pinchroller error on SP-300V

[IsItFasst]

So I think I'm about done with Roland.....

Problems started with the large ribbon (carriage?) cable folding onto itself during a run. This has happened a few times in the last year but it finally caused an error that wasn't fixable by resetting the machine. So had a tech come out and replace the cable only to then start getting a pinchroll error instantly. The tech tells me that it could be one of 3 things to fix (since the cable had already been replaced). So they ordered all 3 parts as I can't wait to try one part to see if it fixes it, then another and so on. So after spending about a grand on parts it is still giving me the same pinchroll error. The tech says he talked to Roland and they said the last option is the main board. I just bought a main board last year with a similar situation where I spent a few grand on parts I didn't need before finally replacing the main board. I'm begining to think either Roland is junk or they are trying to make REALLY easy money selling you parts you totally don't need.

Is this just how the industry works? I find it ridiculous that the problem can't be tracked down to a specific part so customers are forced to purchase all the parts if they want to get back in business ASAP. And on top of that they don't accept returns so I am stockpiling parts I don't need.

My tech replaced the ribbon cable, the sensor, two of the boards (not sure what they are called) without it working. I also updated the firmware as I read that one person had a fix from that. But I still have a giant paperweight in my office right now with orders piling up. Any suggestions on what I should do?

 

[txsurfer]

I have 3 Rolands running all day everyday! First dont let the ribbon cable fold onto itself, 2nd get a qualified Tech!

 

[ova]

Maybe one problem at a time.

1. Did you get the ribbon for the head fixed and then started having the pinch roll error? Not sure if these two are even related. Check the lever used to lower the pinch rollers down. Maybe it was damaged somehow during the cable replacement. We had a micro switch for the door damaged when the tech guy stuck a swab stick in it to fake it out.
Now the machine runs with the door open.



2. Maybe a dumb question, but the pinch rollers are in the correct position on the drive roll? In the silver spaces located above the pinch roll.

Did the head crash when the ribbon failed? I think you would just get a motor error unless it wasn't addressed ASAP.

Call if you have any more questions. Too many options and I can't type that fast or good.

304-639-2527
Dave

 

[signage]

Sounds like you nedd to find a new Tech.The guy doing it now must just be a parts replacer!

 

[BROWNDOG]

must be the week for those ribbons to go bad, i just had eric from tyrrel tech come out and change mine, he said they had a few more recently,
$40 for parts $400 for labor, including travel,
i've heard you can do it your self, but i wasnt that brave.

 

[threeputt]

So I think I'm about done with Roland.....
I'm begining to think either Roland is junk or they are trying to make REALLY easy money selling you parts you totally don't need.

First off, I feel your frustration coming through. But I wouldn't lay the blame for your troubles at the door of Roland, the manufacturer.

1) Let me assure you Roland is not junk! Way too many satisfied users around the globe. They make some of the very best equipment.

2) Not all "tech's" are equally talented, equally trained people. Some may be very new with very little experience.

3) No, I agree, the parts replacement theory of fixing equipment is not the preferred method. Also time consuming and terribly expensive. Did they not tell you beforehand that electronic parts are not returnable? It sounds like from your comments that this took you by surprise.

I think you might be well served by doing as you're doing here, soliciting opinions, but also getting advice from another Roland tech, factory trained.

Sorry for your troubles.

 

[InkjetAuction]

Cable backwards...

Recently had a similar situation...

Customer was experiencing the classic pinchwheel and 0.0" width errors... so replace the flex cable and guides. Simple... right?

So he decided to do it himself... ordered the parts. Installed it. Still not working. He ordered and replaced pinchwheel sensors and a new cut carriage board. Installed it himself. Still not working.

He finally broke down and called me in to take a look. Onsite the issue was repaired in five minutes and no additional parts were needed. He had inserted the cable into the servo board connector backwards... the cable/connector is single sided.

Sounds silly, but it might be something to check.

~E

 

[IsItFasst]

First off, thanks for all the responses. I forgot that the email notifications were going to an email I barely check so I just now seen the responses.

1.) the obvious has been checked. The rollers have been moved in various spots with the same results.

2.) the tech didn't originally come out for this error. It appeared after the ribbon cable was replaced. I got a motor error from the cable folding over on itself that couldn't be reset which is why I called the tech.

3.) everything with the roller/levers appear to be functioning properly from a mechanical standpoint. Machine runs the width of the media without making any funny noise like it is hitting something.

4.) I wasn't taken by surprise about the non-returnable items. I just find it hard to swallow when I purchase 3 parts assuming one of them will fix it with no luck. I can't believe you can't test anything....even the manual seems to state to just start replacing parts.

My Tech seems to be qualified. I know he's been doing it at least for a few years since he replaced my pump several years ago. Last year when I blew some fuses I had another tech come out and it was the same thing. Replace this part, this part or this part and that should fix. I ended up ordering each part separately until we finally just ended up replacing the main board last since it was the most expensive. This is where the frustration comes in. I don't mind paying to have something fixed. But I do mind paying for something that doesn't fix it.

I guess I'll take a look at the cable to make sure it is plugged in the right way....though I'm not sure what the right way is?

 

[IsItFasst]

InkjetAuction....you are a lifesaver! The cable WAS plugged in the wrong way. All of this stress for something so simple. Now I definitely better not being paying for these parts at this point. Thank you SO much.

 

[InkjetAuction]

Up and running...

Glad that you're back to making money.

Save those boards that you replaced... they are probably good. Might come in handy someday.

~E