Media slipping (Plotter is not holding the media securely).
Media slipping (Plotter is not holding the media securely).
A. Verify that CalComp pens and media are being used. CalComp pens and
media are designed to provide optimal pen life, plot quality, and
plotter performance. CalComp cannot guarantee quality with other brands
of pens and media.
B. Verify that the media is loaded properly.
1. The two rubber pinch rollers are on top of the media, completely
covering each side of the media. If the pinch roller(s) do not
completely cover the media, then slippage problems are more
likely to occur.
2. The grit drum roller is the long round roller that moves the
media from front to back. The grit drum roller is not continuous.
There are places where the grit drum surface is not visible. If
the right pinch roller housing is placed at one of these
positions, then only one pinch roller will move, causing
slippage. For the 2036 model, media that is loaded in 27 inches
wide (left-to-right) would exhibit this problem. If using ANSI,
Architecture, or ISO standard media sizes, this should not be a
problem.
C. If using paper media and it has been stored in a cellophane/plastic
wrapper, then it should be conditioned to the environment first.
1. A good method of conditioning paper media is to expose individual
sheets horizontally, out of the wrapper, in the same environment
as the plotter for 48 to 72 hours before use. Generally, this is
sufficient time for the paper media to stabilize to the humidity
of the surrounding environment.
D. Examine the grit drum roller. If the gritty surface of the drum is worn
smooth, then it will no longer hold the media securely and the drum
should be replaced. Place a service call for diagnosis and repair. The
drum is not end-user installable.
E. Clean the grit drum roller on the plotter. The surface on the grit
drum roller can become encrusted with chad (media residue/cotton fiber
from the media). Perform the following:
1. Turn off the power on the plotter.
2. Position the pen carriage away from the area to be cleaned. If
the area to be cleaned is on the right, position the right pinch
roller over the area of the grit drum to be cleaned. The left
pinch roller is fixed in place. This procedure is used to clean
the area beneath either pinch roller.
3. With the pinch roller up, slide an 8 to 10 inch length of
permanent mending tape, sticky side down, beneath the pinch
roller and pinch roller housing.
4. Lower the pinch roller to trap the tape against the grit drum.
Raise the tape, and while holding the free ends of the tape away
from the platen, slide the tape back and forth at least 3 inches,
causing the grit drum roller to rotate.
5. Repeat as necessary to remove all residue from the grit drum.
6. Raise the pinch roller, slide a new 8 to 10 inch length of tape,
sticky side up, beneath the pinch roller and pinch roller
housing.
7. Lower the pinch roller to trap the tape against the pinch roller.
Raise the tape, and while holding the free ends of the tape away
from the pinch roller housing, slide the tape back and forth at
least 3 inches, causing the grit drum and pinch roller to rotate.
8. Repeat as necessary to remove all residue from the pinch roller.
F. Clean the rubber pinch rollers. The pinch rollers can be cleaned with
a clean cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol. The pinch rollers can
become encrusted with residue from the chemical coating on the media and
begin to lose their ability to hold the media.
1. If the pinch rollers are damaged, have flat spots, or have worn
down, cleaning will not be sufficient. The pinch rollers need to
be replaced. (CalComp part #16136-0011, 2024 pinch roller;
CalComp part #18451-0014, 2036 pinch roller).
a. The Pacesetter 2024 and 2036 Technical Manual is available
for customers who wish to do their own hardware repair.
This manual can be ordered in Parts and Supplies by calling
1-800-CalComp (1-800-225-2667) and order Part Number M0020-
160.
b. Free Illustrated Parts Breakdowns (IPBs) are available via
the CalComp FaxBack (714-821-2914) and ordering: Document
3008 for Models 2024 and 2036.
c. CalComp Technical Support does not offer support for
hardware repairs. On-site service is available for
hardware diagnosis and repair.
G. If the pinch rollers and grit drum roller have been cleaned, and are
in good condition, then try plotting. If the paper has a tracking
problem and skews (i.e., moves from its original position either
leftward or rightward) while plotting, the grit drum roller may be out
of alignment. If it is, the plotter requires service. This is not user-
serviceable.
H. If while plotting, or on power-up, the plotter makes a grinding noise,
then check the following:
1. Remove the media from the plotter.
2. Turn off the power on the plotter.
3. Examine the carriage area for any obstructions and/or torn media.
4. Manually slide the carriage to check for anything that might
inhibit free movement.
5. Examine the grit drum roller area for any obstructions and/or
torn media.
6. Manually rotate the grit drum roller to check for anything that
might inhibit free movement.
7. If no problems are detected, then the servo motors may be
binding. If it is, then the plotter requires service.