Risograph RA 4050 Error code E03/ E14

[DAG COPIERS & COMPUTERS]

Hi to all RISOtec-gurus out there, & thanks for your help in advance.
Ok, I have this old riso ra 4050 throwing up E03 and sometimes also E14. I have gone through all the previous threads in this sub-forum connected with this fault. I now know it is the '' clamp plate movement error'' for the EO3 & THE 'Angular magnet' issue for the E14. I've been on the machine and carefully observed & studied these symptoms. The clamp plate opens up but doesn't close. It appears stuck in the master disposal unit or somewhere around there. The master disposal unit had both ''paper separation claws'' broken, one claw lost, but I managed to glue one back to its position.
- Also observed that the 'clamp solenoid' when activated gets stuck up ( remains in the 'ON' position), Wile the entire clamp solenoid unit makes a lot of noise...'kuk...kuk.....kuk', i.e a hard rotation symptom, like gear movement is a problem though the torque is available.
- Also the 'Master is not feeding... not even inching forward.
My question is: From field experience, What is the REAL SOLUTION to this problem? Do I really need to REPLACE the whole 'CLAMP SOLENOID ASSEMBLY' ? OR that 'Paper Separation Claw' Ass'y of the master disposal unit to solve this problem?
- NB: An ohmmeter check on the solenoid wingdings reads 17 ohms.
-Also, The ' MICRO-SWITCH' on the solenoid, indicates that the switch is permanently "ON", it doesn't break the circuit( shorted). YET when you test the micro switch out of the circuit it is ok.

[jermyth]

Re: Risograph RA 4050 Error code E03/ E14

Id suggest looking into replacing the clamp solenoid assby. It may be a loose wire to the coil or switch, but ive seen a few get a break in the frame of the assby and do this very thing. Have you tried actuating and de-actuating the coil in test mode? Good luck.

[DAG COPIERS & COMPUTERS]

Re: Risograph RA 4050 Error code E03/ E14

Id suggest looking into replacing the clamp solenoid assby. It may be a loose wire to the coil or switch, but ive seen a few get a break in the frame of the assby and do this very thing. Have you tried actuating and de-actuating the coil in test mode? Good luck.

Well, I haven't yet done any 'Test Mode ' operation. I'll keep you regularly informed of any development. I need as much help as I can. Thanks for the fast response.

[Iowatech]

Re: Risograph RA 4050 Error code E03/ E14

Check the master removal hook adjustment (''paper separation claws''). With the clamp open manually rotate the drum so clamp plate is under the claws, then either activate the claws in service mode or manually activate their solenoid and make sure the claws don't touch the clamp plate. I haven't worked on the RAs for a while, but I seem to remember the spec was like two millimeters clearance or thereabouts. There's a collar the left side of the drum cavity near the front that is probably goldish colored that needs to be adjusted to provide the clearance. I think you'll need a two millimeter Allen wrench to do that.
Also, make sure the clamp plate isn't warped and that the magnet that holds the clamp plate open is still doing its job.
Once you get that issue taken care of, check the timing of the machine's drive. That sound you heard might just be the machine trying to drive the clamp plate through the removal hooks, but it also could be the main timing belt skipping teeth.

[DAG COPIERS & COMPUTERS]

Re: Risograph RA 4050 Error code E03/ E14

Check the master removal hook adjustment (''paper separation claws''). With the clamp open manually rotate the drum so clamp plate is under the claws, then either activate the claws in service mode or manually activate their solenoid and make sure the claws don't touch the clamp plate. I haven't worked on the RAs for a while, but I seem to remember the spec was like two millimeters clearance or thereabouts. There's a collar the left side of the drum cavity near the front that is probably goldish colored that needs to be adjusted to provide the clearance. I think you'll need a two millimeter Allen wrench to do that.
Also, make sure the clamp plate isn't warped and that the magnet that holds the clamp plate open is still doing its job.
Once you get that issue taken care of, check the timing of the machine's drive. That sound you heard might just be the machine trying to drive the clamp plate through the removal hooks, but it also could be the main timing belt skipping teeth.

Thanks a lot Iowatech for your help. First of all I would like to agree with you that'' The sound I heard might just be the machine tying to drive the the clamp plate through the master removal hooks''.( Thanks for the correction in name of the master removal hook). I indeed saw the clamp plate opened but stuck at about 90 degree position, and the clamp solenoid unit shaking(There was a loose screw at the base...which i tightened). As for the clamp 'warping' it is not, since another drum unit produces same symptom. This machine is actually 400 miles from my work station..(in a neighboring country to be exact!)
I normally work on the customer's copiers, but they also request me to help them on their risos.
I am now back in my workstation to look for the ' clamp solenoid unit' to go swap. Is it worth it? I'LL travel back there next week to give it another trial using your help, and definitely keep you informed. I need all the necessary help. HOW DO I CHECK THE MACHINE'S TIMING DRIVE?

[Iowatech]

Re: Risograph RA 4050 Error code E03/ E14

Thanks a lot Iowatech for your help. First of all I would like to agree with you that'' The sound I heard might just be the machine tying to drive the the clamp plate through the master removal hooks''.( Thanks for the correction in name of the master removal hook). I indeed saw the clamp plate opened but stuck at about 90 degree position, and the clamp solenoid unit shaking(There was a loose screw at the base...which i tightened). As for the clamp 'warping' it is not, since another drum unit produces same symptom. This machine is actually 400 miles from my work station..(in a neighboring country to be exact!)
I normally work on the customer's copiers, but they also request me to help them on their risos.
I am now back in my workstation to look for the ' clamp solenoid unit' to go swap. Is it worth it? I'LL travel back there next week to give it another trial using your help, and definitely keep you informed. I need all the necessary help. HOW DO I CHECK THE MACHINE'S TIMING DRIVE?

While it probably wouldn't hurt to have the solenoid replacement at ready, I'm pretty sure you won't need it this time if when the master removal hooks are activated they don't hit the clamp plate when it is open.
As for timing the machine, that's kind of a visual thing. There are a number of holes and cutouts in the cams and timing disks and the frame of the machine that need to be aligned properly to time the machine. So to start, on the back of the machine, the left hand timing wheel has a small hole in its perimeter. When the drum is at home (you can pull it out of the machine), that hole should line up dead center of the sensor. Then the right hand timing wheel's little cutout on the inner part should line up with the lower edge of the sensor if the machine can print 11"x17", or the top edge of the sensor if it can't print on paper that wide.

[Iowatech]

Re: Risograph RA 4050 Error code E03/ E14

If those timing marks don't line up, you'll have to loosen the feed clutch mounting screws and rotate it to reduce the tension on the the main timing belt so you can adjust the belt one tooth at a time on the left hand timing wheel's drive pulley.
(Some of those pieces are really sharp, be careful!)

[DAG COPIERS & COMPUTERS]

Re: Risograph RA 4050 Error code E03/ E14

While it probably wouldn't hurt to have the solenoid replacement at ready, I'm pretty sure you won't need it this time if when the master removal hooks are activated they don't hit the clamp plate when it is open.
As for timing the machine, that's kind of a visual thing. There are a number of holes and cutouts in the cams and timing disks and the frame of the machine that need to be aligned properly to time the machine. So to start, on the back of the machine, the left hand timing wheel has a small hole in its perimeter. When the drum is at home (you can pull it out of the machine), that hole should line up dead center of the sensor. Then the right hand timing wheel's little cutout on the inner part should line up with the lower edge of the sensor if the machine can print 11"x17", or the top edge of the sensor if it can't print on paper that wide.

Thanks a lot, I'm now all set. I have got both the clamp solenoid unit and a complete master removal assembly with the hooks intact, though i noticed that some of the white gears' teeth are 'eaten up'...(both removed from a used machine)..but its the 'best' i could land my hands on. I am also carrying along with me, 'the Angular sensor pcb' just in case. The journey is set for tomorrow, I'll give you a feedback by Wednesday this week, the region is remote, with no internet connectivity. Thanks again for your help.

[Iowatech]

Re: Risograph RA 4050 Error code E03/ E14

Good luck!

[DAG COPIERS & COMPUTERS]

Re: Risograph RA 4050 Error code E03/ E14

Good luck!

Hi Iowatech & all, I am back to the forum with a puzzle. First this info:
1)- Counter Reading: Master 012403; Copies 4152870.
2)- Power Source : Petrol powered AC generator 220v rated, on a voltage stabilizer, measured output voltage is between 198V-210V max.
Start: I swapped the following parts: Master removal hooks, angular magnet & its sensor, the clamp solenoid unit and tried to do the right and wheel timings as you described.... it was really difficult and I cannot say it was successful. The holes are actually not really timed to the middle & edge of the sensors as you say.
OBSERVATIONS:
1)- When m/c is powered up,and the green light arrow on the control panel points to the "START" button symbol,the ORIGINAL to be scanned cannot pass though the ADF, i.e it does the first stage of the feed and stops there no further action, and E03 follows. BUT when I power the machine while pressing down 'ALL RESET" button, there's the green arrow light points to the "PAPER" symbol on the panel, then also on the 'START' button symbol. HERE, the Original passes very well through the ADF i.e scanning is done fully.
BUT NOTHING ELSE happens, apart from the noise you hear that the clamp solenoid unit is operating. Then a few seconds later, E03 IS DISPLAYED.
2)- At this stage, I checked the master and found that it FEEDS very well into the master stocker, with the image burnt on it, BUT it doesn't LOAD onto the Drum cylinder. ALSO, the master IS NOT CUT.
3)- The clamp plate remains OPENED fully (180 degree?) and doesn't RETURN to close. The drum is in Home position. Green button light is ON. IT seems the clamp plate waits 'in vain' for the master to come on the cylinder before it closes.
4)-I removed the Master cutter unit, cleaned it and reinstalled it being careful as to the position of the cutter position switch actuator in relation to the groove on the cam (switch in OFF position).
THE PUZZLE:
- After reinstalling the master cutter and powering the m/c...again While pressing down the ALL RESET button, This time the machine completed scanning the original, the systems worked, and it spit a copy out to the receiving tray. I was able to make 300 copies. I was overjoyed, BUT my victory was shortlived
as the m/c started JAMMING papers.
- I noticed there was too much ink on the screen, [ I am using a color drum RED into which I inserted BLACK ink tube, to change it into black]. I removed the drum, cleaned the screen with petrol & reinstalled in m/c. Then 'All Hell Broke Loose". Heard a noise in drum rotation, then back to square one..E03,and saw the angular magnet deformed. I tried to work around but in vain.....E03 persists.
NB: The used master unit NOT working, when i tried to make another master, the m/c didn't remove the used master into the bin.
Continuous trial later resulted into the clamp motor gear teeth breaking! With a small bead of sweat on my fore brow, 'I gave up'.. At least for the moment, and crossed the border back to my country, with the promise that I will check on them(customer) next time.