Besides the fact i can barely read the print, now it ink doesn't even seem like it's hitting the paper.
A few possibilities here: One, is your ribbon cartridge dried out (essentially out of ink)? Dot Matrix printers aren't near as common now, and if your cartridge has been in the retailer's stock for years, then it could indeed be dried out. Another, the ribbon isn't being advanced, or spooled. The ribbon is spooled as the head carriage moves back and forth. If it isn't being spooled, the ink in the spot over the printhead will be quickly depleted. A no-spooling condition is usually caused by a problem in the cartridge itself. Also, make sure the cartridge is properly seated in the holder. If it isn't, the drive spindle isn't fitting up into the cartridge properly, and might not actually drive the mechanism inside the cartridge. Lastly, if your cartridge is dry, they can be reinked if you can find someone with the reinker to do it. I once did ribbon reinking with a Macinker as a side business, and someone in your area might have one of those rigs. Otherwise, just buy a new cartridge, and hopefully it will be reasonably fresh, with good ink.
You guys have been a great help. when i get back to use the printer, i will try your suggestion. thanks again!!! i love this site!!! ellen
All of dodgechargers items are valid, however, there this a setting on your printer called the printhead gap adjustment setting. This is to compensate for the thickness of multipart forms. You should have it set to 1. On most Oki printers this is a blue lever just to the left of the print cartridge. I could read 1,3,5 or 1,2,3,4,5. If there is not a blue lever there, look on the right or left of the platen (paper roller) for settings similar to this. It adjusts the distance from the printhead to paper. If you're using a single part form, and have it set too high, the distance from the printhead to paper will be to great and you will not get an adequate striking force. Between dodgecharge and me I guarantee we have your problem solved. Ed
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thanks a lot. i understand what you are saying. can i add to this and also ask if there is a way i can adjust the print head? the numbers and letters are hard to make out. (this is besides the ink not making contact).
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