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From: XWUU@PURCCVM.BITNET
Newsgroups: comp.sys.cbm
Subject: RE:Commodore 1526 printer (ribbons)
Message-ID: <90325.101323XWUU@PURCCVM.BITNET>
Date: 21 Nov 90 15:13:23 GMT
Organization: Purdue University
Lines: 41

In a recent post, prindle@nadc.nadc.navy.mil(Frank Prindle) states:
"Not to mention that ribbons for the 1526 (multistrike ribbon, not inked cloth)
are getting scarce as hen"s teeth and expensive too.  They also tend to be
troublesome mechanically."

I use a Shinwa NLQ-II that is distributed through COMPUTER DIRECT of Barrington
Illinois.  It uses the same ribbon mentioned.  They ALWAYS have them in stock,
and since this is one of their more popular printers (NLQ-III is now out), I do
not forsee any problem with availability.  Cost $9.95; lifetime about 3 million
characters (I get 3 - 4 months).

TENEX (Mishawaka IN) carries the same ribbon for a little less.

EVERY major distributor of ribbons (INMAC, MIDWEST MICRO, etc.) carries a
1526 compatible ribbon.

What's the problem with multi strike?  Nothing if you demand the sharpest
output your printer can provide.  Look at the top-of-the-line professional
typewriters and daisy wheel printers...every one of them has a film type
ribbon.  It prints "cleaner" (less residue in your printer) and does not
get "fuzzy" with use (still more crud on your printhead).  True, they cannot
be re-inked and they do not last as long, but I need high quality output most
of the time (lots of photocopying and the like).  When I don't need dark
output, I use an old ribbon!

Mechanically, these ribbons are as sound as ANY cartridge ribbon.  Look at
the number of printers using them today...100's of 'em.  But you get what you
pay for.  Discounted ribbons in bulk, such as those offered by MEI MICRO of
Columbus Ohio, are trouble.  They use cheap plastic mechanisms on the inside
and the ribbon is crinkled up inside rather then neatly looped.  SIX out of
SIX I ordered from them failed within 2 pages of printing.  I have NEVER had
a failure in a dozen or so ribbons from any other source.  OOPS!  I lied...
I did have one fail when I bought a "bargain basement" model when I needed
a ribbon in a hurry.  The cartridge was put together sloppily and it jammed.
Guess what, the manufacturer was the same as for the MEI MICRO ribbons!

1526 ribbons are not inherrently evil.  They usually work nicely, give you a
good product on the page, and are readily available.

Kirk A. Janowiak
XWUU@PURCCVM