Technical information

The Ribbon Strip Plate position can be adjusted to provide proper tracking and
separation of the ribbon from the media after printing. If the ribbon does not track
properly, or if ribbon wrinkle problems are experienced, refer to Figure 5.8 and
adjust the strip plate by following this procedure:
1. Begin printing labels.
2. Loosen the Phillips head screws holding the strip plate to the front of the
printhead assembly.
3. Position the strip plate so the ribbon tracks properly, does not wrinkle and
stays flat and smooth when fed to the upper ribbon guide when the FEED
button is pressed.
If the strip plate is too high the result will be a noisy operation and possible
wrinkle, especially on backfeed. Smudging or print quality problems will
result if the strip plate is positioned too low.
4. Tighten the strip plate adjustment screws. Torque screws to 5-6 inch-pounds.
5. Print a minimum of fifty (PAUSE Test) labels, checking for ribbon wrinkle
and proper ribbon tracking. Readjust strip plate if required.
6. If ribbon wrinkle and/or tracking problems persist, check the torque settings
of the Ribbon Take-Up Spindle as detailed in this chapter and adjust the
tension if required.
The early style of Ribbon Supply Spindle is no longer available. All Ribbon
Supply Spindles are now the “dual-tension” style shown in Figure 5.17.
1. Remove the Main Logic Board.
2. Remove the existing spindle using one of the two methods below.
Method 1: For printers that DO NOT have a Dual-Tension Spindle
currently installed. Refer to the “Ribbon and Media Supply” diagram in
Section 7.
a) Loosen the 2 set screws (10494) in the Clutch Collar.
b) Remove the Clutch Collar, Ground Chain, Nylon Washer, and Clutch
Spring.
c) Loosen the 2 set screws (44100) in the Shaft Collar (44118).
d) Remove the Shaft Collar (44118) and Washer (30251).
e) Remove the Ribbon Supply Spindle and washers.
f) See Figure 5.16 and cut the existing Ground Chain loop (44172-1) near
the connector as shown.
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