V8.5 Thermal Plotter User Guide V8.5 Thermal Plotter is a product of iSys - The Imagaing Systems Group.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE This document is copyrighted by The Imaging Systems Group Inc., 2000. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, or stored in a retrieval system of any kind without prior written permission of The Imaging Systems Group Inc. TRADEMARKS Centronics is a U.S. registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation. Versatec is a registered trademark of Versatec Corporation. DISCLAIMER The Imaging Systems Group Inc.
ATTENTION: The V8.5e plotter generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has been designed to comply with the requirements for Class A computing devices pursuant to Sub-part J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment.
Caution! – must be observed to avoid loss or damage to your equipment. Important: - must be observed to avoid operational impairment. Do not proceed past any of the above notices, until you have fully understood the implications. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) USA – This equipment generates and radiates radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications.
Bitte verfahren Sie erst dann weiter, wenn Sie die Bedeutung der vorstehenden Hinweise vollständig verstanden haben. Elektromagnetische Kompatibilität (EMC) USA – Dieses Gerät erzeugt und verbreitet Hochfrequenzenergie und kann daher, sofern es nicht gemäß dem Benutzerhandbuch installiert und benutzt wird, zu Störungen im Hochfrequenz-Kommunikationsverkehr führen.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY The Imaging Systems Group’s total liability to the purchaser, or to any third party, for damages from any and all causes whatsoever, regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or in tort, including negligence, and any infringement of proprietary rights or any misappropriation or unlawful use of any proprietary rights or property of any third party shall, in the aggregate, be limited to purchase price actually paid by the purchaser for the product relating to the damages.
Contents vi 1. INTRODUCTION ........................... 1-1 1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION .................... 1-1 1.2 MEDIA DESCRIPTION ...................... 1-1 1.3 ABOUT THIS MANUAL ..................... 1-2 2. SPECIFICATIONS .......................... 2-1 2.1 FUNCTIONAL ........................... 2-1 Operation .............................. 2-1 Media ................................. 2-3 Thermal printhead ........................ 2-3 Transport .............................. 2-4 2.2 ELECTRICAL .........
4. OPERATION .............................. 4-1 4.1 POWER SUPPLY PRECAUTIONS ............... 4-1 4.2 USING THE CONTROL PANEL ................. 4-2 4.3 CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS AND SETTINGS ..... 4-5 Changing function settings .................. 4-5 Default Settings .......................... 4-6 Test plot ............................... 4-6 Contrast ............................... 4-6 Speed ................................. 4-7 Media ................................. 4-8 Scaling ............................
5.5 MEDIA SENSORS ........................ 5-10 6. MAINTENANCE ............................ 6-1 6.1 MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES ................. 6-2 6.2 REGULAR MAINTENANCE ................... 6-3 Cleaning the thermal printhead ............... 6-4 Cleaning the platen roller ................... 6-5 Replacing the fuse ........................ 6-6 7. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................ 7-1 7.1 INTRODUCTION .......................... 7-1 7.2 PROBLEMS .............................
B. INTERFACE CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT ....... B-1 C. CENTRONICS INTERFACE BOARD ............... C-1 V8.5e Rev 2.2.
INTRODUCTION 1.1 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Imaging Systems Group’s V8.5e Thermal Plotter is a high-speed plotter suitable for office or field use. Its small size and lightweight, yet rugged construction makes it durable in mobile situations. The V8.5e uses direct thermal plotting technology, so it requires no liquid or powdered ink. Interface parameter settings and other menu functions can be accessed from either the front panel or the host computer. It is capable of printing at four speeds; 1.0, 2.0, 3.
1 INTRODUCTION An optional fan-fold paper guide and feeder trays (which attach to the back of the plotter, and below the rackmount plotter) are available from The Imaging Systems Group which stabilizes the paper for smooth intake of fanfold papers. These options are useful in field situations or where vibration is a problem. 1.
S P E C I F I C A T I O N S 2.1 2 FUNCTIONAL Operation Command panel Front mounted. LED display. Three push buttons. Online/Offline, Data and error LED’s. Command modes Bimodal Plotting mode. Grayscale mode. Printing mode. Features Bimodal (black and white) plotting. Grayscale plotting. Plot speed up to 4.0 inches per second. Microprocessor controlled. Automatic head temperature feedback Panel settings ~ On-line, off-line. ~ Test plot, test print. * Contrast C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8.
2 SPECIFICATIONS ~ Form feed adjust F2, F4, F8, tF, PF - selects formfeed of 2, 4, 8 inches, Top of Form sensing, and programable past top of form respectively. ~ Bytes per scan b1, b2 - selects 216 and 264 bytes per scan respectively. ~ Grayscale levels per scan g1, g2, g3, g4 selects 8, 16, 32, and 64 levels of gray levels per scan respectively. # Grayscale media calibration table number t1, t2. Settings marked with (*) are used exclusively with bi-modal plotting.
SPECIFICATIONS 2 Media Types Thermal sensitive paper or film. Rolled paper with 7/16 inch spool core. Rolled film. Fan-folded paper (optional). Width 8.75 inch rolled paper or film media. 8.75, 9.0 inch fan fold paper media. Maximum length Rolled media: 100 feet with thick paper, 150 feet with thin paper. Maximum diameter 2.5 inches. Fan-fold: unlimited maximum. Fan-fold guides Optional, for fan-fold paper. Adjustable for 8.75 inch and 9.0 inch media. Feeder trays Optional, for fan-fold paper.
2 SPECIFICATIONS Transport Stepper motor Micro-step. Stepping resolution 0.004 millimeter. 6400 micro-steps per inch of media. 32 micro-steps per scan line. 2.2 ELECTRICAL Interface Type Parallel, 8 kB buffer Compatibility Versatec Greensheet Centronics parallel (optional) External SCSI Data cable Optional Power consumption Idle mode Plot or print mode 110 Watt minimum.
2 SPECIFICATIONS 2.3 PHYSICAL Dimensions Height Width Depth Rackmount 3.5 inches 19 inches 12.5 inches Desktop 3.5 inches 15 inches 12.5 inches 23 pounds 22 pounds Weight Net 2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL Temperature Operating range 32º to 122º Fahrenheit (0º to 50º Celcius) Storage range 14º to 158º Fahrenheit (-10º to 70º Celcius) Other Operating humidity 5% to 95 non-condensing Certification FCC Class “A” certified for electromagnetic interference V8.5e Rev 2.2.
3 INSTALLATION 3.1 UNPACKING Plotter AC Power Cord Rail Spacers Manual & Warranty Card Thumb Screw Kit Head Cleaning Pen Spindle with Spacer disks Although shipments are thoroughly checked for completeness by The Imaging Systems Group Inc., confirm that your plotter has the following: 1. Power cord 2. Sample Roll of paper 3. Two spindle hubs 4. Rackmount spacers Confirm that any specified options are present, such as a data cable or fan-fold guide. V8.5e Rev 2.1.
3 I N S T A L L A T I O N Inspect the plotter and components for any damage that may have occurred during shipment. Report any damage to the carrier of the shipment, and to your Imaging Systems Group Inc. product representitive. Keep the box and packaging for future shipping, in the event of servicing or upgrading issues. This product must be returned to our factory in the original or proper packaging material.
I N S T A L L A T I O N 3.3 3 INTERFACE SETUP Plug the power cord into a grounded AC outlet only. Avoid sharing an outlet that is also powering other noise-generating equipment. The V8.5e comes equipped with a Versatec short line TTL (transistor to transistor logic) interface. This interface can be used for data cable lengths up to 50 feet. An optional long line interface (differential) can be used for data cable lengths up to 700 feet. For optional Centronics interface setup, see Appendix C.
3 I N S T A L L A T I O N Installing rolled paper The V8.5e plotter comes with a sample roll of thermal sensitive paper. To install rolled paper: 1. Loosen the rackmount thumbscrews and pull the plotter forward on the rails. 2. Release the lid assembly by grasping underneath the black latch bar and pulling it upwards (Figure 3-5). Open the plotter lid by lifting the guide straight upwards. 3. Remove the fan-fold guide by grasping the two stainless steel rails and lifting it straight upwards. 4.
3 I N S T A L L A T I O N Control Panel Power Latch Figure 3-1 AC receptacle Screws AC Power & Fuse Back Panel Screws Data port Figure 3-2 Back Panel V8.5e Rev 2.2.
3 I N S T A L L A T I O N Roll Figure 3-3. Roll paper and film path Figure 3-4 Roll paper installed 3-6 V8.5e Rev 2.2.
3 I N S T A L L A T I O N Figure 3-5 Opening the plotter Lid Latch Bar V8.5e Rev 2.2.
3 I N S T A L L A T I O N Installing fan-fold paper 1. Loosen the rackmount thumbscrews and pull the plotter forward on the rails. 2. Release the lid assembly by grasping underneath the black latch bar and pulling it upwards (Figure 3-5). Open the plotter lid by lifting it straight upwards. 3. Remove paper roll and insert the fanfold guide over the spindle blocks (see Figure 3-6). 4. Feed the paper through the slot in the back or bottom of the plotter depending on which fan-fold paper tray is being used.
I N S T A L L A T I O N 3 CAUTION: Before plotting or testing on any print media, make sure that the media setting is correct. Incorrect settings may result in damage to the printhead and warranty. The media may also be damaged. VORSICHT: Bevor Sie mit dem Plotten oder Testdrucken auf einem Druckmedium beginnen, versichern Sie sich, dass die Einstellungen für das Druckmedium korrekt sind. Falsche Einstellungen können zu einer Beschädigung des Druckkopfes und zum Verlust der Garantie führen.
3 I N S T A L L A T I O N Figure 3-6 Spindle blocks Spindle blocks (1 per side) Figure 3- 7. Fanfold guide path 3-10 V8.5e Rev 2.2.
O P E R A T I O N 4.1 4 POWER SUPPLY PRECAUTIONS Turn off the power switch on the plotter before doing any of the following: 1. Unplugging the plotter 2. Cleaning the printhead CAUTION: Take care not to discharge static into the plotter. This may cause damage to the integrated circuits or other electronic components. Use an approved method of static dissipation to revent component damage. VORSICHT: Vermeiden Sie statische Entladung am Plotter.
4 O P E R A T I O N 4.2 USING THE CONTROL PANEL To turn the plotter on, press the main power switch at the front of the plotter. The LED display “moves in circular motion” during bootup, followed by the ONLINE LED illuminating. When the ONLINE LED is on, the plotter is ready to receive data from the host. Changes to the plotter have to be made in offline mode. Button 1 Button 2 Button 3 Figure 4-1. Control panel The control panel is shown in Figure 4-1.
4 O P E R A T I O N Button Function 1. UP ARROW. Online/Offline Toggles between ONLINE and OFFLINE modes. Changes to control panel settings can only be made in OFFLINE mode. Selects function sub menu's after menu access 2. DOWN ARROW. Form Feed/Advance Works in OFFLINE mode only. Pressing and releasing causes a form feed to the preset length. Pressing and holding manually advances paper. Selects function sub menu's after menu access. 3.
4 4-4 C ontrast S peed M edia S caling P ress UP A RRO W / FO R M FEED to access V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002 tP C8 C7 C6 C5 C4 C3 C2 4 3 2 HF LF HP SE SD SC Sb SA S9 S8 S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1 Inactive C1 1 LP S0 (A ctivate Plottestby pressing M EN U button) D efault V alue V ertical E m ulation F F L ength B ytes per scan G reyscale m edia table n0 n3 P0 PF tF f8 f4 g4 g3 g2 g1 b2 t2 P3 f2 b1 t1 O P E R A T I O N Table 4-2.
O P E R A T I O N 4.3 4 CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS AND SETTINGS See Table 4-2 for default settings and organization. Changing function settings For easy reference in this section, the buttons are referred to as numbers 1, 2, and 3, from top to bottom. (See Table 4-1 for button labels and functions.) 1. Press Button 1 to turn the plotter offline. Settings can only be changed while the plotter is offline. The green ONLINE status light turns off and the display will show: —— indicating offline status. 2.
4 O P E R A T I O N Default Settings To restore the default settings of the plotter, press and hold the menu button (button 3) while powering the plotter on. The display will briefly show “dF” during the boot up sequence, indicating that the default menu items have been loaded. Test plot This function produces approximately six inches of plot in a checkerboard and dither pattern in Bimodal mode.
O P E R A T I O N 4 If the contrast needs further adjusting, change the contrast setting by starting at the lowest value, adjust the contrast upwards one value at a time, testing after each adjustment. This is particularly important when using lightweight papers or papers with unknown specifications. CAUTION: Thermal plotting technology involves high temperatures. Incorrect media or contrast settings can damage the printhead or other components and void the warranty. Media damage can also occur.
4 O P E R A T I O N Media The media function adjusts the time that the printhead is turned on (strobe time) to create an image on the media based upon the media type selected. The default setting is light paper. When the plotter is set to film or grayscale mode the printhead’s requirement for strobe times is raised. This requires a slower plot speed in order to maintain the high quality level of the V8.5e. Note: there are two preprogrammed media tables for grayscale plotting.
O P E R A T I O N 4 Scaling The scaling function stretches or shrinks the plot over a 36-inch length of plot with settings being S0 through SE. The default setting is (S 2). To determine if scaling is needed, plot a job of a known length and measure it. Adjustments can be made to the scaling in increments of + or - 1/16-inch over 36 inches of plot. S0 = no scale, SE = +/- 14/16” over 36 inches of plot. Note: Positive or negative scaling is selected through the Emulation menu setting. V8.5e Rev 2.2.
4 O P E R A T I O N Emulation (vertical resolution) The emulation function adjusts the vertical resolution of the plot (along the media length). The settings are P0, n0, P3, and n3. P0 and n0 are used with 200 scans/inch of plot data. The default setting (P3 ) is 203 scans per inch (equal to 203 dots per inch- dpi). P3 and n3 are used for 203 scans/inch of plot data. P and n stand for Positive and negative scaling for the scaling menu.
O P E R A T I O N 4 PF - Programmable advance past Top of Form- This feature allows the V8.5e to line up with the beginning of pages when a media whose TOF marks do not meet the V8.5e specifications. NOTE: iSys recommends only the use of approved media in the V8.5e which has been qualified to increase plotter life and produce higher qualityplots. Once the PF feature is selected in the menu, the V8.
4 O P E R A T I O N Bytes per scan The SCANWDTH function adjusts the scan width of the plot, defined in bytes per line. The default scan width is b1 (216 bytes per scan). Menu settings are: b1, b2, g1, g2, g3, and g4. b1 — 216 bytes/scan (bimodal). b2 — 264 bytes/scan (bimodal). g1 — 8 gray levels per scan, 1728 bytes/scan maximum. g2 — 16 gray levels per scan, 1728 bytes/scan maximum. g3 — 32 gray levels per scan, 1728 bytes/scan maximum. g4 — 64 gray levels per scan, 1728 bytes/scan maximum.
4 O P E R A T I O N Grayscale media table number t1 - media calibration table for media 1. t2 - media calibration table for media 2. These tables have preset values for imaging on two different medias while in grayscale mode. These medias can be changed for different medias by uploading new tables. Setup headers for programming the V8.5e NOTE: The V8.5E must be in PRINT mode for the setup header string to work. Numeric values shown below are hexadecimal, not ASCII.
4 4-14 O P E R A T I O N Byte 3: speed 1”=21 1.0 inches/sec 2”=22 2.0 inches/sec 3”=23 3.0 inches/sec 4”=24 4.0 inches/sec No Change=00 Byte 4: media LP=31 Light Paper HP=32 Heavy Paper LF=33 Light Film HF=34 Heavy Film No Change=00 Byte 5: scaling S0=41 No Scale S1=42 S2=43 S3=44 S4=45 S5=46 S6=47 +/- 1/16” S7=48 increments over 36” of S8=49 plot up to +/- 14/16” S9=4A SA=4B Sb=4C SC=4D Sd=4E SE=4F No Change=00 V8.5e Rev 2.2.
4 O P E R A T I O N Byte 6: emulation P0=51 200 scans/inch vertical with positive scaling n0=52 200 scans/inch vertical with negative scaling P3=53 203 scans/inch vertical with positive scaling n3=54 203 scans/inch vertical with negative scaling No Change=00 V8.5e Rev 2.2.
4 O P E R A T I O N Byte 10: line feed Example: To set the plotter to: 0A contrast=C3 speed=1.0 ips media=LP scaling=S2 emulation=P3 formfeed=F2 bytes/scan=b1 grayscale media table=t1 Then send header: 99 13 21 31 43 53 61 71 81 0A If the V8.
O P E R A T I O N 4 4.4 FEHLERMELDUNGEN 1. Medien leer: Am Plotter erscheint eine kleine quadratische blinkende Anzeige und die Fehleranzeige blinkt. Zur Behebung dieses Fehler muss neues Aufzeichnungsmaterial geladen werden. Der Plotter muss erneut online geschaltet werden, um den PlottingVorgang fortzuführen. 2. Druckkopfüberhitzung: Am Plotter erscheint Ht und die Fehleranzeige blinkt.
THEORY OF OPERATION 5.1 5 INTRODUCTION The V8.5e plotter uses thermal technology to convert data from the host computer into plotted output. Host data enters the plotter main logic circuitry via the data port, and passes through the interface to the data buffer on the main logic board. Control and status signals enter the main logic board at the same time as the parallel data. The microcontroller converts the data from parallel to serial and sends the serial data to the printhead.
5 5-2 Nonvolitile RAM Data Buffer Input O F Motor 5 V DC Power Supply REM REM REM O P E R A T I O N REM Micro controller Decoder Temperature Feedback REM Thermal Printhead MODE Parallel to serial V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002 Character generator ROM (print mode) Figure 5-1.
T H E O R Y O F O P E R A T I O N 5 Stepper motor The V8.5e uses a bipolar, two-phase stepper motor. The motor is micro-step driven, requiring 200 full steps for one rotation of the motor shaft. There are 32 micro-steps per full step. Thus the motor makes 6400 micro-steps for each rotation. 5.3 INTERFACE The data interface may be short line or, optionally, long line (see “Interface setup” in Chapter 3, Installation for details.
5 T H E O R Y Si gnal Nhem m o nic O F O P E R A T I O N Si gnal Nam e IN D 1 IN D 8 Input data P I C LK Paral l el i nput cl o ck R EA D Y Pl o tter ready A cti ve Level O perati o n H i gh Input l i nes fo r byte paral l el data Must be acco m pani ed b y a P I C LK H i gh Sto bes a data byte present o n IND1 -IND8 i nto the i nput bufffer. Mi ni m um 3 0 0 nS pul se Lo w Lo w l evel m eans pl o tter i s ready to recei ve next data byte o r rem o te functi o n.
T H E O R Y Signal Mnemonic CLEAR O F Signal Name Remote clear 5 O P E R A T I O N Signal Level Low Operation Clears the input buffer. Remote Reset Low Resets the plotter and re-initializes all logic while the signal is asserted. Ready remains high while reset is asserted. RLTER Remote line terminate Low Terminates the buffer data currently being loaded, causes all previously loaded data to be output in sequence, then outputs the buffer data just terminated in sequence.
5 T H E O R Y O F O P E R A T I O N Data rates The plotter accommodates a wide range of data rates. The speed of the plotter can be set to 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 inches per second. To achieve a consistent plot rate at a certain speed setting requires minimum data rates. If data rates are inconsistent, and lower than these minimum rates, that plot speed will not be sustained. Table 5-4 shows the minimum data rates at the four speed settings. Speed o f pl o t Mi ni m um data rate 1 .
T H E O R Y O F O P E R A T I O N 5 Scan width Scan width settings sent from host software can specify the number of bytes of data that will be plotted on a line. The maximum setting that data can be rastered to is 264 bytes per scan. NOTE: The thermal head holds a maximum of 216 bytes of data. When the plotter is set to 264 bytes per scan, the first 216 bytes of data from the host are loaded into the thermal head to be plotted and the last 48 are discarded.
5 T H E O R Y O F O P E R A T I O N Print mode When the host asserts the PRINT mode signal, the plotter can generate ASCII characters. Table 5-5 shows the timing relationships for print mode signals. Signal Mnemonic Signal Name Active Level Operation PRINT Print Mode High Selects either print or plot mode. When signal is high, plotter is in print mode. SPP Simultaneous print/plot mode Low Not used Table 5-5.
T H E O R Y 5.4 O F O P E R A T I O N 5 THERMAL PRINTHEAD The thermal printhead is comprised of a row of 1728 heater elements (nibs). Each bit within a scan addresses an individual nib. Plot patterns are generated one scan at a time, each scan consisting of a horizontal row of dots. A nib produces a dot if the corresponding scan bit in the buffer is a logic level “1”. Nibs in the printhead are heated, causing a thermo-chemical reaction with the coating on the media.
5 T H E O R Y O F O P E R A T I O N Film media When the plotter is set to film mode, the strobe length is increased to accommodate the thicker media. The plot speed is set to 1.0 inch per second to allow the longer strobe length and to maintain plot quality. 5.5 MEDIA SENSORS The top-of-form (also known as the “I-mark”) sensor and the media sensor are contained on a media sensor board . The top-of-form sensor consists of a focused infrared beam and receptor that reacts to black top-of-form marks.
MAINTENANCE 6 NOTE: Do not attempt to repair or modify any component of the V8.5e. If a component fails, it may be replaced free of charge in accordance with the warranty procedures in this manual. Attempting unauthorized repairs or modifications will void the warranty and invalidate safety approvals. WICHTIGER HINWEIS: Versuchen Sie nicht, irgendwelche Bauteile des V8.5e zu reparieren oder zu modifizieren.
6 M A I N T E N A N C E This symbol indicates an area of possible concern due to static discharge into the circuitry. When you see this symbol in the manual, please observe proper static precautions to minimize damage to the circuitry. Dieses Symbol warnt davor, dass es in diesen Bereichen möglicherweise zu statischen Entladungen an den Schaltkreisen kommen kann.
M A I N T E N A N C E 6.2 6 REGULAR MAINTENANCE The V8.5e thermal plotter is engineered to require minimal preventative maintenance. If the thermal printhead and platen roller are cleaned regularly, and the plotter is kept free of debris, extra maintenance should rarely be required. This minimal preventative maintenance is the customers responsibility. Damage to the plotter that has in The Imaging System Group’s opinion resulted from neglect or misuse will not be covered under warranty.
6 M A I N T E N A N C E Cleaning the thermal printhead After prolonged use, the thermal printhead picks up fibres from the media passing under it. These fine fibres collect and compact on portions of the printhead, blocking the contact it makes with the paper during a plot and causing faded patches. Poor contact between the printhead and paper may also cause the affected heating elements (nibs) to fail prematurely because of improper heat dissipation to the paper.
M A I N T E N A N C E 6 2. Moisten (do not soak) a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton swab with 99% pure isopropyl alcohol. Rub gently along the length of the printhead, removing any buildup of residue on the printhead. 3. Allow the alcohol to evaporate completely before using the plotter. CAUTION: Do not touch the printhead with your fingers or other objects. Skin oil will contaminate the printhead, which diminishes plot quality and shortens the life span of the printhead.
6 M A I N T E N A N C E Replacing the fuse The fuse is located in a clip next to the AC receptacle. Figure 3-2. 1. Unplug the power cable from the AC receptacle. 2. Insert a small screwdriver into the slot on the fuse clip to release it from the AC receptacle. 3. Remove the fuse from the clip. Replace the fuse and insert the clip. WARNING: Replace only with a fuse of identical specifications. Other fuses may cause a fire hazard. See Chapter 2, Specifications, for fuse specifications.
TROUBLESHOOTING 7.1 7 INTRODUCTION This chapter provides a list of problems that may be encountered with the V8.5e, and gives possible causes and solutions for these problems. To use this chapter, locate the problem from the list. Follow the steps in order, referring to Chapter 6, Maintenance, where necessary. V8.5e Rev 2.2.
7 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G 7.2 PROBLEMS Plotter does not plot Possible causes: Plotter has no paper or film Lid is not securely closed Thermal printhead is overheated Latch pins need adjustment Solutions: 1. Check the media supply. Install more media if necessary as described in Chapter 3, Installation. 2. Check that the media is installed correctly and the plotter lid is securely closed. The top of the lid should be flush with the top of the side panels. 3.
T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G 7 Plot has vertical white stripes Figure7-3.Plotwithverticalwhitestripes Possible causes: Lid is not securely closed The printhead is dirty Some printhead nibs are burnt out Solutions: 1. Check that the media is installed correctly and the plotter lid is securely closed. The top of the lid should be flush with the top of the side panels. 2. Clean the printhead as described in Chapter 6, page 6-3. 3.
7 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Plot is blotchy or faded Figure 7-4 . Blotchy or faded plot This problem originates from inconsistent printhead pressure across the platen roller during plotting. Possible causes: Lid is not securely closed Latch pins need adjustment Solutions: 1. Check that the media is installed correctly and the plotter lid is securely closed. The top of the lid should be flush with the top of the side panels. 2.
T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G 7 Plot contrast is weak Possible causes: Lid is not securely closed Latch pins need adjustment Media setting is incorrect Contrast setting is too low 24 V power supply is malfunctioning Solutions: 1. Check that the media is installed correctly and the plotter lid is securely closed. The top of the lid should be flush with the top of the side panels. 2. If the lid does not close securely, or if the head pressure is too low, contact your authorized service center. 3.
7 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Plot has black vertical lines Figure7-6.Plotwithblackverticallines Possible Cause: One or more bits in each byte going to the plotter are “stuck high”. Solution: 1. If your plotted output from the host shows these lines, run a test plot. If the lines are not present on the test plot, the problem originates with the host data. Check the interface data cable from the host and replace it if neccesary. 7-6 V8.5e Rev 2.2.
T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G 7 Plot is wrong length If you suspect that a plot is the wrong length, plot a job of a known length and measure it. Possible causes: Paper is not moving freely Scaling is incorrectly applied Vertical emulation is incorrectly applied Solutions: 1. Check the media feed path. Ensure that the paper is installed correctly and that the paper feed is not obstructed. 2. Adjust or reset the scaling setting as described in Chapter 4, Operation. 3.
7 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G 3. If the lid does not close securely, or if the head pressure is too low, contact your authorized service center. Plotter has no power Possible Cause: If the plotter is plugged in to a functioning outlet, then the AC fuse has blown. Solution: 1. Replace the fuse as described in Chapter 6. Plotter display is functioning but motor does not function Possible Cause: Either the 5 V or 24 V power supply is malfunctioning. Solution: 1. Contact your authorized service center.
T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G 7 Plot output speed is erratic Possible Cause: Plotter speed is set too high. This is most likely to occur on the HIGH setting. Lowering the plot speed enables the plotter to match the rate of data and produces a more steady output. Solution: 1. Lower the plot speed setting on the control panel as described in Chapter 4, Page 4-7. V8.5e Rev 2.2.
7 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Burning smell during plot, or “blooming” present on output Figure 7-7 . “Blooming” plot Possible Cause: Media setting is incorrect. The thermal printhead operating temperature is too high and is burning the media. Solution: 1. Change the media setting on the control panel as described in Chapter 4. If unsure of the media specifications, start at the LT PAPER setting and then increase the setting, testing plot output after each change.
T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G 7 VORSICHT: Bei der thermischen Plottertechnologie entstehen hohe Temperaturen. Ungeeignete Medien oder falsche Kontrasteinstellungen können den Druckkopf oder andere Bauteile beschädigen und zu Verlust der Garantie führen. Auch können Beschädigungen an den Medien entstehen. Form feed stops before desired length Possible Cause: The form feed length is too short. The form feed stops before the paper sensor can read the “top of form” mark. Solution: 1.
7 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Plot is skewed or unreadable Figure 7-8 . Skewed plot Possible Cause: The scan width is incorrect. Solution: 1. Adjust the scan width (byte count) in your host software to 216 bytes or less. 7-12 V8.5e Rev 2.2.
WARRANTY 8 The Imaging Systems Group Inc. (iSys) warrants our V8.5e plotters to be free from defects in materials and workmanship as follows: · Labour and parts are warranted for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase. · This warranty applies only to products purchased from an authorized dealer or agent, and extends only to the original retailer purchaser.
8 W A R R A N T Y TERMS and CONDITIONS of Hot Swap and Post Hot Swap a) The product MUST be returned in the original or proper packing material including any anti-static packaging. Any products damaged in shipping due to inadequate packing will not be accepted by iSys. The return must arrive at iSys within 14 days from receipt of the RMA Kit. If these policies are violated, the customer will be responsible for payment of the purchase price on the product.
A A P P E N D I X ASCII TABLES MSN: Most significant nibble LSN: Least significant nibble LSN MSN 0 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / 3 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; < = > ? 4 @ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O 5 P Q R S T U V W X Y Z [ \ ] ^ - 6 ` a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o 7 p q r s t u v w x y z { I } ~ 8 9 A V S Table A-1.
B A P P E N D I X INTERFACE CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT Signal Pin Return Pin Signal Name Mnemonic 1 20 Input Bit 1 (LSB) IND1 2 21 Input Bit 2 IND2 3 22 Input Bit 3 IND3 4 23 Input Bit 4 IND4 5 24 Input Bit 5 IND5 6 25 Input Bit 6 IND6 7 26 Input Bit 7 IND7 8 27 Input Bit 8 (MSB) IND8 9 28 Clear CLEAR 10 29 Parallel Input Clock PICLK 11 30 Ready READY 12 31 Print PRINT Not Connected NC 13 14 33 Simultaneous Plot/Print SPP 15 34 Remote Reset RESET
B INTERFACE CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT Pin Signal Pin Signal 1 STROBE 14 AFXT 2 DATA 0 15 ERROR 3 DATA 1 16 RESET 4 DATA 2 17 SLCTIN 5 DATA 3 18 GND 6 DATA 4 19 GND 7 DATA 5 20 GND 8 DATA 6 21 GND 9 DATA 7 22 GND 10 ACK 23 GND 11 BUSY 24 GND 12 PE 25 GND 13 SLCTOUT Table B-2. Centronics cable pin outs (straight through) B-2 V8.5e Rev 2.2.
C APPENDIX CENTRONICS INTERFACE BOARD The new Centronics adapter (rev1-2) implements some improvements over the previous (rev1-1) adapter card. These include: a) Rev 1-2 cards will accept either of the two data transfer methods described below automatically; no switches or jumpers required. b) Reliable data transfers using up to 40 ft length of shielded cable. c) Rev 1-1 adapter cards exhibit inconsistent data transfer with newer generation PC.
C CENTRONICS INTERFACE BOARD Once the V8.5E Centronics adapter is set to raster mode it will remain in raster mode until the init line of the host Centronics port is pulsed or the plotter power is cycled. This will return the adapter to print mode. 2.) Enhanced transfer format For more flexibility, a 6 byte header can be sent before each scan of rastered data. This header allows variable bytes/scan plotting.
CENTRONICS INTERFACE BOARD C Specifying XX YY at values greater than those indicated will cause the V8.5E to terminate scans incorrectly. 3.) 1B 4X and control characters Other commands that can be sent to the V8.5E Centronics adapter: 1B 41 1B 42 1B 43 1B 44 1B 45 1B 50 ZZ remote clear remote line terminate remote end of transmission remote form feed remote reset sends blank scans to plotter from ZZ = 01 hex to FF hex NOTE: These commands must be sent when the plotter is in print mode.
