PC-100C thermal head cleaning or replacing

[albertofenini]

Hi everyone

while testing our TI-59 (see other post) we have also tried out two PC-100C

They works quite well, the contacts to charge the battery in the battery compartment
were broken but those should be easy to replace

However, the printing from both is faint and non regular (see pictures)

Any idea on how to clean these ?

We also have found what looks like a replacement, in two different versions,
but we have no idea at all on how to do it ...

Also, in this pictures set, my partner in crime (on of the most loyal HP fan) is looking at the competition with admiration

Pictures can be seen here : TI59 PC100 PRINTER

[Kees Bouw]

Hi,

This sort of printout can also be caused by using old paper rolls. Have you tried with new fresh paper?

Kees.

[albertofenini]

Hi Kees

I have been given the same advice from a vintage Facebook group
I do have some NOS paper but is as old as the one in the printer
It’s worth a try so I’ll try it
However, I’d like to know how to access and clean the thermal head
You never know ...

(02-14-2021 10:35 PM)Kees Bouw Wrote:  Hi,

This sort of printout can also be caused by using old paper rolls. Have you tried with new fresh paper?

Kees.

[Marc van Lemmen]

Hi,

It is also possible that the paper isn't pushed hard enough against the print head, you can try to change the print roller.
You can try the paper with something hot ( soldering iron ) to see if there are 'weak' spots.

Marc.

[toml_12953]

(02-14-2021 08:07 PM)albertofenini Wrote:  Hi everyone

while testing our TI-59 (see other post) we have also tried out two PC-100C

They works quite well, the contacts to charge the battery in the battery compartment
were broken but those should be easy to replace

However, the printing from both is faint and non regular (see pictures)

Any idea on how to clean these ?

Rolls of TI thermal paper used to come with a head cleaning strip. It seemed like plain old card stock to me. It didn't have a glossy finish. You might try running a piece of card stock cut to the width of the TI paper through.