1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. iSys Manuals
  4. Plotter
  5. V8.5
  6. User manual

iSys V8.5 User Manual

Thermal plotter
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

V
8.5
Thermal Plotter

User Guide

V8.5 Thermal Plotter is a product of iSys - The Imagaing Systems Group. © 2005

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the V8.5 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for iSys V8.5

Summary of Contents for iSys V8.5

  • Page 1: User Guide

    Thermal Plotter User Guide V8.5 Thermal Plotter is a product of iSys - The Imagaing Systems Group. © 2005...
  • Page 2 COPYRIGHT NOTICE This document is copyrighted by The Imaging Systems Group Inc., 2000. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, or stored in a retrieval system of any kind without prior written permission of The Imaging Systems Group Inc. TRADEMARKS Centronics is a U.S.
  • Page 3 ATTENTION: The V8.5e plotter generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has been designed to comply with the requirements for Class A computing devices pursuant to Sub-part J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment.
  • Page 4 B of EN55022/A1 May 1998, and the requirements for immunity according to EN55024 1998 residential, commercial, and light industry (Compliance is not valid for unshielded network and printer cables). Vorsicht! – Muss befolgt werden, um Totalverlust oder Beschädigung des Gerätes zu vermeiden.
  • Page 5 Bitte verfahren Sie erst dann weiter, wenn Sie die Bedeutung der vorstehenden Hinweise vollständig verstanden haben. Elektromagnetische Kompatibilität (EMC) USA – Dieses Gerät erzeugt und verbreitet Hochfrequenzenergie und kann daher, sofern es nicht gemäß dem Benutzerhandbuch installiert und benutzt wird, zu Störungen im Hochfrequenz-Kommunikationsverkehr führen.

  • Page 6: Limitation Of Liability

    LIMITATION OF LIABILITY The Imaging Systems Group’s total liability to the purchaser, or to any third party, for damages from any and all causes whatsoever, regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or in tort, including negligence, and any infringement of proprietary rights or any misappropriation or unlawful use of any proprietary rights or property of any third party shall, in the aggregate, be limited to purchase price actually paid by the purchaser for the product relating...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    INTRODUCTION ... 1-1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ... 1-1 MEDIA DESCRIPTION ... 1-1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL ... 1-2 SPECIFICATIONS ... 2-1 FUNCTIONAL ... 2-1 Operation ... 2-1 Media ... 2-3 Thermal printhead ... 2-3 Transport ... 2-4 ELECTRICAL ... 2-4 Interface ... 2-4 Power consumption ...
  • Page 8 OPERATION ... 4 - 1 POWER SUPPLY PRECAUTIONS ... 4-1 USING THE CONTROL PANEL ... 4-2 CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS AND SETTINGS ... 4-5 Changing function settings ... 4-5 Default Settings ... 4-6 Test plot ... 4-6 Contrast ... 4-6 Speed ... 4-7 Media ...
  • Page 9 MEDIA SENSORS ... 5-10 MAINTENANCE ... 6-1 MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES ... 6-2 REGULAR MAINTENANCE ... 6-3 Cleaning the thermal printhead ... 6-4 Cleaning the platen roller ... 6-5 Replacing the fuse ... 6-6 TROUBLESHOOTING ... 7-1 INTRODUCTION ... 7-1 PROBLEMS ... 7-2 Plotter does not plot ...
  • Page 10 INTERFACE CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT ... B-1 CENTRONICS INTERFACE BOARD ... C-1 V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Imaging Systems Group’s V8.5e Thermal Plotter is a high-speed plotter suitable for office or field use. Its small size and lightweight, yet rugged construction makes it durable in mobile situations. The V8.5e uses direct thermal plotting technology, so it requires no liquid or powdered ink.

  • Page 12: About This Manual

    I N T R O D U C T I O N An optional fan-fold paper guide and feeder trays (which attach to the back of the plotter, and below the rackmount plotter) are available from The Imaging Systems Group which stabilizes the paper for smooth intake of fanfold papers.

  • Page 13: Specifications

    * Contrast C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8. * Plot speed select 1”, 2”, 3”, 4” per second. * Media select LP, HP, LF, HF. ~ Scaling (positive and negative) S0, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, SA, SB, SC, SD, SE.
  • Page 14 S P E C I F I C A T I O N S Settings marked with (*) are used exclusively with bi-modal plotting. Settings marked with (#) are used exclusively with grayscale plotting. Settings marked with (~) are used with both bi-modal and grayscale plotting.

  • Page 15: Media

    S P E C I F I C A T I O N S Media Types Width Maximum length Fan-fold guides Feeder trays Thermal printhead Type Resolution Dots per scan Bytes per scan Image width V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002 Thermal sensitive paper or film. Rolled paper with 7/16 inch spool core.

  • Page 16: Transport

    S P E C I F I C A T I O N S Transport Stepper motor Stepping resolution ELECTRICAL Interface Type Compatibility Data cable Power consumption Idle mode Plot or print mode Power requirements Voltage Current Fuse 2- 4 Micro-step.

  • Page 17: Physical

    S P E C I F I C A T I O N S PHYSICAL Dimensions Height Width Depth Weight ENVIRONMENTAL Temperature Operating range Storage range Other Operating humidity Certification V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002 Rackmount 3.5 inches 19 inches 12.5 inches 23 pounds 32º...

  • Page 18: Installation

    INSTALLATION UNPACKING Plotter AC Power Cord Manual & Warranty Card Head Cleaning Pen Although shipments are thoroughly checked for completeness by The Imaging Systems Group Inc., confirm that your plotter has the following: Confirm that any specified options are present, such as a data cable or fan-fold guide.

  • Page 19: Mounting And Positioning

    I N S T A L L A T I O N Inspect the plotter and components for any damage that may have occurred during shipment. Report any damage to the carrier of the shipment, and to your Imaging Systems Group Inc. product representitive.

  • Page 20: Interface Setup

    I N S T A L L A T I O N INTERFACE SETUP Plug the power cord into a grounded AC outlet only. Avoid sharing an outlet that is also powering other noise-generating equipment. The V8.5e comes equipped with a Versatec short line TTL (transistor to transistor logic) interface.

  • Page 21: Installing Rolled Paper

    I N S T A L L A T I O N Installing rolled paper The V8.5e plotter comes with a sample roll of thermal sensitive paper. To install rolled paper: 1. Loosen the rackmount thumbscrews and pull the plotter forward on the rails.
  • Page 22 I N S T A L L A T I O N Control Panel Power Latch Figure 3-1 AC receptacle Screws AC Power & Fuse Back Panel Screws Data port Figure 3-2 Back Panel V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002...
  • Page 23 I N S T A L L A T I O N Roll Figure 3-3. Roll paper and film path Figure 3-4 Roll paper installed V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002...
  • Page 24 I N S T A L L A T I O N Figure 3-5 Opening the plotter Lid Latch Bar V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002...

  • Page 25: Installing Fan-Fold Paper

    I N S T A L L A T I O N Installing fan-fold paper 1. Loosen the rackmount thumbscrews and pull the plotter forward on the rails. 2. Release the lid assembly by grasping underneath the black latch bar and pulling it upwards (Figure 3-5). Open the plotter lid by lifting it straight upwards.

  • Page 26: Installing Rolled Film

    I N S T A L L A T I O N CAUTION: Before plotting or testing on any print media, make sure that the media setting is correct. Incorrect settings may result in damage to the printhead and warranty. The media may also be damaged. VORSICHT: Bevor Sie mit dem Plotten oder Testdrucken auf einem Druckmedium beginnen, versichern Sie sich, dass die Einstellungen für das Druckmedium korrekt sind.
  • Page 27 I N S T A L L A T I O N Figure 3-6 Spindle blocks Spindle blocks (1 per side) Figure 3- 7. Fanfold guide path 3-10 V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002...

  • Page 28: Operation

    O P E R A T I O N POWER SUPPLY PRECAUTIONS Turn off the power switch on the plotter before doing any of the following: 1. Unplugging the plotter 2. Cleaning the printhead CAUTION: Take care not to discharge static into the plotter. This may cause damage to the integrated circuits or other electronic components.

  • Page 29: Using The Control Panel

    O P E R A T I O N USING THE CONTROL PANEL To turn the plotter on, press the main power switch at the front of the plotter. The LED display “moves in circular motion” during bootup, followed by the ONLINE LED illuminating. When the ONLINE LED is on, the plotter is ready to receive data from the host.
  • Page 30 O P E R A T I O N l f f Table 4-1. Control panel button functions Table 4-1 shows the control panel button functions. The up and down arrows access function sub-menu settings after the menu is accessed using the menu button. V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002 l i t...
  • Page 31 o t t...

  • Page 32: Control Panel Functions And Settings

    O P E R A T I O N CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS AND SETTINGS See Table 4-2 for default settings and organization. Changing function settings For easy reference in this section, the buttons are referred to as numbers 1, 2, and 3, from top to bottom. (See Table 4-1 for button labels and functions.) 1.

  • Page 33: Default Settings

    O P E R A T I O N Default Settings To restore the default settings of the plotter, press and hold the menu button (button 3) while powering the plotter on. The display will briefly show “dF” during the boot up sequence, indicating that the default menu items have been loaded.

  • Page 34: Speed

    O P E R A T I O N If the contrast needs further adjusting, change the contrast setting by starting at the lowest value, adjust the contrast upwards one value at a time, testing after each adjustment. This is particularly important when using lightweight papers or papers with unknown specifications.

  • Page 35: Media

    O P E R A T I O N Media The media function adjusts the time that the printhead is turned on (strobe time) to create an image on the media based upon the media type selected. The default setting is light paper. When the plotter is set to film or grayscale mode the printhead’s requirement for strobe times is raised.

  • Page 36: Scaling

    O P E R A T I O N Scaling The scaling function stretches or shrinks the plot over a 36-inch length of plot with settings being S0 through SE. The default setting is (S 2). To determine if scaling is needed, plot a job of a known length and measure it.

  • Page 37: Emulation (Vertical Resolution)

    O P E R A T I O N Emulation (vertical resolution) The emulation function adjusts the vertical resolution of the plot (along the media length). The settings are P0, n0, P3, and n3. P0 and n0 are used with 200 scans/inch of plot data. The default setting (P3) is 203 scans per inch (equal to 203 dots per inch- dpi).
  • Page 38 O P E R A T I O N PF - Programmable advance past Top of Form- This feature allows the V8.5e to line up with the beginning of pages when a media whose TOF marks do not meet the V8.5e specifications. NOTE: iSys recommends only the use of approved media in the V8.5e which has been qualified to increase plotter life and produce higher q u a l i t y p l o t s .

  • Page 39: Bytes Per Scan

    O P E R A T I O N Bytes per scan The SCANWDTH function adjusts the scan width of the plot, defined in bytes per line. The default scan width is b1 (216 bytes per scan). Menu settings are: b1, b2, g1, g2, g3, and g4. b1 —...

  • Page 40: Grayscale Media Table Number

    O P E R A T I O N Grayscale media table number t1 - media calibration table for media 1. t2 - media calibration table for media 2. These tables have preset values for imaging on two different medias while in grayscale mode.
  • Page 41 Byte 5: 4-14 speed 1”=21 1.0 inches/sec 2”=22 2.0 inches/sec 3”=23 3.0 inches/sec 4”=24 4.0 inches/sec No Change=00 media LP=31 Light Paper HP=32 Heavy Paper LF=33 Light Film HF=34 Heavy Film No Change=00 scaling S0=41 No Scale S1=42 S2=43 S3=44 S4=45 S5=46 S6=47 +/- 1/16”...
  • Page 42 O P E R A T I O N Byte 6: scaling scaling scaling scaling Byte 7: Byte 8: Byte 9: V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002 emulation P0=51 200 scans/inch vertical n0=52 200 scans/inch vertical P3=53 203 scans/inch vertical n3=54 203 scans/inch vertical No Change=00 formfeed F2=61...

  • Page 43: Error Messages

    O P E R A T I O N Byte 10: Example: To set the plotter to: If the V8.5E accepts the setup string, the display will flash If there are any errors in the string, such as an out of range value on one of the numbers, or any other errors in the string format, the plotter will not accept the string, no reconfiguration will take place, and the error LED will flash twice.
  • Page 44 O P E R A T I O N 4.4 FEHLERMELDUNGEN 1. Medien leer: Am Plotter erscheint eine kleine quadratische blinkende Anzeige und die Fehleranzeige blinkt. Zur Behebung dieses Fehler muss neues Aufzeichnungsmaterial geladen werden. Der Plotter muss erneut online geschaltet werden, um den Plotting- Vorgang fortzuführen.

  • Page 45: Theory Of Operation

    T H E O R Y O F O P E R A T I O N INTRODUCTION The V8.5e plotter uses thermal technology to convert data from the host computer into plotted output. Host data enters the plotter main logic circuitry via the data port, and passes through the interface to the data buffer on the main logic board.
  • Page 46 Data Input 8-bit Parallel Data Interface Decoder MODE Figure 5-1. Functional block diagram Non- Data volitile Buffer Micro controller Character generator Sensor Pod ROM (print mode) 24 V C Power Input Supply Motor 5 V DC Power Supply Temperature Feedback Thermal Printhead Parallel...

  • Page 47: Stepper Motor

    T H E O R Y Stepper motor The V8.5e uses a bipolar, two-phase stepper motor. The motor is micro-step driven, requiring 200 full steps for one rotation of the motor shaft. There are 32 micro-steps per full step. Thus the motor makes 6400 micro-steps for each rotation.
  • Page 48 T H E O R Y Table 5-2 Data Transfer Note that the plotter goes busy after receiving each byte. The plotter goes busy for longer periods during the execution of remote functions, when the input buffer is full, or when an error occurs. Table 5-3 shows the timing relationships for the remote functions.
  • Page 49 T H E O R Y g i S l a n c i n Table 5-3. Remote function signals V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002 O P E R A T I O N g i S l a n g i S l a n l e v e t o...

  • Page 50: Data Rates

    T H E O R Y Data rates The plotter accommodates a wide range of data rates. The speed of the plotter can be set to 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 inches per second. To achieve a consistent plot rate at a certain speed setting requires minimum data rates.

  • Page 51: Scan Width

    T H E O R Y O P E R A T I O N Scan width Scan width settings sent from host software can specify the number of bytes of data that will be plotted on a line. The maximum setting that data can be rastered to is 264 bytes per scan.

  • Page 52: Print Mode

    T H E O R Y Print mode When the host asserts the PRINT mode signal, the plotter can generate ASCII characters. Table 5-5 shows the timing relationships for print mode signals. Table 5-5. Mode signals ASCII characters are produced as plot patterns on a 16 x 20 dot matrix through the use of a Character Generator ROM.

  • Page 53: Thermal Printhead

    T H E O R Y O P E R A T I O N THERMAL PRINTHEAD The thermal printhead is comprised of a row of 1728 heater elements (nibs). Each bit within a scan addresses an individual nib. Plot patterns are generated one scan at a time, each scan consisting of a horizontal row of dots.

  • Page 54: Film Media

    T H E O R Y O P E R A T I O N Film media When the plotter is set to film mode, the strobe length is increased to accommodate the thicker media. The plot speed is set to 1.0 inch per second to allow the longer strobe length and to maintain plot quality.

  • Page 55: Maintenance

    MAINTENANCE NOTE: Do not attempt to repair or modify any component of the V8.5e. If a component fails, it may be replaced free of charge in accord- ance with the warranty procedures in this manual. Attempting unau- thorized repairs or modifications will void the warranty and invalidate safety approvals.

  • Page 56: Maintenance Guidelines

    M A I N T E N A N C E This symbol indicates an area of possible concern due to static discharge into the circuitry. When you see this symbol in the manual, please observe proper static pre- cautions to minimize damage to the circuitry. Dieses Symbol warnt davor, dass es in diesen Bereichen möglicherweise zu statischen Entladungen an den Schaltkreisen kommen kann.

  • Page 57: Regular Maintenance

    M A I N T E N A N C E REGULAR MAINTENANCE The V8.5e thermal plotter is engineered to require minimal preventative maintenance. If the thermal printhead and platen roller are cleaned regularly, and the plotter is kept free of debris, extra maintenance should rarely be required.

  • Page 58: Cleaning The Thermal Printhead

    M A I N T E N A N C E Cleaning the thermal printhead After prolonged use, the thermal printhead picks up fibres from the media passing under it. These fine fibres collect and compact on portions of the printhead, blocking the contact it makes with the paper during a plot and causing faded patches.

  • Page 59: Cleaning The Platen Roller

    M A I N T E N A N C E 2. Moisten (do not soak) a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton swab with 99% pure isopropyl alcohol. Rub gently along the length of the printhead, removing any buildup of residue on the printhead. 3.

  • Page 60: Replacing The Fuse

    M A I N T E N A N C E Replacing the fuse The fuse is located in a clip next to the AC receptacle. Figure 3-2. 1. Unplug the power cable from the AC receptacle. 2. Insert a small screwdriver into the slot on the fuse clip to release it from the AC receptacle.

  • Page 61: Troubleshooting

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G INTRODUCTION This chapter provides a list of problems that may be encountered with the V8.5e, and gives possible causes and solutions for these problems. To use this chapter, locate the problem from the list. Follow the steps in order, referring to Chapter 6, Maintenance, where necessary.

  • Page 62: Plotter Does Not Plot

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G PROBLEMS Plotter does not plot Possible causes: Solutions: 1. Check the media supply. Install more media if necessary as described in Chapter 3, Installation. 2. Check that the media is installed correctly and the plotter lid is securely closed.

  • Page 63: Plot Has Vertical White Stripes

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Plot has vertical white stripes F i g u r e 7 - 3 . P l o t w i t h v e r t i c a l w h i t e s t r i p e s Possible causes: Solutions: 1.

  • Page 64: Plot Is Blotchy Or Faded

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Plot is blotchy or faded Figure 7-4 . Blotchy or faded plot This problem originates from inconsistent printhead pressure across the platen roller during plotting. Possible causes: Solutions: 1.

  • Page 65: Plot Contrast Is Weak

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Plot contrast is weak Possible causes: Solutions: 1. Check that the media is installed correctly and the plotter lid is securely closed. The top of the lid should be flush with the top of the side panels.

  • Page 66: Plot Has Black Vertical Lines

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Plot has black vertical lines F i g u r e 7 - 6 . P l o t w i t h b l a c k v e r t i c a l l i n e s Possible Cause: Solution: 1.

  • Page 67: Plot Is Wrong Length

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Plot is wrong length If you suspect that a plot is the wrong length, plot a job of a known length and measure it. Possible causes: Solutions: 1.

  • Page 68: Plotter Has No Power

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G 3. If the lid does not close securely, or if the head pressure is too low, contact your authorized service center. Plotter has no power Possible Cause: Solution: 1.

  • Page 69: Plot Output Speed Is Erratic

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Plot output speed is erratic Possible Cause: Solution: 1. Lower the plot speed setting on the control panel as described in Chapter 4, Page 4-7. V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002 Plotter speed is set too high.

  • Page 70: Burning Smell During Plot, Or "Blooming

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Burning smell during plot, or “blooming” present on output Figure 7-7 . “Blooming” plot Possible Cause: Media setting is incorrect. The thermal Solution: 1. Change the media setting on the control panel as described in Chapter 4.

  • Page 71: Form Feed Stops Before Desired Length

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G VORSICHT: Bei der thermischen Plottertechnologie entstehen hohe Temperaturen. Ungeeignete Medien oder falsche Kontrasteinstellungen können den Druckkopf oder andere Bauteile beschädigen und zu Verlust der Garantie führen. Auch können Beschädigungen an den Medien entstehen.

  • Page 72: Plot Is Skewed Or Unreadable

    T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Plot is skewed or unreadable Figure 7-8 . Skewed plot Possible Cause: The scan width is incorrect. Solution: 1. Adjust the scan width (byte count) in your host software to 216 bytes or less.

  • Page 73: Warranty

    W A R R A N T Y The Imaging Systems Group Inc. (iSys) warrants our V8.5e plotters to be free from defects in materials and workmanship as follows: · Labour and parts are warranted for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase.
  • Page 74 W A R R A N T Y TERMS and CONDITIONS of Hot Swap and Post Hot Swap The product MUST be returned in the original or proper packing material including any anti-static packaging. Any products damaged in shipping due to inadequate packing will not be accepted by iSys.

  • Page 75: Ascii Tables

    A P P E N D I X A S C I I MSN: Most significant nibble LSN: Least Table A-1. Normal ASCII character set Table A-2. ASCII control code character set V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002 T A B L E S significant nibble "...

  • Page 76: Interface Connector Pin Assignment

    A P P E N D I X INTERFACE CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT Table B-1. Versatec cable pin outs (straight through) V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002...
  • Page 77 I N T E R F A C E C O N N E C T O R P I N A S S I G N M E N T Table B-2. Centronics cable pin outs (straight through) V8.5e Rev 2.2.2002...
  • Page 78 A P P E N D I X CENTRONICS INTERFACE BOARD The new Centronics adapter (rev1-2) implements some improve- ments over the previous (rev1-1) adapter card. These include: a) Rev 1-2 cards will accept either of the two data transfer methods described below automatically;...
  • Page 79 C E N T R O N I C S I N T E R F A C E B O A R D Once the V8.5E Centronics adapter is set to raster mode it will remain in raster mode until the init line of the host Centronics port is pulsed or the plotter power is cycled.
  • Page 80 C E N T R O N I C S I N T E R F A C E B O A R D Specifying XX YY at values greater than those indicated will cause the V8.5E to terminate scans incorrectly. 1B 4X and control characters Other commands that can be sent to the V8.5E Centronics adapter:...

Table of Contents

Save PDF