Astro Machine ASTROJET 2600P, Service Manual

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SECTION 3
FUNCTIONAL OPERATION
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Section 3 – Functional Operation
Sequence of Operation
The user prepares the printer
1. Selects number and color of print cartridges required and installs cartridges in proper location.
2. Uses a single piece of media to set sheet separators.
3. Loads media and adjusts side guides to within 1/32” of media.
4. Stacks media in feeder and adjusts feed ramp.
5. User adjusts Media Thickness knob for proper printhead contact with media.
6. Turns printer on.
The user prepares the layout and creates a job
1. The user selects the database and opens the layout software such as Microsoft Word.
2. Creates a layout consisting of the variable data from the database using the merge function.
3. User then creates a layout using fixed information such as return address and adds graphics as required.
4. User saves layouts.
5. User initiates the Print function through the File menu in the program.
6. User then selects through the printer driver properties menu if the job has and overlay or not.
7. User then clicks on the print button to print the job.
Printing the Job.
1. When the user sends the job to the printer and downloading is complete, the system sends a signal to the
interface board to turn on the main motor with the predetermined speed selected in the printer driver.
2. This causes the ON LINE light illuminate on the ON LINE key and the drive motor starts to run causing the
media transport belts under the printheads to turn.
3. The printhead carriage is lowered by the servomotor to the preset adjustment, which is controlled by the Media
Thickness knob.
4. The user then presses the ENTER key and the feed clutch turns causing the three sets of feed rollers to turn and
feed the media.
5. After the media, travels 2.5-inches it covers the photo sensor and makes it output go low. This turns off the
feed clutch and stops the feed rollers. The forwarding rollers that are driven by the transport belts move the
media forward to the printheads.
The 2.5-inch distance between the feeder and the photo sensor paired with the clutch, action creates a 2.5-inch
gap between the mailing pieces. This gap allows the media to feed reliably and the variable data sent by the PC
to be positioned for printing.