Printronix N7000 H-Series Cartridge Ribbon Printer - Manual (Page 39)

Output Darkness
39
Integrated Print Management System
The N7000 CRP has a new feature that automatically monitors and
communicates the status of the ribbon life to help the operator know when to
change ribbons. Using an ink delivery system called the Cartridge Ribbon
System (CRS), the printer can automatically detect when a new or used
ribbon is loaded, and all ribbon properties. The ribbon is contained in a plastic
box (the cartridge) and feeds only in one direction. The CRS contains an
interface board that allows communication between the printer and the
cartridge. Using the CRS, the N7000 automatically detects when a new or
used ribbon is installed and determines the ribbon’s length, ink color, and
expected yield. The ribbon life, starting from 100% when new and decreasing
to 0% when depleted, is always displayed on the control panel. See Figure 5
on page 22.
When the ribbon life reaches 2%, a warning message “RIBBON UNDER 2%/
Change RBN soon” appears on the control panel display. The control panel
status indicator lamp flashes. The printer will continue printing in this condition
until the ribbon life reaches 0% at which time, printing will stop. The ribbon
may be changed at any time while the printer is in the “RBN END POINT/
Change Ribbon” condition without losing data in the printer’s buffer. If a new
ribbon is loaded, the system automatically detects the change, clears the
condition when the platen is closed, and restarts the life at 100%. If a partially
used ribbon is loaded, the system continues the life at the percentage
indicated for the used ribbon.
You may also resume printing for approximately two more minutes without
changing the ribbon by pressing the ON LINE/CLEAR key twice. This may be
done as many times as needed to complete the job in progress.
Ribbon usage information is calculated by maintaining a count of impressions
(dots) that is stored on the ribbon cartridge and updated periodically so that
the cartridge can be used on a different printer with the information intact. This
allows the system administrator to have precise control over print quality and
consumable costs. The accurate presentation of available ribbon life allows
for efficient planning of print jobs. For example, if the displayed ribbon life
were low, you can install a new ribbon before printing a large print job.
Output Darkness
By default the system is configured to meet most user requirements.
However, some applications require that the output remains darker than the
nominal set point while some applications are less critical and could tolerate a
lighter final image. The system can easily adjust to this variability. A setting
under the Printer Control menu is available that allows the user to adjust the
final output. The range is as follows:
Normal (Default)
Darker +1 through +6
Lighter -1 through -10
The ribbon life indicator always cycles between 100% and 0%, but if a darker
setting is selected, zero will be reached more quickly. If a lighter setting is
selected, the system will extend the amount of printing it takes to reach zero.