Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Disable Autoview
Offset Adjustment
Program User
Registration Shift
ROM Replacement
Tearing Media
Windows Drivers
Technical Bulletin AutoCAD 2000 LT & Ioline LP Series
Most commonly, Ioline plotters are used with design software, which provides drivers
for most if not all Ioline plotters ever manufactured (Ex: CASmate; Flexisign; Signlab).
In the event you're using AutoCAD 2000 LT design software which relies on a windows
driver for output to your plotter, an emulation driver can be used. Ioline plotters will
emulate HP 7585 B drafting plotters. However, you must first download the plotting
patch provided by AutoDesk. To download the AutoCAD 2000 Plotting Patch, go to the
following link:
http://support02.autodesk.com/Downloads.asp
Once the plotting patch has been installed, load the HP 7585B.pc3 driver. Using this
driver requires adjustment of the plotter language recognition in the LP Series plotters
memory.
4. On the Network Plotter screen, enter the UNC name of the networked plotter.
Choose Next. This page does not appear if you selected My Computer in step 3.
6. On the Import PCP or PC2 screen, select Import File and select a PCP of PC@ file
to import (optional). Choose Next.
7. On the Ports screen, select the port that the printer is attached to. This page is
not displayed if you selected Network Plotter Server in step 3. Choose Next.
8. On the Plotter Name screen, enter a name for the plotter configuration file.
Choose Next.
9. On the Finish screen, choose Finish
The LP Series plotters requires the user to change the program language to HPGL in
the plotter memory to allow the machine to respond to HPGL commands. Plotter
settings can be changed using the Host Utility Program originally provided with the
machine. The Host Utility Program is available for download from our web site
http://www.ioline.com. If you no longer have the program disk, perform the following
steps to program the plotter to recognize HPGL commands. Note: HP/GL language
recognition was implemented as of Nov. 1, 1987 (Serial No. > P3774401 or P4074401)
1. Temporarily, select HPGL by setting the plotter paper size as usual and by placing
the plotter online by pressing the following plotter keys: ONLINE, ALT, ONLINE
The plotter language will change back to the default DMPL after being taken
offline.
2. Use the language select option in the non-volatile memory to select HPGL under
User #n (see chapter 5 in operations manual). Then, manually select User #n
each time the HPGL language is desired.
b) Program the Boot User variable to automatically boot as User #n on power up.
Each time the plotter is turned on, it will load parameters for User #n.
After selecting HPGL, the LP Series plotter will automatically switch to DMPL if it
receives a DMPL plot file. However, it will not automatically switch from DMPL to
HPGL. The default language is DMPL.
Technical Bulletin Media Tearing/Artpro
3. Cutter foot rotates while cutting causing the blade exposure to increase during
operation.
4. Bearing holding the knife blade comes loose from shaft internally causing the
blade exposure to increase during operation.
5. Faulty solenoid.
6. Knife blade does not rotate properly due to ceased bearing or no lubrication.
Always start by adjusting the cutter foot to allow minimum exposure of the blade.
Perform test cuts and adjust the exposure of the blade until it cuts through the vinyl
layer and makes and even scoring on the backing paper behind the vinyl.
Technical Bulletin Sticking Knife Shaft/Artpro
1. Remove the plunger cap by turning counter clockwise until cap is free from knife
shaft.
2. After removal, stretch the spring. Stretching the spring gives the knife more
tension so the knife responds faster to picking up the blade off the media.
3. Reinstall plunger cap to the knife shaft by turning clockwise until tight, then back
2.5 turns for proper force adjustment.
1. Remove the plunger cap by turning counter clockwise until cap is free from knife
shaft.
2. Locate the knife shaft, which comes up through the middle of the solenoid.
3. To lubricate the knife shaft, pour a small amount of dry lubricant (power graphite)
into the hole of the solenoid. Powder graphite is available at any hobby shop.
4. Reinstall plunger cap to the knife shaft by turning clockwise until tight, then back
2.5 turns for proper force adjustment.
Push plunger cap up/down manually to work lubricant into shaft to illeviate the shaft
from sticking in down position.
Technical Bulletin ROM Replacement/LP Series
The LP Series plotters are equipped with a nonvolatile memory. The new ROM you
receive may not have the same memory data format as the ROM previously used.
Therefore, you should save the custom user parameters on disk (with the KEYPAD.EXE
utility) before changing the ROM. Otherwise, the values will be reset to the factory
defaults.
1. Remove the power cord from the LP Series plotter and disconnect from any other
equipment. Invert the plotter on a cloth-protected table or other suitable work
surface.
3. Remove the ROM integrated circuit chip(s) from the logic board. (Note: The notched
end of the chip will point toward the center of the plotter. Pry the chip out of the socket
carefully using a ROM extractor tool or jewelers screwdriver).
4. Install the new ROM chip(s) into the logic board socket(s). Verify that all the pins
are inserted properly into the socket(s)
5. Replace the bottom pan. Check that all cables are clear and not pinched by the
bottom pan.
6. Test the plotter using either the internal test plot (ALT 7) or data generated from a
host computer.
3. When the pen has reached the home position. And if the custom user parameters
need to be reformatted, an error code will appear on the keypad (VIEW, ONLINE,
SPEED, ALT and ERROR lights will illuminate). To reformat the parameters, simply
press ONLINE.
Once reformatting is complete, all three user files will contain the factory defaults for
each parameter. The custom user parameters saved on disk (using the KEYPAD.EXE
utility) can now be reloaded from the host.
Memory Reformatting
The new ROM you receive for the LP Series plotter may have a memory data format
that is different from the ROM previously used. Therefore, you should save the
custom user parameters (if applicable) before changing the ROM. Use the disk utility
KEYPAD.EXE program to store the parameters on disk.
After you have installed the new ROM, turn the plotter on and press the ALT key to
complete the normal self-test sequence. When the pen has reached the right end
plate (and if the custom user parameters need to be reformatted), an error code will
appear on the keypad, as shown in the table below:
VIEW on POWER on
ONLINE on ERROR on
SCALE off
ALT on
Symptoms:
1. The test plot will start running each time the plotter is turned on.
2. Remove red button from right top cover by squeezing silver bracket and pushing
out.
3. File the top and bottom of the opening that holds the switch in place.
If the above suggestions do not solve your problem, a new button switch can be
purchased from an Ioline Authorized Service Center.
1. First, determine whether the shift observed is due to a gradual continuous process
called creep (media slipping slowly on the grit shaft) or a sudden shift (lines with
sudden sharp angles).
2. If you use paper in your plotter, fibers may break down while plotting. This
causes slippage. Call IOLINE Customer Service and request our maintenance
bulletin for information on routine cleaning of your grit shaft.
3. Vinyl, rubylith and paper all stretch if pulled off a heavy roll. If you unroll a length
of media prior to cutting, this will minimize some registration problems. By
providing temporary support, like a table in front, extra long length media can coil
rather than hang on to the floor. The load on the cutting surface caused by heavy
vinyl and sandblast masking can be reduced.
4. The chartwheels may have a flat spot on them allowing slick materials, like vinyl,
to shift. Inspect the wheels carefully.
The grit shaft may have lost enough grit to hinder registration. If you think this is the
case, the grit shaft may need to be replaced.
Technical Bulletin Programming Users/LP Series
The easiest way to program the memory of the plotter is by using the Plotter Utility
Program. If you do not have the program, you may download it from our web site.
http://www.ioline.com/tech/software_tech.html
The following steps will make it possible for you to program your plotter to power up
with the parameters you desire (i.e., HPGL or DMPL, paper size, speed, etc.)
1. Turn the plotter on and press the following keys: ALT, UR, DOT, DOT, DOT, ALT,
1, RESET, ALT, RESET
7. If the baud rate and the COM port settings are correct, press <enter>. If they are
not correct, change and then press <enter>.
8. From the Main Menu, select the user number (1, 2, or 3) to be programmed.
9. As you can see, you are able to set all the user parameters from your computer
keyboard instead of using the keypad on the plotter.
10. Once you have changed the parameters as you need, press <ENTER> to get back
to the main menu. If all you want to do is to enter a special page size, select that
parameter, and enter the X and Y values (a maximum of 80 x 35 inches).
12. Press “A” to select default to user 1, 2, or 3 when you Power-up or Reset.
15. Enter parameters that you want plotter to have when you power up. For example,
the parameters you input may be (ALT, UR, 1, LL, SIZE, 1, 5, SIZE, SPEED, 6
SPEED, ONLINE). The above parameters would place the plotter on-line with
user 1 values loaded and the values, which were put into size 15, and a speed of 6
inches per second each time the power is turned on.
16. Press “END” and then “Y” to save Boot Sequence parameters and exit to Main
Menu.
Your plotter is now configured to power up with the parameters you have chosen.
Technical Bulletin Poor Registration/LP Series
2. Remove right top cover and check all x-axis motor pulleys set screws.
3. Remove the left end plate and check y-axis motor transmission pulley set screws.
4. Inspect the chartwheels to ensure they rotate freely are clear of debris and have
no flat spots.
7. Inspect the all belts and pulleys for missing or damaged teeth.
9. Clean the gritshaft by removing any paper build or vinyl with a stiff bristle nylon
brush.
Technical Bulletin Poor Line Quality/LP Series
If the line quality is poor while pen plotting, please check the following:
1. Examine the pen carriage jaw and body for cracks. If the carriage jaw/body is
cracked, it may move excessively as it is drawing, or it may affect the pen height.
2. The traverse rods which the carriage moves side to side on could be bent. Check
for a bent rod by rotating the traverse rods and watching the movement of the
carriage. If the movement of the carriage is not excessive, the traverse rods can
be turned so that the plotter functions properly. If the movement is excessive, the
traverse probably needs to be replaced.
3. There should be no side play in the pen holder. If side to side play is evident,
tighten the right jaw pivot screw until the play subsides. When properly adjusted,
the empty pen holder will fall when lightly tapped, and will nearly fall under its
own weight. Care must be taken not to over-tighten, as this may damage the
carriage.
If the problem cannot be remedied, the plotter will require maintenance from an
IOLINE Authorized Service Center.
Technical Bulletin Pen Plotting Tips/LP Series
Some difficulties can occur when using refillable or disposable technical pens.
Disposable (stainless steel tip) pens can become quite sharp due to wear after use,
and cut or tear the plotting media. And fine (.3 or smaller) replaceable tips can wear
as rapidly. Here are some suggestions to help you get the best performance from your
plotter when using this type of pen.
4. Impressions made by the gritshaft are clean and crisp after one or many passes.
Impressions that are weak after a few passes may indicate soft or thick material.
Impressions that show fractures indicate a hard coating on a soft base material.
5. Matched for the desired pen and ink. The strength of the paper should not
deteriorate when wetted by ink. The paper should not wear the pen point.
Bond and plotter bond paper: Very popular for check plots. Use caution with A0 sizes
on plots lasting longer than approximately 30 minutes. Not suitable for use with
refillable or other very fine tip pens. Wears pen tips out quickly.
Vellum (high quality coated rag paper): Excellent for final drawings. Very flat,
uniformly coated for translucent copy processes. 1000-H or 10/20 vellum works quite
well with most pens.
Film (mylar, polyester, acetate) double matte only: Excellent for final drawings.
Abrasive to pen points.
In general, when using fine point pens, the plotting material must be strong enough to
keep from wearing the pen out. Fine tip plotting pens wear quickly, and should not be
used once they are too sharp (no matter how much ink is left!).
Technical Bulletin Pen Height Adjustment/LP Series
3. Power up plotter.
4. After the power up sequence of lights, put the plotter in the internal diagnostic
mode using the following key sequence: press and hold the ALT key. Before the
carriage moves to stall #3, press and hold the RESET key while still holding the
ALT key down. Hold until the carriage stops at stall #3. The VIEW, ON LINE and
SPEED lights will be on. Press VIEW to enter the diagnostic mode. The VIEW,
SCALE and ALT lights will be on.
5. Press SIZE. This will move the pen rail in and out. The SIZE light indicates the
state of the home position limit switch (2 blinks per pen change cycle). The ALT
light shows the state of the travel limit switch (1 blink per cycle). If the pen does
not make a clean exchange, insert a 7/64 allen wrench into bottom hole located
rear of keypad, above the serial cable. Turn right to raise height, left to lower,
approximately 1/4 turn at a time.
7. To check adjustments for other pen locations, press ALT, CHARTHOLD, n (Pen
number to be picked up), CHARTHOLD. The carriage will pick up the chosen pen
and return to position #3.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for other pen positions. It is not necessary to make
adjustments for each pen position, however, it is a good idea to check various
positions across the width of the plotter.
Technical Bulletin Optical Eye Adjustment/LP 3700
3. Power up plotter; when the self-test sequence reaches the point where all yellow
indicator lights are on, press and hold the plotter's ALT and RESET keys
simultaneously to enter the diagnostic mode.
4. Using the 6 key, move the pen carriage to the right end plate. Press the 0(slow)
key. Press the 6 key again and "bump" the end plate, confirming that the pen
carriage has reached its extreme limit of travel. The ALT indicator light should be
off (the optical switch is blocked by the position tab on the Y-axis drive belt).
5. Press the VIEW key once. The pen carriage should move approximately 1/2 inch
to the left. Adjust the optical switch by loosening the mounting screw and moving
the switch back and forth - holding it to maintain centering in the Y-axis drive belt
- until the switch is at the exact point where the ALT indicator light goes on.
Tighten the mounting screw and verify that the switch does not touch the belt on
either side.
6. Test the adjustment by moving the pen carriage into the end plate with the 6 key
(ALT indicator is off); then press the VIEW key. If the ALT light is on, press the 4
key one step at a time; the light should go off in four or fewer steps. If not,
readjust the position of the limit switch.
7. If you cannot adjust the optical limit switch to within four steps of either arrow key
(with plotter in slow mode, see step 4, do not attempt to bend the bracket switch
to adjust further. Adjust as close as possible, then exit the test mode by pressing
the RESET key or turning the power off and back on. Then, test the multi-pen
operation by installing the pen tray carrier and requesting pen changes. If the pen
carriage does not line up properly with the pen stalls, further repairs will have to
be made. You should contact one of our authorized service centers for repairs.
Technical Bulletin Offset Adjustment/Artpro
There is a parameter that can be changed to correct this problem. The parameter is
the amount of "blade offset" or the distance from the tip of the blade to the center of
rotation. The distance of the offset is listed as "mils", or 1/1000 of an inch. The blade
offset for knife blades from Ioline is marked on the package in which they are shipped.
IOLINE products typically use knife blades with two different offset, 47 mils and 15
mils. However, due to variances in the blades, these numbers are not absolute.
If your plotter does not have the Artpro ROM, most sign making software packages
have blade offset as a parameter.
If your plotter has the ARTPRO ROM installed, the offset can be changed through the
keypad by using the following keystrokes:
ALT . n . (ALT dot {number} dot) where the {number} is the offset distance, to turn
correction on and set the offset distance. The default is set at 15. If the cuts are not
closing, the number should be changed (18 would be a good choice).
If you will be pen plotting, the knife correction must be turned off with the following
key strokes: ALT 0 . 0 . (ALT Zero dot Zero dot).
Using a computer, the offset can also be changed through the Utility disk. For non-PC
applications, or to execute changes to these functions from your device driver, build a
function that sends the following commands to the plotter, or use a utility to send the
commands from a system shell:
In the Art Pro cutter, the plotter test plot is replaced with a small square to test the
blade depth. The test plot can be executed from the plotter keypad by pressing ALT 7
or sending the ASCII string ;:T@ to the plotter from the host computer.
Additional notes:
6. An initialization cut is made to set the starting blade position if the plotter receives
a ;: DMPL file start, or an HPGL “IN” command.
Technical Bulletin Knife Rubs Cover/Artpro
Possible cause/solution:
1. Cut/Plot switch on right end plate is set to plot. Set the plotter to cut mode by
toggling Cut/Plot switch to Cut mode.
2. The knife assembly is installed to far back into the carriage jaw. Loosen
thumbscrews and slide the knife assembly forward in the carriage jaw until there
is clearance between the knife assembly and the dust cover.
3. The traverse rod may be bent. Try rotating the traverse so that the bow is
orientated toward the back of the machine.
If none of the above suggestions solve your problem, remove the dust cover.
Technical Bulletin Keypad Memory Reset/LP Series
Specific user parameters or an automatic boot up sequence may be saved in the non-
volatile memory of the keypad. Before resetting the keypad memory, review the
programmed user settings and write them down before clearing the memory. User
parameters can be accessed through the keypad.exe program originally provided with
your machine.
1. Turn the plotter power on. (LP 4000: Press ALT to initialize)
All keypad lights will illuminate for a second, then the power light will illuminate. This
indicates the keypad memory has been cleared. All previously programmed user
settings will revert to factory defaults.
Technical Bulletin HPGL Recognition/LP Series
The LP Series plotter requires the user to change the program language to HPGL in the
plotter memory to allow the machine to respond to HPGL commands. Plotter settings
can be changed using the Host Utility Program originally provided with the machine.
The Host Utility Program is available for download from our web site
http://www.ioline.com. If you no longer have the program disk, perform the following
steps to program the plotter to recognize HPGL commands. Note: HP/GL language
recognition was implemented as of Nov. 1, 1987 (Serial No. > P3774401 or P4074401)
1. Temporarily, select HPGL by setting the plotter paper size as usual and by placing
the plotter online by pressing the following plotter keys: ONLINE, ALT, ONLINE
The plotter language will change back to the default DMPL after being taken
offline.
2. Use the language select option in the non-volatile memory to select HPGL under
User #n (see chapter 5 in operations manual). Then, manually select User #n
each time the HPGL language is desired.
b) Program the Boot User variable to automatically boot as User #n on power up.
Each time the plotter is turned on, it will load parameters for User #n.
After selecting HPGL, the LP Series plotter will automatically switch to DMPL if it
receives a DMPL plot file. However, it will not automatically switch from DMPL to
HPGL. The default language is DMPL.
Technical Bulletin HPGL Recognition/LP 3500
The LP 3500 Series plotter requires the user to change the program language to HPGL
in the plotter memory to allow the machine to respond to HPGL commands. Plotter
settings can be changed using the Host Utility Program originally provided with the
machine. The Host Utility Program is available for download from our web site
http://www.ioline.com. Note: HP/GL language recognition was implemented as of Nov.1,
1987 (Serial No. > P3574401)
From the display menu select the following commands to change “Plotter Language”
recognition to HPGL:
After selecting HPGL, the LP 3500 will automatically switch to DMPL if it receives a
DMPL plot file. It will not, however, automatically switch from DMPL to HPGL. The
default language is DMPL.
Technical Bulletin Disable Auto View/LP Series
The Auto View feature of the machine scrolls the material forward & back after the
user has selected a page size. This is to allow a physical view of the paper size set. If
you do not want the paper to scroll back and forth after you select a page size, disable
the Auto View feature from the plotter keypad.
2. Press the following keys to program User 1 parameters to shut off the Auto View:
ALT, UR, 1 ALT, 1, ALT, VIEW, 0.
This will have allowed you to select User 1 settings, which you just programmed with
the page view parameter of 0 (off), and then set up the plotter as you normally would.
Technical Bulletin Dimensional Calibration/LP Series
Plotters can exhibit variations in drawing accuracy in both the X and Y axis, due to
variations in the paper drive mechanism, paper density, humidity and temperature.
Typically, the accuracy of a plot is within 0.2% overall.
1. Press the following keys to clear the current calibration: ALT, UR, ORIGIN,
ORIGIN, ORIGIN, ALT, 1, RESET, ALT, RESET Note: This procedure also clears any
programmed user settings in the non-volatile memory.
3. Turn the plotter on and load an E-size sheet into the plotter.
4. Size the paper for an E-size drawing using the following keystrokes: LL, SIZE, 4,
SIZE
5. The plotter will then scroll the paper back and forth 2 times.
6. Press ALT, 4. The plotter will perform a calibration plot within the Lower Left and
Upper Right parameters that you have set.
7. Measure and write down the distance between the beginning and end marks in
both the X and Y directions. The X direction is in the movement of the paper, and
the Y direction is in the movement of the pen. All measurements must be
accurate to three decimal points.
EXAMPLE: X = 40.125 inches and Y = 30.020 inches. Using the above numbers,
enter the following: ALT - UR - ORIGIN - ORIGIN - ORIGIN - ALT - SCALE - 4 - 0 -
ORIGIN - 1 - 2 - 5 - ORIGIN - 3 - 0 - ORIGIN - 0 - 2 - 0 -SCALE - ALT - 1 - RESET
If the cut is good when the vinyl is moving toward the front of the plotter (positive x-
axis direction) but is cutting too deep when the vinyl is moving toward the rear of the
plotter (negative x-axis direction), add more downward force to the cutter "foot".
Adding more down force will provide more support against the blade digging into the
vinyl.
1. Locate the Pen Force Adjustment Arm under the dust cover on the rear of the Pen
Holder Arm.
2. Push the pen force adjustment up or down to decrease or increase the pen force.
Each new downward position of the arm increases the pen force by approx. 10
grams; the range of adjustment is 20 to 60 grams.
Technical Bulletin Custom Page Setup/LP Series
The LP Series plotter requires the user to set a custom page size in the plotter
memory to allow the machine to go further than the largest preprogrammed page size
in the plotter (Architectural E-Size). Plotter settings can be changed using the Host
Utility Program originally provided with the machine. The Host Utility Program is
available for download from our web site http://www.ioline.com . If you no longer have
the program disk, perform the following steps to program the custom page size from
the keypad.
1. Move carriage as close to the right end plate as possible until the limit light
illuminates. Move the carriage slightly left until the limit light goes out.
3. Press: LL
4. Press: ALT, GO TO, 32000, ORIGIN, 14200, GO TO. At this point the grit shaft will
start turning. (Scale: 400 steps per inch)
7. Press: ALT, 1
Now you are ready to plot up to 80 inches. To access the custom size press the
following keys: ALT, UR, 1, LL, SIZE, 1, 5, SIZE
Technical Bulletin Custom Page Setup/LP3500
The LP 3500 requires the user to set a custom page size in the plotter memory to
allow the machine to go further than the default page length of 32”. Plotter settings
can be changed using the Host Utility Program provided with the machine. The Host
Utility Program is available for download from our web site http://www.ioline.com if
you no longer have the program disk.
1. Insert the Host Utility Program Disk into the disk drive.
2. To view the disk contents click on “My Computer” from your Windows Desktop,
then double click on the 3 ½” Floppy A icon.
4. To set the plotter for an 80 inch cut, enter the following from the menu:
KEYPAD – ENTER
ENGLISH – ENTER
MANUAL MOVE – ENTER
SET LOWER LEFT – ENTER
GO TO – ENTER
GO TO COORDINATES – ENTER
X COORDINATES - 80 – ENTER
Y COORDINATES - 24 – ENTER
GOTO – ENTER
GOTO - HOME – ENTER
EXIT – ENTER
QUIT
In addition to DMPL, the LP Series can be used with HPGL. No hardware modification
is required; instead, you simply select the HP 758X-series driver in your CAD software
or install as a Windows printer driver. Note: HP/GL language recognition was implemented
as of Nov. 1, 1987 (Serial No. > P3774401 or P4074401).
3. Click on the Add Printer icon in the Printers window. The Add Printer Wizard
window should appear.
6. Select HP from the Manufacturers list then select 7585B from the Printers list.
8. Select the appropriate output serial port you will be using in you computer (Ex:
COM1; COM2).
10. Select a name for the printer (Ex: LP 4000; LP3700) or keep the default name
displayed, then decide whether you want this to be your default printer and
choose Yes or No.
12. Choose whether you would like to print a test page (not required). The LP Series
plotter should be online in HPGL mode if you choose “Yes”.
14. Driver installation is complete and the printer driver icon should appear in the
Printers window.
15. Right click on the printer icon then left click on properties from the pull down
menu.
17. Select the paper size that equals the page size most commonly used in your LP
Series plotter then choose landscape to mirror the lower left orientation of the
plotter.