During a power outage

[rydods]

Good morning, storms took out power yesterday and Its sounding like it may not be back up for 2 to 3 days. (Great way to start a busy work week.)

I have 2 roland printers, pro 4 and versa express.
Is there anything(s) I should do to them to ensure the heads don't dry since they are not running a periodic cleaning cycle? I'm assuming the heads are seated and covered right?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rjssigns]

Get a generator? I've only had my Roland unplugged for about 24 hours. Not sure you can go much more than that without it doing its cleaning cycle.

 

[d fleming]

At the very least unplug it so a surge doesn't take it out when power is restored. A generator would let you power up and run maintenance then shut back down for the day. Repeat as necessary.

 

[Gino]

Yeah, I wouldn't depend on the unclean current of a generator to power sensitive equipment.

 

[GaSouthpaw]

I don't know how similar they are, but if the power goes out on us- we have to make sure the printerheads get to the capping station. On our Seiko, that involves removing covers to access the Z motor to lower the heads to the capping station.
It's something I've only had to do in "practice"- never when the power was out and I was having to hold a flashlight at the same time.
A genny would be nice, but I wouldn't trust the power, either- unless you spring for a medical facility grade one.

 

[d fleming]

Yeah, I wouldn't depend on the unclean current of a generator to power sensitive equipment.

you have a point for sure.

 

[CatalinJ]

If is extremly necessary to use the generator use a good UPS between the generator and plotter only after you talk with a representative of the equipment, if you dont use a UPS, the common generator does not generate a stady stream of current, it vary way to much and burns de motherboard.

 

[rydods]

Thanks everyone, the power came on late last night. Down time was about 34 hrs. I borrowed a generator with UPS between it and the printers and was able to run them both for a cleaning cycle/ink circulation. This was around the 22 hr mark. I also used it to cool the freezer/fridge back down.
I kept them both unplugged until the power came back on, then plugged them back in.

Thanks again for your input!

 

[Johnny Best]

Keeping the frig cold with all that beer in it is very important.

 

[boxerbay]

I was going to say... pull the vodka out of the bottom drawer.

 

[Jim Hill]

Pu a little cleaning solution on the cap tops might help.