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Intermec EasyCoder 501 – Service Manual Ed. 7
Chapter 10 Ribbon Save Device
10.1 Working Princi-
ples, cont.
To compensate for the time wasted in lifting and lowering the
printhead, the media is fed out with maximum speed (200 mm/sec.
= 8 inches/sec.) as long as the printhead is lifted, regardless of
selected print speed. Obviously, the platen roller can no longer
drive the media due to the lack of counter pressure, but the rear
drive roller, driven by the same belt as the platen roller, will push
the media forward. A spring-loaded pressing roller produces coun-
ter-pressure.
2 mm before printing is to be resumed, the printhead is lowered,
which takes approx. 0.08 sec., and the transfer ribbon starts run-
ning again.
Each operation of lifting and lowering the printhead takes 10+2=12
mm (0.5 inches) of media/ribbon feed; for example at a non-
printed area of 20 mm, the actual saving of ribbon will be 8 mm,
and at a non-printed area of 50 mm, the saving will be 38 mm.
To facilitate media reloading, the platen roller is coupled to the
headlift so the pressure is released when the printhead is lifted and
the media can be threaded between the rear drive roller and the
pressing roller.
By default, the Ribbon Save Device is automatically switched on
whenever such a device is fi tted. However, ribbon save operation
can be switched off/on at will by means of RIBBON SAVE OFF
and RIBBON SAVE ON statements. RIBBON SAVE OFF/ON
affects both the immediate and the programming modes. There are
no adjustments available to the operator.
When the printer is fi tted with a Ribbon Save Device, that is
switched off using a RIBBON SAVE OFF statement, it is rec-
ommended not to pull back the media, for example by setting
up negative Start Adjust values or issuing negative FORMFEED
statements. Pulling back the media increases the risk of ribbon
wrinkling and unsatisfactory printout quality. In case pull back
cannot be avoided, test fi rst! Note that this restriction does not
apply when the Ribbon Save Device is switched on.
When needed, the rear rollers and the LSS guide plates can be
cleaned by means of a cloth or blotting paper slightly moistened
with isopropyl alcohol. Allow parts to dry before using the printer.
The Ribbon Save Device is factory adjusted and no readjustment
of the nuts on the printhead bracket should be attempted, except by
an authorized service technician.
No lubrication is required.
10.2 Control
10.3 Maintenance
