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GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 

The DataPlot model PM 

1416 Print Mechanism incorporates a thermal printhead with 
416 heat element dots arrayed in a single line across the width 
of the paper. The mechanism holds a supply roll of 4.5" wide 
thermal paper and moves the paper past the printhead in steps 
of approximately .005 inch. When driven by a DataPlot CB 
1416 or CB 1100 Control Board, the print mechanism steps the 
paper forward, pausing after each step to heat selected dots. In 
this manner, a dot matrix representation of alphanumeric and/or 
graphic data can be printed. 

 
 
 

MOUNTING 

The DataPlot model PM 1416 print mechanism is designed to 
mount to the rear surface of a panel, using four 6-32 screws. 
The mounting and cutout dimensions are shown on the 
reverse side of this sheet. If you prefer to use mounting studs, 
we can eliminate the mating PEM nuts and you can use nuts 
to secure the print mechanism to the panel. 

 

 

CONTROL BOARD CONNECTION 

This print mechanism is designed to operate reliably when 
driven by the B-G Instruments' DataPlot model CB 1416 or 
CB 1100 control board or another board specifically approved 
by B-G Instruments for that purpose. Attempting to operate it 
in any other way may cause permanent damage that would not 
be covered by warranty. With all system power off, attach the 
supplied ribbon cable between the 26-pin printhead connector 
and connector J3 on the control board, being sure to observe 
correct polarity by aligning the red dots on the connectors with 
those on the cable ends. Also connect the 8 

RESOLUTION 

The 416 thermal dot elements are uniformly spaced at 100 dots 
per inch, with centers 0.010 inches apart. The mark made by 
each element is slightly larger than this spacing, so that the 
printer can print solid lines and solidly filled areas. The 
standard mechanism advances the paper approximately 0.005 
inches between steps, providing a dot matrix pitch of .010" 
across the paper by .005" along its length. The CB 1416 and 
CB 1100 Control Boards and software use this dot matrix to 
produce printed characters and graphic images. 
 

 
 

PAPER LOADING 

A paper sensor in the PM 1416 provides signals that are used . 
by the control board to stop printing when paper runs out and 
to "autoload" a new paper roll. To load the printer, be sure the 
power is on and insert the paper end into the slot behind the 
rubber platen with the sensitive side (outside on the roll) away 
from the platen. When the paper is inserted, the platen will run, 
pulling about 2 inches of paper through. On print mechanisms 
with a head lift tab, you may also install paper by lifting the 
printhead and inserting the paper manually. 

 

 

MAXIMUM PRINT SPEED 

When driven by a CB 1416 or CB 1100 Control Board, the 
PM 1416 Print Mechanism can print approximately 125 dot 
rows per second (somewhat slower for row s containing more 
than 64 printing dots). At .005" per step, the maximum paper 
speed is about .6 inches per second. Rows of 5x7 characters 
can be printed at a rate of about 5 lines/second. 

pin stepper motor connector cable to 
connector J1 on the control board. This 
connector is keyed to facilitate correct 
polarity assembly. Refer to the control 
board data sheet for instructions on 
applying power and operating the printer. 
The standard length of these cables is 18 
inches. Contact us if you need shorter or 
longer cables in your application. 

PM1416-PTVF 

Print Mechanism 

DataPlot Print Mechanism 

Model PM1416 

Technical Data and Instructions 

Release C, March 15, 2000 

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