Printronix P9000 Series - Manual (Page 183)

8-5 Routine Service & Diagnostics
Printer Self-Tests
The printer contains several self-tests that are helpful in evaluating and maintaining optimum
printer performance. Each of these tests may be initiated from the DIAGNOSTICS/
PRINTER TEST 8 INCH WIDTH or DIAGNOSTICS/PRINTER TEST FULL WIDTH conĆ
figuration menus. Self-tests may periodically halt shuttle activity for long time intervals.
Available self-tests are as follows:
n Shift Recycle
n All E's
n E's plus TOF
n All H's
n Underline Only
n Black Plot
n Shuttle / Ribbon
n Demonstration Test
Shift Recycle - a sliding" alphanumeric pattern useful in identifying missing or malformed
characters, improper vertical alignment, or vertical compression.
All E's - a pattern of all uppercase letter E's useful in identifying missing characters, misplaced
dots, smeared characters, improper registration of left and right moving strokes (phasing), or
light/dark character variations.
E's plus TOF - a pattern of all E's followed by a form feed to the next page top-of-form,
useful in identifying high speed paper motion feeding problems.
All H's - a pattern of all uppercase letter H's useful in detecting missing characters, misplaced
dots, smeared characters, or improper phasing.
Underline Only - an underline pattern useful in identifying vertical hammer tip misalignment.
Black Plot - all odd dot positions are printed and followed by periodic pauses in shuttle activĆ
ity. This is useful for identifying horizontal hammer tip misalignment.
Shuttle / Ribbon - a test that verifies proper operation by exercising shuttle and ribbon moĆ
tion. This is useful for identifying spooling and ribbon guide misalignment.
Demonstration Test - a test of all print attributes.
Running the Self-Tests
To run the self-tests, perform the following steps.
1. Place the printer off line and raise the printer cover.
2. Press MENU DOWN; repeatedly press NEXT or PREV until DIAGNOSTICS is disĆ
played.
3. Press MENU DOWN, then repeatedly press NEXT or PREV until either PRINTER
TEST FULL WIDTH or PRINTER TEST 8 INCH WIDTH message is displayed.