Pathfinder Care & Maintenance

Pathfinder
C A R E & M A I N T E N A N C E
Caring for and properly maintaining your printer protects it and keeps it running smoothly.
This page explains how to:
  • clean the printhead, platen roller, sensors, and scanner window
  • clear supply jams
  • store the printer.
C l e a n i n g
It is important to keep the printer clean. You must clean five main areas:
  • Display Screen
  • Printhead
  • Platen Roller
  • Sensors
  • Scanner Window
Do not use sharp objects to clean the printer.
Do not use household cleaners to clean the printer.

Cleaning the Display Screen

Make sure the printer is turned off when cleaning the display.
Slightly dampen a soft cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the display.
Do not use household cleaners.

Cleaning the Printhead

Clean the printhead:
  • after using 7-10 rolls of supplies
  • in extreme temperatures, humid conditions, or a dirty environment
  • when you see voids in the print
  • after a supply jam.
CAUTIONS: The following actions may damage the printhead and void your warranty.
  • Do not use silicone to clean or lubricate.
  • Do not use sharp objects to remove adhesive or label particles from the printhead area.
  • Do not touch the printhead with your fingers.
To clean the printhead:
  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Open the supply cover and remove the supplies.
  3. Check the supply holder for adhesive buildup and clean it if necessary.
  4. Ground yourself by touching a metal object other than the printer. Grounding prevents electrostatic discharge, which may damage your printer.
  5. Clean the printhead area of all adhesive and label particles using a Cleaning Pen or a softcloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
  6. Reload the supply roll and close the supply cover.

Cleaning the Platen, Liner Drive, and Pinch Rollers

Clean these rollers when you see significant adhesive build-up or when a label is wrapped
around them.
  1. Turn off the printer, open the supply cover, and open the label deflector.
  2. Remove the supplies.
  3. Hold the printer upright and gently push down on the label deflector. It may be stiff.
  4. Use a dry, soft-bristle brush, such as a toothbrush, to clean the rollers. If the brush does not remove all adhesive, moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and run the cotton swab across the roller. Wait a few minutes for the printer to dry.
  5. Reload the supplies, close the label deflector and supply cover.

Cleaning the Black Mark Sensor

To clean the black mark sensor:
  1. Turn off the printer and open the supply cover.
  2. Remove the supplies.
  3. Open the label deflector by gently pushing down on the label deflector.
  4. Clean the black mark sensor with a dry cotton swab.
  5. Reload the supplies, close the supply cover and the label deflector.

Cleaning the Scanner Window

Clean the scanner window whenever it appears to be dirty or smeared. To clean it:
  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Moisten a soft cloth with distilled water. Do not use household cleaners to clean the printer.
  3. Gently wipe the window until it is completely clean.
Note: Pressing too hard on the window can crack the window or cause it to dislodge.

Clearing Supply Jams

To clear a supply jam:
  1. Turn off the printer and open the supply cover completely.
  2. Open the label deflector by gently pushing down on the label deflector.
  3. Remove the supplies.
  4. Carefully remove any jammed supply.
  5. Clean any adhesive build-up.
  6. Reload the supplies, close the supply cover, and close the label deflector.

Note: Do not pull the jammed supply out through the front of the label deflector. Do not use sharp objects to remove jammed supplies.

Storing the Printer

Do not store the printer in or near:
  • magnetic fields
  • wet or damp areas
  • dirty or dusty areas
  • areas of intense vibration or shock.