Abstract: A drive control system is disclosed which automatically maintains nozzle drive voltage within a proper range. The control system monitors the state of the "intermediate satellites" positioned between ink drops used for printing. When these satellites are neither forward nor backward merging, a first cardinal point designated C(L) is identified. A second cardinal point, C(H), is determined when the drop breakoff point stops decreasing, relative to said nozzle, with increasing nozzle drive voltage. From the two cardinal values, a desired operating range for a particular ink can be computed and the control system automatically set. The computed value is essentially independent of temperature.

Abstract: A drive control system automatically maintains nozzle drive voltage within a proper range. The control system monitors the state of the "intermediate satellites" positioned between ink drops used for printing. When these satellites are neither forwared nor backward merging, a first cardinal point designated C(L) is identified. A second cardinal point, C(H), is determined when the drop breakoff point stops decreasing, relative to said nozzle, with increasing nozzle drive voltage. From the two cardinal values, a desired operating range for a particular ink can be computed and the control system automatically set. The computed value is essentially independent of temperature.