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Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration
When the print engine is first put into service, the following calibration process must be performed.
This allows the printer to establish the proper settings for the specific media and ribbon being used in
your application. If you have not reached this point by starting on page 11, you will have to enter the
“Program Mode” by pressing the SETUP/EXIT key when the PRINTER READY is displayed on the
LCD. Then press the NEXT key multiple times until the LCD displays the words “SENSOR
PROFILE.” Now continue below to perform the Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration.
NOTE: Ensure that the “Media Type” and “Maximum Length” values have
been configured prior to performing this calibration process.
There are two different types of “Calibration” which can be performed on the print engine.
• When the front panel CALIBRATE key is pressed, the print engine determines the
label length of noncontinuous media by sensing the time it takes for the media to
feed from one “Start of Label” indicator (web, notch, hole, black mark) to the next.
This process also determines if the application is using the direct thermal or ther-
mal transfer print method by sensing the presence or absence of ribbon.
• The full Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration discussed here, performs the same
functions as the CALIBRATE key plus sensitivity adjustments on both the media
and ribbon sensors. These adjustments set parameters for the specific media and
ribbon currently installed in the printer.
If a different type of media and/or ribbon is used in the printer, the full calibration
must be performed (not just the front panel key). Press the NEXT key and perform
the “Media and Ribbon Calibration” procedure on the next page.
Sensor Profile
Press the right oval key to print a graphic representation (Media Sensor Profile) of the changes in
density between the media and the web (backing). The Sensor Profile may be used to help
troubleshoot media registration problems.
SENSOR PROFILE
PRINT
Refer to Figure 9. The Media Sensor Profile shows three conditions. The black area along the bottom of
the profile illustrates media passing by the media sensor. When the level goes above the point labeled
“WEB” (black spikes), the backing material only is passing by the sensor. When a notch or hole in the
media passes by the sensor, the level will go above the point labeled “MEDIA”. If the level remains
above the “MEDIA” point for longer than .5 seconds, this signifies a Media Out condition. The Ribbon
Profile indicates Ribbon IN if the black level is above the point labeled “RIBBON”.
Press the NEXT key to display MEDIA AND RIBBON.
18 170PAX2-Series User’s Guide
Configuration and Calibration
Figure 9. Sensor Profile Sample Label