AR-M237 E1-88

[oldrn]

This Sharp AR-M237 decided 2 weeks ago that it would cause problems. The symptoms include:
Symptom 1: when trying to copy, it just sits, running at a higher speed like it is ready to make a copy but never makes a copy, if using the ADF it may or may not pull the original in part way first. If left alone long enough, no copy is made, no error is shown, but shows Copies in Progress and eventually the copier slows back down to stand by speed, still showing Copies in Progress.

Symptom 2: The error code E1-88 comes up shortly after telling it to copy

Symptom 3: when trying to print to the parallel port, the data light flashes, the copier speeds up like it is going to print but never does, eventually slowing back down

E1-88 is IMC PWB Communication trouble according to the manual. I re-seated the IMC board on the MCU but that didn't help.

Any input would be appreciated.

[blackcat4866]

I assume that you're resetting the error in sim 14.

This probably isn't what you want to hear, but that leaves you the MCU PWB, and the IMC PWB. =^..^=

[OMD-227]

E1-88 on these models is often caused by incompatible IMC & ARF14 firmware (or firmware corruption). Upgrade ALL firmware to the current version to fix this code. Its listed as a bulletin here.

[oldrn]

E1-88 code will clear by turning machine off/on. I had considered board replacement, it is company machine, spending money for board repair will probably have to wait until a cold day in a hot climate.

I should have tried the firmware update before posting. So far, I have been unable to get a PC or laptop to communicate with the copier. "The copier is off" shows in the lower left of the dialog box. I am trying to go through the RS232 serial port next to the ADF plug. Per the Sharp bulletin concerning this, I went into the PC control panel setting for the Com1 port and made the noted changes but that didn't help. I read instructions on updating through the printer port. Instructions include going into Sim 67-14. This machine doesn't have that simulation available. I am not positive that the cable I am using is wired correctly but pins 2 & 3 do cross. I have had similar communication problems when trying to communicate through RS232 ports on cash registers. Any help would be appreciated.

[oldrn]

I should have tried the firmware update before posting. So far, I have been unable to get a PC or laptop to communicate with the copier. "The copier is off" shows in the lower left of the dialog box. I am trying to go through the RS232 serial port next to the ADF plug. Per the Sharp bulletin concerning this, I went into the PC control panel setting for the Com1 port and made the noted changes but that didn't help. I read instructions on updating through the printer port.

I went back into the COM1 port setting on the laptop, checked my settings, tried the firmware upgrade again and everything went as it should. The PC still would not communicate with the copier but that's another story. Thanks for the help. It will take a few days of testing to know if the problem is resolved.

[OMD-227]

Firmware is the fix for sure.

Every bulletin or tech tip here describes that code as being resolved with firmware upgrade.

Fingers crossed!

[oldrn]

Firmware is the fix for sure.

This machine is fine now with the firmware upgrade. It took multiple tries at the upgrade. The first time through, everything appeared to go ok with the upgrade but the error code came back after a few days. The next try to upgrade failed a few times but once the upgrade finished, the machine worked ok. Thanks for the help.

[oldrn]

After working fine for a week, the machine started again with the E1-88 error code. I again did the firmware upgrade, the copier worked for another week, then started again. I am using the file ARM237_M277_MCU0322.zip from Sharpnet. It upgrades to MCU 3.22, IMC 2.01, OPE 3.20. Unless someone knows of a problem with the upgrade version or knows a newer version, I guess it's time to order an IMC board. We had some very warm days in this usually not-so-warm climate so maybe....

[OMD-227]

Well, that is definitely the latest firmware you are using. Nothing newer than that at the moment.

What could be causing this to return weekly? Are there any other equipment problems in that office happening at the same time as well? If it seems isolated to just the copier, change the IMC board. No reported issues here with this trouble code other than firmware fix, so new board possibly the fix now.

Too weird.