Technical Bulletin #22
Date: July 12, 2000
Subject: Ribbon Sensor Calibration
A ribbon sensor calibration is performed to insure that there is proper alignment communication between the ribbon sensor in the MILLENIUM printer and your computer. A ribbon sensor calibration should be performed periodically whenever using full color ribbons.
Each MILLENIUM has a ribbon sensor (it’s located above the Cleaning Roller) that tells the printer where on the ribbon to start printing. The MILLENIUM commences its print cycle at the beginning of the Yellow ribbon panel. Sometimes the sensor and your computer loose proper communication resulting in the print cycle starting on the wrong ribbon panel or the ribbon spooler winding an inordinate number of panels as it tries to determine which panel is the right one. In either case, the outcome is a loss of what should have been perfectly good ribbon. Wasted ribbon panels cost the machine owner lost time and money!
Changing ribbons will sometimes trigger the ribbon sensor to lose proper communication. We suggest that users perform a ribbon sensor calibration after every ribbon change, at a minimum. Performing this easy task will prevent ribbon-associated printing errors and will save otherwise wasted ribbon.
Telltale signs that indicate that a ribbon sensor calibration is in order are:
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Hearing the MILLENIUM spool ribbon for too long
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The MILLENIUM seems to be skipping color panels
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Colors on the printed image are very far off
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A light gray smudge appears on the entire printable area of the blank
Performing a ribbon sensor calibration is fast, easy, and automatic. Start by removing the ribbon from the printer and closing the Top Cover.
To perform a ribbon calibration (using color byte software):
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Open color byte to any file.
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Unplug the power plug from the back of the MILLENIUM, wait approximately 5 seconds, then plug the power plug back in.
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Choose File/Print.
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Choose Setup from the Printer Page tab.
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Click the Calibrate button in the Printer Setup dialog box.
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Click the Sensors button in the Calibrate dialog box.
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Follow the on-screen instructions. (Click the Send button.)
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The MILLENIUM’s LCD window indicates that the ribbon is calibrating. Once calibration is complete, the printer beeps twice.
If the calibration fails, you’ll receive a "Rib Calib Failed" message on your computer screen. We suggest you repeat the calibration procedure. If after repeating the procedure you continue to receive an error message, please contact DCS Technical Support for assistance.
To perform a ribbon calibration from the Printers folder in Windows:
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Unplug the power plug from the back of the MILLENIUM, wait approximately 5 seconds, then plug the power plug back in.
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Choose Windows Start/Settings/Printers.
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Right-click the MILLENIUM 560/575x icon from the Printers list box..
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Choose Properties from the fly-out menu.
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Click the Details tab and then click the Setup button at the bottom of the Details/Properties dialog box.
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Click the Calibrate button in the Printer Setup dialog box.
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Click the Sensors button in the Calibrate dialog box.
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Follow the on-screen instructions. (Click the Send button.)
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The MILLENIUM’s LCD window indicates that the ribbon is calibrating. Once calibration is complete, the printer beeps twice.
If the calibration fails for some reason, you’ll receive a "Rib Calib Failed" message on your computer screen. We suggest you repeat the calibration procedure. If after repeating the procedure you continue to receive an error message, please contact DCS Technical Support for assistance.
If you need further assistance in upgrading your printer, please contact DCS technical support at techsupport@directcolorsystems.com or the same via phone at 860-829-2244.
