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From: cobra@hpcilzb.HP.COM (Roland Dudley)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Wanted: Inexpensive ALPS Printer Ribbon!
Message-ID: <640015@hpcilzb.HP.COM>
Date: 3 Oct 89 21:26:54 GMT
Organization: HP Design Tech Center - Santa Clara, CA
Lines: 30

The other day I stopped by one of the local discount computer stores to
pick up a ribbon for my son's ALPS Alegro 24 printer.  Much to my
schock, they cost $18.00 apiece.  He was in dire need so I went ahead
and got one anyway.  Maybe I'm just a cheapskate, but this seems grossly
overpriced to me.  Is this the going price for 24 pin printer ribbons
these days?  Ribbons for my ancient 9 pin HP (Epson) dot matrix run
between $5-$6.  They appear to be about the same size and are similar in
construction.  Is there something special about 24 pin ribbons or am I
just being gouged because not many ALPS printers are being sold.  Seems
like a strange way to develop market share if that's the case.

Does anyone know of a cheaper ribbon for another printer that will fit?
Perhaps there is a generic version that will work.  Failing that, does
anyone know where to purchase re-inking kits for printer ribbons?  I was
told that Radio Shack sold them at one time but when I asked about them
at one of the local stores, all I got was blank stares.  Failing that,
does anyone know of a company, store, or mail order place that re-ink
ribbons.  Failing that, does anyone know what kind of ink is used on
printer ribbons.  Is it the same as typewriter ink?  Stamp pad ink?
Where do you get it?  I'm willing to give it a try myself if I can't
come up with something better.  $18.00 is alot of money to a
highschooler.  Hell, it's alot to me!

Respond by e-mail or post, whichever is preferable.  I'll post a summary 
if there is enough interest.

Thanks to anyone who can help,

Roland
cobra@hpcilzb.HP.COM