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The last time I loaded
ribbon in my TT Blaster I had ribbon wrinkling problems. I
replaced the ribbon and the problems went away, but why did the
other ribbon not work?
There are a couple of
possibilities: (1) The ribbon may have been defective, or (2) The
ribbon cores were not fully seated in the TT mechanism. Replacing
the ribbon is a good tactic, in either case.
When loading ribbon in the TT
Blaster, make certain that the ribbon cores are well seated on the
flexible arms that support them. If one or both of the cores are
slightly off center the ribbon will tend to walk toward one side,
causing wrinkling.
When you load a new ribbon, leave
the printhead fully open when you turn the printer on. The printer
will take up the ribbon slack. Press the FEED button once, and the
printer will feed about 12" of ribbon. Observe the ribbon
while it feeds to confirm that it feeds correctly. If the ribbon
"Walks," try reloading it.
Always use high quality ribbon, to
avoid wrinkles and other problems. Cognitive media will generally
give you the best results in your Cognitive printer.
I want to print on very
narrow media (wristbands). Can I just load these as usual? The
media spindle looks like it would adjust properly for them.
You can print wristbands in Barcode
Blaster and Blaster Advantage printers, but for best results, use
our optional wristband tray. It is available for 2.4"
printers, in two media widths: 1" and 0.75". The tray
can handle large diameter rolls and places the media in the
optimum position in the print path. Contact your Cognitive dealer
or our Sales Department for more information.
Why does my Code Courier
change speed sometimes?
Code Courier has automatic speed
control to conserve battery power and assure good print quality
under challenging conditions. The printer will automatically
reduce speed as the battery becomes depleted, or if the ambient
temperature is relatively low. A decrease in print speed generally
indicates that it is time to recharge the battery or replace it
with a fully-charged one.
Sometimes the battery in my
Code Courier becomes discharged fairly rapidly. Why?
The number of labels that can be
printed on a single battery charge can vary widely, depending on
the label design and batch size. Large batches of heavily-printed
labels can deplete the battery fairly quickly. Labels that have
relatively little darkened area are easier on the battery. The
battery will also discharge faster in cold conditions.
It is also possible that your
battery has degraded due to improper or premature charging.
Courier uses a nicad battery, which tends to lose its capacity if
it is charged unnecessarily. The SC1000 slot charger has a battery
conditioning function that may restore some functionality to a
damaged battery pack.
How can I design a label
for use with Code Courier that will maximize battery life?
Follow these rules to extend your
printer's battery life:
- Avoid rotated text.
- Avoid rotated bar codes.
- Do not print large black boxes.
If you must use filled boxes, design them such that the long
dimension is perpendicular to the printhead rather than
parallel to the printhead.
- Most importantly, avoid any
label designs that will require all printhead dots to be
turned on at the same time. Such designs place enormous strain
on the battery (and printhead).
Can I plug my Code Courier
into a 12 volt DC source like a car cigarette lighter socket?
Not without a special power
adapter. Code Courier does not run on 12 volts. We do make Code
Courier printers for vehicle use.
Just how rugged and
weather-resistant is Code Courier? Can I use it in the rain?
Code Courier was designed for harsh
conditions, but does have limitations.
Very cold conditions will
substantially decrease the number of labels you can print per
charge. Batteries just don't work as well at cold temperatures;
plus, the printer has to use more power to heat the printhead in a
cold environment. The printer's operating temperature range is -20
to 50 degrees centigrade (-4 to 122 F) but at the lower end of the
range the battery will become depleted very rapidly.
Yes, you can use it in the rain,
but the case is not completely watertight. The printer cover is
gasketed, but the label exit slot and connector ports are
unprotected. Under very wet conditions water can leak in through
these openings and may cause damage. You should avoid operating
the printer if the printhead is damp; for example, from heavy
condensation when moving the printer from a warm, damp environment
to a cool environment.
Protective cases and holsters are
available for the direct thermal Code Courier. These soft padded
cases provide considerable added protection against shocks and
moisture, as well as a convenient way to carry the printer. If you
often use your Courier outdoors an all-weather holster (our part
number 71-12-0032) is a good investment at under $100.
When will you have Solus
Frequently asked questions and answers?
As soon as possible.
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