Old Printers, Part 1B

The problem with the ribbons was bugging me so I got up in the night and went to see what I could see.

I took the ribbon that was in the printer out of the printer and tried reseating it.  When I tested it, it still didn’t print.

I took the ribbon out of the printer and looked it over.  When I turned the knob to advance the ribbon, the knob would not even turn.  The other turned freely but the ribbon did not move.  I figured, I would open them up and see what was up.

I opened up the ribbon that would not turn at all, I found the ribbon was wrapped under and around the wheels that advance the ribbon.  It was a manufacturing defect.  This ribbon was in a sealed bag in the original manufacturers box.  It was so messed up, I saw no way to repair it.

The other ribbon was one I had for my other printer.  It was still in the manufacturers package.  You know the kind with the cardboard back and a plastic cover that lets the store hang them.  When you turn the ribbon advance knob it turned freely with out doing anything.  I opened this one up and the problem was immediately visible.  There are two wheels that advance the ribbons, one, that the knob is connected to and the other next to it.  Each wheel was supposed to have a foam rubber cover.  Between them they squeezed the ribbon and pulled it through.  The foam rubber had deteriorated to the point it was in several pieces.

I purchased two ribbons from the same seller on eBay.  The first one was the one with the manufacturing defect.  The second, I hadn’t tried yet, so I dug that one out.  I opened the box and pulled out the bag with the ribbon in it.  The bag was open, but I gave it a try anyway.  The ribbon apparently had dried out a little, as it did print but was very light.  Knowing that the printer was working, I hooked it up to my //c and printed out a listing.  The cable I bought works fine.

I had heard about re-inking or moistening old ribbons, so I went on line and looked it up.  I didn’t find much that was clearly positive about it, but did find a vendor who sells six packs of ribbons very cheaply and guaranties them.  I ordered one six pack with shipping for under $20.  I’ll let you know how that works out.  If it works out well, I’ll post a link to their web site.

Additionally when I get in a good ribbon, I’ll try what I learned about rejuvenating ribbons and write it up.