Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

[unlimitedbt]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

It's ok to be blunt, no crybabies here. But you're making all wrong assumptions. I am the tech and the customer at once.
This is my unit, in my shop, I own it, preparing it for sale and wanted to add Bookfolder just because I had one to add.
Now, as far as "Call ricoh because you're helpless"
You know... its not like anyone here never did practiced "fake it till you make it" theory and came victorious at the end. Who ever never did, let him throw the first rock.
Thats why I am here trying to resolve this issue, to get help and may be leave this thread to read and learn for someone with similar issue in the future. Nothing wrong with taking this route either. Besides, someone with full resources and full access to Ricoh would not, most likely, wind up in this situation as by the book big shots do not need to think outside of the box, not as much anyway.
I know OKI has left the building, but I was Authorized/Certified Elite Level Service Partner, I can't imagine myself taking part in some Oki related thread and when situation would come to OKI dealer only available software, I'd tell fellow tech here on the forum to effoff you're helpless shmuck, call OKI
Anyway, everyone, million thanks for all of your effort. I have requested another Bookfold unit from my supplier, they do not have any in stock at the moment, but when they do, I will pick it up and if that's solves the issue, I will report back so we have this matter closed.
Best Regards.

[slimslob]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

It's ok to be blunt, no crybabies here. But you're making all wrong assumptions. I am the tech and the customer at once.
This is my unit, in my shop, I own it, preparing it for sale and wanted to add Bookfolder just because I had one to add.
Now, as far as "Call ricoh because you're helpless"
You know... its not like anyone here never did practiced "fake it till you make it" theory and came victorious at the end. Who ever never did, let him throw the first rock.
Thats why I am here trying to resolve this issue, to get help and may be leave this thread to read and learn for someone with similar issue in the future. Nothing wrong with taking this route either. Besides, someone with full resources and full access to Ricoh would not, most likely, wind up in this situation as by the book big shots do not need to think outside of the box, not as much anyway.
I know OKI has left the building, but I was Authorized/Certified Elite Level Service Partner, I can't imagine myself taking part in some Oki related thread and when situation would come to OKI dealer only available software, I'd tell fellow tech here on the forum to effoff you're helpless shmuck, call OKI
Anyway, everyone, million thanks for all of your effort. I have requested another Bookfold unit from my supplier, they do not have any in stock at the moment, but when they do, I will pick it up and if that's solves the issue, I will report back so we have this matter closed.
Best Regards.

If it is either a firmware mismatch between the Book fold unit and the booklet maker main unit, then another book fold might not correct the problem. The top cover interlock sensor on the unit can be damaged in shipment if the top is not strapped down properly. The first time I had trouble with one, it took me a day and a half to diagnosis and fix it.

[anothertech]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

Track down "Copier Tech" he has firmware for sale. I don't know if he covers Plockmatic or not, might be worth a try.

[subaro]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

Speaking of the "close covers" message, if it uses the same top cover closed method as the older BK5010 and BK 5030, you may have a mount bracket for the switch that ha become slightly out of adjustment. The older models used both a mechanical switch and a magnetic reed switch. They had to be activated in a specific timed sequence. If the bracket moved out of position or got bent the timing of that sequence would be off. It starts being intermittent and then gets worse as the top is opened and closed regularly.

Almost forgot about the brackets getting bent with interlock switches and also some have adjustments. For machines in general. Also, they may be configured to actuate multiple items mainly with the 24v. Good point there, thanks for the reminder. Heck, you see all kinda weird things, even with brand new machines out the box. Just yesterday, I had to replace a card reader usb cable on a new machine which we are doing a roll out. out of about 50, this one was DOA, and a bit of work to replace it. It's the nature of the job and that's why I like troubleshooting, it's an art that keeps the senses ticking.

[MoochPage]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

It's ok to be blunt, no crybabies here. But you're making all wrong assumptions. I am the tech and the customer at once.
This is my unit, in my shop, I own it, preparing it for sale and wanted to add Bookfolder just because I had one to add.
Now, as far as "Call ricoh because you're helpless"
You know... its not like anyone here never did practiced "fake it till you make it" theory and came victorious at the end. Who ever never did, let him throw the first rock.
Thats why I am here trying to resolve this issue, to get help and may be leave this thread to read and learn for someone with similar issue in the future. Nothing wrong with taking this route either. Besides, someone with full resources and full access to Ricoh would not, most likely, wind up in this situation as by the book big shots do not need to think outside of the box, not as much anyway.
I know OKI has left the building, but I was Authorized/Certified Elite Level Service Partner, I can't imagine myself taking part in some Oki related thread and when situation would come to OKI dealer only available software, I'd tell fellow tech here on the forum to effoff you're helpless shmuck, call OKI
Anyway, everyone, million thanks for all of your effort. I have requested another Bookfold unit from my supplier, they do not have any in stock at the moment, but when they do, I will pick it up and if that's solves the issue, I will report back so we have this matter closed.
Best Regards.

I understand it I have worked on many items without being trained but knew when I needed to call someone who has been trained on the equipment even if I owned it. I recommend the firmware and finding a person in the area who can call plock but if you would rather not do that and keep throwing crap at the wall till something sticks something will stick at some point. I am not telling you to effoff I am suggesting that maybe calling the proper channel of support is the best direction but you are welcome to feel however you want to feel about this situation. If you are not able to call Plockmatic to get support I don't know what we can do to help you is more so what we are saying. Hope you have a fantastic new year and the new part is the solution to all your problems. Sorry that I am not willing to download the firmware and send it to you.

[slimslob]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

I understand it I have worked on many items without being trained but knew when I needed to call someone who has been trained on the equipment even if I owned it. I recommend the firmware and finding a person in the area who can call plock but if you would rather not do that and keep throwing crap at the wall till something sticks something will stick at some point. I am not telling you to effoff I am suggesting that maybe calling the proper channel of support is the best direction but you are welcome to feel however you want to feel about this situation. If you are not able to call Plockmatic to get support I don't know what we can do to help you is more so what we are saying. Hope you have a fantastic new year and the new part is the solution to all your problems. Sorry that I am not willing to download the firmware and send it to you.

You have been here long enough to know that this is the place you call, or should I say post, for assistance. We have young pups that think they know everything until they encounter an older model. And we have old dogs like me that have forgotten more than the pups have learned. Give me a service manual and a parts source and I can fix most pieces of office equipment.

[MoochPage]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

You have been here long enough to know that this is the place you call, or should I say post, for assistance. We have young pups that think they know everything until they encounter an older model. And we have old dogs like me that have forgotten more than the pups have learned. Give me a service manual and a parts source and I can fix most pieces of office equipment.

I have and I have given the assistance I can give. I am not sure what else I am expected to give. Have I not tried to assist in giving direction on possibly what could be happening? I didn't jump in and immediately call Ricoh or an authorized provider. I gave suggestions then suggested that maybe its best to get someone who can call Plockmatic and open a support ticket. But I guess I am wrong and I won't post on this subject again and I am going to avoid this website for the foreseeable future.

I can't give the firmware, as dumb as it is and I probably wouldn't get caught downloading it and sending to a tech on this site. But I can't risk my job and or the company I work for authorization.

[subaro]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

You have been here long enough to know that this is the place you call, or should I say post, for assistance. We have young pups that think they know everything until they encounter an older model. And we have old dogs like me that have forgotten more than the pups have learned. Give me a service manual and a parts source and I can fix most pieces of office equipment.

Well said.

Independents who don't have dealer support are at the mercy of others. If they do call a manufacturer for help, they then refer them to an authorize dealer, who in turn want to put you on contract before they touch your machine. So, Independent shops and small startup has to be here and or grow a network of help on their own. It is a struggle that as fellow technicians I sympathize with,but it is what it is. Some here have to protect their jobs, by not giving propriety stuff, and we have to respect that too.

[slimslob]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

Well said.

Independents who don't have dealer support are at the mercy of others. If they do call a manufacturer for help, they then refer them to an authorize dealer, who in turn want to put you on contract before they touch your machine. So, Independent shops and small startup has to be here and or grow a network of help on their own. It is a struggle that as fellow technicians I sympathize with,but it is what it is. Some here have to protect their jobs, by not giving propriety stuff, and we have to respect that too.

I like to help where I can. I retires spring of 2017 and so no longer have access to new firmware and manuals but I do have the old ones all the way back to before the digital models other than the printer models, we sold very few printers after MFP came out. I don't know if you remember Just Manuals but I was an online friend of the owner Paul Gelsman and had the unhappy job of telling the site of his passing. Debs1964 and I knew he wasn't doing that great and I was planning on going over to Las Vegas to visit him but he passed before I had a chance.

[MoochPage]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

Okay I just ran into this problem with bookfold module and trimmer not showing up. There has been an update on the 350/500 series of the Plock to 350e/500e. I would make sure you didn't end up with the e version of the bookfold and that is your problem. So there are non e and e version of the RCT, booklet maker, book fold, and trimmer. Hope this helps.

[subaro]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

Okay I just ran into this problem with bookfold module and trimmer not showing up. There has been an update on the 350/500 series of the Plock to 350e/500e. I would make sure you didn't end up with the e version of the bookfold and that is your problem. So there are non e and e version of the RCT, booklet maker, book fold, and trimmer. Hope this helps.

I saw that at the Plockmatic website and was going to mention it, but then I saw, that the 500e, had a two tone color that would not match in the tandem. Plus, they should have keyed the connectors differently, so that mistake does not happen, if it could happen so easily.

see this.... https://plockmaticgroup.com/plockmatic/blog/product-category/ricoh/

edit. On checking again, you are right. The 500 and 500e are the same two tone colour. Tje 500m is all one colur. . So, actually there are three 500 series models.

[MoochPage]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

I saw that at the Plockmatic website and was going to mention it, but then I saw, that the 500e, had a two tone color that would not match in the tandem. Plus, they should have keyed the connectors differently, so that mistake does not happen, if it could happen so easily.

see this.... https://plockmaticgroup.com/plockmatic/blog/product-category/ricoh/

edit. On checking again, you are right. The 500 and 500e are the same two tone colour. Tje 500m is all one colur. . So, actually there are three 500 series models.

I can't speak towards what that website shows or anything about the two tone color difference you are speaking about, the non e versions with the Ricoh have a two tone color to them as well. The colors are the same as the many other 300/500 series I have already installed and the connections with the exception of the one that plugs from the RCT to the finisher or booklet maker to finisher, are the same between the e and non e ones. Based on what I was told and found with documentation with the E verions is improved connection way between the copier and plock. Everything looked pretty much identical to me.

Oh and to hopefully solve some future confusion for some people who see this. The non e version of things is discontinued and they are all going to the E version. Imagine some non e are available but that I don't know anything about. That is the reason for the change and why they look so similar.

[anothertech]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

Since Main Unit I am trying to add Bookfoder to is PBM-350M and is in fact newer milky white unit, I thought it could be sofware situation, I tried fire up Bookfolder+Trimmer with regular PBM-500, and result was the same - it did not see Bookfolder either.
How do you update the software anyway? is there a way to connect each module to PC for update/diagnostic? there are various cables USB to Com9 were hidden behind back cover of Main Unit so I guess I have the cables.

Ok, so he says here that he has an M model and he also tried hooking it up to a "regular" PBM500, but he didn't say if that was an e or not. I think he's mixing and matching between the models and that's were the problem lies.

[MoochPage]

Re: Ricoh Plockmatic PBM350 having issues adding a squarefold/bookfold module

Ok, so he says here that he has an M model and he also tried hooking it up to a "regular" PBM500, but he didn't say if that was an e or not. I think he's mixing and matching between the models and that's were the problem lies.

I completely agree. I imagine the boards are going to be different and not work with each other. So could have a booklet fold module for a different series.