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