Plotter stops in middle of cut and beeps!

[GoodPeopleFlags]

I posted on another thread (titled HS-750) that I was having the same problem but I just realized that mine isn't the HS-750. My problem is on the HS-15 Plus. It starts to cut but then it stops and starts beeping like crazy. Today I'm just trying to cut 12, 3.5" x 22.5" rectangles around phone numbers that were printed on the Edge. Sometimes it will stop immediately or it may actually cut the first rectangle.

I googled the problem and found something that said to change a setting in the FIFO buffer, which I did, but still have the problem. It then said to "turn off the spooler" and try again but I can find where to do that, even though it says it's in "Cut >> Plotter Setup". I can't find that. I'm using Omega 2.61.

Like I said in the other thread, I had this problem for about a day or 2 about 3 - 4 months ago and it seemed to "fix itself"... until today. It's been working fine and nothing has been moved or changed. Any suggestions?

 

[Fred Weiss]

Most alarm beeps are caused by tripping a limit sensor. Most sensors are set off by small binds in movement tripping it. The solution, 99% of the time is to remove the covers, blow out all dust, wipe down all shafts with alcohol followed by a wipe with sewing machine oil and, finally, lubrication of the various bronze oilite bearings with sewing machine oil.

 

[Techman]

and to slow down the speed of the vinyl movement...

 

[GoodPeopleFlags]

Fred, I'm probably wrong but I don't think this thing has any limit sensors. I'll clean out the dust and lube it but if anyone has a "Plan B", I'd love to hear it. Thanks!!!

 

[Fred Weiss]

Fred, I'm probably wrong but I don't think this thing has any limit sensors. I'll clean out the dust and lube it but if anyone has a "Plan B", I'd love to hear it. Thanks!!!

Of course it has limit sensors. There is one for Y axis movement if you go too high up on the material. There is one for X axis freedom of movement that will trip if the drum binds or the vinyl is too heavy to pull. There is a sensor for theta rotation to insure that the blade is correctly rotated to its home position. And, I'm not sure but, there may also be a Z axis sensor to protect the plotter from anything inhibiting the lifting of the toolhead.

There is a bronze oilite throwout bearing in the toolhead which has a lubrication hole in it (facing down) that Gerber recommends one drop of oil every six months.

 

[GoodPeopleFlags]

Follow Up:

Well, it starting working just fine later in the day without doing anything to it. Today it did it again! BUT.... I think I might have the beginnings of an answer. I noticed that when it happened, I was also cutting on my 48" Graphtec plotter. After that job was done, I tried cutting on the Gerber again and no problem. I can't remember if I was cutting on the Graphtec at the same time it happened before, but probably. I don't cut on both simultaneously very often. Anyway, just thought I would post this for anyone having the same problem in the future.

 

[Maritimer]

I also have the HS-750 and it's stopping in the middle of a job. I blew off all the dust, and wiped it all down but that didn't do anything. Gerber will only support the HS-750 plus and there's no technicians in our area (Eastern Canada) that work on this machine.

Machine is 15 + yrs old & may of had it's day.