[fa.info-mac] Image Writer woes

info-mac@uw-beaver (info-mac) (12/01/84)

From: Mike.Blackwell@cmu-ri-rover.arpa
I have used several Image Writers that all have the same problem: After
printing the first line on the page, they do not move the paper far enough
up vertically, so the next print line gets squished in to the first. This is
most noticeable in standard and high res printing. This is quite a drag,
since even short (10 page) documents take over an hour to print in high res
mode, and it's no fun sitting around babysitting the printer to abort and
reprint these pages.

I've noticed that the Mac does a little dance with the printer roller at the
start of each page, moving it back and forth, presumably to make sure the
paper is properly registered at the top of form, but perhaps this is causing
the problem? I've checked all of the obvious things, like paper slipping or
impeded paper path, but they seem okay.

Has anyone else had these problems, or know of a solution?

		Thanks, -m-		(mkb@cmu-ri-rover.arpa)

info-mac@uw-beaver (info-mac) (12/03/84)

From: Richard Furuta <Furuta@washington.arpa>
I've noticed with continuous feed paper that you seem to get this
smashing when the paper folds one way and not when it folds the other.
I suspect that the fold distorts the alignment on the platen causing
the print problem.

					--Rick
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info-mac@uw-beaver (info-mac) (12/04/84)

From: Alex McKenzie <mckenzie@BBNH.ARPA>
I have the same problem using the Imagewriter.  The "quick and dirty" solution
is to turn headers on, and don't generate any header text.  That seems to start
the page with a blank line, and if it doesn't print properly who can tell?

I know it would be better to understand and fix the problem than to work around
it, but I have neither the time nor energy.

Alex McKenzie

info-mac@uw-beaver (12/19/84)

From: decvax!seismo!philabs!sbcs!levine@uw-beaver.arpa (Laurence Levine)

Apple calls that "little dance" "burp".  This is to make the page lined up.

If your printer is squishing lines on continuous sheet paper, this is probably
because you don't have the paper switch on the left on the top setting.  This 
setting does not activate the platen to grap the paper.  The track feeder
and the platen feeder are SLIGHTLY out of synchronization.

Try it and let me know.

Take care,
Larry Levine
levine@svcs