Hi Moose,
Is there anyway you can scan the internal test card you have printed and attach the image?
It really helps us to identify the problem when you can see the scan of the test card.
Depending on the age of the printer there could be a few reasons for your problem.
I will assume this is an 'older' Opera printer.
Check the plastic lugs which stick out to the side of the printhead carrier.
On older models these used to bend upwards. This reduced the pressure of the printhead on the card.
If only the right-hand side (as the card exits the front of the printer) is not being printed;
Open the printer and remove the dye film cassette. Try pushing down on the right-hand side of the printhead roller. Can you feel any downward movement?
Try going to;
http://www.magicardonline.net
Enter your printer's serial number in the QuickSearch box.
This will tell you your Opera's warranty status.
There are some documents at the bottom of the search results including 'Replacing the printhead assembly'. There are some photos in the document. Pay attention to the two printhead springs. They must be located on the two small lugs. If one spring isn't located correctly, you will get faint or non-printing on one side.
If you fill in the 'Contact Us' form I can contact you directly.
Alternatively, give us a call at Magicard Technical Support. We support the printers whether they are in our out of warranty.
Tel. +44 (0)1305 762115 Option 2 for Tech Support
or email: customer_service (at)ultra.co.uk
With Best Regards,
MC.
Hi Moose,
The test card does look very strange. Almost as if there is barely any contact between the printhead and the card. I assume that this was a completely blank card when it went into the printer? You get srange results tring to print onto a card which has already been through the printer. This is due to the overcoat (clear) panel. The ink will not pass through this.
I would check that the cam system is functioning correctly. Download the Magicard Support Utility (using the link posted previously). Run the following quick command from the 'Statistics / Commands' tab;
SHWCAM1
Then click 'Send'.
The cam system will then start to cycle at this point. You can open the lid during this and check the cam followers on the side are moving back and forward.
Check also that the printhead heatshield is not too low. This could be holding the printhead off the surface of the card. If it is too high, the only result is the printing is a bit noisier, so better too high than too low. With the printhead held at 90 degrees to the card, the heatshield should be about 0.5 - 0.75mm above the printhead elements.
Try pushing down on the lid while the printer is printing. Does this improve things in any way?
Did you check the print roller for any downward movement when you push it?
Let me know how you get on.
Regards,
MC.
Here is how the internal test card should look;
(this one is from an Alto, but it is the same).
Hi Moose,
Looks like you're almost there!
However, pushing down on the lid just confirms that this is a printhead contact issue.
I suspect it is one of the following;
1. The printhead heatshield is too low.
2. The printhead springs are not positioned correctly
3. The lugs on the printhead carrier are bent upwards (happens on older models);
Check also the printer lid pivot bushes (one either side). There should be no free play;
Let me know if you need any further help.
With Best Regards,
MC.
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this is how the card looks, even after ive made the minor adjustments to the head. i do see that the circuit board is bent. that might explain it. but i want to be sure.
i am going to try these steps. i tried to register for magicardonline.net (EXCELLENT site by the way) my company is usaidsystems, inc. we are authorized dealers in the united states.
i will reply asap.
thanks,
Marcos Vasquez
when i pushed down on the head roller i don't feel any downward movement. while the printer is printing and i push down on the head this is what i get. it looks like if i adjust the lid to close a bit more that would help a lot. please advise.
thanks,
Marcos
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