Cleaning the Encoder Strip (Carriage Scale)

You see a message on the LCD screen when it is time to clean the encoder strip (carriage scale).

Note: If you continue to use the printer without cleaning the encoder strip, the printer may not read the print area accurately and print quality may decline.

Turn on the printer, if necessary.
Press the moveable base button to move the platen into the printer to the maintenance position.
Caution:

Do not manually move the platen; otherwise, a malfunction may occur.
Turn off the printer and confirm that the LCD screen turns off.
Pour about 0.15 ounce (5 ml) of ink cleaner into the cup supplied with the maintenance kit, and then let it soak into a wipe. Squeeze the wipe gently.
Wipe off any ink stains on the front and back, as shown. Gently squeeze the center of the encoder strip between the wipe and wipe in each direction about two to three times. Wipe to the left edge just before the print head carriage. Wipe to the right edge up to just before where the encoder strip becomes transparent.
Note: You do not need to clean the sections covered by the print head.

Caution:
- Make sure that ink cleaning solution does not drip into the printer. If any cleaning solution does drip, wipe it with a dry cleaning wipe.
- Do not touch the carriage shaft. Doing so may cause a malfunction or failure to occur. Do not use anything other than a clean wipe.
a Carriage shaft (do not touch)

Caution:

Do not pull on or rub the encoder strip (carriage scale) with too much force, or the right side may detach or the encoder strip (carriage scale) may be damaged, causing the printer to operate incorrectly.
Use a dry cleaning cloth to wipe away any ink cleaning solution or dust remaining on the encoder strip (carriage scale).
Close the printer cover.