Cromemco 3355A Operator's Manual

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Cromemco

3355A PRINTER

OPERATOR'S GUIDE

CROMEMCO, Inc.

280 Bernardo Avenue

Part no. 023

Mountain

6006 March 1980

View, CA 94043

Crom

3355A PRINTER

OPERATOR'S GUIDE

Part no

023-6006 March 1980

CROMEMCO, Inc.

280 Bernardo Avenue

Mountain

View, CA 94043

PROPRIETARY NOTICE

The information and design disclosed herein were originated by and are the property of Nippon Electric Company, Limited

(NEC). NEC reserves all patent, proprietary design, manufacturing, reproduction use, and sales rights thereto, and to any article disclosed therein, except to the extent rights are expressly granted to others. The foregoing does not apply to vendor proprietary parts.

Specifications remain subject to change to allow the introduction of design improvements.

NEC Information Systems, Inc.

5 Militia Drive

Lexington

Printed in U.S.A.

, MA 02173

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

Page

1.1 DESCRIPTION

1.2 SPECIFICATIONS

1.3 RELATED DOCUMENTS

CHAPTER 2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 PRINTER CONTROLS .................................... 2-1

2.2 PAPER LOADING INSTRUCTIONS .......................... 2-3

2.2.1 Friction-Feed Paper Loading ................ 2-5

2.2.2 Pin-Feed Paper Loading ................... 2-5

2.2.3 Forms-Tractor Paper Loading ................ 2-6

2.3 SPINWRITER PREPARATION .............................. 2-6

2.4 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ............................... 2-7

CHAPTER 3 MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES

3.1 MAINTAINING HIGH QUALITY PRINT ...................... 3-1

......................................... 1-1

...................................... 1-1

................................... 1-3

3.2 RIBBON CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT ........................ 3-2

3.3 PRINT THIMBLE REPLACEMENT ........................... 3-2

3.4 FRICTION-FEED ATTACHMENT REMOVAL .................... 3-4

3.5 VERTICAL TYPE TRACTOR ASSEMBLY REMOVAL .............. 3-4

3.6 PIN-FEED PLATEN REMOVAL ............................. 3-5

3.7 FRICTION PLATEN REMOVAL ............................ 3-6

GLOSSARY .............................................Glossary-1

iii

ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure

2-1

2-2

2-3

3-1

3-2 3-3

3-4

3-5

3-6

Title

Printer Controls ..............................

Paper Feed Path - Rear ........................

Paper Feed Path - Bottom (Optional)...........

Ribbon Cartridge Removal ......................

Print Thimble Removal .........................

Feed Attachment Removal

Friction

(Right Side Only

) .............................

Vertical Type Assembly Removal ................

Feed Platen Removal .......................

Friction Platen Removal .......................

Page

2-2

2-4 2-4

3-3

3-5

3-6

3-7

Table

1-1

2-1

TABLES

Title

Model 5500 Series SPINWRITER Specifications...

Troubleshooting Guide .......................

Page

1-2

2-7

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

This guide provides you with a general description

and an operator trouble-

replacement procedures

instructions

shooting guide for the Model 5500 Series SPINWRITER

are SPINWRITER specifications cedures for replacing certain items you maintain high quality printing.

1.1 DESCRIPTION

The Model 5500 Series SPINWRITER printer is a microprocessor

controlled impact character printer which uses motor control

for carriage spacing

ment, and ribbon movement to achieve high quality printing at

rates up to 55 characters per second at 12 characters per inch

(maximum forced plastic print element or "thimble 128 fully formed characters of various typefaces bles that contain up to 125 characters have a cutout so that you can see the last characters printed.

use of operator controls, pro-

print element positioning

The SPINWRITER uses a unique small diameter, rein-

and suggestions to help

which contains up to

operating

Included

paper move-

Print thim-

You may select a printing format of 10 or 12 characters per

Bidirectional print-

inch and up to 163 characters per line

line plotting

ing, fine

position the SPINWRITER within 1

1/48th inch vertically.

There are presently four Model 5500 SPINWRITERS

(5500D

which has an 8-Bit Naked interface

has a Qume-Type interface

Ontel-type interface.

1.2 SPECIFICATIONS

Table 1-1 is a list of specifications for the Model 5500 Series

SPINWRITER SPINWRITER installation and operation.

which has a Diablo-Type interface

)

These specifications should be adhered to for

and graphing are available

120th inch horizontally and

and Model 5504

;

Model 5503

;

Model 5502

;

5500N

(

5500Q) which

(

which has an

)

You can

Model 5501

(

5500B)

Table 1-1 Model 5500 Series SPINWRITER Specifications

FEATURE

Print Speed

Character Set

Print Line

Paper Width

Paper Thickness

Carriage Return Time

Horizontal Resolution

Vertical Resolution

Spacing Speed

Copy Thickness

Control

Impression Control

SPECIFICATION

55 characters

second (maximum)

128 characters (maximum)

136 columns at 10 characters/in. 163 columns at 12 characters/in.

16 in.(maximum)

0.027 in. (maximum)

400 ms(maximum)

120 positions/in.

48 positions/in.

16 ms at 12 characters/in.

5-step switching (by operator)

3-level switching 7-level switching external software control)

by operator)

( (

by internal or

Overall Dimensions

Without Cover

With Cover

Weight

Width Depth: 13.62 in

Height: 8.68 in

21.18 in

. (

220.5 mm)

. (

538 mm) 346 mm)

Width: 24.8 in. (630 mm

left and right platen knobs)

Depth: 16.3 in

19.21 in including paper guide

Height: 8.68 in

9.84 in

with larger acrylic cover

installed

8 lbs

and power supply

45.5 lbs (20.7 kg) complete

14 kg) without cover

(

. (

415 mm)

488 mm)

220 mm)

250 mm)

) (

includes

Table 1-1 Model 5500 Series SPINWRITER Specifications

(contd)

FEATURE

Power Requirements

Without Power Supply

+5 Vdc, +3%, 2.0 amps +12 Vdc, +3%, 0.3 amps

SPECIFICATION

-12 Vdc, +3%, 0.3 amps +17 Vdc, +6%, 4.0 amps Peak 12 amps

-17 Vdc, +6%, 4.0 amps for 20 ms 115 Vac, +15%, 0.1 amps or 230 Vac, +15%, 0.05 amps, 50/60 Hz

(optional)

With Power Supply

115 Vac, +15%, 50/60 Hz @3.5 amps or 230 Vac, +15%, 50/60 Hz @2 amps

(optional)

Environment

Operating: 40°F (5°C) to 100°F (38°C) Storage: -4°F (-20°C) to 158°F (70°C)

Relative Humidity

Operating: 10% to 85% (no condensation)

Storage: 10% to 95% (no condensation)

Altitude

Operating: Sea level to 10,000 ft

Storage: Sea level to 25,000 ft

Acoustic Noise

67 dBA (without cover) 60 dBA (with cover)

1.3 RELATED DOCUMENTS

The following documents, relating to the Model 5500 Series SPINWRITER, are available from NEC Information Systems, Inc.

Model 5500 Series SPINWRITER Product Description, Doc. No.

10004

SPINWRITER Maintenance Manual, Doc. No. 10000

SPINWRITER Theory of Operation Manual, Doc. No. 10001

,..o,,

CHAPTER 2

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

This chapter tells you how to operate the SPINWRITER. It describes the printer controls, shows you how to load the paper, and. gives you procedures for SPINWRITER operation.

2.1 PRINTER CONTROLS

Figure 2-1 illustrates the printer controls you will be using. The numbers in the following paragraphs correspond to the num-

bers in the figure.

(1) Platen knobs. These allow the platen to be rotated

manually to insert paper and position it properly.

The right knob provides variable platen action; when you push the knob in, the platen rolls freely in either direction. You can change the position of the writing line by using this variable platen function.

(2) Copy control lever. This lever moves the platen for-

ward or backward to compensate for different form

thicknesses (number of carbons). Place it all the way forward for a single copy, and all the way rearward

for an original and seven carbon copies. Intermediate

positions provide for form thicknesses between these

two extremes. When printing on a form of several copies with this lever moved toward the rear, you may have to increase the print hammer intensity for optimum print quality by changing the impression control

switch (see Figure 2-1, 9).

(3) & (4) Pressure bail levers and pressure bail. The

pressure bail holds the paper against the platen for

optimum print quality and quietness. To insert paper,

pull the bail forward, away from the platen, by moving

one of the levers. When using a pin-feed platen or a

forms-tractor assembly, move the pressure bail forward away from the platen. The pin-feed paper clamps or the forms-tractor assembly hold the paper in the opti-

mum position for proper operation.

(5) Ribbon Selector Switch. The ribbon selector switch is

located under the top cover under the ribbon cartridge. Place the switch to the left for multi-strike ribbons and to the right for red/black fabric ribbons. The switch can be used in either position for the all-black fabric ribbon.

2-1

BLACK OR MULTI- RED/BLACK

STRIKE R1880N RIBBON

Figure 2-1 Printer Controls

(6) Silencer hood with combination scale

hoo

lowers the printer operation noise level. A long

and short hood are available used with a forms

tractor assembly or a pin-feed

platen. When you raise the hood vated which inhibits printing must be closed for printing visual indication of the print head position along the

typing line.

It is marked

acters per inch.

a short hood must be

;

a switch is acti-

therefore

;

The scale provides a

for both 10

The silencer

the hood

and 12 char-

(7) Top cover.

ward

It provides access to the printer mechanism

This cover raises easily

when it becomes necessary to replace a ribbon car-

tridge hammer impression control switch cover

therefore

(8) Paper release lever. In the forward position, this

lever releases tension on the paper, allowing it to be

repositioned or removed printing on a friction

feeding of the paper ON A PIN ASSEMBLY.

(9) Impression control switch

locate

impression

to change the print thimble, or to change the

a switch is activated which inhibits printing;

be sure the cover is closed

Place the lever back when

feed platen to ensure proper

PLACE IT FORWARD WHEN PRINTING

FEED PLATEN OR WHEN USING A FORMS

This three position switch

under the top cover controls the printing

You may set this switch as follows:

L-low for minimum impact pressure which may be re-

quired for small typefaces

(

12 pitch); M-medium for normal impact pressure which is required for most single copy printing; H-high for maximum impact pres-

sure normally only for multiple copies. Poor print quality may result from the incorrect setting of this

switch

also

in addition

too high an impression

setting may result in reduced font life.

by lifting up-

When you raise the

tightly.

TRACTOR

2.2 PAPER LOADING INSTRUCTIONS

The SPINWRITER has three different types of paper feed:

friction-feed, pin-feed, and vertical type tractor paper feed.

When loading paper, refer to the procedure below that applies

to the particular type of paper feed for your

machine

2-2 shows rear paper feed path. Figure 2-3 shows the paper feed path for bottom feed.

NOTE

If you use a single sheet of paper in the SPINWRITER, raise the paper guide to deactivate the paper out switch.

2-3

. Figure

Figure 2-2 Paper Feed Path - Rear

FEEDTHRU" I

Figure 2-3

Paper Feed

Path

2-4

- Bottom

(Optional)

2.2.1 Friction-Feed Paper Loading

a. Raise paper guide and silencer hood.

b. Move the pressure bail. away from the platen.

c. Pull paper release lever forward.

d. Insert paper with printing surface down, as shown in

Figure 2-2.

e. Push paper release lever backward.

f. Push in and rotate the right knob of the platen to move

the paper.

g. Pull paper release lever forward.

h. Align the paper horizontally and vertically.

i. Push paper release lever backward.

j. Push pressure bail toward the platen.

k. Move paper to desired top of form position.

1. Adjust copy control lever. This lever should be in extreme forward position for a single copy and adjusted gradually toward rear as number of copies increases.

M. Lower the paper guide and silencer hood.

2.2.2 Pin-Feed Paper Loading

a. Raise paper guide and silencer hood.

b. Move the pressure bail away from the platen.

c. Pull paper release lever forward; it must REMAIN in the

FORWARD position.

d. Release the paper cutter bail from the platen.

e. Insert paper with printing surface down (for rear

feed), as shown in Figure 2-2.

f. Align paper feed holes with the left and right pin on

the platen; then lower the cutter bail to the platen.

g. Pull paper lightly toward the back to remove slack.

h. Push in and rotate the right knob of the platen to

position the paper to the first line position.

i. Lower the paper guide and silencer hood.

2.2.3 Forms-Tractor Paper Loading

a. Raise paper guide, if rear feed is used, and raise the

silencer hood.

b. Move the pressure bail away from the platen.

c. Pull the paper release lever forward; it must REMAIN in

the FORWARD position.

d. Open tractor doors.

e. Insert paper with printing side down (for rear feed) as

shown in Figure 2-2.

f. Align paper feed holes with the pins of the left and

right tractor assemblies.

g. Close left tractor door.

h. Align right tractor with paper feed holes. You may

have to move the tractor assemblies. Release the

locking knobs and slide the assemblies to the desired

position.

i. Push in and rotate the right knob of the platen to

position the paper to the first line position.

Lower the paper guide and the silencer hood.

2.3 SPINWRITER PREPARATION

NOTE

Before make

tioned to the extreme left or to the extreme right.

a. Raise the top cover and check that the impression

control switch (see 2.1,9) and the ribbon selector

switch (see 2.1,5) are in the correct positions.

b. Make sure paper,

installed.

you apply power to the SPINWRITER,

sure that the carriage is not posi-

ribbon, and print thimble are properly

c. Close the cover.

2-6

Connect the power cord to an ac outlet.

Set

the to

2.4 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

the POWER switch (located on rear of printer) to

ON position; observe that the carriage moves left

the first print position.

Table 2-1 lists several minor problems you may encounter, their

causes

, and the corrective action you can take. If, after

taking corrective action procedures, the machine is still not

functioning properly, call your service representative.

Table 2-1 Troubleshooting Guide

PROBLEM

INDICATION

Does not print

(Fan not running)

Does not print Carriage does not

CAUSE

Power Source

Cover Open

CORRECTIVE

ACTION

Is SPINWRITER con-

nected to ac power?

is cover closed tightly?

move

(Fan running)

Ribbon End

Check ribbon car-

tridge. If using a multi-strike ribbon, ensure that ribbon is

not at end (window on cartridge will be

full).

Does not print Carriage moves

Prints but car-

riage does not

move

Paper Out

Ribbon broken or

not installed

properly

Thimble broken or

not installed properly

Obstruction in

path of carriage Broken carriage cable

2-7

Check paper supply.

Is paper loaded cor-

rectly?

Replace, if necessary.

Are ribbon and thimble

installed correctly?

Check for obstruction.

Call Service Repre-

sentative.

Table 2-1 Troubleshooting Guide

contd)

(

PROBLEM

INDICATION

Paper tearing

Printing light

or not sharp

CAUSE

Paper not properly

loaded Obstruction in paper path If using forms trac-

tors, too much

tension may exist Paper release

may be engaged

lever

Ribbon worn, jammed

or broken

Ribbon or thimble

not installed

properly

Copy control lever

set incorrectly

Damaged platen or

thimble

CORRECTIVE

ACTION

Check paper loading

Adjust tractors

Check

lever

paper release

(

see 2.1,8).

Replace, if neces-

sary. Check installation

Check position of copy

control level

Inspect for mars,

or abrasions.

and

Replace, if necessary.

CHAPTER 3

MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES

This chapter suggests ways to help you maintain high quality printing. It includes procedures for replacing ribbons,

thimbles, and other items.

3.1 MAINTAINING HIGH QUALITY PRINT

To ensure high print quality, proper attention should be given

to such items as various printer control settings, paper

quality, ribbon quality, etc. Here are several suggestions you

can use to maintain high print quality.

• Select the proper ribbon.... multi-strike ribbons give

you sharper impressions than a fabric ribbon. Dried or malfunctioning ribbons will give you a faded print

image.

• Choose high quality paper to obtain the best print

image.... sharp, crisp characters and maximum

black-and-white contrast. Poor quality paper may result in punctured paper or broken images.

• Select the proper copy control lever setting....all the

way forward for a single copy and moved rearward for additional copies.

• Set the impression control switch for the best print

image .... low for small typefaces (12 pitch) , medium for

normal impact pressure, and high for large typefaces or

multiple copies.

• Set the space pitch setting so that it matches the

pitch of the thimble being used .... a mismatch will

result in cramped or widely spaced characters.

• Align paper correctly with enough tension so that it

does not tear or wrinkle.

• Keep the platen clean and free of mars and scratches.

•

Establish quality standards for different jobs... similar jobs will be prepared in a similar manner and require similar

quality.

3.2 RIBBON CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT

a. Turn POWER off and raise the top cover.

b. Hold the ribbon cartridge

press

place

the two locking

remove the cartridge upward

;

tabs

lightly;

which hold

at the same time

the cartridge in

see Figure 3-1).

(

c. Rotate the manual feed knob on the new cartridge in the

direction indicated

on the

ribbon.

by the arrow

to establish tension

d. Place the new ribbon cartridge over the mounting plate,

and insert the ribbon between the card holder and card

holder bracket.

e. Insert the ribbon in the ribbon sensor if a

see Figure 3-2).

multi

f. Press the

strike ribbon is used

ribbon cartridge downward until the locking

(

tabs engage.

NOTE

Rotate the manual feed knob on the

cartridge in the direction indicated by the arrow to ensure proper seating.

g. Place tension

on the ribbon

(see c.).

h. Close the top cover and restore ac power.

3.3 PRINT THIMBLE REPLACEMENT

a. Turn POWER off and raise the cover.

b. Remove the ribbon cartridge (see 3.1).

c. Push hammer lock lever toward the platen

at the same time

, tilt

front.

at the center of the print thim-

d. Slide the lock piece

ble, horizontally and then to the upright position.

NOTE

When handling print thimble, hold it at

the base, to avoid possible damage to the character type areas.

Figure 3-2);

(

the hammer cover toward the

PLASTIC CARD HOLDER LOCKING BRACKET

TABS

CARD RIBBON

HOLDER .CARTRIDGE

Figure 3-1 Ribbon Cartridge Removal

HAMMER COVER

MULTI -STRIKE

RIBBON SENSOR

Figure 3-2 Print Thimble Removal

3-3

e. Lift the print thimble upward from the carriage.

f. Place new print thimble in position aligning the square

(

hole with stud

Figure 3-2A).

NOTE

Be sure has the same

that the replacement thimble

pitch (10 or 12) as the

original print thimble, and use light

pressure

on the base of the thimble to

ensure that it is seated fully downward.

Lay the lock piece flat and slide it until it is posi-

tioned as shown in Figure 3-2A.

h. Push the hammer and its cover into the locked position..

i. Install the ribbon cartridge.

j. Close the cover and restore ac power.

3.4 FRICTION-FEED ATTACHMENT REMOVAL

If this option is installed, it can be removed in the following

manner:

a. Turn POWER off

and raise

the top cover.

b. Move the pressure bail away from the platen.

c. Press the lock levers and simultaneously raise the

assembly upward and toward the rear of the printer as

shown in Figure 3-3.

d. Close the cover and restore ac power.

3.5 VERTICAL TYPE TRACTOR ASSEMBLY REMOVAL

If this option is installed, it can be removed as follows:

a. Turn POWER off and raise the top cover.

b. Move the pressure bail away from the platen.

c. Press the lock levers and raise the assembly upward and

toward the rear of the printer to remove it 3-4).

d. Close the top cover and restore ac power.

Figure

(

LOCK

LEVER

FRICTION FEED ATTACHMENT

Figure 3-3 Friction-Feed Attachment Removal

(Right Side Only)

LOCKING "' 4 0

LEVER *d' •'^ ^' LEVER

Figure 3-4 Vertical Type Tractor Assembly Removal

WMW, - r' LOCKING

-5

3.6 PIN-FEED PLATEN REMOVAL

If this option is installed, it can be removed as follows:

a. Turn POWER off and raise the top cover.

b. Move the pressure bail away from the platen.

c. Press the locking tabs and lift the platen from the

printer (Figure 3-5).

d. Insert the replacement platen into position aligning

the platen gear with the line-feed idle gear. Press locking tabs, and press the platen downward until it locks in place.

e. Close the top cover and restore ac power.

Figure 3-5 Pin-Feed Platen Removal

3.7 FRICTION PLATEN REMOVAL

a. Turn POWER off and raise the top cover.

b. Remove the friction-feed attachment or forms-tractor

assembly, if installed.

c. Press the locking tabs and lift the platen upward, out

of the printer (Figure 3-6).

d. Insert the replacement platen into position, aligning

the platen gear with the line-feed idle gear.

3-6

NOTE

Because it

is possible to install the

platen backwards, ensure that the widest

gear

is on the right as the platen is

installed from the front.

e. Grasp the

press platen

platen knobs, press the locking tabs, and

downward until it locks into place.

f. Close the top cover and restore ac power.

LOCKING TAB(ON EACH END

OF PLATEN)

PLATEN

Figure 3-6 Friction Platen Removal

GLOSSARY

Bidirectional - The machine prints while the print head

is moving either right or left.

Character set - A set or style of alphabetic, numeric,

and special characters (symbols).

Forms tractor unit - A device for aligning and feeding

continuous forms through the printer.

Space pitch - The number of characters per inch

printed.

Cromemco 3355A Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual