ENCAD T-200, Service Manual

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ENCAD T-200 and T-200+ Service Manual
Maintenance 3-14
Banding: Hardware vs Software
The technician must be able to identify whether the banding that is
being observed is related to either a hardware or a software problem.
The two examples in Figure 3-9 represent classic types of hardware and
software banding errors.
HARDWARE SOFTWARE
Figure 3-9. Examples of Banding.
Hardware banding is usually characterized by consistent banding strips
as shown. It signifies a slippage in the media’s normal movement that
is possibly due to the stepper motor, lower drive shaft assembly, pinch
rollers, or the rollguides on the back of the printer. All these possible
faulty areas deal with a rotational movement that, if faulty, will gener-
ate a consistent banding pattern. The MPWA and Carriage PWA can
also cause this type of error to incur.
Software banding is characterized by inconsistent banding lines. These
banding lines are generated by the software when the application
incorrectly interprets the media advancing/ink firing sequence of the
expected print file. Because it is not directly tied to a mechanical
movement, the bands become inconsistent in both frequency and
duration. The possible causes are the printer driver, the original
software package, or the RIP, if one is used. To eliminate the chance
that it is the printer driver:
1) Remove any RIP or network systems and connect the printer
directly to the computer.