User guide

Troubleshooting
Print Engine Diagnostics
57516L-001 Rev. 1 10/12/2004 170PAX4 User Guide 103
FEED Self Test
The labels printed during this print quality test depend on the dot density of the printhead.
• 300 dpi print engines: 7 labels are printed at the 2 ips and 8 ips print speeds.
• 203 dpi print engines: 7 labels are printed at the 2 ips and 12 ips print speeds.
During this print quality test, seven labels are printed at the 2 ips and seven at the 12 ips print
speeds. Each label is printed at a different darkness setting, starting at three settings below the
currently configured value and increasing until it is three settings darker than the configured
value. The relative darkness and speed are printed on each label. The bar codes on these labels
can be ANSI-graded to check print quality.
To perform a FEED self test, complete these steps:
1. Print a configuration label to show the print engine’s current settings.
2. Turn Off (O) the print engine.
3. Press and hold FEED while turning the power On (I). Hold FEED until the DATA light
turns off.
The print engine prints a series of labels (Figure 50) at various speeds and at darkness
settings higher and lower than the darkness value shown on the configuration label.
Figure 50 • FEED Test Label
4. Inspect the labels and determine which one has the best print quality for your application.
The darkness value printed on that label is added to (plus) or subtracted from (minus) the
darkness value specified on the configuration label. The resulting numeric value (0 to 30)
is the best darkness value for that specific label/ribbon combination and print speed.
5. Enter the corresponding darkness and print speed values into the print engine through the
front panel.