DMP 250  (260-2886)     Care and Maintenance         Faxback Doc. # 4230

┌─────────────────────┐
│Dusting the Printer: │
└─────────────────────┘

After a long period of printer operation, paper lint and dust can
accumulate inside and outside the printer.  Occasional dusting of the
printer prevents unexpected trouble and extends printer life.

1.  Be sure that the printer is turned off.

2.  Wipe the printer surface with a damp cloth.

3.  Remove the top cover.

4.  Snap out the ribbon cassette.

5.  With a soft, dry cloth, wipe paper lint and dust away from the platen,
    print head, and carriage shaft.  Be careful not to damage any of the
    cables and pulleys.

6.  Re-install the ribbon cassette.

7.  Re-install the top cover.

┌──────────────────────────────────────┐
│Cleaning the Ribbon Mask and Printer: │
└──────────────────────────────────────┘

If the ribbon paper is stained with ink during printing, it might be due
to a dirty ribbon mask or platen.  Follow these steps to clean the ribbon
mask and platen.

1.  Be sure that the printer is turned off.

2.  Remove the top cover.

3.  Remove the printer cassette by snapping it out.

4.  Remove the print head by pulling it up while squeezing together a pair
    of small black levers on the rear side of the print head.

5.  Check the position of the print head cables so you will know exactly
    where to reattach them to the computer.  Disconnect the cables from
    the print head by pulling them straight backwards.

6.  Detach the ribbon mask from the paper guide by pulling the tabs on
    both sides of the ribbon mask out of the notches on the paper guide.
    Be careful not to bend the ribbon mask.

7.  Using a soft cloth dampened with alcohol, thoroughly clean the ribbon
    mask, especially the side that faces the platen.

8.  Wipe the platen surface with a soft cloth dampened with alcohol.  Turn
    the platen knob and wipe the platen again.  Repeat this procedure
    until the entire platen surface is clean.

9.  Attach the ribbon mask to the paper guide by pushing the tabs on both
    sides of the ribbon mask into the corresponding notches on the paper
    guide.

10. Reconnect the print head cables, making sure that they are placed
    under the black tab on the front of the print head carriage.

11. Locate the two prongs below the small black levers on the rear side of
    the print head.  Re-install the print head by sliding these prongs
    into the guide slots on the print head base.  Push down on the print
    head until it snaps into place.

12. Re-install the ribbon cassette.

13. Re-install the top cover.

┌─────────────┐
│Lubrication: │
└─────────────┘

If the print head does not move smoothly, lubricate it according to the
following procedure.

1.  Turn off the printer.

2.  Remove the top cover.

3.  Snap out the ribbon cassette.

4.  Lubricate the printer head carriage rod near the print head assembly and
    the print head carriage tail assembly. If you are unfamiliar with these
    locations there is a diagram on page 5-4 of the owner's manual.
    Lubricate with a high-grade  oil (such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 64-2301).

5.  Slide the print head to the left and right to confirm that the print
    head moves smoothly.

6.  Re-install the ribbon cassette.

7.  Re-install the top cover.

(smm 08/25/93)