Printronix P3000 Series - Manual (Page 173)

8–5 Routine Service & Diagnostics
Hex Code Printout
The hex code printout (often called a “hex dump”) is useful for debugging when troubleshooting print-
er data reception problems. Hex dumps list ASCII character data received from the host with the corre-
sponding two–digit hexadecimal code. Printable characters print their assigned symbol; nonprintable
characters are indicated with a period symbol. A “p” before the hex code indicates an active Paper In-
struction (PI) line; a blank space before the hex code indicates an inactive PI line. To print the data
stream received from the host computer in hex code with ASCII character equivalents, perform the
following steps.
1. Place the printer off line and raise the printer cover.
2. Press MENU DOWN; repeatedly press NEXT or PREV VALUE until DIAGNOSTICS is dis-
played.
3. Press MENU DOWN, then repeatedly press NEXT or PREV VALUE until the PRINT DATA
STREAM IN HEX CODE message displays.
4. Press MENU DOWN. The display shows OFFLINE HEX DUMP.
5. Press ON LINE. The display indicates that the printer is on line and in hex dump mode.
6. Send the data from the host. The hex dump prints.
7. Press ON LINE again to stop the hex dump. The display reads OFFLINE HEX DUMP.
8. Press CLEAR to return printer to OFFLINE READY.
9. Close printer cover and place the printer on line.
NOTE: Any data remaining in the buffer prints before the hex code printout starts.
Fault Messages
If a fault condition occurs in the printer, the CHECK light flashes alternately with the ON LINE indica-
tor and the first line of the message display reads FAULT CONDITION. If configured, an alarm
sounds when the fault condition occurs. The second line of the display shows the specific fault. (If the
specific fault description requires two lines, the message FAULT CONDITION does not appear.)
NOTE: To turn the alarm off before the fault is cleared. press the CLEAR switch.
Fault messages, explanations, and corrective action are listed in Table 8–1. Fault messages indicate the
nature and location of user– and service–correctable faults. After correcting a user–correctable fault,
press CLEAR to resume printer operation.
Service correctable faults are indicated on the message display by an asterisk (*) next to the fault mes-
sage. If a fault message appears, first press the CLEAR switch. If the printer returns to OFFLINE
READY after a few seconds, the fault message was a false indication, and printing can continue. If a
fault occurs during a paper slew, the paper motion is completed for all faults except paper jams. If the