Encoder strip question

[inthesignbiz]

I have replaced the cut carriage cable a couple times.
That piece has wires and connectors and looks pretty spendy.
$25 seems kinda cheap.

But, the encoder strip @ $250?

What in the heck are these thing made from?
Magic space age plastic from the land of elves and unicorns?

 

[Gino]

Yeah, we just took ours out today and cleaned it again. It's working fine, now. As long as they work, they're the neatest thing since sliced bread, but when you have to replace one.... they're a bunchash!t.

We just replaced the vacuum belt on our flatbed a few months ago. This one really gets me. The belt is rather expensive, but the little thin wire that gets threaded through the two halves to make it a solid piece is nothing more than a 6' piece of wire. Honestly, nothing more than a wire. It costs $299 plus shipping. And it's non-reusable.

 

[threeputt]

I have replaced the cut carriage cable a couple times.
That piece has wires and connectors and looks pretty spendy.
$25 seems kinda cheap.

But, the encoder strip @ $250?

What in the heck are these thing made from?
Magic space age plastic from the land of elves and unicorns?

Yeah, I think that even though the strip has fine markings calibrated on it and it must be carefully made, $250.00 is a ton.

It's probably one of those replaceable, wear-out parts that help dealers be profitable. Easy to put in, easy to stock. Tech's probably care six of them around with them at all times.

 

[sfr table hockey]

On the older Roland I have been told by one who has done it, that the generic ones that are longer than one might need but cheaper, can be cut down and make your own holes to mount and they worked once calibrated.

You can flip them over and use the bottom half as well if that is in good shape.

 

[inthesignbiz]

I bought the machine in 2007 and this is the original strip.
Been cleaned and flipped.

Guess I shouldn't complain.
$250 over 6 years = $42 a year.
Guess that ain't so bad.

 

[Robert M]

Encoder

I have generic ones for 89.00, they are 3.2m so you need to trim and punch holes as needed,
www.solventinkjet.com

 

[Baz]

Had my printer for 11 years ... I have never touched it and i wont unless i start having problems. Been through many pumps, head carriages, on my third set of heads but still the original encoder strip and it has never been cleaned.

 

[Robert M]

Parts costs

I had a customer in today talking about how he had to change out two print heads on his old Roland. I checked my files and we had sold him the printer back in 2004!
Not a bad cost of operation.

 

[inthesignbiz]

Now what?
I replaced the encoder strip but am still getting a
service call 0110 error.

We are in the smack middle of no where in particular,
so getting a tech here is a big deal.

Anyone have an idea what to look at next?

 

[J Hill Designs]

maybe its the strip sensor?

 

[jfiscus]

Did you clean the eye while you had the strip out? Sometimes lint gets on the eye also. After installation you also need to re-calibrate (I think in the service/tech menu) the machine.
Also, lube your carriage rail & wheels with 3-in-1 oil or sewing machine oil. It'll help the carriage ride smoother to check the encoder.

 

[inthesignbiz]

I blew out the sensor with some compressed air to get rid of any lint.

The machine won't get to the main menu to do a environmental match.
I get the 0110 error right when it powers up.

Got a call into Graphic Solutions tech. Waiting to hear back.

 

[jfiscus]

Well, if you're waiting; take the strip and sensor out again, and clean them again. Wear gloves & use lint-free wipes. I've had to clean the strips a few times before they worked right again on occasion.

With it happening as soon as it starts up, it seems that possibly you could have a bad sensor or it could be connected or mounted improperly.

 

[asd]

after you replace the encoder strip, you have to initialize the machine, there is a video on youtube that shows you how, if the first time doesn't work keep trying

 

[inthesignbiz]

Well, after cleaning the sensor and re initializing and with some phone support from Sean @ Graphic Solutions, we are good to go.

Learn new stuff everyday in this business.

Thanks all for your help!

 

[Papajo]

Also check if the encoder stip is properly centered into the sensor slit on the whole width of the printer. You don't want the sensor to scratch your brand new strip. If it's not centered you just have to move the sensor back or forth and check again.