SATO GT424 - Manual (Page 80)

Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance
Page 4-4 GT Series Operator’s Manual
4.5 ADJUSTING PRINT QUALITY
Print quality can be optimized with regular cleaning and maintenance of the print head and
components along the label path. Additionally, you can fine-tune print quality by adjusting print
darkness and print speed settings.
4.5.1 Adjusting Print Darkness
This adjustment allows the user to control (within a specified range) the amount of power applied
to the individual print head heat elements. It is important to find a proper print darkness level
based on your particular label and ribbon combination. The printed images should not be too light
nor should the ink from the ribbon “bleed.” The edges of each image should be crisp and well
defined.
LCD Panel — The Print Darkness can be set using the front panel
LCD panel or by sending the Print Darkness software command
from a computer. There are five settings, from 1 (lightest) to 5
(darkest). The default setting is 3.
Once the range has been selected, the Darkness Potentiometer on
the front panel can be used to make finer adjustments. For
instructions on setting Print Darkness, refer to Section 3,
Configuration.
Darkness Potentiometer — The fine adjustment for Print
Darkness is the Darkness Potentiometer on the front panel. It
provides a continuous range of adjustment, allowing you to make
precise changes. Use a small cross-point screwdriver, turning
clockwise for darker print and counterclockwise for lighter print. See
Section 3: Configuration for instructions on performing
potentiometer adjustments.
Note
The PRINT potentiometer adjustment will affect the darkness in all
of the command code speed ranges, i.e., if the PRINT potentiometer
is adjusted for lighter print, the darkness will be lighter in all speed
ranges selected by the command code.