Oscilloscopes, Frequency Generators, RF Generators

[n25an]

Is there ever a time to use
Oscilloscopes, Frequency Generators, RF Generators, pulse generator
with copiers?

If there is when and how would they be used...
(keep in mind that these devices can be now installed on a pc via usb and then software emulated)

[KenB]

Not in the field, there's not.

Maybe if you worked at a board repair facility (like Nationwide) there would be.

[Jules Winfield]

I suppose if you wanted to check for the presence of a signal coming from a paper switch/P.I. or going to a clutch and your multimeter isn't fast enough to give you a reliable reading. Seems like overkill, though...

[OMD-227]

Never needed to use any of that in the field yet.

I've got an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering, and studied the use of these devices through the course. I always thought that it would probably come in handy one day......... Almost 15 years later, I guess not!

The closest device I have used in the field is a Dranetz, which is a power line filtering/monitoring device. I have used this to prove unstable power supplies in certain buildings which were giving weird problems to the copiers. With a Dranetz, you dont even need to think about it, it simply plugs in and prints out the results.... Genius!

As Jules said, I too believe it is a massive overkill. Even the cheapest Multimeters these days have all the functions we need... and more.

If you are believing you have an issue with a clutch, switch or pwb, I am yet to see anyone pull out their Oscilloscope to perform advanced diagnostics, when the part is either in the car or cheaply available to order & replace. You can pretty much isolate a problematic part or unit through sim anyway. Besides, I need all the room I can get in the car for parts, not lugging around a massive oscilloscope and associated devices.

I can see the point of using them in a board repair center though, not in the field.

[nmfaxman]

I have had an O-scope in my closet for 15 years. It works great, but just an over-sized closet stuffer.
The problem is no manufacturer will give a good schematic for boards anymore. They want you to spend money to them and they outsource the repair.
Pawn it and keep the money.

[n25an]

power line filter /monitor

Never needed to use any of that in the field yet.

I've got an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering, and studied the use of these devices through the course. I always thought that it would probably come in handy one day......... Almost 15 years later, I guess not!

The closest device I have used in the field is a Dranetz, which is a power line filtering/monitoring device. I have used this to prove unstable power supplies in certain buildings which were giving weird problems to the copiers. With a Dranetz, you dont even need to think about it, it simply plugs in and prints out the results.... Genius!

As Jules said, I too believe it is a massive overkill. Even the cheapest Multimeters these days have all the functions we need... and more.

If you are believing you have an issue with a clutch, switch or pwb, I am yet to see anyone pull out their Oscilloscope to perform advanced diagnostics, when the part is either in the car or cheaply available to order & replace. You can pretty much isolate a problematic part or unit through sim anyway. Besides, I need all the room I can get in the car for parts, not lugging around a massive oscilloscope and associated devices.

I can see the point of using them in a board repair center though, not in the field.

which model dranetz do you recommend??

[OMD-227]

I cannot remember precisely which model, but from memory it is the 3105. I'm not at the workshop right now to see it.
It has a paper spool printer in the right hand side, behind a small cover. The whole unit is dark green/blue in color, with a completely removeable/lockable front cover.

It simply plugs into the power point, then the copier plugs into the rear of the drantez. It is a great device. I have been able to pin-point some power problems in certain buildings with this device. I leave it onsite, behind the machine for about a week. The printout that it gives, clearly shows dates, times and the power issue it recorded at that instant. This is bullet-proof evidence that the problem is caused by the input power, not the copier.
On those cases which have had power problems, we have installed a device called a Powerguard Duo PGDO3702 Powerguard :: Nothing Protects like PowerGuard , which corrects all power issues.
You need the Dranetz in the first place to identify if this Powerguard Duo device is actually needed.
I have had 2 cases on Sharp MX machines where ther would show 'Main Program Error' on the display once per month. After changing MFP, EEPROMS, HDD, AC/DC power supplies etc etc no difference. A quick firmware re-flash corrected the problem until next month. The Dranetz was able to prove that there was a power sag in the buildings for a mirco-second, followed by a spike for a micro-second overnight. Next morning the staff reported 'Main Program Error' yet again. On both occasions, I showed the building maintenance & management people the Dranetz printouts, clearly showing the recorded power issues. Once the Powerguard Duo devices were installed ($120 each), they have not had an error in over a year now. Beforehand, this went on for 6 months or more in each building. Case solved!

[n25an]

power fluctuation copier fix

I cannot remember precisely which model, but from memory it is the 3105. I'm not at the workshop right now to see it.
It has a paper spool printer in the right hand side, behind a small cover. The whole unit is dark green/blue in color, with a completely removeable/lockable front cover.

It simply plugs into the power point, then the copier plugs into the rear of the drantez. It is a great device. I have been able to pin-point some power problems in certain buildings with this device. I leave it onsite, behind the machine for about a week. The printout that it gives, clearly shows dates, times and the power issue it recorded at that instant. This is bullet-proof evidence that the problem is caused by the input power, not the copier.
On those cases which have had power problems, we have installed a device called a Powerguard Duo PGDO3702 Powerguard :: Nothing Protects like PowerGuard , which corrects all power issues.
You need the Dranetz in the first place to identify if this Powerguard Duo device is actually needed.
I have had 2 cases on Sharp MX machines where ther would show 'Main Program Error' on the display once per month. After changing MFP, EEPROMS, HDD, AC/DC power supplies etc etc no difference. A quick firmware re-flash corrected the problem until next month. The Dranetz was able to prove that there was a power sag in the buildings for a mirco-second, followed by a spike for a micro-second overnight. Next morning the staff reported 'Main Program Error' yet again. On both occasions, I showed the building maintenance & management people the Dranetz printouts, clearly showing the recorded power issues. Once the Powerguard Duo devices were installed ($120 each), they have not had an error in over a year now. Beforehand, this went on for 6 months or more in each building. Case solved!

thanks for the heads up... I will look into it right now...

[n25an]

DRAENETZ...

I have checked on this issue and I have found the units they sell to be a bit bulky... does any one sell a powerline monitor that is pretty small and keeps a record... something that is extremely unobtrusive and is unlikely to be stolen simply because well its screams expensive... and look at me...

[n25an]

Power line solution

I have checked on this issue and I have found the units they sell to be a bit bulky... does any one sell a powerline monitor that is pretty small and keeps a record... something that is extremely unobtrusive and is unlikely to be stolen simply because well its screams expensive... and look at me...

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