User's Manual

Printer Tests
207
Printer Tests
This section lists SLPA printer tests which may be performed to check or
confirm the proper operation of the SLPA with regard to print quality. The
default is Auto Calibrate. The SLPA will display the last test displayed before
going online.
NOTE: Label test printing places the SLPA in an alternate mode of operation
which requires the operator to follow the test procedure very closely.
Deviations in this process may cause the SLPA to function erratically,
requiring the operator to cycle power to recover the SLPA.
To Print A Test Label
CAUTION Printing a test label clears all data from the print buffer, and may require
the operator to cycle power to recover the SLPA. Do not print test labels
when the SLPA is online.
NOTE: To print a test label, the SLPA must be taken out of Print and Apply
mode (disable Print and Apply mode). The Tear Off Strip and
Continuous mode must be enabled, otherwise the SLPA will try to
detect a sensor which does not exist.
1. Press the Pause key to take the SLPA offline.
2. Press the Apply key to enter the Printer Tests menu.
3. Press the Apply key until the desired test displays and then press the
↵ (Enter) key to begin printing. If you pass the desired test, continue to
press Apply until the test displays again.
4. If you are printing the Grey or Grid test, press
↵ to stop printing.
5. If the Test Count option in the DIAGNOSTICS menu is set to Continuous
(the default), press
↵ to stop printing.
Auto Calibrate
Calibrates the SLPA for the currently installed media based on the Gap/Mark
Sensor selected in the CALIBRATE CTRL menu.
IMPORTANT Do not press Apply during the Checkerboard, Grey, or Grid test, or the
↵ (Enter) key will not stop printing the test. In this case, press Apply
until the corresponding test displays again, then press
↵ to stop
printing.
Checkerboard
This pattern helps identify marginal printhead elements and uneven print
quality.
Grey
This pattern helps identify burned out printhead elements and uneven print
quality.