FlexJet E/E-II Support

Ioline FlexJet-E 1.8m Industrial Inkjet Printer

Setup

Follow these steps to install software for your FlexJet marker plotter

Step One:

Install USB drivers by downloading the installation program and running it. Answer ‘yes’ or ‘OK’ to any security prompts.
CDM21228_Setup.exe

Step Two:

Install the FlexPlot Software by downloading the installation file and running it. Answer ‘yes’ or ‘OK’ to any security prompts.
flexplot_setup_full.exe

Step Three:

Install the FlexJet Control Center Software by downloading the installation file and running it. Answer ‘yes’ or ‘OK’ to any security prompts.
flexjetCC_setup_full.exe

Final Step:

Continue following the steps in the Ioline Quick Start Guide that was included with your machine. Visit the Manuals tab on this page to find the PDF User and Quick Start Guides and software manuals for your equipment. The Downloads tab includes the software listed above and other tools for your machine for later reference.

Tech Bulletins

Maintenance and Repair

FlexJet-E Planetary Gear Motor Replacement: File: 111261_Replace_Planetary_Gear_Motor_FJE_R00.pdf
FlexJet-E Spur Gear Motor Replacement: File: 111254_Replace_SpurGear_Motor_FJE2_R00.pdf
FlexJet-E Carriage Transmission Rebuild (Y Axis) – Large Motor: File: 111112_Rebuild_Trans_Assy_No-Motor_FJE-CP_R00.pdf
Replace FlexJet-E Paper Drive Shaft (X Axis): File:109676_Universal_Driveshaft_X_Replacement_SJ-FJE-FJEII-FJEXII_R00.pdf
Replace FlexJet-E Keypad: File:109809_Install_Keypad_FJE-FJEII-FJEXII_R00.pdf
Replace FlexJet-E Keypad (Early 3-Cable Models with Extended Rear Cover): File:110623_Install_ribbon_cable_FJE3C_R00.pdf
Replace FlexJet-E Keypad (Later 4-Cable Models with Narrow Rear Cover): File:111264_Install_Ribbon_Cable_FJE_R00.pdf
Replace FlexJet-E Carriage Transmission (Y Axis): File:110753_Y_trans_replace_FJE_R0.pdf
Install Low Friction Paper Roll Support: File:110877_Install_Low_Friction_Paper_Support_R00.pdf
Rebuild Carriage Transmission with Existing Motor (Y Axis) – Small Motor FJE2 Only: File:111114_Rebuild_Trans_Assy_No-Motor_IS-300-FJEII_R00.pdf
Install Casters on FlexJet-E Stand: File:111167_R00_Install_Printer-Plotter_Casters.pdf
Replace FlexJet-E Logic Board on Later 3-Cable Models with Extended Rear Cover: File:111513_Logic_Board_Replacement_FJE-3C_R00.pdf
Replace FlexJet-E Logic Board on Later 4-Cable Models with Narrow Rear Cover: File:111259_Logic_Board_Replacement_FJE-4C_R00.pdf
Replace FlexJet-E Carriage: File:111274_Carriage_Replacement_SJ-FJE-FJEII-FJEX.pdf
Connect Two FlexJet-E Machines to a Single PC: File:111297_Connecting_Two_FJEs_to_One_PC_R00.pdf
Upgrade FlexJet-E Take-up Motor: File:111309_Upgrade_Take-up_Motor_FJE_R00.pdf
Remove FlexJet-E Back Cover: File:111439_Universal_procedure_FJE_back_cover_Rev_0.pdf
Remove FlexJet-E End Covers: File:111551_Proc_Remove_End_Covers_FJ_R00.pdf
Install Paper Flanges for Narrow Paper: File:111462_Installing_Flanges_for_Narrow_Paper_R00.pdf
Replace FlexJet-E Carriage PCB: File:111548_Carriage_PCB_Replacement_SJ-FJE-FJEII-FJEX.pdf
FlexJet-E Repacking Guide – New Box: File: 111245_R00_FJE-FJEII-FJEXII_Repacking_Guide.pdf
FlexJet-E Repacking Guide – Old Box (foam uprights): File: 110960_R00_FJE_Repacking_Guide.pdf

Replace USB/Serial Logic Board in Rear Panel: File: 109586R01_Replace_USB_PCB.pdf

Software Tips

Using Gerber 7.x software with the FlexJet E: Plotting Direct to the Ioline FlexJet with Gerber AccuMark 7.x
File: flexJet_gerber_compatibility_setup.pdf
Using Gerber 8.x software with the FlexJet E: Plotting Direct to the Ioline FlexJet with Gerber AccuMark 8.x
File: Gerber_Accumark_8x-How_to_generate_HPGL_file.pdf

How to Plot from Adobe Illustrator: File: Adobe_Illustrator-DXF_Export.pdf
How to Plot from CorelDraw™: File: CorelDraw-Export_to_Ioline_software.pdf

Technical Documentation

Ioline Syntax Guide 2008: Comprehensive list of all Ioline syntax commands for developers writing drivers for Ioline machines (except CrystalPress).
File: Ioline_Syntax_Manual_2008.pdf
Official HPGL Language Guide (1996): The official HP/GL language guide from Hewlett Packard, last published in 1996. Contains the complete language description although only a subset of the language is supported by Ioline (see the Ioline Syntax Guide above for details). [ref link]
File: HPGL2-RTL_ReferenceGuide_5961-3526_540pages_Sep96.pdf
Ioline HP/GL Driver Guide: Guide to help developers write drivers to output HPGL formatted vector images for Ioline machines.
File: ioHPGLguide.pdf
Upgrading Ioline Firmware: Directions for updating firmware in Ioline machines made after the late 1990s.
File: inst_firmware.pdf
Terminal Communication w/ Ioline Equipment: Directions for setting up and using a terminal program to communicate with Ioline machines.
File: terminal_comm.pdf
Power Entry Module Old vs. New: Visual guide to power entry wiring layout differences 1995-present.
File: Power_Entry_Module-Old_vs_New.pdf

Compliance and Environment

Ioline ROHS Statement: Official statement of ROHS compliance for Ioline products.
File: Ioline_RoHS_Complaince_Statement_2014.pdf
Ioline REACH Statement: Official statement of REACH compliance for Ioline products.
File: Ioline_REACH_Compliance_2020.pdf
Recycle Ioline Components: The Ioline Recycle website offers options for safely and properly recycling obsolete or damaged components.

Manuals

FlexJet E Quick Start Guide: Assembly and setup directions for Ioline FlexJet E printer.
File: Ioline_FJE_Printer_Quick_Start_Guide.pdf
Revision: 4
Posted: 2019.09.10
Size: 5.0 MB
FlexJet E User Guide: File: Ioline_FJE_Printer_User_Guide.pdf
Revision: 1
Posted: May 10, 2008
Size: 2.0 MB
FlexJet E Guia de Usuario en Español: File: manual_fje_spanish.pdf
Revision: 1
Posted: Apr 08, 2009
Size: 5.0 MB
Si tiene problemas para leer el fichero en su navegador, haga un clic con el boton derecho al enlace y seleccione la opcion para descargarlo.

FlexPlot User Guide: Installation & directions for using FlexPlot software.
File: Ioline_FlexPlot_User_Guide.pdf
Revision: 4
Posted: 2008.05.09
Size: 900 KB

Downloads

FlexPlot Software Release 5.2: Queue and file management system for FlexJet and StudioJet Printers and 600Ae, 600AeX, and 28Ae plotters. Replaced 601 software.
File: flexplot_setup_full.exe
Revision: 5.2
OS: Microsoft Windows® (x32 and x64): Win 7, Win 8.1 and Win 10
Posted: 2015.11.16
Size: 23 MB
Release Notes: What’s New list
ReadMe: Ioline recommends updating printer firmware to version 770.0 or later. Please contact Ioline Customer Service to obtain the version compatible with your machine.
Installation: Copy the file to the PC. Double-click on the file and follow the on-screen instructions. Running the installer might display a warning if previous versions are installed. Remove all previous versions before installing this version.
FlexPlot Software Release 4 (previous version): Queue and file management system for FlexJet, 600Ae, 600AeX, 28Ae and StudioJet plotter
File: flexplot_r4.exe
Revision: 4
OS: Windows® 2000, XP, Vista (32-bit Editions)
Posted: 2007.11.28
Size: 2 MB
ReadMe: Ioline recommends updating printer firmware to version 770.0 or later. Please contact Ioline Customer Service to obtain the version compatible with your machine.
Installation: Copy the file to the PC. Double-click on the file and follow the on-screen instructions. Running the installer replaces the existing installed FlexPlot version.

FlexJet Control Center Software: Interface for adjusting parameters for the FlexJet, FJ, StudioJet, FlexJet E, and FlexJet EX printers.
File: flexjetCC_setup_full.exe
Revision: 17.1
OS: Microsoft Windows® (x32 and x64): Win 7, Win 8.1 and Win 10
Posted: 2015.11.16
Size: 18.5 MB
Release Notes: What’s New list
Installation: Copy the file to the PC connected to the machine and run it by double-clicking on it. Follow the on screen directions to complete the installation. The equipment User Guide has directions for using the Control Center.

USB Drivers: For the Ioline 100, 300, 350HF, FlexJet E, StudioJet, 600Ae, SmarTrac I/S & Contour, and CrystalPress equipped with a USB port.
Only for equipment manufactured on or after January 1, 2008
Download: CDM21228_Setup.exe
Latest Version: 2.12.28 (need to check your current version?)
Posted: 2018.05.02
Size: 2.4 MB
OS: Microsoft Windows® (x32 and x64): Win 7, Win 8.1 and Win 10
Read Me: On most Windows based computers, Ioline USB drivers will upgrade automatically through the Windows Update service. Use the file shown above to manually update the USB drivers if desired. Please refer to the USB Installation Guide for more information.
NOTE: If an error appears about “elevation”, run the file by right-clicking on it and choosing “Run as Administrator” instead of left-double-clicking on it.
Install: Download the driver file to the computer that is/will connect to the machine. Power off any connected Ioline machines then install the drivers by double clicking on the downloaded file. Once installation is complete, reboot the computer then connect and power on Ioline equipment to start using the new driver. Windows may go through a ‘New Driver Found’ installation process which is normal.

Firmware upgrades: Please contact Ioline Customer Service to obtain the latest Firmware upgrade information.

FAQ

Ribbon Cable Connections
The ribbon cable comes with TWO connections, one is labeled P (for power) the other one is labeled 1 (for head 1). If the Power cable is connected to the wrong connector on the board OR if the cable is not properly seated, it can cause a short.

My recommendation:

MAKE sure the ribbon cable is connected properly on both ends. First, connect the ribbon cable to the print head, make sure the cable labeled P is attached to the POWER connector on the carriage board. See images below:

And also, make sure on the main board, you have the P cable connected to POWER and the 1 cable connected to HEAD # 1 (see picture of main board below):

My recommendation: Plug in the cables to the carriage first, turn on the plotter and make sure everything initializes properly. Then, TURN OFF the plotter, connect the POWER cable to the unit and turn it on. ONLY IF everything works ok, THEN turn it off one more time, connect the HEAD 1 cable and repeat.

If the connections are correct, the unit should initialize. If the connections are incorrect, it will either not print, or it might cause an electrical short (the reason the Power Supply might click).

How to reset/test Ioline Flexjet-E

Reset the unit:

Turn the plotter off
While the plotter is off, PRESS and HOLD DOWN the Roll Feed key (key above Set Origin)
Turn the plotter on. Wait until the print head moves all the way to the left, then to the right.
Once the print head comes to its home position, you can stop pressing the Roll Feed key

If the above procedure fails, then:

Put the machine in test mode:

Turn the plotter off
Remove paper, ink and the front take-up bar from the machine
With the plotter off, PRESS and HOLD down the LEFT ARROW KEY (Y-direction)
Turn the plotter ON. When you do that, the following lights on the keypad should be green: Square, Circle, Triangle
Stop pressing the LEFT ARROW KEY and now, ONLY the SQUARE, CIRCLE and BEST lights (green) should be on.
PRESS the START/STOP key. The machine should start moving the print head to the right, then all the way against the left. At this point, ALL three motors (Y, X and paper motor) should activate and start working.

How to Correct Print Quality Problems (Faded or Broken Lines)
The issue seems more to be electrical (not enough electrical current is reaching the cartridge to activate the nozzles on the print head.)

There is a white ribbon cable connected to the print head. It might have come loose. Make sure the cable is seated properly inside its connector. See image below:

Remove the ink cartridge and make sure the electronic PCB on the stall is seated properly, it hasn’t shifted up/down which might cause it not to make proper contact with the electronics board on the back of the carriage. See below:

Causes for X-Axis errors / X-Axis Symptoms

The ONLY reason you would get that error code (X-axis media jam):

X-axis motor failure.
Piece of paper stuck inside the drive shaft channel.
Broken timing belt.

In the worst case scenario, IF the motor failed and the machine is left ON for some time, it might have caused some electronic components to overheat/fail. So, let’s test various things. First: Let’s test the motor without any paper loaded:

Remove paper/front take up bar from the machine
Turn it on
Using the arrow keys (Down) press it and see if the drive shaft (roller mechanism underneath the pressure wheels). Does it roll ok? Does it move without any problems?

Now turn the plotter off:

With your fingers, try to rotate the drive shaft. Does it rotate freely? Nothing obstructing it? If the drive shaft rotates freely, let’s move to the next step:
Put the machine in test mode:
1. Turn the plotter off
2. Remove paper, ink and the front take-up bar from the machine
3. With the plotter off, PRESS and HOLD down the LEFT ARROW KEY (Y-direction)
4. Turn the plotter ON. When you do that, the following lights on the keypad should be green: Square, Circle, Triangle
5. Stop pressing the LEFT ARROW KEY and now, ONLY the SQUARE, CIRCLE and BEST lights (green) should be on.
6. PRESS the START/STOP key. The machine should start moving the print head to the right, then all the way against the left. At this point, ALL three motors (Y, X and paper motor) should activate and start working.
  There is ALWAYS a cause and effect: Something causes the motor to fail, or maybe paper got stuck and it’s causing the drive shaft not to rotate freely, etc.

Dimensional calibration: To make sure the pieces measure the correct size. In order to caliber the unit, the Ioline Control Center (Windows version) has to be installed on the computer.
- Open the FlexJet Control Center Control Center (available here: flexjetCC_setup_full.exe)
- From the menus on top, select Tools then Size Calibration
  
  A new window will appear. On this window, you can send a calibration plot to the machine (box measures 40” x 30”). My recommendation: Create a box in your design software that measures 40” x 30” then send it to the plotter. After it finishes, measure the box. The results should be entered in the boxes indicated below:
  - For example, let’s say that you plotted the box and it measured 39.48” x 30.00”. These are the values you will enter in the boxes listed above.
  - When finished, plot the box again. It should be accurate.
  Y-axis movement calibration:
  
  (movement of the print head side to side. In some cases the lines might not be necessarily straight. If that’s the case, the causes are very likely mechanical (worn out belts, stretch timing belts, etc.) It can be somewhat corrected, although eventually parts might need to be replaced.
  
  How to correct/adjust:
  
  Open the Ioline FlexJet Control Center software (available here: flexjetCC_setup_full.exe)
- From the pull down menus on top, select Tools and then cartridge calibration
- A new window will open. On this window, you have a value labeled MOTION ADJUSTMENT
- This value is what dictates the alignment side to side. How to adjust:
  - This value can be increased in increments of 5 or less to adjust the movement of the line (side to side).
  - Now click on SELECT ALIGNMENT PLOT and send the previously downloaded file (calibration plot)
  - If the line is not straight, scalable lines, you can increase/decrease the motion value. I would recommend doing it in increments of 5. For example: If the value right now is 70, increase it/decrease it by 5, send the calibration grid again and see the results. If the line opens up more then you will have to do the opposite until the line is align with each pass.
  This value (Motion Adjustment) can be changed WHILE the unit is printing. So you can send the file, and start adjusting the value while the machine is plotting until the line is straight.
  Note: The Motion Adjustment numbers can be entered while the machine is plotting. The change will take effect after a couple of passes.