oce tds400 plotter - blank where print should be

[scoobysteve]

Hi all,

long shot here but just hoping someone can help out..

Have a Tds 400 that has a severe dev dropping issue. dev etc has been changed a configured accordingly however after a few days it does the same all over again.

What we also notice is that when an internal demo plot is printed, there is background shading over the entire page however where there should print/toner (demo plot consists of an outline image of the plotter) it is blank. Seems reveresed?

Anyhow any ideas would be good in fact great! Thanks in advance

[OceCarl]

is the print problem only when you hit demo print?

[OceCarl]

dev dumping could be the hvps. the cleaning and bias voltages will fluctuate

[scoobysteve]

Hi Carl,

I have only seen the "blank" printing for the internal prints. I cant confirm if prints from a workstation do the same thing as I have only been drawn into this problem very recently.

I believe another tech may have recently changed the HVPS when the problem first occured but i will check.

Anyhow, thanks for your input.

[OceCarl]

there was also a report of dev dumping due to a frayed wired from the hvps

[scoobysteve]

Hi,

thought i'd give you an update...

The techies have advised they have gone through 2 HVPS'. they believe they may have solved the dev dropping issue. They believe the dev tank was shorting out the HVPS. They replaced the dev tank and the HVPS at the same time and the dev dropping issue is no longer there.

However, now they get all blank printing from both internally and externally - the only positive is that there is no spots of dev or toner on the page...

anyhow, thats whats done so far.

[OceCarl]

that could be the spice board, LVPS, or printhead interface board.

[scoobysteve]

Ok update...

Perform SDS test (54) to see if the printhead is operational and working. Plotter indicates preparing job but returns to printer ready state..no noise from plotter. 2nd attempt at running the test gives preparing job on plotter LCD but stalls with that message.. No further progress..

Performed the splice card test 20-1-010 using one of the splice cables to create a loop back between the printer and scanner connectors. The log indicates it was successful so i'm assuming all is ok... still getting blank prints though.

The techie has also mentioned he has changed the LVPS already.. last thing is the controller PCB....fingers crossed.

[OceCarl]

long shot, but.... there is a report where cust had a virus on the network. tech unplugged the network cable and was able to print.

i found these, they might help:
1. Disconnect the encoder assembly and connector X1 from the printhead interface board then run sds 51. If the print comes out with an image then replace the encoder assembly.

2. Clear the set memory with sds 20-6-031 in diagnostic mode and then reboot the controller.

3. Replaced printhead interface board.

4. Replaced printhead assembly.

[OceCarl]

do they have insurance? lighter fluid and a match will definately fix the problem

[scoobysteve]

Hi mate,

will try what you've mentioned... Thanks so much

and trust me, the techie has seriously thought of the last suggestion too or bring the best tool to fix it - a sledge hammer..