Printronix T4204 Maintenance Manual page 40

Chapter 3
Troubleshooting Other Symptoms
Symptom
Printing is faded or poor
quality
Print is light on right side of
label
Prints strange characters
instead of the correct label
format
Smears or voids in printed
image
40
Table 2. General Symptom List
Print Quality
1. Check that the printhead is clean. Clean the printhead
(see page 24).
2. Check that the printhead assembly is closed. Close the
printhead by pressing down on both sides of the assembly.
3. Verify that the PRINTER CONTROL menu Print Speed
and Print Intensity options are correct. Adjust Print Speed
and Intensity in the configuration menu software.
1. Check to see if the media width adjustment cam is set for a
narrower width than the width of the media being used. Set
width to width of media being used.
2. Check to see if the printhead is adjusted for thick media or
card stock. Adjust printhead for labels.
3. Check to see if the printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead
(see page 24).
1. Check that the printer serial baud rate setting matches the
baud rate of the host computer. Reset the printer via
software, or turn the printer off and then on.
2. Check if the printer serial host interface is set for 8 data
bits but the transmitting device is set for 7 data bits (or
vice-versa). Check the current setting by viewing it on the
LCD and adjust the settings if necessary, by using the
main menu HOST INTERFACE function, accessed
through the secondary control panel. (Refer to
"Configuring the Printer," in the User's Manual .)
1. Make sure the printhead is clean. Clean the printhead.
2. Make sure the printhead temperature is not too high. Use
software control to adjust the heat setting. Change the
setting through the main menu PRINTER CONTROL
function, which is accessed through the secondary control
panel. (Refer to "Configuring the Printer," in the User's
Manual .)
3. Make sure the correct ribbon and media combination are
being used. Use the correct ribbon type. Genuine
Printronix Supplies are highly recommended to ensure the
best possible print quality.
4. Check the ribbon for creases or folds across its surface.
Smooth out the ribbon to remove any creases. Reduce the
print speed. Change the setting through the main menu
PRINTER CONTROL function, which is accessed through
the secondary control panel. (Refer to "Configuring the
Printer," in the User's Manual .)
Solution