L-1000 RIBBON CARTRIDGE

When the print quality of the Epson ActionPrinter L-1000 become unacceptable because it has grown to faint, it is time to install a new ink ribbon. The #7753 Epson ribbon or an equivalent should be used in this machine.

Replace the ink ribbon with the printer turned off. Remove the cover if you have to. Removing the old ribbon cartridge is as simple as lifting it straight out of the printer and disposing of it.

To install a new ink ribbon, move the print head by hand to the center of the printer but wait for the head to cool down if it is still hot from printing. New ribbons may have some slack in them which can be removed easily by turning the tightening knob on the cartridge in the clockwise direction.

Press the new cartridge down into its position so that the hooks on the unit align with and snap into the grooves in the printer itself. The ribbon itself must then be guided in between the print head and the ribbon guide. Use the ribbon tightening knob to provide slack and tension as needed, and do not use your bare fingers to guide the ribbon. Instead, use a small pointed object such as a ball point pen to move the ribbon into place.

Move the print head left and right a few times to make sure that it has freedom of movement and make sure that there are no twists or serious creases in the ribbon. The cover can be reinstalled when finished and the power can be restored. Test the new ribbon by printing a test page.

To keep the Epson ActionPrinter L-1000 operating at its full capacity and to avoid excess print dust and stains from settling in the printer and its surrounding work space, it is best to clean the printer properly now and then. It is recommended to give the unit a full cleaning every time the ribbon is changed with a new one.

Always clean the printer with it turned off and, as a safety precaution, remove the power cord completely when cleaning. Use a soft brush similar to a shaving brush to sweep off the dust and dirt from the exterior of the printer. If this does not give it a sufficient clean, use a soft clean cloth. You may dampen the cloth and use some diluted, mild detergent if necessary to clean the outside of the printer, but always use dry material when cleaning the inside of the unit.

Also, when using liquids, be sure that the printer cover is installed and in its closed position as no moisture should be introduced to the inside of the device. When the inside of the unit absolutely must be cleaned, do so when the old ink ribbon has been removed. Use a dry, disposable cloth and do not wipe off the lubrication on the mechanisms of the machine. Also do not apply any new lubricants or oils to the machine but instead contact Epson if greasing the wheels is required.