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Test Modes and Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting

132

As soon as the data is 
sent to plotter, pen car-
riage or media do not 
move at all. Display 
shows WORKING. 
Processing Indicator 
LED lights.

Origin point might be set at 
lower left although the plot data 
was created based on center 
origin.

Check the origin setting.

Origin

Origin point seems to 
be shifted to center, 
although origin button 
was not pressed.

Origin point might be set at 
center although the plot data 
was created based on lower 
left origin.

Check the origin setting.

Origin

As soon as the data is 
sent to the plotter, the 
media comes off then 
MEDIA END message 
appears.

ROLL-1 or ROLL-2 is selected 
for sheet media and the origin 
is set as center.

Select SHEET for sheet media.

Loading media

COMMAND ERROR 
message appears.

Data from PC was not received 
correctly.

INSTRUCTION NOT 
RECOGNIZED mes-
sage appears.

Data from PC was not received 
correctly.

Plotter does not cut 
beyond certain length.

PAGE LENGTH is not set cor-
rectly.

Check the cut area by pressing 
the ENTER key. Set PAGE 
LENGTH correctly.

Page Length

Too much pen up/
down action is per-
formed.

TANGENTIAL EMULATION is 
enabled.

Normal. If TANGENTIAL is dis-
played on the READY menu, 
change condition number on 
which TANGENTIAL EMULA-
TION is not enabled or disable 
the EMULATION.

Tangential Emu-
lation

Plotter cuts on foot 
print of grit rollers.

EXPAND setting is enabled.

Set EXPAND to zero if neces-
sary.

Expand

Cutting CONDITION 
setting can not be 
changed.

DATA SORTING is enabled.

Normal. Disable DATA SORT-
ING if necessary.

Data Sorting

Currently selected cut-
ting conditions are dis-
regarded or cannot be 
changed.

The parameter priority setting 
is set to program mode.

The ENTER key was not 
pressed after changing set-
tings.

Change the parameter from 
priority setting to manual mode.

Verify setting the conditions 
correctly.

Setting Cutting 
Conditions

Setting Cutting 
Conditions

Table 6: Plotter does not operate properly

Problem

Cause

Solution

See section

Summary of Contents for FC5100-100

Page 1: ...FC5100 user manual Graphtec Part No 53801 084T Rev A 4 The specifications etc in this manual are subject to change without notice Printed in USA ...

Page 2: ... plotter that incorporates a 16 bit CPU and digital servo drive system for highly precise cutting of color adhesive film at high speed For more information about Graphtec and Graphtec products visit Graphtec s home pages at www graphtecusa com USA Canada South America www graphteccorp com Other regions ...

Page 3: ......

Page 4: ...alling the Accuload System 22 Connecting the Plotter 24 Connecting to the Computer 24 Connecting to the Power 25 Power to the Plotter 25 Chapter 3 Cutters and Holders 27 Blade Application and Features 27 Cutter Pen Nomenclature 28 PHP32 CB09N Cutter Pen 28 PHP32 CB15N Cutter Pen 28 PHP31 CB15 Cutter Pen 28 PHP32 CB09 Cutter Pen 28 PHP32 CB15 Cutter Pen 28 Replacing the Cutter Blade 28 Cutter Offse...

Page 5: ...INUE 46 Initializing Routine 47 ROLL 1 47 ROLL 2 48 SHEET 48 CONTINUE 48 Setting Conditions 49 Select the Tool from the Menu 50 TANGENTIAL mode 51 Cutter Conditions 51 To Change the Cutter Force 51 To Change the Cutter Speed 52 To Change the Cutter Quality 52 To Change the Cutter Offset 53 Fine Adjustment 53 Running Cutting Tests 53 Test 1 54 Test 2 55 Cutting Pro 55 Plotter Pen Conditions 56 Pen ...

Page 6: ... the Pen 70 BUFFER CLEAR Clearing the Buffer 70 FEED Advancing the Media 71 ORIGIN Setting the Origin in HP GL Mode 72 AREA Setting the Cutting Area 73 EXPAND Expanding the Cut Area 76 PAGE LENGTH Setting the Length of the Page with Roll Media 78 ROTATE Rotating the Coordinate Axes 79 MIRROR Reversing the Image 80 SCALE Enlarging Reducing an Image Size 81 DATA SORTING Sorting the Cut Data 82 AXIS ...

Page 7: ...ol COMMAND 109 Pen UP DOWN for the W Command 110 Condition Priority 110 Pen Select 111 Initial Blade Control Position INITIAL BLADE CONTROL 112 Length Unit 112 UP Movement Control PEN UP MOVE 113 Media Sensor Control 114 Pinch Roller Sensor Control 114 Check Pen 115 Background Settings for HP GL 116 LANGUAGE SELECTION 116 Model No Response MODEL EMULATED 116 Condition Priority 117 Pen Select 118 I...

Page 8: ...ting the Data Transmitting Conditions 145 COMMAND Selecting the Command Mode 146 Centronics Compatible Parallel Interface 146 Specifications 147 Electrical Characteristics 147 Input Output Circuitry 147 Input Output Timing Chart 148 Pin Assignment of the Parallel Connector 148 RS 232C Serial Interface 148 Pin Assignment of the Serial Connector 149 Cable Connection 150 Chapter 9 Specifications 151 ...

Page 9: ... REG MARK 169 The Registration Mark Pattern 170 The Registration Mark Location 170 The Registration Mark Reading Area 171 The Position of the Origin Point 172 Media For Which Registration Marks Cannot Be Detected 173 If Registration Mark Can Not Be Automatically Recognized 173 Specifying the Registration Mark Mode 173 Axis alignment method 173 Scanning Methods 174 Selecting the Axis Alignment Meth...

Page 10: ... Sensing Function 190 2 Pen Manual 193 Attaching a Cutter Pen 193 Attaching a Writing Pen to the Pen Station 195 Setting of the Pen Assignment 196 Setting of the Pen Offset 196 Chapter 11 Appendix 199 Compliance Information Statement 199 EC Declaration of Conformity 200 ...

Page 11: ...ill cause injury to the Operator WARNUNG Es besteht Verletzungsgefahr Handling the Cutting Blades WARNING Sharp cutter blades are used with this plotter Handle the cutter blades and holders with care to prevent bodily injury WARNUNG Benutzen Sie diese Messer vorsichtig um Verletzungen zu vermeiden Cutter blades are very sharp While handling a cutter blade or cutter pen be careful to avoid cutting ...

Page 12: ... bodily injury do not touch the pen tip after the plotter is turned on WARNUNG Um das Risiko einer Verletzung herabzusetzen sollten Sie niemals das messer berühren während der Schneidplotter arbeitet Follow the procedure below to attach a cutter pen to the pen carriage Sharp Blade 1 Make sure that the pen holder screw is loose 2 While positioning the pen holder upward push the cutter pen all the w...

Page 13: ...pen has two flanges and must be fully seated the pen holder is engaged on the second flange before tighten the screw CAUTION The cutter must be prop erly seated the pen holder is engaged on the flange before tighten the screw Flange Bracket to hold pen Upper groove Flange Bracket to hold pen Flange Bracket to hold pen ...

Page 14: ...ions Keep hands hair clothing and other objects out of the vicinity of the pen car riage grit rollers and loaded media To prevent operator injury and poor cutting results be careful not to allow hands hair clothing or other foreign objects to become entangled with the pen carriage or loaded media while the plotter is operating Um das Risiko einer Verletzung herabzusetzen Halten Sie Hände Haare und...

Page 15: ...wing regarding the working environment of your plot ter Avoid use or storage of the plotter in locations subject to direct sunlight or the direct draft from air conditioning Avoid locations which are extremely dusty Achtung Fur weitere informat ionen leses Sie bille diese handbuch bevor Sie mil Arbeil beginnen Sharle Kante Halten Sie Handem Haare und Kleidung fere bewigien leiten ...

Page 16: ...n the system For more information see Test Modes and Trou bleshooting To prevent malfunctions of the plot ter s sensors position the plotter at least one meter 3 feet away from flu orescent lamps electric lamps and any other source of indoor illumina tion Notes on Use Be sure to observe the following on the use of your plotter CAUTION Make sure your computer and power sources are adequately ground...

Page 17: ...otter operation be sure to observe the following precautions Never lubricate the mechanisms of the plotter Clean the plotter s casing using a dry cloth that has been moistened in a neutral detergent diluted with water Never use thinner benzene alcohol or similar solvents to clean the casings they will damage the casing s finish Clean the cutting mat using a dry cloth In case of stubborn stains use...

Page 18: ...e Plotter When your plotter is not in use be sure to observe the following points Remove the pen attached to the penholder Cover the plotter with a cloth to protect it from dust and dirt Do not store the plotter in direct sunlight or in high temperatures ...

Page 19: ...Special Precautions Storing the Plotter 18 ...

Page 20: ...resent If any accessory is missing contact your sales representative or the nearest Graphtec dealer Accessories The Stand Kit is an option for the FC5100 75 and is standard for both the FC5100 100 and FC5100 130 cutters Power cord The configuration pictured may differ from the actual cord supplied Cutter Pen Set Cutter holder PHP32 CB09N with two CB09UA cutter blades RS 232 cable with adapter US m...

Page 21: ...ing loading or unloading media 7 Accuload Used to carry rolled media and ensure its proper rotation 8 Paper Sensors The front sensor is used to sense the leading edge of the media The rear sensor is used to sense the trailing edge of the media 9 Parallel Interface Connector Used to connect the plotter to the computer with a Centronics compatible parallel interface cable 10 Pen Carriage Moves the p...

Page 22: ...e stock roller 15 Serial Interface Connector Used to connect the plotter to the computer with a RS 232 serial interface cable 16 Stock Rollers Area of the media stocker where the media is mounted 17 USB Connector Used to connect the plotter to the computer with a USB inter face cable 18 Pen Station Part of Two Pen Option 19 Stand Used to make the plotter more portable and free up counter space 14 ...

Page 23: ... over tighten The bracket should rotate easily NOTE When attaching the bracket onto the cutter use the foam shipping cover to pro tect the cutter CAUTION Do not lay the cutter on it s back side this may damage the Media Set Lever 3 Insert an M4 screw in the third hole from the front side of the plotter 4 Secure the first screw 5 Secure the second screw 6 Repeat steps 1 5 with the left Media Bracke...

Page 24: ...ws to ensure accurate media loading The Accu load system may not function properly if even one of the screws is loose NOTE Be sure to place the plotter on an acceptable work surface Refer to dimen sions below FC5100 75 45 inches 114cm wide by 19 inches 48cm deep FC5100 100 57 inches 144cm wide by 19 inches 48cm deep FC5100 130 67 inches 170cm wide by 19 inches 48cm deep Media Alignment Bar Groove ...

Page 25: ...If you are using a Centronics compatible parallel interface cable connect the 36 pin connector to the Parallel connector on the plotter and lock the levers If you are using a USB connentor connect the connector to the USB connector on the plotter 2 Connect the 9 pin connector to the connector on the computer COM port and tighten the screws If your computer has a 25 pin connector port use the 9 pin...

Page 26: ...d off the O side of the POWER switch is depressed 2 Connect the plotter to a computer and then configure your software application to the desired interface conditions if the RS 232 C serial interface is used command mode and programmable resolu tion 3 Connect one end of the provided power cord to the plotter s AC line inlet then connect the other end of the power cord to an electrical socket of th...

Page 27: ...Out of the Box Connecting the Plotter 26 ...

Page 28: ...table for cutting media from 0 25 mm to 0 5 mm thick CB15UA supersteel 1 5 mm 0 75 PHP32 CB15N For cutting high intensity reflective media CB15UB supersteel 1 5 mm 0 75 PHP32 CB15N For cutting small characters on mono vinyl chloride media Suitable for cutting small size characters that are less than 10mm CB15U K30 supersteel 1 5 mm 0 75 PHP32 CB15N or PHP32 CB15 For cutting sandblast rubber The sh...

Page 29: ...meter Replacing the Cutter Blade WARNING Will cause injury to the operator Various types of plungers are available which correspond to the diameter and type of blade used Check the cutter blade you are going to use and its appropri ate cutter offset value against the table below Plunger cap Cap A blade B adjustment Protective Plunger Holder Cutter Holder Blade length knob red Plunger Spring Cutter...

Page 30: ...ade and spring into the hole 6 Reattach cap to the plunger Cutter pen Color classification Compatible blade types Blade Material Cutter offset values PHP32 CB09N Blue CB09UA Supersteel 18 2 PHP32 CB15N Red CB15U CB15U K30 CB15UB Supersteel Supersteel Supersteel 28 2 28 2 5 5 PHP31 CB15 Red CB15 10C CB15 05S Ceramic Sapphire 18 2 9 2 CAUTION The pen has two flanges and must be fully seated the pen ...

Page 31: ...ise until the blade tip is visible NOTE If the blade does not rotate smoothly or the blade falls off after attaching the cut ter pen to the pen carriage the inside of the holder is insufficiently lubricated Apply the provided grease to the three 3 points indicated by arrows in the fig ure above NOTE The blades can also be replaced from the front of the plunger 1 Turn the blade adjustment knob full...

Page 32: ...ment knob in a clockwise direction Direction A until the blade tip reaches a suitable length 2 Observe the scale on the plunger cap to deter mine how far to move the blade When the knob is turned the distance of one scale unit the blade moves 0 1 mm One full turn moves the blade 0 5 mm Obtaining the Correct Blade Length The blade length should never be greater than the combined thickness of the me...

Page 33: ...Cutters and Holders Blade Length 32 ...

Page 34: ...nges Depending on the menu being displayed these keys are used to Load a group of cutting conditions retained in the plotter s memory Select the desired submenu Select the desired parameters Position Keys All four keys are used to move the pen carriage when setting a function that requires the specification of a coordinate position The moving speed of the pen carriage can be controlled in two leve...

Page 35: ...etting Conditions in this chapter for details CAUTION Excessive speed and quality parameters in the CONDITION mode may trigger the position alarm to reset the system or cause system overload An over loaded system triggers the product s circuit protection Should the system overload causing the power to shut down turn off the power switch and unplug the power cord Wait 5 to 10 minutes then reconnect...

Page 36: ...essing the select key indi cated by a box Menu Function Selection Sub Menus NEXT NEXT PEN UP DOWN BUFFER CLEAR FEED NEXT INTERFACE AREA PARAMETERS STEP SIZE GP GL FUNCTION 1 RS 232C FUNCTION 2 COMMAND ORIGIN GP GL AREA EXPAND PAGE LENGTH ROTATE MIRROR SCALE DATA SORTING AXIS ALIGNMENT AUTO PRE FEED TANGENTIAL EMULATION NEXT LANGUAGE SELECTION BACKGROUND SETTINGS OPTION 1 ENGLISH OPTION 2 PEN UP SP...

Page 37: ... Dutch English French German Hungarian Italian Japanese Norwegian Por tuguese Spanish and Swedish Press the ENTER key to select the desired language then next menu appears with selected language Press the MENU key to cancel menu mode Method 2 Turn the power on while pressing the DOWN ARROW key the Menu selection display then appears Press the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to scroll through the languages ...

Page 38: ...is selected If HL is diplayed the HP GL com mand set is selected If you have already loaded media the MEDIA TYPE menu appears NOTE CONTINUE does not appear in the MEDIA TYPE menu during the first initial ization after turning the power on All the menus in this section include CON TINUE assuming that it is in the second or a later initialization If no media is loaded you are prompted to do so Press...

Page 39: ...the arrow keys to move the pen carriage Sheet Media CAUTION To avoid damaging the cutting mat make sure to set the media type to SHEET when using sheet media Whenever possible use sheet media of rectangular shape To load sheet media Lower the media set lever to raise the pinch rollers Load the media in the plotter Use the yellow markings to locate the grit rollers Place the media so that its edges...

Page 40: ... in the center of the media CAUTION The location of the middle pinch roller on the FC5100 100 and FC5100 130 cutting plotters effects the cutter s performance If the middle pinch roller is not positioned in the center range of the media and located over the grit roller the media will not feed evenly CAUTION When cutting narrow media that is 10 inches or less the position of the left and middle pin...

Page 41: ...nch roller over the right side of the media Raise the media set lever to lower the pinch roll ers Lower the pinch rollers raise the lever and pull the vinyl out from the alignment bar Turn on the power if it is off Plotter performs the initialization routine Loading of the media is complete Roll Media To load rolled media Place the roll of media on the media stocker Use the yellow markings to loca...

Page 42: ... Load the media in the plotter as shown Wrap media behind and around the media alignment shaft While keeping ten sion on the vinyl adjust the edges of the vinyl so that both edges match accu rately Pinch Roller Media Alignment Bar Media Sensor Grit Roller Media Alignment Bar No Good Good ...

Page 43: ...media or grit rollers The FC5100 100 and FC5100 130 cutting plotters have a mid dle pinch roller that should be positioned in the center of the media CAUTION The location of the middle pinch roller on the FC5100 100 and FC5100 130 cutting plotters effects the cutter s performance If the middle pinch roller is not positioned in the center range of the media and located over the grit roller the medi...

Page 44: ...l and pinch rollers NOTE The length of the media at the front of the plotter should be sufficient to com pletely cover the paper sensor If the front edge extends too far when you have pulled the media taut wind the media back onto the roll Hold the media down Check that there is no slack in the media between the roll and the front edge reposition the media roll if necessary Turn the roll of media ...

Page 45: ...nt before starting the cutting operation Next use the plotter s feed function to feed out the specified amount of media needed for your cutting operation Turn on the power if it is off Plotter performs the initialization routine Loading of the media is complete V 1 12 GL Buffer RAM Checking ...

Page 46: ...eading edge Press the F1 key to select ROLL 1 The initialization routine is executed to determine the paper size and origin point CUT AREA shows the effective cut area that is determined by the position of the pinch roller and the page length setting ROLL 2 ROLL 2 detects the width but the leading edge of the roll media is not detected and the coordinate origin is initialized with respect to the c...

Page 47: ...leshooting SHEET SHEET detects the width and both the leading and trailing edges of the media Press the F3 key to select SHEET The initialization routine is executed to determine the paper size and origin point CUT AREA shows the effective cut area that is determined by the position of the pinch roller and the page length setting CONTINUE The CONTINUE function is useful and will save time if you i...

Page 48: ...tter blade and media being used For details see Setting Conditions Initializing Routine ROLL 1 1 During initialization the pen carriage moves right until it detects the mechani cal home position 2 The pen carriage then moves left until it detects the left hand side of the media edge 3 It then returns to the right edge of the media 4 The media is fed backwards until the media s leading edge is dete...

Page 49: ...tects the left hand side of the media edge 3 It then returns to the right edge of the media 4 The media is fed backwards until the media s leading edge is detected 5 The media is then fed forward until the media s trailing edge is found 6 The media is fed backwards until the pen carriage locates the lower left posi tion of the cutting area CONTINUE CONTINUE does not perform initialization but begi...

Page 50: ...NDITION 6 To get the factory default setup conditions for the sandblast with tangential emulation turned off press the F2 key Using tangential emulation will give better results when cutting sandblast media For more details see TAN GENTIAL EMULATION CONDITION 7 To get the factory default setup conditions for a user selected condition press the F3 key CONDITION 8 The factory default setup condition...

Page 51: ... tool you wish to change Press the CONDITION key to select the tool Press the F4 key to select the tool you wish to use A blinking cursor appears next to your choice Press the RIGHT or LEFT ARROW key to scroll through the tool selection Select one of the following cutter blades CB09Ux CB15 10Ux CB15Ux CB15U K30x CB15 10Cx CB15 05Sx CB15 10Ux CB15UBx Condition Comments Tool Force Speed Quality Offs...

Page 52: ...de to cover additional selection of media For details see Tangen tial Emulation in Advanced Functions and Settings Cutter Condi tions To change the setting of a group of conditions press function keys F1 through F4 corresponding to the number of the group you wish to change For example press the F1 key to select CONDITION 1 If the CONDITION 5 appears then press the F1 key again to select CONDITION...

Page 53: ... 100 If you wish to change another parameter then Press the F1 key to change FORCE Press the F3 key to change QUALITY Press the F4 key to change OFFSET If all of the parameters are set press the ENTER key to register your setting TO CHANGE THE CUTTER QUALITY Press the F3 key to change QUALITY The blinking cursor indicates that you can change its setting Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to raise or l...

Page 54: ... the settings as described in Cutter Conditions WARNING The cutter pen starts moving as soon as a cutting test is selected To avoid bodily injury and damage to the plotter load the media before pressing the TEST key and keep your hands face and other objects out of the vicinity of the cutting mat and media The cutter condition is critical to achieve the best cut quality and to increase the life of...

Page 55: ...length if the scratch is so heavy that it cuts the liner the blade should be shortened 4 Change the parameters as needed 5 Repeat steps 1 through 3 until the test results are satisfactory Test 1 Use this TEST 1 triangle pattern to test your condition settings With the media loaded in the plotter and the READY mode displayed on the menu press the TEST key on the control panel You will see the follo...

Page 56: ...TEST key on the control panel You will see the following test menu Press the F3 key to select TEST 2 The plotter will immediately cut three 3 triangles from the current pen position Adjust the cutting conditions and re run the cutting test Repeat this process until you achieve the desired results Press the ENTER key to return to the READY mode when the results are satis factory Cutting Pro Use the...

Page 57: ...or example press the F2 key to select CONDITION 2 If CONDITON 6 appears then press the F2 key again to select CONDITION 2 PEN REFERENCE VALUES The table below gives the recommended settings for each pen condition NOTE The condition settings will vary according to the type of paper being used To prolong the life of your pen keep the FORCE setting as low as possible Set the SPEED according to the ty...

Page 58: ... SPEED Press the F3 key to change QUALITY If all of the parameters are set press the ENTER key to register your setting TO CHANGE THE PEN SPEED Press the F2 key to change SPEED A blinking cursor indicates that you can change its setting Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to raise or lower the numeric value from 1 to 100 1 to 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 70 80 90 100 If you wish to change another p...

Page 59: ... Pounce Condi tions To change the setting of a group of conditions press the function key F1 to F4 corresponding to the number of the group you wish to change For example press the F4 key to select CONDITION 8 If CONDITON 4 appears then press the F4 key again to select CONDITION 8 Press the CONDITION key to access the condition menu Press the NEXT key to cancel the condition where you are currentl...

Page 60: ...Y Press the F4 key to change OFFSET If all of the parameters are set press the ENTER key to register your setting TO CHANGE THE POUNCE QUALITY Press the F3 key to change QUALITY The blinking cursor indicates that you can change its setting Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to raise or lower the numeric value from 1 to 8 The smaller the value the higher the quality When you select a speed that is fast...

Page 61: ...IS ALIGNMENT and AREA The light pointer automatically activates when it is needed Since the light pointer is offset from the pen it immediatley moves to the pen s current location as soon as it is activated The position of the light pointer there fore represents the position of the pen The light pointer can also be used to check the cutter path before cutting the contour of pre printed images of l...

Page 62: ...type menu the plotter uses SLOW to ensure the accuracy of the leading and trailing edges of the media After the initialization the feed speed can increase once the grit rollers and the pinch rollers secure the media Always select SLOW for heavy media or media with a slippery surface otherwise select NORMAL to shorten the initializa tion time Remember that the media will back up at the pen up speed...

Page 63: ...the media set lever to engage the media The media type menu appears on the display press the key which corresponds to the type of media that is loaded for cutting plotting Press the F1 key to select ROLL 1 Press the F2 key to select ROLL 2 Press the F3 key to select SHEET Press the F4 key to select CONTINUE AUTO PRE FEED INITIAL FEED SPEED INTERFACE ROLL 1 ROLL 2 SHEET CONTINUE ...

Page 64: ... the job is completed While holding down the ENTER key press the UP ARROW key and then release it Repeat this process as needed to move the pen carriage away from the cutting plotting job Returning the Pen Carriage to Origin This function moves the pen carriage from its current position to the origin point While holding down the ENTER key press the DOWN ARROW key and then release it The pen carria...

Page 65: ...Preparing to Cut Returning the Pen Carriage to Origin 64 ...

Page 66: ...ment Aligns pre printed material for cutting see Menu Controls Menu Controls Pen UP DOWN Raises or lowers the pen Buffer Clear Clears the plotter s receiving buffer Feed Feeds the media before cutting when the cutting area is known Interface Step Size For details see Setting the Interface Functions RS 232C For details see Setting the Interface Functions Command For details see Setting the Interfac...

Page 67: ...large characters Offset Force Controls blade angle under special circumstances Step Pass Smooths curves on small characters Option 2 Initial Down Force Enables special blade control during initial cutting of media Distance Adjust Corrects the distance distortion under special circum stances Test For details see Test Modes and Troubleshooting ORIGIN Setting the Cutting Origin This function allows y...

Page 68: ...ically cut duplicates of the data sent from the computer The data sent from the computer is always stored automatically in the plotter s receive buffer while it is cutting plotting Once the data has been stored in the plotter s receive buffer it can be repeatedly cut by using this function CAUTION While a copy operation is in process do not send new data to the plotter Use the UP DOWN RIGHT or LEF...

Page 69: ... after the COPY SPACE menu appears Press the ENTER key to store the setting If the effective cutting area is smaller than the area required to cut one copy the following menu appears Press the F4 key to return to the start menu If the effective cutting area is avail able the following menu appears CAUTION The number of copies is limited by the PAGE LENGTH setting Press the UP and DOWN ARROW keys t...

Page 70: ...gain by pressing the COPY key NOTE If there is an interval of ten seconds or greater when the data is sent the previ ous data is cleared Copying Sequence The following figures illustrate the sequence in which copies are cut with the shaded areas representing the uncut areas of the media CONDITION 2 14 30 COPY 4 CB09Ux 0 Copies are normally cut in this sequence If MIRROR mode is selected the copies...

Page 71: ...UFFER CLEAR function is used to clear the plotter s receive buffer of all data that has been sent from the computer WARNING Do not execute the BUFFER CLEAR function until the computer has com pleted data output If you clear the buffer while the computer is still send ing data to the plotter the data received up to the time that MENU mode was selected is cleared but the computer resumes sending sub...

Page 72: ...printing it with grit roller marks the media is then returned to its original position If you know approximately how much media you will require for the next cut advance the media prior to starting the cut by using this function Otherwise enable the AUTO PRE FEED FUNCTION CAUTION Do not use the FEED function with media that is shorter than 1 meter If the FEED LENGTH setting exceeds the actual leng...

Page 73: ...two types of origins Center and Lower Left If HP GL utilizes the Center mode and the plotter utilizes the Lower Left Origin point you may lose plot data that is located in the upper right quadrant The ORIGIN mode allows you to alternate between both origin types in HP GL mode Press the MENU key to select MENU mode Press the NEXT key two times Press the F2 key to select AREA PARAMETERS PEN UP DOWN ...

Page 74: ...present the respective distances from the lower left point of the effective cutting plotting range AREA Setting the Cutting Area The Upper Right UR and Lower Left LL functions are used to specify the effective cutting area of the plotter so that any data specifying coordinate positions outside of the effective cutting area are disregarded WARNING As soon as both the LL and UR points are set the pe...

Page 75: ...UR position Press the F4 key to select the DEFAULT if you wish to withdraw the current upper right setting The origin point returns to the original upper right point which is determined by loaded media size Press the MENU key to cancel MENU mode NOTE When the plotter is initialized your LL and UR settings are erased and are ini tialized to their default position the lower left and upper right corn...

Page 76: ...R settings are initialized to their default positions NOTE The effective cutting area cannot be specified past the origin in the direction of media feeding When the origin is set as shown in the example below the shaded area repre sents the effective cutting area defined by the LL and UR points When the ROTATE mode has been selected to rotate the coordinate axes by 90 as shown in the example the s...

Page 77: ...g area while a negative setting indicates the limit of both sides move toward the inside of the cutting area For example a setting at 5 allows a 10mm wider cutting area than the size of the default cutting area whereas a setting at 5 allows a 10mm narrower cutting area than the default size cutting area CAUTION In the case of setting the positive figure for the parameter be sure to load the media ...

Page 78: ... F4 key is pressed return to the previous menu Press the F3 key to select CONTINUE or press the F4 key to select CANCEL If CONTINUE is selected the MEDIA TYPE MENU will appear Select the media type you wish to use Press the F1 key to select ROLL 1 press the F2 key to select ROLL 2 or press the F3 key to select SHEET If CANCEL is selected return to the previous menu Press the MENU key to cancel MEN...

Page 79: ...CAUTION When PAGE LENGTH is set to over 2m be especially careful to load the media properly to prevent the it from coming loose from the rollers during cutting or plotting CAUTION When using roll media or roll paper be sure to pull out the entire amount of media required for the operation before you begin cutting or plotting unless the AUTO PRE FEED function is enabled Press the MENU key to select...

Page 80: ...s the MENU key to cancel MENU mode NOTE Your PAGE LENGTH setting is retained in the plotter s internal memory even while the plotter is turned off By specifying a long PAGE LENGTH your plotter can perform long axis plotting to produce banners of up to 50m in length ROTATE Rotating the Coordinate Axes This function is used to move the origin and rotate the coordinate axes by 90 as shown in the figu...

Page 81: ...e is selected or canceled the displacement of the new origin remains valid in the a direction but is reset to its default position in the b direction MIRROR Reversing the Image To cut a reversed image of the original data use the mirror mode When the mirror mode is enabled the origin and coordinate axes are changed as shown in the figure below A mirror image of the original data is cut Press the M...

Page 82: ... menu mode When the MIRROR mode is selected or canceled the displacement of the new origin remains valid in the a direction but is reset to its default position in the b direction SCALE Enlarging Reducing an Image Size This function sets the SCALE factor for enlarging or reducing an image to be cut or plotted Press the MENU key to select MENU mode Press the NEXT key two times INTERFACE AREA PARAME...

Page 83: ... software is not well opti mized this function will increase throughput The plotter has two modes to sort data Area Sorting The plotter sorts cut data to optimize the movement of the media Pen Sorting The plotter sorts cut data to optimize the changing of the pen This mode is only available when the two pen option is installed on the plotter Use this function when the pen carriage and the media mo...

Page 84: ...menu If sorting ON is selected the following menu will appear Press the F3 key to select CONTINUE or press the F4 key to select CANCEL for the data sorting mode setting If CONTINUE is selected the MEDIA TYPE MENU then appears Select the media type you wish to use INTERFACE AREA PARAMETERS FUNCTION 1 FUNCTION 2 DATA SORTING AXIS ALIGNMENT AUTO PRE FEED TANGENT EMULATION DATA SORTING AREA ON PEN OFF...

Page 85: ... retained in the plotter s internal memory even while the plotter is turned off AXIS ALIGNMENT Axis Alignment Parameter Setting AXIS ALIGNMENT is a very important function that should be used when you intend to cut pre printed media such as stickers or decals When the media is loaded in the plotter it should be loaded at exactly the same angle and position as it was on the printer which printed th...

Page 86: ...is is done by pointing at two different points on the edge of the media The origin point can be set independently 3 POINTS This method should be used if the printed media has three registra tion marks If the relative position of each of the three marks is already known then the distortion of the printed image can be taken into account The origin point can be set independently Selecting the Axis Al...

Page 87: ... AXIS POINT 2 and the AXIS ORIGIN POINT which are shown at the bottom The origin point may be located at the same position as that of point one The virtual angle of the X Axis and the position of the origin point can be adjusted individually THREE POINT METHOD The three point method requires you to enter AXIS POINT 1 AXIS POINT 2 AXIS POINT 3 and the AXIS ORIGIN POINT which are shown at the bottom...

Page 88: ...ation mark In both the two and three point methods this point is commonly used as the reference for X and or Y axis alignment AXIS POINT 2 Registration mark or any point on the line which goes through AXIS POINT 1 and along the X axis of the pre printed image AXIS POINT 3 Registration mark or any point on the line which goes through AXIS POINT 1 and along the Y axis of the pre printed image This i...

Page 89: ...hat the light pointer is in the same position as the cutter pen in READY mode In this case the position of the light pointer represents the position of the cutter pen in READY mode If the loupe or bombsight has been selected neither the pen carriage nor the media will move evenly even when the AXIS ALIGNMENT key has been pressed This is because the loupe is already in the same position as the cutt...

Page 90: ...t menu appears If you select the three point method Axis Point 3 menu appears Press the POSITION key to move the light pointer or the loupe to Axis Point 3 Press the ENTER key to store the setting The following menu appears If the distance between point 1 and point 2 is unknown press the ENTER key to skip to the next step If the distance between point 1 and point 2 is a known value use the POSITIO...

Page 91: ...IGHT or LEFT ARROW key to move the cursor Press the UP or DOWN key to increase or decrease the number for the distance value Press the ENTER key to store the setting The following menu appears The light pointer or the loupe move back to the Axis Point 1 If the Axis Point 1 is not the origin point of the pre printed image press the POSITION key to move the light pointer or the loupe to the desired ...

Page 92: ...ote that this function should be set before the cutting plotting job is started since changing the setting of this mode leads to the plotter s initialization clearing all the data needed to continue the suspended job in the buffer Press the MENU key to select MENU mode Press the NEXT key two times Press the F4 key to select FUNCTION 2 Press the F3 key to select AUTO PRE FEED Press the F3 key to se...

Page 93: ...point is within 50mm of the previous feed s border You may access the auto pre feed menu from the initial menu which appears on the LCD when the paper set lever is lowered Press the F4 key to select the initial menu while the initial menu appears on the LCD Press the F2 key to select AUTO PRE FEED Press the F3 key to select ENABLED or press the F4 key to select DISABLED If the F3 key is pressed th...

Page 94: ...performed at turning points such as corners to ensure a qual ity cut In addition an overcut function which eliminates uncut portions from thick material is available when tangential emulation is enabled Be sure to set TANGENTIAL settings to suit the media being cut Selecting Tan gential Emula tion Mode There are two modes available for tangential emulation control MODE 1 and MODE 2 MODE 1 is overc...

Page 95: ...y to select TANGENT EMULATION Press the F3 key to select mode Press the F3 key to select MODE 1 or press the F4 key to select MODE 2 Press the ENTER key to register your settings or press the MENU key to cancel MENU mode Enabling Tangen tial Emulation Tangential emulation control can be individually enabled or disabled by pen con dition Press the MENU key to select MENU mode Press the NEXT key two...

Page 96: ...mode In READY status the message TANGENTIAL appears along with the condition menu when the condition on which the enabled tangential emulation is selected Setting Overcut An overvcut function is available when tangential emulation is enabled The overcut function enables the plotter to cut a line longer that the cutting data speci fies Overcutting eliminates uncut portions when using thick material...

Page 97: ...key to set the overcut length The overcut length can be set from 0 0mm to 0 9mm in 0 1mm increments Press the ENTER key to register your settings SPEED Setting the Pen Up Speed To reduce the overall cutting time this function allows you to set the traveling speed of the pen in raised status separately from the cutting SPEED setting Press the MENU key to select MENU mode Press the NEXT key three ti...

Page 98: ...mooth curves on large characters or shapes At the joints of each line segment the plotter stops cutting and very quickly rotates the blade tip This ensures the accurate cutting of the computer data In some cases it is better to bypass this blade rotation and drag the blade in order to make the shape smoother and to shorten overall cutting time This action will result in a slightly different shape ...

Page 99: ...Pressure Since the direction in which the blade tip is facing cannot be determined during initialization of the plotter initial blade control is performed to adjust the offset angle of the blade See OFFSET FORCE Adjusting the Blade Offset Angle The Offset Cut Pressure function is used to specify the force applied during ini tial blade control The Offset Cut Pressure is also used to offset the blad...

Page 100: ... during offset control in TANGENTIAL EMULATION MODE This is separate from the cutting force setting which specifies the down force of the lowered cutter pen during cutting STEP PASS Setting the Step Pass Use this function when the cut line is jagged in detailed shapes such as small characters with tiny curves The jaggedness is caused by the excessive number of line segments used for small characte...

Page 101: ...ept at zero if it is not needed Always perform a cut test to verify the settings INITIAL DOWN FORCE Adjusting the Initial Media Cut Force This function is only valid when the TANGENTIAL EMULATION is enabled The TANGENTIAL EMULATION is suitable for cutting thick material In TANGENTIAL EMULATION mode the plotter raise the blade when changing cutting directions and then lowers the blade into the medi...

Page 102: ...and then the plotter returns to the original cutting force on the blade for cutting the material The higher force is the total of the original cutting force setting plus the INITIAL DOWN FORCE setting DISTANCE ADJUST Adjusting the Length of Line Seg ments The actual length of cut line segments may vary according to the thickness of the media being used In this case use the DISTANCE ADJUST function...

Page 103: ...NCE ADJUST function is enabled a v mark appears Press the ENTER key to register your settings Press the MENU key to cancel the MENU mode Setting Distance Adjust Parameter Press the F1 thru F4 key to select the number of the condition requiring dis tance parameter adjustment Press the CONDITION key Set the parameters if necessary then press the ENTER key to register your set tings BACKGROUND SETTIN...

Page 104: ...y to register your settings RS 232C Serial Interface The RS 232C Serial interface of your plotter conforms to the RS 232C Standard of Electronic Industries Association EIA This serial interface performs the serial transfer of digital binary data control signals and SYNC signals DISTANCE ADJUST CONDITION 1 X 0 00 Y 0 00 RESET Table 1 RS232 Serial Interface Specifications Standard CCITT V 24 EIA RS ...

Page 105: ...oltage level 5V to 12V 5V to 12V Logical 0 ON Logical 1 OFF Output voltage level 5V to 8V 5V to 8V Logical 0 ON Logical 1 OFF Table 3 Pin Assignment of the Serial Connector Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name 1 GND Frame 14 Not used 2 SD TxD 15 Not used 3 RD TxD 16 Not used 4 RS RTS 17 Not used 5 CS CTS 18 Not used 6 DR DSR 19 Not used 7 GND Logic 20 ER DTR 8 Not used 21 Not used 9 Not used 22 Not use...

Page 106: ...ings RS 232C Serial Interface 105 Cable Connec tion The cable pin assignment of the serial interface connector from the 25 pin plot ter connector to the 9 pin computer connector or the 25 pin computer connector is described below ...

Page 107: ...Advanced Functions and Settings RS 232C Serial Interface 106 ...

Page 108: ...t to BACKGROUND SETTING menu Press the F2 key to select BACKGROUND SETTING menu Method 2 Turn the power on while pressing the DOWN ARROW key the Menu selection display then appears There are two different menu sequences Each of them belongs to GP GL and HP GL commands When the plotter is turned on the following menu sequence appears if GP GL is selected as the plotter s data command This menu sequ...

Page 109: ...ON PRIORITY MANUAL PROGRAM CONDITION PRIORITY MANUAL PROGRAM PEN SELECTt ENABLED DISABLED PEN SELECTt ENABLED DISABLED INITIAL BLADE CONTROL POSITION 2mm BELOW OUTSIDE INITIAL BLADE CONTROL POSITION 2mm BELOW OUTSIDE LENGTH UNIT METRIC INCH LENGTH UNIT METRIC INCH PEN UP MOVE ENABLED DISABLED PEN UP MOVE ENABLED DISABLED MEDIA SENSOR ENABLED DISABLED MEDIA SENSOR ENABLED DISABLED PINCH ROLLER SENS...

Page 110: ...plotter if you do not wish to make any changes Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes Command Control COMMAND When the GP GL command mode is selected set this function to enable or dis able the recognition of and commands set from the computer These commands may adversely affect the cutting results if the leading section of data is missing In such cases set this func...

Page 111: ...blinking cursor appears beside your choice Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes If you used METHOD 1 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS press the MENU key if you do not wish to make any changes If you used METHOD 2 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS turn off the plotter if you do not wish to make an...

Page 112: ...ke any changes Pen Select This setting is availabe when the 2 Pen option is installed The 2 Pen option installed machine can hold one blade or pen in the pen holder on the pen carriage which is referred to as PEN 1 and one pen in the pen holder on the right side plate which is referred to as PEN 2 This function enables or disables the PEN SELECT command J Command in GP GP or the SP command in HP G...

Page 113: ...ed initial blade control is performed 2mm below the starting point of cutting When OUTSIDE is selected initial blade control is performed outside of the effective cutting area Press the F3 key to select 2mm BELOW or press the F4 key to select OUTSIDE A blinking cursor appears beside your choice Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu Press the NEXT key if you w...

Page 114: ...nts in raised status the PEN UP MOVE function determines whether to move the pen to each coordinate point or to move the pen directly to the final coordinate point When ENABLED is selected the pen moves to each coordinate point in sequence When DISABLED is selected the pen moves directly to the final coordinate point Press the F3 key to select ENABLED or press the F4 key to select DISABLED A blink...

Page 115: ...you used METHOD 1 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS press the MENU key if you do not wish to make any changes If you used METHOD 2 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS turn off the plotter if you do not wish to make any changes Pinch Roller Sen sor Control This function allows you to disable the pinch roller position sensor function of sensing media width is performed after selecting the media type during th...

Page 116: ...talled The 2 Pen option installed machine can hold one blade or pen in the pen holder on the pen carriage which is referred to as PEN 1 and one pen in the pen holder on the right side plate which is referred to as PEN 2 This function is used to enable or disable checking PEN 2 When ENABLE is selected the plotter checks to see if PEN 2 is installed This check if performed during the plotter s initi...

Page 117: ...Norwegian Portuguese Spanish and Swedish Press the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to select the desired language Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes The next setting menu appears in the select language If you used METHOD 1 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS press the MENU key if you do not wish to mak...

Page 118: ...s from the computer are ignored and the cutting conditions can only be set at the control panel The registered conditions are retained in the plotter s internal memory even while the plotter is turned off When PROGRAM is selected the cutting conditions can be set either at the plotter s control panel or by command input from the computer When the plotter is turned off the registered conditions by ...

Page 119: ... is ignored Press the F3 key to select ENABLE or press the F4 key to select DISABLE A blinking cursor appears beside your choice Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes If you used METHOD 1 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS press the MENU key if you do not wish to make any changes If you used MET...

Page 120: ... Unit This selection enables you to set the unit for coordinates appearing on the dis play panel to either units of millimeters or inches Press the F3 key to select METRIC or press the F4 key to select INCH A blink ing cursor appears beside your choice Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes ...

Page 121: ...ges If you used METHOD 1 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS press the MENU key if you do not wish to make any changes If you used METHOD 2 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS turn off the plotter if you do not wish to make any changes Media Sensor Control This function allows you to disable the media length sensor function which is performed after selecting the media type during the plotter s initialization ...

Page 122: ...he left from the new home position Always set the new home positon manually BEFORE the plotter is powered down In cases where the media length is disabled the pen carriage may go beyond the edge of the media Always set the AREA function to limit the cut area and to protect the cutting mat from damage CAUTION Always set the AREA function to limit the cutting area and protect the machine Press the F...

Page 123: ...ROUND SETTINGS press the MENU key if you do not wish to make any changes If you used METHOD 2 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS turn off the plotter if you do not wish to make any changes Check Pen This setting is availabe when the 2 Pen option is installed The 2 Pen option installed machine can hold one blade or pen in the pen holder on the pen carriage which is referred to as PEN 1 and one pen in th...

Page 124: ...ceed to the next menu Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes If you used METHOD 1 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS press the MENU key if you do not wish to make any changes If you used METHOD 2 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS turn off the plotter if you do not wish to make any changes NOTE This menu only appears when the 2 Pen option is installed CHECK PEN ENABLED DISABLE...

Page 125: ...Background Settings Background Settings for HP GL 124 ...

Page 126: ...ts moving as soon as the CONDITION PRINT function is selected To avoid injury to yourself and damage to the plotter keep your hands face and other obstacles out to the vicinity of the cutting mat and paper CAUTION Mounting the cutter pen for this mode may cause fatal damage to the cutting mat Be sure to mount the plotter pen Load paper larger than either ISO A3 or Tabloid size 11 x 17 and mount th...

Page 127: ... PEN TYPE OFST ACCL TANGNT OVCUT DIST ADJ 1 14 30 CB09Ux 0 4 OFF OFF 2 14 60 PEN 0 4 OFF OFF 3 20 30 CB09Ux 0 4 OFF OFF 4 30 15 CB15Ux 0 4 OFF OFF 5 38 15 CB15Ux 0 4 OFF OFF 6 38 10 CB15U K30x 0 2 OFF OFF 7 17 30 OTHER 17 4 OFF OFF 8 12 30 POUNCE 1 4 OFF OFF RS232C BAUD RATE PARITY DATA BIT HANDSHAKE 1 9600 N 8 H 2 9600 E 7 H 3 9600 E 8 H COMMAND GP GL STEP SIZE 0 100 COMMAND ENABLED MODEL EMULATE...

Page 128: ...he computer If the cutting plotting results are not what you expected and the received data and the transmitted program are different check the interface conditions and the connection of the interface cable WARNING The pen starts moving as soon as the data is transmitted to the plotter from the computer To avoid injury to yourself and damage to the plotter keep your hands face and other obstacles ...

Page 129: ...h a self test function that enables it to check its own functions Because a correctly drawn self test pattern signifies that all of the func tions of the plotter excluding the interface settings have been tested and found normal this function is useful for determining whether the source of a problem is the plotter itself or in the connection between the plotter and the computer WARNING The pen sta...

Page 130: ...turn off the plotter to cancel SELF TEST if the plotter is in the SELF TEST mode The following message appears When you have finished printing the SELF TEST pattern turn off the plotter to cancel SELF TEST mode NOTE The self test pattern is repeadtedy printed until the plotter is turned off To stop printing even if a pattern is not completely printed simply turn off the plotter BACKGROUND SETTINGS...

Page 131: ...rn off the plotter and unplug the power cord and wait The recovery time can vary from case to case It the plotter does not reactivate after 30 minutes contact your sales representative or nearest Graphtec dealer Contact your sales representative or near est Graphtec dealer The control panel s POWER lamp lights but the plotter does not operate The ROM or RAM is defective Contact your sales represen...

Page 132: ... or rear edge of the media is not cut straight Cut the media edge straight After selecting media type pen carriage moves slowly and hits the side wall on the right hand side then a position error occurs Pinch roller sensor may be defective Contact your sales representa tive or nearest Graphtec dealer You can start your job by tem poraily disabling the pinch roller sensing function Pinch roller sen...

Page 133: ...not received correctly Plotter does not cut beyond certain length PAGE LENGTH is not set cor rectly Check the cut area by pressing the ENTER key Set PAGE LENGTH correctly Page Length Too much pen up down action is per formed TANGENTIAL EMULATION is enabled Normal If TANGENTIAL is dis played on the READY menu change condition number on which TANGENTIAL EMULA TION is not enabled or disable the EMULA...

Page 134: ...ds the specified effective cutting area The computer sent coordinate data that exceeds the maxi mum effective cutting area Set both the plotter and the software to the same resolu tion Set the effective cutting area to a larger area Switch to a larger media or change the coordinate data Step Size Area Loading Media Area Media is loaded but the LOAD PAPER mes sage appears Media that is nearly trans...

Page 135: ...nd does not competely cut lines that should be solid The bladed is extended too far The cutting SPEED is too high Adjust the blade length Lower the SPEED setting Blade Length Setting Cutter Conditions Solid lines are not cut at a constant depth The bladed is extended too far The cutting SPEED is too high Adjust the blade length Lower the SPEED setting Blade Length Setting Cutter Conditions Coarse ...

Page 136: ...ust the cutting FORCE set ting Blade length Setting Cutter conditions Cut media cannot be pulled up using retack sheet The retack sheet is not stickly enough Media gets entangled during cutting Cleaning of cut media was postponed too long Switch to a stickier retack sheet Reduce the blade length Lower the cutting FORCE set ting Promptly weed cut media Blade length Setting Cutter conditions Media c...

Page 137: ...nes are deformed during pen plotting The plotter is in cutting mode Set the blade type on the CUT TER OFFSET function to PEN 0 Setting Cutter Conditions Cut characters are deformed The STEP pass setting is set too high Lower the STEP pass setting Step Pass The starting and end points of cutting do not match Coordinate points are incor rectly specified The Offset Cut Pressure is too low The media i...

Page 138: ...otter excessive force was used to manually move the pen carriage Internal speed control is faulty Turn off the plotter then turn the plotter back on Turn off the plotter then turn the plotter back on If error occurs frequently contact your sales representative or nearest Graphtec dealer The beeper sounds Excessive load is causing the current to the motor to exceed the rated value Cutting condition...

Page 139: ...e the software to drive your plot ter Ensure that the software s interface conditions are correctly set Ensure that the plotter s interface condi tions are set to match those of the soft ware A command was received containing numeric parameters that exceed that com mand s permissible range The software configuration regarding the output device has been changed The plotter s interface conditions ha...

Page 140: ...nges An unrecognizable instruction was exe cuted Specify a recognizable command A command was executed with coordi nated data that exceeds the effective cut ting plotting area Execute the command with its coordinate data specified within the effective cutting plotting area The data being input exceeds the capacity of the plotter s downloadable character buffer polygon buffer etc Increase buffer si...

Page 141: ...and parame ters in your program During data trasnfer a framing error par ity error or overrun error occurred Check the settings of the interface condi tions The I O buffer received data at a faster pace than it could process indicating that handshake was not successful Check the settings of the handshake mode and other interface conditions Table 10 Error Messages in HP GL Command Mode Symptom Caus...

Page 142: ...wo meters Setting the USB Interface To use the USB inteface connect the plotter s USB connecto to the computer s USB port by cable Next simply set the command mode plus the programmable resolution when the GP GL command is selected or ORIGIN when the HP GL command is selected For instructions on setting the functions see Selecting the Command Mode and Setting the Programmable Resolution NOTE When ...

Page 143: ...ication NOTE For the specifications of your plotter s serial interface see RS 232C Serial Interface Factory Preset Interface Settings Your plotter comes with three groups of interface conditions set to the factory presets listed below INTERFACE Setting the Interface Functions The Interface Functions Step Size RS 232C and COMMAND Settings can be set before or after loading the media How to access t...

Page 144: ...elect MENU mode Press the NEXT key two times Press the F1 key to select INTERFACE Press the F3 key to select RS 232C the INTERFACE menu appears Press the MENU key to return to READY mode STEP SIZE Setting the Programmable Resolution When HP GL command mode is selected STEP SIZE is not displayed When the GP GL command mode is selected this function allows you to set the distance of pen movement cor...

Page 145: ...ed in the plotter s internal memory even while the plotter is turned off Press the F2 key to select STEP SIZE Press the F1 key to select 0 100 press the F2 key to select 0 050 press the F3 key to select 0 025 or press the F4 key to select 0 010 Press the Enter key to register your setting and return to the INTERFACE menu STEP SIZE RS 232C COMMAND STEP SIZE 0 100 IN mm 0 050 0 025 0 010 STEP SIZE R...

Page 146: ...ory setting 2 or press the F3 key to select factory setting 3 The asterisk is displayed beside the currently selected condition number The menu that corresponds to the number you selected will appear You can modify any of the RS232 C settings by pressing the F1 F2 F3 or F4 keys The blinking cursor will move to the parameter that corresponds with that key Press the F1 key to change BAUD RATE press ...

Page 147: ...mmand mode Press the Enter key to register your setting The following menu appears If you started at the LOAD MEDIA menu you will return to the INTERFACE MENU If you started at the READY menu you will return to the MEDIA TYPE menu Centronics Compatible Parallel Interface The eight bit Centronics compatible parallel interface is generally used for inter facing printers The input signals are grouped...

Page 148: ...rface is used data cannot be output from the plotter that is READ commands cannot be used with the exception of the BS command Asynchronous transmission by handshaking is based on STROBE and BUSY signals by way of the synchronization method Electrical Char acteristics Electrical characterisics are based on TTL level compatibility with the logic states outlined below Input Output Cir cuitry Positiv...

Page 149: ...ng Contact Graphtec Technical Service for assistance if the default setting or the alternate setting are not appropriate Pin No Signal Name Pin No Signal Name 1 STROBE 19 GND 2 DB 0 20 GND 3 DB 1 21 GND 4 DB 2 22 GND 5 DB 3 23 GND 6 DB 4 24 GND 7 DB 5 25 GND 8 DB 6 26 GND 9 DB 7 27 GND 10 ACK 28 GND 11 BUSY 29 GND 12 GND 30 GND 13 SLCT 31 Not used 14 Not used 32 ERROR 15 Not used 33 GND 16 GND 34 ...

Page 150: ...ed in the table below Standard CCITT V 24 EIA RS 232C JIS X5101 Synchronization Asynchronous start stop Transfer Rate 19200 bits s max Stop Bit 2 stop bits Parity Even odd none Character length 7 or 8 bits Table 11 RS232 C Electrical Characteristics RD SD Negative Logic RS CD DR ER Positive Logic Input voltage level 5V to 12V 5V to 12V Logical 0 ON Logical 1 OFF Output voltage level 5V to 8V 5V to...

Page 151: ...nterface connector from the 25 pin plot ter connector to the 9 pin computer connector or the 25 pin computer connector is described below 7 GND Logic 20 ER DTR 8 Not used 21 Not used 9 Not used 22 Not used 10 Not used 23 Not used 11 Not used 24 Not used 12 Not used 25 Not used 13 Not used Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name ...

Page 152: ...lades Pen types Water and oil based fiber tip water based ballpoint ceramic refillable ink and disposable ink pens Pounce types 1 2mm diameter pin Compatible media Mono vinyl chloride media fluorescent media and media for illuminated displays high reflective media up to 0 25mm thick Sandblast rubber up to 1mm thickb b Using CB15U K30 blades to cut sandblast rubber Standard interfaces RS 232C Centr...

Page 153: ...ater based ballpoint ceramic refillable ink and disposable ink pens Pounce types 1 2mm diameter pin Compatible media Mono vinyl chloride media fluorescent media and media for illuminated displays high reflective media up to 0 25mm thick Sandblast rubber up to 1mm thickb b Using CB15U K30 blades to cut sandblast rubber Standard interfaces RS 232C Centronics USB USB1 1 Full Speed Buffer memory 2 Mb ...

Page 154: ...ater based ballpoint ceramic refillable ink and disposable ink pens Pounce types 1 2mm diameter pin Compatible media Mono vinyl chloride media fluorescent media and media for illuminated displays high reflective media up to 0 25mm thick Sandblast rubber up to 1mm thickb b Using CB15U K30 blades to cut sandblast rubber Standard interfaces RS 232C Centronics USB USB1 1 Full Speed Buffer memory 2 Mb ...

Page 155: ...ensor sensor and PCA factory installed Media Basket FC5100 75 Collapsible media basket Media Basket FC5100 100 Collapsible media basket Media Basket FC5100 130 Collapsible media basket Multi Media Supply Kit FC5100 75 Rollers Brackets Multi Media Supply Kit FC5100 100 Rollers Brackets Multi Media Supply Kit FC5100 130 Rollers Brackets Pounce Tool Pouncing tool assembly 44 5 inc hes 1135 m m 10 inc...

Page 156: ...mensions 155 FC5100 100 with out Stand FC5100 130 with out Stand 350 m m 14 in c h es 485 m m 19 in c h es 10 in c h es 254 m m 1440 m m 56 5 in c h es 350 m m 14 inc hes 485 m m 19 inches 10 inc hes 254 m m 1700 m m 67 inc hes ...

Page 157: ...Stand and Basket Option FC5100 130 with Standard Stand and Basket Option 1135 m m 45 inches 680 m m 27 inches 1041 m m 41 inches 1118 m m 44 inches 1440 m m 56 5 inc hes 680 m m 27 inc hes 1041 m m 41 in c hes 1118 m m 44 inc hes 1700 m m 67 inches 680 m m 27 inches 1041 m m 41 inches 1118 m m 44 inches ...

Page 158: ...CONDITIONS menu Force Sets the hole punching force during pouncing Speed Sets the traveling speed of the lowered pouncing tool Quality Sets the acceleration rate of the pouncing tool Offset Sets the spacing between holes in mm units WARNING To prevent bodily injury handle the pouncing tool with care Pounce tool points are extremely sharp While handling the pounce tool use caution to avoid cutting ...

Page 159: ... and return to the main menu TO CHANGE THE POUNCE FORCE Press the F1 key to change FORCE The blinking cursor indicates that you can change its setting Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to raise or lower the numeric value 1 40 Press the F2 key to change SPEED Press the F3 key to change QUALITY Press the F4 key to change OFFSET Press the ENTER key to register your setting TO CHANGE THE POUNCE SPEED Pre...

Page 160: ... key to register your setting TO CHANGE THE POUNCE OFFSET Press the F4 key to change OFFSET The blinking cursor indicates that you can change its setting Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to raise or lower the numeric value 1 99 Press the F1 key to change FORCE Press the F2 key to change SPEED Press the F3 key to change QUALITY Press the ENTER key to register your setting NOTE For the Pounce Conditio...

Page 161: ...ause the unit to become unstable when heavy loads are added In extreme cases the unit may tip over CAUTION The longer length leg platform is installed towards the back of the unit CAUTION To ensure the stability and strength of the stand all screws should be periodi cally inspected and re tightened as needed NOTE Always keep the wheels in a locked position when operating your plotter Contents 1 Ba...

Page 162: ... be using the Hex Key Tools provided with your Stand assembly 1 Lay one stand side horizontally and attach the right base assembly to stand side with four 4 M5 x 16mm flanged socket head cap screws using the T han dle hex key Repeat this step with the other side 2 Lay the middle bar horizontally and attach it to one stand side with two 2 M6 x 16mm socket buton head cap screws using the T handle he...

Page 163: ...onto the stand assembly aligning the index pins with the left and right top mounting brackets of the stand 5 Secure the unit using four 4 M6 x 16 mm socket button cap screws using the L Wrench hex key 6 Insert the cap plugs over the holes of the four 4 M6 x 16mm socket button head cap screws installed in the left and right stand sides ...

Page 164: ... 1 3 Basket holder assembly which consists of a front basket tube and a rear basket tube assembled on the tube bracket Qty 1 4 Middle basket tube Qty 1 5 4mm L wrench hex key tool Qty 1 Basket Assembly The following information will give you step by step instructions on how to assemble the Basket Assembly for the GRAPHTEC FC5100 Cutting Plotter For best results follow all instructions carefully AS...

Page 165: ... tool Repeat this step with the other side 2 Place the middle tube between the stand sides in the slots provided on the tube brackets Use the center slot when only the stand and basket options are installed Stand Assembly Basket Assembly Middle Front Front Middle Bar Basket ...

Page 166: ...ing down drape the cloth basket over the basket tubes Snap the middle section of the cloth basket around the middle tube Snap the front side of the cloth basket around the front basket tube Snap the rear side of the cloth basket around the rear basket tube Middle Front Front Rear Media Roll Holder snaps Media Roll Holder Front snaps ...

Page 167: ...ter from the stand when the conveyor rollers are loaded will cause the unit to become unstable and tip over NOTE Keep casters locked during assembly Contents 1 Left Media Roll Holder Bracket Qty 1 2 Right Media Roll Holder Bracket Qty 1 3 Conveyor Rollers Qty 2 4 M6 x 16mm socket button head cap screws Qty 4 5 4mm L wrench hex key tool Qty 1 Media Roll Holder Assembly The following information wil...

Page 168: ...head cap screws using the 4mm L wrench hex key tool Repeat this step with the right media roll holder bracket 2 Place each of the conveyor rollers into the slots on the media roll holder brack ets Make sure the conveyor rollers are seated all the way into the notches and are straight Left media roll holder bracket Right media roll holder bracket Conveyor rollers ...

Page 169: ... an idler making sure to feed the media cor rectly 4 When all three media roll holders are correctly installed the media should be loaded with the top two media rolls positioned farther inside the brackets than the lowest media roll Accuload Media roll holder bracket Conveyor roller Media Accuload roller Accuload Accuload roller Outside slots Media ...

Page 170: ...e AUTO REG MARK sensing function senses the registration mark using an optical sensor that reflects light off the white media If you use media that is thicker than 0 3mm the registration mark will be too close to the optical sensor and will be out of sensing range When you are using transparent colored or crumpled media the light will not reflect back to the optical sensor as well as it does with ...

Page 171: ...n of the application software is to create the registration mark You may use that function if the registration mark is matched to the specification of the registration mark for this plotter The plotter can read recognize the designated registration mark patterns shown below Note For instructions on how to change the registration mark pattern see Setting the Type of Registration Mark for more detai...

Page 172: ... for more details The following illustrates the reading area the plotter requires for detecting registration marks Caution Do not plot anything except registration marks within the registration mark reading area Mark 2 32mm 15mm 20mm 15mm Mark 3 Mark 1 Mark 3 Pattern 1 32mm 20mm 15mm 15mm Media feed direction Mark 1 Mark 2 Pattern 2 1 26 0 59 0 59 0 79 0 79 0 59 0 59 1 26 Media feed direction Clea...

Page 173: ...istance from the corner of registration mark 1 to the axis origin point The following illustrates when the axis origin point is not in the corner of the first registration mark To align the axis origin with the registration mark measure the offset between the axis origin and the registration mark Input the measured distance into the plot ter See Setting of Axis Origin Offset for more details Note ...

Page 174: ...ARK CAN NOT BE AUTOMATICALLY RECOGNIZED The registration mark can be recognized either automatically using the AUTO REG MARK sensing function or manually using the Light Pointer with the AXIS ALIGNMENT key See Specifying the Registration Mark Mode for more details SPECIFYING THE REGISTRATION MARK MODE The parameters for the AUTO REGISTRATION MARK sensor should be config ured prior to performing th...

Page 175: ...O REG MARK sensing function begins none of the control panel keys will respond when pressed To cancel AUTO REG MARK sensing lower the media set lever and then select the INITIAL MENU Caution The size of the registration mark is important the plotter may not sense a mark that is the wrong width or length The line width must be between 0 3mm and 1 0mm The line length must be between 5mm and 20mm Cau...

Page 176: ...et other parameters or press the NEXT key to return to the previous menu Press the MENU key to cancel the menu mode if you select DISABLE or when all of the parameters are set 3 POINTS METHOD The three points method requires you to enter REGISTRATION MARK 1 MARK 2 MARK 3 and the AXIS ORIGIN POINT The AXIS ORIGIN POINT may be located at the same position as MARK 1 To enter this information into the...

Page 177: ...g If you select the 3 POINTS method the next setting menu appears Continue to set other parameters or press the NEXT key to return to the previous menu Press the MENU key to cancel the menu mode if you select DISABLE or when all of the parameters are set AUTO REG MARK SETTING MENU SHORTCUT Lower the media set lever Press the F4 key to select INITIAL MENU AUTO REG MARK PEN UP DOWN BUFFER CLEAR FEED...

Page 178: ...Setting the Reg istration Mark Reading Area The AUTO REG MARK sensing function senses the registration mark by moving the media or the sensor until the plotter locates the registration mark Normally there is nothing printed in between the registration marks in order to prevent any sensing errors however an image can be printed between the registration marks if you tell the plotter where to read th...

Page 179: ... to register your setting If the current setting is at 2 POINTS or 3 POINTS press the NEXT key to advance to the next menu Press the F1 F2 or F3 key to select the number you wish to store the settings under A mark appears next to the current setting Press the F3 key or the F4 key to select the axis for setting the distance Press the LEFT or RIGHT ARROW key to move the blinking cursor for selecting...

Page 180: ... mark If the sensor starts searching after it passes the registration mark the sensor will not locate the registration mark Caution If you set the distance of the X axis to longer than the length of the media the plotter will move the required distance and the media will fall off of the plotter Press the ENTER key to register your setting The following menu appears If you wish to set another param...

Page 181: ...er parameter press the key corresponding to that setting Press the MENU key to cancel menu mode when all of the parameters are set Specifying the Registration MARK SIZE The MARK SIZE function allows you to specify the size of the registration mark The size of the registration mark is important The line width must be between 0 3mm and 1 0mm and the length must be between 5mm and 20mm Press the MENU...

Page 182: ... ARROW key to set the length The length can be set from 5mm to 20mm in 1mm incre ments AUTO REG MARK PEN UP DOWN BUFFER CLEAR FEED MARK SCAN MODE MARK TYPE OTHER SETUPS SENSOR OFFSET ADJ MARK SIZE DISTANCE ADJUST AXIS ORIGIN OFFSET PAPER WEIGHT MARK SIZE 15mm Media feed direction Enter length L into the MARK SIZE menu L L L Mark 1 Mark 3 Mark 2 Pattern 2 Pattern 1 L Mark 3 Mark 1 Mark 2 ...

Page 183: ...gistration marks When auto is selected the plotter sets the scaling factor automatically by digitizing the distance between the registration marks and by setting the resolution You may select 1mm resolution or 5mm resolution For example if you selected 5mm resolution the plotter digitizes the distance between the registration marks to 302mm in this case the plotter sets up the scal ing factor to a...

Page 184: ...s been moved to a new position it is always located in the corner of the registration mark Use the AXIS ORIGIN OFFSET function when you wish to move the origin of the plotter In order to set the origin point of the cutting data to match the cutting data and pre printed image you must know the location of the axis origin point from the reg istration mark Next use the following procedure to set the ...

Page 185: ...gistration mark 1 and the axis origin point on the X axis In the Y Axis enter the distance between registration mark 1 and the axis origin point on the Y axis The distance can be set from 200mm to 200mm Press the F2 key to toggle polarity the mark appears on the distance setting when you ve selected negative MARK SCAN MODE MARK TYPE OTHER SETUPS SENSOR OFFSET ADJ MARK SIZE DISTANCE ADJUST AXIS ORI...

Page 186: ...unction The PAPER WEIGHT function adds extra weight to hold the media down against the cutting surface to prevent a sensing error caused by media rising up from the cutting surface Use the following procedure to enable or disable this function Press the MENU key to select MENU mode Press the NEXT key Press the F1 key to select AUTO REG MARK MARK SIZE DISTANCE ADJUST AXIS ORIGIN OFFSET PAPER WEIGHT...

Page 187: ... The SENSOR OFFSET ADJ function is used to determine the corrective values you should input in order to adjust the precision of the registration mark sensor The plotter utilizes an optical sensor to sense or read a registration mark that is not in the same location as the pen There are two methods available to adjust the offset factor METHOD 1 The plotter scans a printed cross mark then plots a se...

Page 188: ...ey to select MENU mode Press the NEXT key Press the F1 key to select AUTO REG MARK Press the F4 key to select SENSOR OFFSET ADJ Press the F3 or F4 key to select METHOD 1 or METHOD 2 Select either METHOD 1 or METHOD 2 SELECTING METHOD 1 The plotter scans a printed cross mark and then plots a second cross mark based on the reading of the printed cross mark The plotter then adjusts for offset Press t...

Page 189: ...SET The following menu appears Press the F3 or F4 key to select the axis for setting distance Press the F2 key to toggle polarity for the distance setting the mark appears on the distance setting when negative is selected Press the LEFT or RIGHT ARROW key to move the blinking cursor to select the digit then press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to change the number SENSOR OFFSET ADJUST PARAMETER SET SCAN...

Page 190: ...mbol for use in determining the corrective values to be input in order to adjust the precision of the registration mark sensor The plotter plots the second cross mark based on the reading of the first cross mark then adjusts for offset Press the POSITION key to move the pen to plot the first cross mark Press the F4 key to select SCAN The plotter plots the first cross mark The following menu appear...

Page 191: ...ance setting when negative is selected Press the LEFT or RIGHT ARROW key to move the blinking cursor to select the digit then press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to change the number If the two cross marks match set 00 0 mm on both the X and Y axis Press the ENTER key to register your setting The following menu appears If you wish to set another parameter press the key corresponding to that setting Pre...

Page 192: ...he first registration mark that is located between the pinch roller and the pen When using MANUAL scan mode move the pen and the media to the square area that is created by the first registration mark AUTO REG MARK AUTO MANUAL Left pinch roller Right pinch roller Mark 1 Mark 3 Mark 2 Mark 3 Mark 1 The pen moves on this line Media feed direction The pen moves on this line Left pinch roller Right pi...

Page 193: ...is a known value set the actual dis tance on the fourth row Press the RIGHT or LEFT ARROW key to move the blink ing cursor and press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to change the number for setting the actual distance Press the ENTER key to store the setting When selecting the 2 POINTS scan mode the plotter moves the pen and media to the AXIS ORIGIN point The AXIS ORIGIN OFFSET menu is used to set the AX...

Page 194: ...ing function or each of the eight differ ent condition settings to optimize pen changes The PEN SELECT function is enabled or disabled by the PEN SELECT com mand through the Background Settings menu You can change PEN 1 or PEN 2 by selecting the condition setting through operating the control panel or by sending a command from your computer The command symbol varies between GP GL and HP GL Use the...

Page 195: ...all the way into the holder until its rim contacts the pen stopper 3 Once the pen has been prop erly mounted tighten the screw CAUTION The pen has two flanges and must be fully seated the pen holder is engaged on the second flange before tightening the screw Flange Bracket to hold pen Upper groove ...

Page 196: ...point ceramic tip or ink Do not attach any cutting blades to the pen station PEN 2 is held on by a magnet and cannot hold up to the high force required for cutting CAUTION The cutter must be prop erly seated the pen holder is engaged on the flange before tightening the screw Flange Bracket to hold pen 1 Open the pen hold mechanism on the pen station 2 Attach the pen to the pen sta tion Make sure t...

Page 197: ...ey to cancel menu mode when all of the parameters are set Setting of the Pen Offset The PEN OFFSET function is used to determine the corrective values you should input in order to adjust the precision between PEN 1 and PEN 2 The plotter plots a cross mark for PEN 1 and another cross mark for PEN 2 to determine the corrective values that should be input in order to adjust the precision between PEN ...

Page 198: ...otted cross mark and the second plotted cross mark on both the X and Y axis If the two cross marks match set 00 0mm on both the X and Y axis or press the NEXT key to cancel this mode If the location of the cross marks do not match change the PARAMETER SET BACKGROUND SETTINGS OPTION 1 OPTION 2 PEN OFFSET ADJ INITIAL DOWN FORCE DISTANCE ADJUST TEST PEN 1 2 OFFSET ADJUST TEST PATTERN PARAMETER SET Cu...

Page 199: ...press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to change the number Recheck the offset between PEN 1 and PEN 2 If the two cross marks do not match readjust the pen 1 2 offset Repeat this entire offset test process until the two cross marks match Note The second cross mark will move per the entered number If you wish move to the right enter a negative number in the X axis If you wish move to down enter a negative ...

Page 200: ...rence when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual may cause harmful interference to radio communica tions Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to corre...

Page 201: ...esponsibility that the product Product Name Cutting Pro Model Number FC5100 Optional Accessory Stand and Media Basket CE Mark Applied 2002 to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents Safety UL1950 EN 60950 08 92 EN 60950 A1 01 93 EN 60950 A2 08 93 EMC FCC CISPR22 85 B ANSI C63 4 1992 VCCI 2 EN 50082 1 1997 EN 55022 B 1994 w A1 1995 f...

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