Printronix P9000 Series - Manual (Page 187)

9-1 RibbonMinder
CHAPTER 9
R
IBBON
M
INDER
T
Introduction
The RibbonMinder (patent pending) ensures quality printing by determining when a ribbon
should be changed. The RibbonMinder monitors ink consumption by analyzing printer hamĆ
mer action. It is designed to alert the operator before the print quality falls below a certain
level. RibbonMinder configuration parameters can be set to meet the specific requirements of
any job. In this way, you can determine at what level print quality is no longer acceptable. When
the print quality reaches this point, a WHEN WORN ACTION will occur. The printer can be
set to either stop printing at this point, or to display a message indicating it is time to change the
ribbon. Replacing the ribbon when the WHEN WORN ACTION occurs will prevent the proĆ
duction of unreadable documents and bar codes.
This chapter provides step-by-step instructions to use the RibbonMinder function. ApplicaĆ
tion hints and shortcuts are included at the end of the chapter. Words and phrases in uppercase
letters represent the actual buttons on the printer control panel and messages that appear in
the display.
Refer to the RibbonMinder diagram on page 9-13 and become familiar with the menu strucĆ
ture and messages displayed when using RibbonMinder features.
Overview
The RibbonMinder operates much like the fuel gauge in an automobile. In a car, the fuel gauge
indicates how much fuel remains. With RibbonMinder, the message display on the printer conĆ
trol panel indicates how much usable ink remains in the ribbon. This feature occurs without
operator attention once it has been set. It may also be controlled through a host interface.
When the ribbon is new, the message display on the printer control panel indicates the ribbon
life is at 100%.
ON LINE 100%
DP AT 10 CPI
Typical new ribbon display
As printing continues, the percentage of usable ink remaining in the ribbon continues to fall.
ON LINE 74%
DP AT 10 CPI
ON LINE 8%
DP AT 10 CPI
Ribbon ink is being consumed
Ribbon life is approaching end