Unclearable pinch roll errors SP-540v

[IslandSignWorks]

I'm looking to fix my unclearable pinch roll errors on our Roland Versacamm SP-540v. This problem started when the encoder strip (which is basically new within the last couple of months) got dirty and needed a cleaning. A few prints later, the pinch roll errors started. Sometimes it's the left pinch roll, sometimes it's the right pinch roll.

I'm thinking its either a cut carriage cable (which is also sorta new - within the last year), or the linear encoder strip sensor. Neither are terribly expensive, and with the tech charging us - no lie - $600 just to get in the car, I'll throw a hundred bucks at parts with the hope that one of these works.

Any suggestions? Source for factory parts (aside from the dealer, who quoted us rapey prices)?

 

[player]

I'm looking to fix my unclearable pinch roll errors on our Roland Versacamm SP-540v. This problem started when the encoder strip (which is basically new within the last couple of months) got dirty and needed a cleaning. A few prints later, the pinch roll errors started. Sometimes it's the left pinch roll, sometimes it's the right pinch roll.

I'm thinking its either a cut carriage cable (which is also sorta new - within the last year), or the linear encoder strip sensor. Neither are terribly expensive, and with the tech charging us - no lie - $600 just to get in the car, I'll throw a hundred bucks at parts with the hope that one of these works.

Any suggestions? Source for factory parts (aside from the dealer, who quoted us rapey prices)?

Phone different dealers. Prices seem to sway with the wind. Digiprint is one source...

 

[jfiscus]

Sounds unrelated. The linear encoder strip or eye sensor only throw the errors for scan widths or carriage disconnects.
Still, they are both easily cleaned (with rubbing alcohol) and also easily replaced by most printer operators. I believe these were around the first repairs I ever did to my old Roland.

 

[Solventinkjet]

This is a common problem and it's the cut tool carriage cable. In very rare cases it could be the servo board but this happens all the time on the SP series and its the cable.

 

[strypguy]

100% agree with VanderJ. I had this happen on my SP300V and it was the cut carriage cable. John

 

[IslandSignWorks]

I got a different Roland tech/dealer in RI (Nepco, if anyone's interested) to ship me a cut carriage cable at a reasonable price ($30+shipping) and got it installed today. This was much less difficult than I expected, once I got past the intimidating step of loosening the chassis board on the back of the unit and yanking out cables.

Taping the new cable to the old cable with scotch tape and pulling the old one out to thread the new one was definitely the way to go. The service bulletin PDF I found on here in a similar thread that says you should park the heads before you do this is incorrect. The tech I spoke to said that parking the heads is unnecessary.

It seems this job does not require any specialist tools or equipment and can be safely done by a noob - just an eye for detail and an ability not to drop little rivets and screws down into the bowels of the machine. Definitely shut off the machine and take out the power cord so there's no juice in the machine before you start ripping this apart. If anyone gets into this job and needs a hand post to me and I'll see what I can do.