Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

[theengel]

I have a designjet 1050c. It has a new belt and new encoder strip. When I turn it on, the carriage moves all the way to the left, all the way to the right, then it goes a few inches back and forth, then goes all the way to the left again, and stops with "check printhead path (1)".

With the power off, the carriage moves freely from one end to the other. The scan axis test seems ok... the numbers are a little lower than normal.

Any thoughts?

[theengel]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

If I load up paper while the printer is off, it goes through the paper detection fine. But then it goes over to the left (activating the clutch) and gives the error.

[fixthecopier]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

I had a 5500 that I had changed the belt and other stuff on, and no matter how many times I cleaned and lubed the rail, I got a printhead path error. My guy I use for plotter tech support told me to get a spray lube called Tri-Flo. Used it on the rail and it worked first time.


You may also want to revisit the encoder.

[theengel]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

I'll look into that.

The fact that it's always at the exact same spot has to mean something.

[Kiran Otter]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

Could be breaks in the trailing cable.

Also make sure the encoder strip is standing up straight.. I think there's some pins in the back that it has to be lined up with? Or I'm thinking of the 5x00.

Does the reversing clutch lever work smoothly?

Kiran

[Kiran Otter]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

I thought of something else I've noticed on 1050s.. the black metal track that the tube assembly runs in, that is forward of the carriage (not in the rear) seems to get twisted over time. If the carriage makes a sort of rattle noise as it moves from the far left to the right, just as it runs over the left edge of the platen.. try taking the top cover off, and twisting that metal track. Twist it so the top comes towards you. It doesn't take much, but you might need to try a few times.

I had one that CONSTANTLY would stop with a check printhead path error when it would move the carriage from the left side, and I replaced the belt, and then the tube assembly (which helped, for a short while).. and then finally I tried twisting that track as I mentioned, and it solved the problem.

Since then I've found this fixes that chatter or bumping sound when the carriage comes out from the left, moving to the right.

Kiran

[theengel]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

Ok, I've figured something out. It ONLY throws this error when it tries to run paper backwards. I ran the paper axis test, and the numbers were 74, 79, 74, 79. Everything passed. I know that doesn't make sense, but that's the ONLY time it throws that code.

BTW - this isn't a customer machine. This is a trade-in I have in the shop and I feel some strange compulsion to make it work. So I can spend as much time on it as I want, just not as much money as I want.

[Kiran Otter]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

I wonder if it's just a bad scan axis motor.

Kiran

[faxman28]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

this is what hp has on this, hope it helps,


ViewDocument.aspx_cod.pdfViewDocument.aspx_cod2.pdfViewDocument.aspx_cod3.pdf

[theengel]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

If I incorrectly load paper and then turn it on, it'll tell me to unload it, and then it actually got to a ready state. That little carriage moved back and forth like a champ. But when I loaded paper from a ready state, it detects the paper size, then moves the paper forward some, but when the carriage moves to the left to engage the clutch (so it can wind the paper back a little) it throws the code again. I might have to keep this machine in my basement until I find another 1050 to canibalize.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts.

It's just bugging me that it always stops in that exact spot, and it only stops when the machine would normally roll the paper axis backwards.

[fixthecopier]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

If memory serves me correctly, there is a mylar disc on the end of the main roller with marks like the encoder strip. This is how the machine knows how to advance and retract the paper. One of my first ever work orders was replacing that disc on a 1050. Just like the encoder, if it is dirty or one of the marks is worn off, it will ruin your day.

[k1d1v]

Re: Designjet 1050c check printhead path type 1 (always on left side)

Replace the trailing cable mylar and apply a small amount of grease where the tubes come into contact with the inner panels.