36
5.4 MECHANICAL ADJUSTMENTS
5.4.1 DP6 Printhead Gap
Too large a gap causes light print and missing dots. Too small a gap causes ribbon smear.
1. Remove the cabinet lid and ribbon cartridge (See 5.5.1).
2. Turn off power.
3. Flex the plastic ribbon shield and remove it from its holder.
4. Insert a .017" (.42 mm) feeler gauge between the platen (printing surface) and printhead nose from the side
of the printhead. Insure that the feeler is flat against the platen and not beneath the plastic carriage slider.
The .017" feeler should just fit without raising the printhead but a slight resistance should be felt as the
feeler slides below the printwires.
5. If the gap is incorrect, slightly loosen the two larger head screws on either side of the printhead (Not the
screws fastening the printhead to the carriage!) that fasten the gap plate to the carriage bracket. The gap
changes as these screws are loosened so only loosen them enough to be able to move the plate. (See
drawing in 5.1.4.1 above.)
6. Push the gap plate down so the gap is more than .017" and then push the printhead down so that the
printwires just contact the .017" feeler. Insure that the gap plate is centered around the printhead nose and
tighten the screws. Recheck the gap per step 4.
7. Replace the ribbon shield. Insure the shield tabs are set firmly and securely in the holder and the shield slot
is toward the printer rear.
8. Mount the ribbon and use 95 FUNCT to print locally (See 3.9) to check print quality.