The StyleWriter printer sheetfeeder does make a racheting noise during the
paper pickup process. This noise is normal and is no cause for concern.
The sheetfeeder mechanism is powered by a single drive gear, which mates to
the StyleWriter printer. The sheetfeeder contains no sensors or other
feedback devices for the StyleWriter to gather paper status information.
The paper pickup sequence consists of a carefully orchestrated set of
forward and reverse paper-feed motor movements. These movements allow the
paper pickup rollers to pick up a single sheet of paper and return to their
home position. The ratcheting sound is created by an integral one-way
clutch mechanism inside the sheetfeeder.