Citizen PROjet II  (260-2957)     PRIME Operation      Faxback Doc. # 14708

The PRIME operation is performed to clear the print head nozzles.

If, after inserting a new print head or during a printing operation, the
print quality is not optimal or deteriorates, execute the PRIME operation
to improve it.  Poor print quality is usually caused by air bubbles which
block one or more of the print head nozzles; the PRIME operation will
clear any blockage.

To clear the print head nozzles, proceed as follows:

  Press ON LINE to set the printer OFF LINE; the print head carriage will
  be positioned at the extreme right end of its shaft.

  Open the top cover of the printer.

  Pressing down the ink slide (< PUSH >), move it backwards and forwards
  the full length of its shaft, until ink appears in the tube below the
  slide.

  Move the print head carriage to the left, and move the slide backwards
  and forwards to empty the tube.

  Close the top cover.

Press ON LINE to return the printer ON LINE.

If the PRIME operation does not result in improved print quality, switch
the printer off and then on again, and repeat the PRIME operation.

If there is still no improvement in the print quality, try cleaning the
print head nozzles.

WARNING:  This operation MUST NOT be repeated systematically, as it will
          damage the print head.

          It should ONLY be attempted as a last resort, before changing
          the ENTIRE print head.

  Dampen a tissue handkerchief with distilled water; wring it slightly to
  remove any excess water.

  Remove the print head from the printer.

  Holding the print head with the nozzles facing downwards, blot it
  against the handkerchief, pressing lightly.

  Repeat the blotting operation a few times on different areas of the
  handkerchief, to clean the nozzles.

  Reinsert the print head in the printer and run a print test to check the
  quality of printing.


(LB/all-04/21/95)