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Digital Equipment LA30 N Service Manual

Companion printer
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LA30
/LA30
Companion Printer
TM
Service Manual
Order Number: ER-LA30N-SV-003

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Summary of Contents for Digital Equipment LA30 N

  • Page 1 LA30 /LA30 Companion Printer Service Manual Order Number: ER-LA30N-SV-003...
  • Page 3 LA30N/LA30W Companion Printer Service Manual Digital Equipment Corporation Maynard, Massachusetts...
  • Page 4 Specification No. ER-LA30N-SV The contents of this manual may be revised without prior notice. All Rights Reserved, Copyright © 1996, 1997 Digital Equipment Corporation. Printed in Ireland. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form without permission.
  • Page 6 PREFACE This manual is for engineers who operate, install, or maintain the LA30N/LA30W Companion Printer. The topics covered are: Chapter 1: Printer specifications, performance, and configuration Chapter 2: Unpacking, performance check, and connection Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Chapter 4: Maintenance Chapter 5: Principles of operation Chapter 6: Spare parts...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS, PERFORMANCE, AND CONFIGURATION .... 1-1 1.1 Overview ..............................1-1 1.2 Equipment Structure ..........................1-2 1.2.1 Overview ............................. 1-2 1.2.2 Model configuration ..........................1-2 1.2.3 Structure .............................. 1-3 (1) Upper cover assembly ........................ 1-4 (2) Printing mechanism assembly ....................1-5 (3) Lower cover assembly .......................
  • Page 8 4.9 Level 2 Maintenance ..........................4-6 4.9.1 Parts replacement ..........................4-6 (1) Acoustic cover replacement ....................... 4-7 (2) Tractor unit replacement ......................4-8 (3) Cover replacement, including platen knob ................4-11 (4) Control panel replacement ......................4-15 (5) Printing mechanism replacement ....................4-16 (6) Power supply and fuse replacement ...................
  • Page 9 4.10 Diagnostics .............................. 4-48 4.10.1 Self-test printing ..........................4-48 (1) Starting self-test printing ......................4-48 (2) Checking printer performance ....................4-49 (3) Stopping self-test printing ......................4-49 4.10.2 Hex dump ............................4-50 (1) Starting hex dump printing ......................4-50 (2) Stopping hex dump printing ....................... 4-50 4.10.3 Control panel maintenance functions initiated when power goes on ..........
  • Page 10 5.3.7 Ribbon shift control ..........................5-35 5.3.8 Fire check control ..........................5-37 (1) Short-mode detection ....................... 5-37 (2) Long-mode detection ....................... 5-37 5.3.9 Control panel control .......................... 5-39 5.3.10 Power supply ............................. 5-40 (1) Surge current prevention ......................5-40 (2) Rectifying and smoothing ......................5-40 (3) Main voltage regulation switching ..................
  • Page 11 ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1.1 LA30N and LA30W printers ......................1-1 Figure 1.2 Printer component structure ......................1-3 Figure 1.3 Upper cover assembly (LA30N) ....................1-5 Figure 1.4 Printer lower assembly (LA30N) ....................1-6 Figure 2.1 Unpacking the printer and accessories ................... 2-2 Figure 2.2 Removing the print head shipping restraint (cardboard) ...............
  • Page 12 Figure 5.25 Stepping motor drive circuit ......................5-27 Figure 5.26 Phase switching and carriage drive direction ................5-28 Figure 5.27 Relationship between carriage drive speed and phase excitation ..........5-29 Figure 5.28 Carriage drive 1/2-phase excitation at low speed ................ 5-30 Figure 5.29 Carriage drive 2-phase excitation at high speed ................
  • Page 13 TABLES Table 3.1 Errors indicated by the Fault indicator and the buzzer ..............3-15 Table 3.2 Alarms that turn power off ......................3-15 Table 4.1 Maintenance tools ..........................4-2 Table 4.2 Parts not to be disassembled ......................4-4 Table 4.3 Cleaning ............................4-5 Table 4.4 Power-on-initiated maintenance ......................

  • Page 14: Chapter 1 Printer Specifications, Performance, And Configuration

    CHAPTER 1 PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS, PERFORMANCE, AND CONFIGURATION 1.1 Overview This manual is for maintenance engineers, and covers overall maintenance of the Digital LA30N and LA30W Companion Printers, together with detailed information such as troubleshooting and component replacement. The information in this manual applies both to the Digital LA30N Companion Printer (80-column printer) and to the Digital LA30W Companion Printer (136-column printer).

  • Page 15: Equipment Structure

    1.2 Equipment Structure 1.2.1 Overview This section outlines printer structure and features. 1.2.2 Model configuration There are two basic models. The LA30N is an 80-column printer and the LA30W a 136-column printer. Each model has two optional components: power supply and color kit (color ribbon shift mechanism). Power supply: factory option Color kit (consisting of a color ribbon shift mechanism and ribbon): user option The model configuration varies with the combination of the three options, as follows:...

  • Page 16: Structure

    1.2.3 Structure Major printer components are organized as shown below. Items in boldface are recommended spare parts (see Chapter 6) that can be replaced in the field by maintenance service engineers. Replacement and adjustment are detailed in Chapter 4. Note: LA30N/W printer [ ] indicates a name referred to in the Upper cover assy...

  • Page 17: Upper Cover Assembly

    (1) Upper cover assembly The screws (two for the LA30N and three for the LA30W) on the back, fasten the upper cover to the bottom cover. The upper cover assembly consists of the upper, front, and top covers, an acoustic cover, and a control panel ––...

  • Page 18: Printing Mechanism Assembly

    Cut-sheet stand The cut-sheet stand catches printed pages ejected by the printer. It must be raised while printing cut sheets and laid down while printing continuous forms. It must also be raised while printing paper-stapled continu- ous forms in push-tractor mode. g.

  • Page 19: Lower Cover Assembly

    (3) Lower cover assembly Power supply Bottom cover Printer control board Figure 1.4 Printer lower assembly (LA30N) a. Bottom cover The bottom cover supports the printer mechanism. b. Printer control board The printer control board controls the host interface, control panel, and printing mechanism, using an MPU and an LSI.

  • Page 20: Chapter 2 Unpacking, Performance Check, And Connection

    CHAPTER 2 UNPACKING, PERFORMANCE CHECK, AND CONNECTION The contents of this chapter are briefly reproduced from the Setting Up Your Printer in the User Guide for reference in maintenance although the contents are originally for users of the LA30N and LA30W printers. 2.1 Overview The LA30N and LA30W printers come packed for transportation.

  • Page 21: Unpacking

    2.3 Unpacking Unpack the printer as follows (Figure 2.1): 1. Open the carton and remove accessories — the user guide, Windows driver floppy disk, cut-sheet stand, platen knob, power cord (100 –120 or 220 –240 VAC), serial interface cable, and ribbon cartridge. 2.

  • Page 22: Figure 2.2 Removing The Print Head Shipping Restraint (Cardboard)

    3. Remove tape securing the acoustic cover. Adhesive tape is applied along the front edge of the acoustic cover. For LA30W printers, two adhesive tapes are applied at the back of the acoustic cover. 4. Open the front cover and remove the print head shipping restraint (cardboard). Cardboard Front cover Figure 2.2...

  • Page 23: Inspection After Unpacking

    2.4 Inspection after Unpacking 1. Carefully check the printer and the accessories for visible damage. 2. Install the cut-sheet stand (Figure 2.4). The cut-sheet stand enables smooth feeding of not only cut sheets but continuous forms, and its paper guides position cut sheets for printing. 3.

  • Page 24: Chapter 3 Troubleshooting

    CHAPTER 3 TROUBLESHOOTING This chapter helps pinpoint the causes of problems with the printer. Sections 3.1 to 3.5 are troubleshooting diagrams. The flowcharts show how to determine what is wrong with the printer and what to do to correct the problem. Section 3.6 explains error displays on the control panel that help clarify the cause of a problem.

  • Page 25: Figure 3.1 Printer Functional Block Diagram

    Figure 3.1 shows printer functional components and connecting cables without showing their names since locating the connectors is easy. Printer Gears 100-120 VAC or Printing mechanism Color ribbon shift motor 220-240 VAC Power supply Print Sensors motor motor head Centronics (parallel) Printer control board To computer RS-423 board...
  • Page 26 e. Power supply The power supply provides power for operating the printer. Its specifications depend on the input AC voltage. Color kit (user option) The color ribbon shift motor, installed on the print head cartridge, enables printing in seven colors, if supported by software.

  • Page 27: All Indicators Don't Light

    3.1 All Indicators Don’t Light The flowchart below shows what to do if all indicators don’t light. All indicators don’t light. Does the mechanism move? The control panel is defective. Is the power switch turned on? Turn on the power switch. Turn off the power switch, then Is the power plug disconnected insert the power plug into the...
  • Page 28 Continued from the previous page Unplug the AC input cord from the printer power connector, then Replace the AC power cord. check again AC voltage supplied to the printer. Is it correct? Are all connectors to the printer Connect connectors. control board connected? Do voltage check.

  • Page 29: No Print Head Movement

    3.2 No Print Head Movement The flowchart below shows what to do if the print head does not move even though certain indicators light. Fault indicator light but the print head does not move. Defective printer control board Does the buzzer sound continuously? (ROM/RAM error) Are all connectors to the printer Connect connectors.
  • Page 30 The Fault indicator lights and the buzzer sound once. Are continuous forms in the printer? Set continuous forms in the printer and press the FF/Load button. Is the Fault indicator off? Recovered Push and release the paper end feeler equipped on the right-hand tractor. Does the sensor shield lever move Replace the paper end detection up and down?
  • Page 31 No printing online Is the interface cable connected? Connect the interface cable. Is the interface cable OK? Replace the interface cable. No (Centronics) Is the RS-423 interface used? See page 3-5, DC voltage check. Is the selected protocol OK? Use the correct protocol. Is the selected baud rate OK? Use the correct baud rate.

  • Page 32: Incorrect Printing Due To Defective Nonvolatile Ram

    3.3 Incorrect Printing due to Defective Nonvolatile RAM If the printer uses defective nonvolatile RAM or the contents of nonvolatile RAM are written incorrectly, unexpected phenomena will occur. For example: • Printing is not performed even though no error is apparently detected. This may be caused when the interface type specified is the Centronics parallel, but the RS-423 serial interface is mistakenly selected internally.

  • Page 33: Printing Quality Abnormal

    3.4 Printing Quality Abnormal The flowchart below shows what to do if the printing quality is not good. Printing quality is poor. Is the paper thickness lever set Set the lever correctly. properly? Remove the print head and install it Is the print head installed correctly? correctly.
  • Page 34 Continued from the previous page Are several character dots missing? See page 3-12. Is self-test printing normal? • Defective printer control board See Section 4.10.1 for self-test. • Defective power supply board Is the interface cable connected Plug in the connector correctly. correctly? Is the interface cable OK? Replace the cable.
  • Page 35 Dot missing Replace the print head. Recovered Is printing done correctly? Is the carriage cable connected Plug in the carriage cable correctly. correctly? • Defective printer control board • Defective carriage cable Color mixing abnormal Is the ribbon cartridge installed Install the ribbon cartridge correctly.

  • Page 36: Forms Feed Abnormal

    3.5 Forms Feed Abnormally The flowchart below shows what to do if forms feed incorrectly. Abnormal forms feed Are forms fed? See page 3-14. Press the FF/Load button. Are forms fed? No abnormality Are forms positioned correctly? Load forms correctly. Is the paper feed motor cable Connect the cable correctly.
  • Page 37 Forms are fed but there is still a problem. Is the paper thickness lever set Set the paper thickness lever correctly? correctly. Is the paper select lever set Set the paper select lever correctly. correctly? Are forms fed smoothly? See the entry below. Are unspecified or abnormal forms Replace forms with specified or used?

  • Page 38: Error Display

    3.6 Error Display This printer indicates errors on the panel using a combination of the Fault indicator and the buzzer. Possible error combinations are described below: Table 3.1 Errors indicated by the Fault indicator and buzzer Fault indicator Buzzer sound Error cause Action for recovery from error Lighting steadily...
  • Page 39 3-16...

  • Page 40: Chapter 4 Maintenance

    CHAPTER 4 MAINTENANCE This chapter explains the maintenance levels 1, 2, and 3 for cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and adjustment of the LA30N and LA30W printers. 4.1 Overview Designed using the latest technology, the LA30N/LA30W printer offers high reliability and easy maintenance. Parts requiring lubrication and adjustment have been reduced and the replacement of defective parts made easier than in previous models.

  • Page 41: Maintenance Tools

    4.3 Maintenance Tools Table 4.1 lists the tools required for maintenance. Table 4.1 Maintenance tools Tool Type or part number Maintenance level (*1) Screwdriver M3–M5 (+) Phillips Screwdriver M2–M2.5 (+) Phillips (*1) (*2) (*1) (*3) Screwdriver M3–M4 (–) Standard (*3) Tweezers CWZ9068A2 Spring hook...

  • Page 42: Parts Drawings

    4.6 Parts Drawings This section gives basic components and their location. Paper select lever Sensor (cut sheet) Paper feed motor Card guide Space motor Print head Platen roll Tractor (not visible) Timing belt Carriage Front stay Stay shaft Power supply Bottom cover Printer control board Figure 4.1...

  • Page 43: Parts That Must Not Be Disassembled

    4.7 Parts That Must Not Be Disassembled This section gives the locations of parts that must not be disassembled. Table 4.2 lists components not to be disassembled and mounting screws not to be loosened or removed. Table 4.2 Parts not to be disassembled Components Part Remarks...

  • Page 44: Level 1 Maintenance

    4.8 Level 1 Maintenance Level 1 maintenance includes only cleaning and lubrication. This can be performed without removing covers although Figure 4.3 shows the printer with the covers removed. Check inside the LA30N/LA30W printer for paper particles, dust, and dirt, and remove these as explained below.

  • Page 45: Level 2 Maintenance

    4.9 Level 2 Maintenance Level 2 maintenance includes lubrication, adjustment, and parts replacement. Level 1 maintenance should be done at the same time as level 2 maintenance. 4.9.1 Parts replacement Remember the following notes when replacing any component. • Keep assembly areas clean. •...

  • Page 46: Acoustic Cover Replacement

    (1) Acoustic cover replacement Removal Raise the acoustic cover vertically (the flat surface of the mounting pin orients vertically) and lift the acoustic cover to disengage it from the top cover. Acoustic cover Installation Hold the acoustic cover vertically. Then, push the mounting pins on both side of the acoustic cover into the hook of the top cover.

  • Page 47: Tractor Unit Replacement

    (2) Tractor unit replacement a. Push tractor Removal 1. Raise the cut-sheet stand and the back cover together. 2. Pull up both ends of the tractor unit to detach the catches of the tractor unit from the support studs. Then pull the tractor unit.
  • Page 48 b. Pull tractor Removal Hold both sides of the tractor unit and lift and release it from the support studs.
  • Page 49 Installation Position the catches of the tractor unit on the support studs near the platen shaft, push the tractor unit toward the front of the printer, and snap down the tractor unit into place so that the catches click on the rear studs. Catches Support studs 4-10...

  • Page 50: Cover Replacement, Including Platen Knob

    (3) Cover replacement, including platen knob Removal 1. Remove the acoustic cover (Section 4.9.1(1)). 2. Remove the tractor unit (Section 4.9.1(2)). 3. Pull off the platen knob. 4. Open the front cover and the top cover nearly vertically (A), then lift and remove them together (B). Front cover Top cover Platen knob...
  • Page 51 5. Raise the cut-sheet stand and the back cover together, then remove them in the direction of the arrow (A). 4-12...
  • Page 52 6. Remove the ribbon cartridge. 7. Remove the screws (two for LA30N; three for LA30W). 8. Lift the back part of the upper cover. 9. Disconnect the control panel cable from the printer control board and remove the control panel cable from the cable holder.
  • Page 53 Installation Install covers in reverse order of removal. Notes: Be sure that the control panel cable is inserted behind the cable holder. Check that the paper thickness lever fits into the copy control lever. Check that the side cover is in place. Make sure that the box tab on the upper cover fits the hook of the bottom cover.

  • Page 54: Control Panel Replacement

    (4) Control panel replacement Removal 1. Remove the tractor unit (Section 4.9.1 (2)) and covers (Section 4.9.1 (3)). 2. Turn the upper cover upside down and the remove the two screws. 3. Remove the control panel. Control panel Leaf spring Upper cover Installation Install the control panel in reverse order of removal.

  • Page 55: Printing Mechanism Replacement

    (5) Printing mechanism replacement Removal 1. Remove the tractor unit (Section 4.9.1 (2)) and covers (Section 4.9.1 (3)). 2. Remove the two screws. 3. Steadying the printing mechanism, disconnect the six connectors from the printer control board: Print head cables: CNHEAD1, CNHEAD2, CNHEAD3 Line feed motor wire cables: CNLF Space motor wire cable: CNSP Sensor wire cable: CNDET...

  • Page 56: Power Supply And Fuse Replacement

    (6) Power supply and fuse replacement Removal 1. Remove the fuse from the power supply, if necessary. 2. Disconnect AC and CNPW connectors. 3. Remove the four screws (three screws for LA30W) then remove the power supply. The rod and its securing screw are not used for LA30W.

  • Page 57: Board Replacement

    (7) RS-423 board replacement Removal 1. Remove the two screws using the screwdriver M2-M2.5 (for Phillips screws). 2. Unplug the CNRS connector from the control board, then remove the RS-423 board. RS-423 board. Control board. Connector 4-18...
  • Page 58 (8) Control board (ROM board) replacement From the point of the engineers, the control board is referred to by different names: printer control board, main board, ROM board, and main board with ROM. There are two types of control boards and ROMs respectively (control board: old and new design boards, ROM: EPROM and mask ROM).
  • Page 59 Installation Install the control board (ROM board) in reverse order of removal. Notes: For LA30W printers, be sure to install the grounding metal strip in place. This strip establishes grounding connection between the control board and the power supply. There are two types of control boards and ROMs respectively (control board: old and new design boards, ROM: EPROM and mask ROM;...

  • Page 60: Platen Roll Assembly Replacement

    (9) Platen roll assembly replacement Removal 1. Remove the tractor unit (Section 4.9.1 (2)) and covers (Section 4.9.1 (3)). 2. Move the paper select lever as shown below (A). 3. Remove the E-ring. 4. Holding the platen, pull the right platen bearing off the shaft. 5.

  • Page 61: Paper Feed Motor (Lf Motor) Replacement

    (10) Paper feed motor (LF motor) replacement Removal 1. Remove the printing mechanism (Section 4.9.1 (5)). 2. Remove the motor cable from the cable clamp. 3. Remove the two screws to remove the paper feed motor. Cable clamp Paper feed motor cable Paper feed motor Installation Install the paper feed motor in reverse order of removal.

  • Page 62: Space Motor (Sp Motor) Assembly Replacement

    (11) Space motor (SP motor) assembly replacement Removal 1. Remove the printing mechanism (Section 4.9.1 (5)). 2. Remove the two screws to remove the space motor. 3. Detach the carriage drive belt from the motor drive pulley, then remove the space motor. 4.

  • Page 63: Sensor T Replacement

    (12) Sensor T assembly replacement This sensor detects a cut sheet placed on the cut-sheet stand. Removal 1. Remove the tractor unit (Section 4.9.1 (2)) and covers (Section 4.9.1 (3)). 2. Remove the two screws to remove the sensor T assembly while disconnecting the sensor wire cable. Sensor Installation Install the sensor assembly in reverse order of removal.

  • Page 64: Carriage Unit Replacement

    (13) Carriage unit replacement Removal 1. Remove the printing mechanism (Section 4.9.1 (5)), SP motor (Section 4.9.1(11)), and print head (Section 4.9.1 (14)). 2. Mark the setting positions of the adjustment levers R and L at both sides of the mechanism. (For adjustment lever R, see the figure on the next page.) 3.
  • Page 65 5. Turn the copy control lever so that its notch side is uppermost (A). Then, turn adjustment lever R clockwise until it is stopped (B). 6. Slide the stay shaft slightly to the right (C) and remove the platen bearing. 7.

  • Page 66: Print Head And Ribbon Feed Assembly Replacement

    (14) Print head and rebbon feed assembly replacement The print head and the ribbon feed assembly are mounted on the carriage unit. The print head is a consumable. Removal Print head Head lock pin Carriage unit 1. Open the front cover. Cover Print head 2.

  • Page 67: Gear Assembly Replacement

    (15) Gear assembly replacement The gear assembly transmits power to the paper feed mechanism. It has a mechanism that determines whether power is also transmitted to the push tractor. The assembly includes the LF motor. Removal 1. Remove the printing mechanism (Section 4.9.1(5)). 2.

  • Page 68: Paper Feeder Assembly Replacement

    (16) Paper feeder assembly replacement Removal 1. Remove the printing mechanism (Section 4.9.1(5), platen assembly (Section 4.9.1(9)), print head (Section 4.9.1(14)), and gear assembly (Section 4.9.1(15)). 2. Remove the two screws to remove the paper feeder assembly. Paper feeder assembly Sensor assemblies Projections Installation...

  • Page 69: Card Guide Replacement

    (17) Card guide assembly replacement Removal 1. Remove the platen assembly (Section 4.9.1(9)), print head (Section 4.9.1(14)), and feed roller assembly (Section 4.9.1(16)). 2. Remove the small screw which retains the sensor cable on the card guide. 3. Push the two hooks outwards to remove the card guide from the carriage unit. Hooks Card guide Installation...

  • Page 70: Ribbon Shift Unit (Color Kit) Replacement

    (18) Ribbon shift unit (color kit) replacement Removal 1. Open the front cover, remove the ribbon cartridge, and remove the print head (Section 4.9.1(14)). 2. Release the hook at the right side of the ribbon shift unit to raise the top of the unit. Ribbon shift unit (removed) Hook...

  • Page 71: Adjustment

    4.9.2 Adjustment (1) Print head gap adjustment When replacing the carriage unit or platen, check that the gap between the print head and platen is 0.38 ± 0.03 mm at both ends of the platen. To check the gap along the platen, use a platen gap adjustment gauge and move the carriage to the left and right.
  • Page 72 7. Move the carriage unit to the left-end print position (column 1). 8. Turn adjustment lever L at the left end of the stay shaft and adjust it so that the gap is 0.38 ± 0.03 mm. Adjustment lever L Left-side frame 9.

  • Page 73: Vertical Alignment

    (2) Vertical alignment When replacing the ROM board (printer control board) or the carriage unit, check the vertical alignment by using the diagnostic function on the setup mode menu. It adjusts the vertical alignment of characters printed in opposite directions in bidirectional printing. Adjust for the three print qualities (letter, correspondence, and draft).
  • Page 74 3. Check that alignment is correct. 4. If alignment is not correct, press the ∅ or ♦ button to correct alignment. That is, if forward printing bars come to the left of reverse printing bars, press the ♦ button to make the vertical line straight. If the forward printing bars come to the right of reverse printing bars, press the ∅...

  • Page 75: Top-Of-Forms Adjustment (Factory Use)

    (3) Top-of-forms adjustment (factory use) Top-of-forms (TOF) adjustment in this item is used in the factory to micro-adjust the reference position of the TOF. This mode is not disclosed to users in general. The actual position of the TOF is set by the Top-of-Form adjustment as described in page 2-28 of the User Guide.

  • Page 76: Lubrication

    4.9.3 Lubrication Lubrication is required only when the printer is overhauled or mechanical components are replaced. Lubrication codes are as follows: 2-GD-D-O Cycle Amount (1 drop) Type (Mobil oil) 1. No. Sequential number for the location to be lubricated 2. Type FL: Floil SG: Silicone grease 3.

  • Page 77: Ribbon Drive Assembly

    (1) Ribbon drive assembly Amount Location Remarks Gear teeth (4 places) Gear bearing (4 places) Inside the drum 1-SG-C-0 3-SG-C-0 Y365 2-SG-C-0 RF shaft Ribbon bracket Y364 Y354 RF gear Idle gear Y361 Y363 Gear C X330 4-38...

  • Page 78: Color Ribbon Shift Motor (Option)

    (2) Color ribbon shift motor (Option) Amount Location Remarks Cam center Gear teeth Eccentric cam Shift lever Y392 Y393 Lever Y395 Color frame R Y391 RS motor Asy 1-SG-C-0 3-SG-C-0 2-SG-C-0 4-39...

  • Page 79: Lf Gear Bearing And Continuous/Single Lever

    (3) LF gear bearing and continuous/single lever Amount Location Remarks Gear teeth (4 places) (Gear A, B, C, D) Gear bearing (4 places) (Gear A, B, C, D) Gear surface Shaded portion Gear holder boss 1-SG-C-0 2-SG-C-0 Motor bracket 4-SG-C-0 Y401 Gear D Y424...

  • Page 80: Back Cover Assembly

    (4) Back cover assembly Amount Location Remarks Sliding section between carriage Oil felt unit and stay shaft Sliding section between carriage Shaded portion unit and front stay 1-FL-F-O Stay shaft Asy Front stay Carriage unit 2-SG-C-O 4-41...

  • Page 81: Paper Feed Roller Shaft

    (5) Paper feed roller shaft Amount Location Remarks Feed roller shaft Holder T Y517 Rear stay T Paper cradle Feed roller R Asy 1-SG-C-0 4-42...

  • Page 82: Shaft

    (6) Shaft Amount Location lubricated Remarks Stay shaft FG shaft spring Y304 Stay shaft Asy Adjustment lever L Y307 1-FL-C-0 4-43...

  • Page 83: Stay Shaft

    (7) Stay shaft Amount Location Remarks Gear holder boss Change lever boss PS Spring Y427 1-SG-C-0 Change lever 2-SG-C-0 Y42003 4-44...

  • Page 84: Front And Top Covers (La30N)

    (8) Front and top covers (LA30N) Amount Location Remarks Hinge (two places) Both sides Hinge (two places) Both sides 1-SG-C-O 2-SG-C-O 4-45...

  • Page 85: Front And Top Covers (La30W)

    (9) Front and top covers (LA30W) Amount Location Remarks Hinge (two places) Both sides Hinge (two places) Both sides 1-SG-C-O (2-SG-C-O) 2-SG-C-O 4-46...

  • Page 86: Sheet Guide Assembly

    (10)Sheet guide assembly Amount Location Remarks Sliding section Wipe off excess oil after applying Sliding section Wipe off excess oil after applying Boss (four places) Wipe off excess oil after applying Sheet guide 1-SG-C-O 2-SG-C-O 40 mm Stopper L Sheet guide R 3-SG-C-O Stopper R Sheet guide L...

  • Page 87: Diagnostics

    4.10 Diagnostics 4.10.1 Self-test printing Self-test printing produces test pages independent of the computer and the interface between the computer and printer. Use this function to check printer performance after component adjustment or replacement. (1) Starting self-test printing 1. Load continuous forms at least 203 mm (8 inches) wide onto the printer to avoid printing on the platen. 2.

  • Page 88: Checking Printer Performance

    (2) Checking printer performance The self-test printing pattern includes the following: • Header (If started from Set-Up mode) • Help menu briefly explaining how to use buttons (If started from Set-Up mode) • Repeated printing of 80 characters per line (ASCII Hex 21 to 7E and A0 to FE) With a color printer (color kit installed printer), 80 characters per line are printed repeatedly using seven colors: black, magenta, cyan, violet, yellow, orange, and green.

  • Page 89: Hex Dump

    4.10.2 Hex dump In hex dump, the printer prints data and commands in 2-digit hexadecimal code. The interface operation is the same as online in Normal mode. It enables the checking of character sequences the computer sends to the printer as commands which are interpreted but not printed in regular mode.

  • Page 90: Control Panel Maintenance Functions Initiated When Power Goes On

    4.10.3 Control panel maintenance functions initiated when power goes on The printer provides several maintenance functions initiated by holding buttons down when power is turned on. Continue pressing until the printer beeps. Table 4.4 Power-on-initiated maintenance Level Type Name Button(s) pressed at Power On Pause Font Macro...

  • Page 92: Chapter 5 Principles Of Operation

    CHAPTER 5 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION 5.1 Overview This section explains the principles of LA30N and LA30W operation. A microprocessor controls the following basic functions: Interface Carriage drive Print head drive Paper feed drive Ribbon shift drive (color option) Figure 5.1 gives the function sequence: Carriage drive Print head drive Paper feed drive...

  • Page 93: Mechanical Operation

    5.2 Mechanical Operation 5.2.1 Print head drive The print head consists of 24 wires in six columns (see Figure 5.2). The print head has 24 electromagnets that drive armatures. When not printing, the armature is set at the stopper by the coil spring connected to the wire. During printing, the coil for the dot to be printed is excited, the armature is drawn in the direction indicated by the arrow, and the armature pushes the wire in the same direction.

  • Page 94: Carriage Drive

    5.2.2 Carriage drive The print head carriage is moved by the 4-phase space motor (SP motor in the recommended spare parts) in the left corner of the frame. The drive pulley on the space motor shaft is connected to the tension pulley at the right corner of the frame through the timing belt.

  • Page 95: Ribbon Feed

    5.2.3 Ribbon feed Ribbon is fed by the ribbon feeder on the bottom of the print head carriage. This mechanism links carriage movement to ribbon movement so that the ribbon moves in one direction, regardless of whether the carriage moves left or right. The ribbon feeder receives power from the front stay (rack rail) through the RF gear.

  • Page 96: Paper Feed

    5.2.4 Paper feed Paper is fed by the 4-phase paper feed motor (LF motor) on the left side of the frame which rotates the platen and operates the tractor unit. The LF motor gear transmits power to the platen gear through idle gears A and B. When the tractor unit is installed at the rear of the printer for use as a push tractor, the paper select lever is set toward the back of the printer (continuous forms side).

  • Page 97: Continuous Forms Feeding

    (1) Continuous forms feeding A pair of left and right pin belt tractors on the square tractor shaft feed continuous forms. The tractor is installed above the printer as a pull tractor or on the back as a push tractor. a.

  • Page 98: Figure 5.7 Continuous Form Feeding (Pull-Feed Tractor)

    b. Pull tractor Continuous forms fed from the bottom slot, advance along the card guide on the carriage, then, move up over the platen. Platen Card guide Continuous forms Platen Card guide Figure 5.7 Continuous form feeding (pull-feed tractor)

  • Page 99: Cut-Sheet Feeding

    (2) Cut-sheet feeding As the platen rotates, a cut sheet is pinched between the feed roller and platen and fed forward. To pass the printing section, the sheet is guided by the card guide and fed further between the bail roller and the platen.

  • Page 100: Paper Selection

    (3) Paper selection Since continuous forms and cut sheets are fed differently, the paper feed mechanism is based on the type of paper. When the paper select lever is switched from the continuous forms location (back) to the cut-sheet location (front) as shown below, gear C slides off the tractor gear and stops transmitting rotation to the continuous forms feed tractor.

  • Page 101: Autoloading

    (4) Autoloading In autoloading, paper is loaded up to a specified position without turning the platen knob. Once the FF/Load button on the control panel is pressed, the carriage moves to the center. The LF motor then drives the paper feed mechanism to feed paper.

  • Page 102: Paper End Detection

    (5) Paper end detection a. Cut sheet The presence of paper and paper near end position are detected by sensor A, an interrupt photosensor in the sensor T assembly. When there is paper, the paper shields the sensor light path. The top edge of paper is detected by sensor B, a reflection photosensor on the card guide.

  • Page 103: Figure 5.12 Paper End Detection (Continuous Forms Via Push-Feed Tractor)

    b. Continuous forms fed via push tractor The top of continuous forms is detected by sensor B (detailed in Figure 5.11) and by feeler 1 linked to sensor C, an interrupt sensor. The feeler 1's movement is transmitted to the sensor shield lever. When there is paper, the paper pushes down feeler 1 and the shield lever opens the sensor light path.

  • Page 104: Figure 5.13 Paper End Detection (Continuous Forms Via Pull-Feed Tractor)

    c. Continuous forms fed via pull tractor from the bottom slot Paper end is detected by feeler 3 linked to sensor C (detailed in Figure 5.12). It is approximate 35 mm from the print position. d. Continuous forms fed via pull tractor from the rear side Paper end is detected by feeler 3 linked to sensor C.

  • Page 105: Print Head Gap Control (Paper Thickness Adjustment)

    5.2.5 Print head gap control (paper thickness adjustment) The print head is mounted on the carriage which is guided by the stay shaft. The stay shaft is eccentric because it has adjustment levers R and L, on each side, that engage eccentrically with side frames. Turning levers adjusts the parallelism of the stay shaft to the platen, thus making the print head gap equal between right end and left end.

  • Page 106: Color Ribbon Shift Motor (Option)

    5.2.6 Color ribbon shift motor (option) The stepping motor turns the eccentric cam to move the ribbon shift lever, which lifts the color ribbon cartridge to the location of a selected color (one of the four colors). If a monochrome ribbon cartridge is loaded, the color printer works as a monochrome printer. Color ribbon cartridge Ribbon shift lever Stepping motor...

  • Page 107: Option Detection Mechanism

    5.2.7 Option detection mechanism This printer has the mechanism that automatically detects whether the tractor unit is installed as a push tractor or a pull tractor. Installing the tractor unit at the rear of the printer pushes down the feeler and raises shield plate A as shown below.

  • Page 108: Electrical Operation

    5.3 Electrical Operation This section briefly explains circuits and how they operate. 5.3.1 System configuration The LGHIC (includes Fujitsu MB90706 MPU) receives data and commands from the host computer and controls the printing mechanism (Figures 5.17 and 5.18). Printer Printer control board (Main board) Control Controller...
  • Page 109 Sensors: Power supply Color ribbon Paper select shift motor Paper end Sensors: Print head AC input 100 V: PW31AA Left end 100 ~ 200 VAC or 200 V: PW31BA 220 ~ 240 VAC CNSEN CNHD3 CNHD1 CNHD2 CNPW Centronics Control board (main board) RS-423 RC95AA RS95AA...

  • Page 110: Printer Control Board (Rom Board)

    The LA30N/LA30W controller (Figure 5.17) consists of an printed circuit board, called the printer control board or the main board with ROM. The MPU controls operation under control of programs in ROM. (1) Printer control board (ROM board) The printer control board governs the interface, memory, and mechanism. It is also called ROM board. The name on the Recommended Spare Parts List is “main board with ROM”.
  • Page 111 RS-423 board Control board (main board) LGHIC Interface Driver/ D-RAM receiver (Programs) (Data, etc.) (CG) (Centronics) Interface Driver/ receiver Buzzer Address Data Alarm HDLSI detector Reset Multisensor Thermal Driver Driver Driver Driver +34V check +34V check Print head Ribbon +34V Paper Sensors Carriage...

  • Page 112: Figure 5.20 Mb90706 Block Diagram

    The MPU (MB90706) has the following main functions: Timing controller Dynamic RAM controller Address decoder Interface controller Motor controller ADDRESS DATA MC-16 Clock control circuit SPM00~03 Space motor control circuit SPI01~02 DATA01~08 Centronics EXPRM interface INPRM control DSTB circuit Paper feed *ACK LFM00~03 motor control...
  • Page 113 The HDLSI(LSI 2: MBCU20050) has the following main functions: Head pin magnet drive controller Output port TIMER1 Print head driver and A01~A05 controller Address *EXIOCS decoder PD01~24 *IOWRL *IOWRH *IORD Flyback FLYBK01~06 controller Division circuit D00~D15 I/O port OUT00~07 IN00~IN04 HDALM00~06 Alarm detection...

  • Page 114: Main Controller

    5.3.2 Main controller The main controller circuit of the printer –– the MB90706 MPU –– has a bus connected to 4M-bit ROM, two- 16M-bit ROMs, 128K word x 16-bit RAM, and a control LSI. Firmware functions are built into the 4M-bit ROM and one of the two 16M-bit ROMs is reserved for optional CG data.
  • Page 115 Table 5.1 shows the memory address map. Table 5.1 Memory address map Address area (hex) Size (bytes) Read/Write Description 000000 ~ 0000BF Read/Write I/O area (direct addressing) 0000C0 ~ 0000FF I/O area (external) 000100 ~ 00037F Work RAM (direct addressing) 000380 ~ 5FFFFF 5.9M Work RAM (extended addressing)

  • Page 116: Interface Control

    5.3.3 Interface control (1) Centronics parallel interface Received data DATA1 to DATA8 is latched to the internal MPU register just after the falling edge of the Strobe signal *DSTB. The BUSY signal goes high. The MPU recognizes that data has been received and stores the information in the receive buffer or processes it immediately.

  • Page 117: Serial Interface

    (2) RS-423 serial interface The serial interface control circuit is basically the same as the Centronics circuit, except that it has a serial- parallel converter. Serial data sent to the interface circuit input terminal is converted to TTL by the receiver IC and applied to the MPU (MB90706), which converts serial data to parallel.

  • Page 118: Carriage Motor Control

    5.3.4 Carriage motor control The 4-phase carriage motor, is driven by a constant current chopper drive circuit and six control signals: SPM0: This signal drives phase A of the carriage motor. SPM1: This signal drives phase B of the carriage motor. SPM2: This signal drives phase C of the carriage motor.

  • Page 119: Figure 5.26 Phase Switching And Carriage Drive Direction

    The MPU receives phase excitation data for the stepping motor and sends data to turn the motor drive HIC on or off. Data is set to high for a phase to be excited. Motor rotation is controlled by sequentially changing the excitation of the four phases.

  • Page 120: Figure 5.27 Relationship Between Carriage Drive Speed And Phase Excitation

    The LA30N/LA30W printer has several spacing speeds, and drives the carriage either by 1/2 phase or 2-phase excitation, based on speed (Figure 5.27). High-speed draft Draft NLQ (*2) (*1) (*1) Letter quality Time *1 Slewing *2 Near-letter-quality, also called correspondence Figure 5.27 Relationship between carriage drive speed and phase excitation 5-29...

  • Page 121: Figure 5.28 Carriage Drive 1/2-Phase Excitation At Low Speed

    Figures 5.28 and 5.29 show 1/2-phase and 2-phase excitation. Idle Operating SPI1, 2 SPM0 (φA) SPM1 (φB) SPM2 (φC) SPM3 (φD) Drive A A B B C C D D A A B B C C D D A A phase Figure 5.28 Carriage drive 1/2-phase excitation at low speed SPI1, 2...

  • Page 122: Print Head Control

    5.3.5 Print head control Operation from reading print data to driving the pin magnet is as follows (Figure 5.30): 1. Print data is read from line buffer RAM. 2. Data is sent to the print control LSI, being set to high for dots to be printed. 3.

  • Page 123: Figure 5.31 Print Timing

    If +34 volts goes below the prescribed level during printing, the printer splits one line of printing into three-pass printing to limit the number of pin magnets excited at the same time, thus reducing the power load. If low voltage continues even in three-pass printing, an alarm is generated. Figure 5.31 shows the print timing and waveforms of the head pin magnet drive current.

  • Page 124: Paper Feed Control

    5.3.6 Paper feed control The 4-phase paper feed motor is driven by four signals: LFM0: This signal drives phase A of the paper feed motor. LFM1: This signal drives phase B of the paper feed motor. LFM2: This signal drives phase C of the paper feed motor. LFM3: This signal drives phase D of the paper feed motor.

  • Page 125: Figure 5.33 Paper Feed Speed

    Unlike carriage spacing, paper is fed at only one speed (Figure 5.33), and driving is always done using 2-phase excitation (Figure 5.34). Paper feed speed 5.6 ips Time Figure 5.33 Paper feed speed Idle Operating LFI1, 2 LFM0 (φA) LFM1 (φB) LFM2 (φC)

  • Page 126: Ribbon Shift Control

    5.3.7 Ribbon shift control The 4-phase ribbon shift motor is driven by four signals: CLM0: This signal drives phase A of the ribbon shift motor. CLM1: This signal drives phase B of the ribbon shift motor. CLM2: This signal drives phase C of the ribbon shift motor. CLM3: This signal drives phase D of the ribbon shift motor.

  • Page 127: Figure 5.36 Ribbon Shift Speed

    Unlike carriage spacing, ribbon shifting is only at one speed (Figure 5.36), and driving is always done using 1/2- phase excitation (Figure 5.37). Ribbon shift speed Time Figure 5.36 Ribbon shift speed Ribbon shift stop Ribbon shift in progress Ribbon shift stop CLM00 (0A) CLM01...

  • Page 128: Fire Check Control

    5.3.8 Fire check control Figure 5.38 shows fire check circuits. The fire check protects the carriage motor (SP motor), paper feed motor (LF motor), and color ribbon shift motor (option) from burning out if the control or drive circuit malfunctions. Two types of fire check detections are used ––...

  • Page 129: Figure 5.38 Fire Check Circuits

    d. HDLSI An internal timer is started by HDLSI after the alarm signal is received and the PWSTOP signal is output to the power supply after counting up. If the PWSTOP signal is output, the power supply (+34 V and +5 V circuits) is turned off to keep the SP and LF motors from burning out.

  • Page 130: Control Panel Control

    5.3.9 Control panel control The control panel has 16 LEDs, 7 push-button switches, a buzzer, and an LSI (MB623829) to control them. The switch contact signals and LED drive signals are transmitted between the main board and the control panel through a flat cable.

  • Page 131: Power Supply

    5.3.10 Power Supply There are two types of power supplies: 100-120 VAC input: 29-33026-01 (PW31AA) 220-240 VAC input: 29-33027-01 (PW31BA) The power supply output voltage is +5 V for the logic circuits and +34 V for the printer mechanism drivers (Figure 5.41).
  • Page 132 3-terminal regulator Surge Main Smooth- Smooth- current Noise Rectifier switch- Rectifier +5 V preven- filter circuit circuit inlet circuit circuit tion Fuse circuit circuit Smooth- Rectifier +34 V circuit circuit Over- voltage detec- tion circuit Power stop PWSTOP control circuit Power supply unit Figure 5.41 Power supply block diagram...

  • Page 133: Main Voltage Regulation Switching

    (3) Main voltage regulation switching (Figure 5.41 C) Smoothed DC voltage is converted to high-frequency on/off voltage by changing the frequency and duty of the on/off voltage pulse (Table 5.2). Table 5.2 Voltage regulation switching control Voltage Switching control Regulation control Frequency +5 V Self-activated...
  • Page 134 b. Secondary circuit protection Overcurrent protection (OCP) If a short circuit occurs at the load, overcurrent protection starts for the current range below (Table 5.3) to prevent the current from increasing, thus lowering output voltage. Table 5.3 Overcurrent protection Voltage Overcurrent detection Protection +5 V...

  • Page 135: External Signal

    (5) External signal The power supply receives the PWSTOP signal (Power Stop signal, connector pin No. 2) from other printer components that enables the printer controller to turn off +5 V and +34 V outputs even if problem that can result in power failure occurs outside the power supply.

  • Page 136: Firmware Overview

    5.4 Firmware Overview LA30N/LA30W firmware, stored in ROM, is separated into three independent software groups, –– interpreter control, print control, and base control (Figure 5.43). Epson ESC/P2 IBM Proprinter X24E/XL24E Digital PPL2 Level 1 interrupt Host interface Interpreter control group 1 control, control panel control Print...

  • Page 138: Chapter 6 Recommended Spare Parts

    CHAPTER 6 RECOMMENDED SPARE PARTS The following table lists parts and product numbers to be used when ordering spare parts. It also indicates the sections that explain the replacement. Part name Product number Section to be Remarks LA30N/W referred to Main board with ROM 29-33022-01 4.9.1 (8)
  • Page 139 Part name Product number Section to be Remarks LA30N/W referred to Card guide assy 29-33070-01 4.9.1 (17) Plastic print guide Common Side cover 29-33071-01 (4.9.1 (3)) Shutter for interface port Common Sheet guide sub assy 29-33072-01 ––––– Cut-sheet stand LA30N 29-33222-01 LA30W Timing belt...
  • Page 141 Printed in Ireland...

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