A Waste Of Paper And Ink

By Greg German

Originally published in EUG #05

Thanks for the latest issue (EUG #4). Of particular interest to me was the View printer driver program. It works like a dream, so my thanks to Christopher Chadwick for making it available.

On the general subject of printers, I changed from an old Epson to my present LC10 which has a simple sheet feed. Printers seem to spew out paper as if they were attached to the rain forests, so there is a plentiful supply of used paper. Whilst I keep it to use the back for scrap, what a wonderful device the sheet feed is for using this up when one is 'mucking about'!

I would certainly recommend anyone considering buying a printer to obtain one with sheet feed. I also have an item which may be of interest to other ELkhounds. Having seen advertised in The Micro User a printer ribbon re-inker going under the name of "Re-ink", and as my ribbon was getting a little faint, I decided to give it a try.

The instructions suggest that for a smaller ribbon such as that in LC10, 20 puffs be applied into the open cartridge, then it should be left for 48 hours. I followed the instructions exactly and the result, when I used the printer next was a horrible, dirty, smudged mess.

It is clear that 20 puffs is much too much, I would guess five might be nearer the mark. If any Elk friends are planning to use Re-ink then let them be warned because it is a very dirty, messy job removing the ribbon and wiping the surplus off.

Having said that, it does seem to work quite well and you can judge the effect from the density of this letter.

G. S. German, Herts

Yes, I can vouch that Mr German's post re-inking print out was darker than those made before.

Will Watts, EUG #5