Summit-Blue Logic Board Reset-ROM 230

File: Summit-Blue_Logic_Board_Reset-ROM_230.pdf

Summit-Blue Logic Board Reset-ROM 300

File: Summit-Blue_Logic_Board_Reset-ROM_300.pdf

Summit-Box Style Frame Sensor Adjustment

File: Summit-Box_Style_Frame_Sensor_Adjustment.pdf

Summit-Dimensional Calibration

File: Summit-Dimensional_Calibration.pdf

Summit-Frame Gap Or Overlap

File: Summit-Frame_Gap_Or_Overlap.pdf

Summit-Green Logic Board Reset

File: Summit-Green_Logic_Board_Reset.pdf

Summit-Maintenance Schedule

File: Summit-Maintenance_Schedule.pdf

Summit-Operational Recommendations

File: Summit-Operational_Recommendations.pdf

Summit-Plotter Port Test

File: Summit-Plotter_Port_Test.pdf

Summit-Ribbon Cartridge Replacement

File: Summit-Ribbon_Cartridge_Replacement.pdf

Summit-Technical Bulletins

File: Summit-Technical_Bulletins.pdf

Summit-Troubleshooting Error Conditions

File: Summit-Troubleshooting_Error_Conditions.pdf

Summit User Guide

File: summit_ug_r0.pdf
Revision: 0
Posted: March 20, 2001
Size: 1.2 MB

Summit Service Manual

File: summit sm_r1.pdf
Revision: 1
Posted: September 23, 2002
Size: 5.5 MB

Legacy Utility Software

Many software applications for unsupported Ioline equipment, including past versions of the Control Center, are available in the Legacy Software section of the support website.

General Maintenance

To keep your Summit plotter operating at its peak performance, please follow these guidelines for maintenance. You may need to adjust the suggested time intervals based for lighter or heavier plotter usage. Use your best judgment.

Weekly

1. Turn the power off.
2. Manually rotate the shaft and use the supplied brush to dust off paper residue, which, over time, can cause media to slip.
3. Wipe the plotting surface, front and back, using a clean rag dampened with anti-static spray to reduce drag.
4. Clean the chart wheels of excess paper or ink accumulation with clean rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
5. Clean the frame and frame sensor with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.

Monthly

1. Wipe the traverse rods with a clean rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Using a cotton swab and isopopyl alcohol, clean pen lifter plate rods on the carriage assembly. These are the rods on which the pen jaw rides up and down. Excessive dirt build up can cause sticking and deterioration of plot quality.
3. Clean the white ribbon cable of any dirt accumulation with a clean rag and isopropyl alcohol. Any build up can transferred to the assembly itself and cause the cable not to retract properly.
4. Clean the take up and feed shaft blocks on the stand with a clean rag and isopropyl alcohol. Treat the blocks by spraying them with silicone to reduce friction between the shaft and block.
5. Change the position of your chart wheels so as not to wear the shaft in a specific spot. This can add to the life expectancy of the shaft.

Quarterly

1. Check the take up shaft and feed shaft collars. They may come loose from vibration over time. This can cause side to side play of the shaft, invoking irregular paper tracking. Warning: Pressing collars tight against blocks may stall the take up transmission!
2. Check grit shaft set screws to ensure they are fastened properly. A loose set screw can cause frame to frame gapping/overlapping and intraframe registration problems.
3. Check the transmission pinion set screws. Transmissions can be accessed by removing right-end cover. A loose set screw can cause the Y-axis to shift or impair paper movement.
4. Check the flex coupling set screws to ensure they are fastened properly. This is a key link between the gritshaft transmission and the grit shaft.
5. Level the stand to prevent tracking problems and media drift.
6. Check the take-up shaft transmission flex coupling set screws. They are a key link between the transmission and the take-up shaft.

Troubleshooting port issues

Issue: Pen Skips or doesn’t touch the paper
Issue: Pen doesn’t touch the paper on the right or left side

Check your pen to assure that it was inserted properly.

Adjust the force to the specified rating for your pen. The default force setting of the Summit is 150 grams (this is the ideal setting for Fisher Pens). Be careful not to set the force too high as this may cause paper to tear or may damage the pen tip.

Never lean on dust cover while plotting.

The pen cushion tape may be damaged. This tape helps soften the impact of the pen down movement (check for cuts or a groove on the middle of it).

After the plotter has been used for some time, the dust cover brackets may require adjustment.

1. Remove the dust cover by loosening and removing all 8 screws.
2. Loosen the 2 screws on the right dust cover bracket.
3. Move the right dust cover bracket down slightly and tighten the screws.
4. Replace the dust cover and test the plotter to see if the pen is touching the paper.
5. Follow the same procedure to adjust the left side.
6. You may have to repeat the steps above until the pen draws correctly across the width of the paper.

Issue: plotter doesn’t communicate with the PC

If your plotter isn’t communicating with the computer, identify the source of the problem using a process of elimination. The following checklist will give you the clues necessary to determine the actual cause of the communication problem.

1. Make sure the serial cable is the correct one for the plotter. Verify it is not damaged.
2. Make sure the cable is connected properly to one of your computer’s serial ports. The Ioline Summit can’t communicate over a parallel port.
3. Make sure the plotter is in the Ready Mode with the green light on.
4. Make sure the correct communications protocol is being used by your computer. For COM 2, the mode command statement for a PC is:

   MODE COM2:96,N,8,1,P

   If you’re using another COM port, replace the number 2 with the COM port number to which the plotter is connected.

   If available, try another COM port. If unsuccessful obtaining access to a second COM port, test with another computer.

5. Make sure the correct driver is selected in the plotter setup menu in your design program.
6. If operating the Ioline plotter Control Center in the Windows® environment or using a Windows®-based application, try switching to the DOS® version of the Control Center to send your file. If the machine works in DOS®, then you know the plotter, COM port and cable are operational.

7. If using a Windows® program application, try saving a file to disk and using the DOS® copy command to output the file to the plotter. For example at the DOS® prompt:

   1. Type: Copy filename.plt com2
   2. Press: EnterM

   If the plotter does not start plotting, it means one of the following conditions exists:

   1. Plotter is not connected to that port. Consult your computer manual.
   2. Plotter is not configured correctly. Consult your software manual.
   3. Plotter cable is bad. Try another RS232 cable.
   4. The computer port you to which the plotter is connected is bad. Try another port.
   5. The plotter’s port is bad.

   Note: Refer to the Summit User Guide for the serial test procedure.

8. If you have a bus mouse, check that the IRQ setting is not on three (3) or four (4), but set to five (5). The dip switches are usually right in the middle of the bus mouse interface card. If you look at the center of the mouse interface card, you will see a set of pins labeled 2, 3, 4, and 5. In most cases when you purchase a bus mouse, the default IRQ settings is three, which is the SAME as COM2. If you have your plotter configured to COM2, you will have problems. We recommend that you always set the bus mouse to IRQ5.
9. Many software manufacturers recommend the removal of a fax or modem card when using their products. Ioline suggests customers contact the appropriate software company for advice about custom computer configurations.

Plotter com port test

If you do not have the loop-back diagnostic module, complete the following steps:

1. Turn off your plotter.
2. Remove the serial cable from the back of the plotter. Using paper clips or short lengths of wire, jump pin 2 to pin 3 and pin 4 to 5. Make sure you get the wires in far enough to make a good connection. The pin holes are labeled on the com port. The top row is 1 through 13, from right to left.

   

3. Turn on the plotter while you hold down the Test Cut key on the keypad. Continue holding down Test Cut key until the plotter beeps and the light flashes three times. This places the plotter in diagnostic mode.
4. Press any arrow key on the plotter keypad to transmit and receive characters. Verify that the plotter beeps and the light flashes each time an arrow key is pressed.
5. Turn the plotter off to take the plotter out of the diagnostic mode. Remove the jumpers from the serial port.

If this test is successful, then the serial port on the plotter is communicating properly. However, if you continue having problems communicating with the plotter, you may need to verify that the cable is in good condition and the COM port on your computer is working properly.

Resetting the Summit logic board

Sometimes unusual plotter symptoms can be remedied by clearing the main logic board, even though the problem is completely unrelated to memory. This procedure resets the plotter to factory defaults and dumps anything that might be causing the plotter to act differently than expected.

ROM Version 3.0 and NEWER

1. Turn the plotter off.
2. While holding down the PAUSE key, power the plotter on.
3. Once the carriage starts moving, release the PAUSE key.
4. The reset procedure is complete. Close or exit the Control Center.

ROM Version OLDER than 3.0

1. Turn the plotter off.
2. Move the carriage to the left endplate.
3. To gain access to the main logic board, you must remove the access cover beneath the bottom pan.
4. On the main logic board, locate the three-pin jumper, JP2, marked clr/run.
5. Connect the left and middle post together with a piece of wire or a paper clip.
6. With the jumper in place, turn the machine on.
7. Watch the pen carriage move to the right. Turn the machine off when the carriage touches the right end plate.
8. Remove the jumper from JP2.

Issue: “Ready” light stays dark after pressing Starting Point

If you press Starting Point, and the plotter does not go into Ready Mode—with the wheels down—try moving the charthold switch while pressing the Starting Point key. If the plotter goes into Ready Mode, then the charthold motor and switch must be replaced.

To access the charthold motor and switch, you must remove the left end plate at the opposite end of the keypad.

Turning off the frame sensor

You may choose to turn off the frame sensor to increase throughput, although we do not recommend this. When you turn off the frame sensor, you run the risk of diminishing the quality and alignment of your completed jobs.

To disable the frame sensor:

1. Ensure the plotter is on and in Ready Mode.
2. From the Summit Control Center, de-select Sensor Enable.
3. Select Send Setting to the Summit.
4. Close or exit the Control Center.

Chartwheel Replacement

1. Remove right and left endcover.
2. Loosen all the set screws in the square shaft bushings.
3. Remove the square shaft allen screw on the right (size 5/32).
4. On the right side, get a long screw driver and loosen the square shaft screw (size 5/32). Don’t let go the screw from the screw driver, as this will make repairs more difficult.
5. Gently, slide the square shaft to the left until you have enough room to remove the chartwheels. While doing this, ensure that the chartwheels do not drag on the grit shaft.
6. Replace the chartwheels.
7. Slide the square shaft back.
8. Tighten the allen screws on both sides of the square shaft. The allen screw on the left side of the shaft should be tight until so that there is no side play.
9. Manually push the chartwheels down. If they stay down, then the square shaft screws are too tight. Loose left the allen screw 1/4 and retest until the chartwheels go up freely.
10. Tighten the set screws in the square shaft bushing.
11. Replace both end covers.

Plotter calibration

The purpose of the calibration section in the Summit Control Center is to generate and then measure a calibration plot so you can test the accuracy of the X- and Y-axes. You can then adjust the Summit for increased accuracy.

The X-axis runs the length of the plot and the Y axis is the width.

To calibrate the Summit:

1. From the Summit menu, select Calibrate. Make sure your paper is at least 42 inches long by 48 inches wide, and that it is the type of paper used during normal plotter operation.
2. Select Calibration Plot. The Summit will draw four ruled lines: 40 inches, and 46 inches wide. Precisely measure both X-axis values and both Y-axis values. Record your results.
3. Select Set Calibration.
4. Enter the average of the 2 measured X values.
5. Enter the average of the 2 measured Y values.
6. Select Set Calibration.
7. Select Done.

Issue: Chartwheels tear small squares into the paper

Ensure that the paper is taut when the Starting Point is set to pull paper off the feed roll; Do not use the keypad arrows. Use only the roll feed rocker switch. If you encountered this problem, the grit shaft may have paper residue stuck to it, affecting the tracking.

To assure good tracking, regularly clean the grit shaft with the brush supplied with your plotter.

Issue: Frame Sensor (original model) doesn’t read sensor mark.

If the paper is too think, It’s possible that the sensor can not read the contrast between the paper and the black platen below it. The sensor works by detecting the contrast. Try sticking some white paper on the platen, under the plotter paper, where the sensor line is drawn. This will increase the contrast.

Make sure you are using black or very dark ink. If the line is not dark enough, change the Force setting to a higher setting. The default setting is 150 grams. Try changing the Force setting to 180 grams in the Control Center.

The pen might be getting dry, causing the sensor not to read the mark.

Environmental factors such as humidity can cause paper to stretch, pushing the sensor out of range. If you’re using paper less than 72 inches wide, readjust the sensor using the Sensor Test for the narrower position. (refer to Frame Sensor Adjustment Procedure below).

Frame Sensor Adjustment (original style)

The following tools are needed:

• Voltmeter (with alligator clips)
• # 2 Phillips screwdriver

1. Press Pause to take the plotter offline. Position the sensor about 2-3 inches away from the edge of the paper. The paper must be fully loaded to make this adjustment. Remove the cover on front of sensor.
2. Adjust the sensor height until is roughly .20 inches away from the platen.
3. Remove the frame sensor housing and use an alligator clip to attach the DC voltmeter with to J1 in the sensor circuit board. Do not allow the connector wires to drape unsupported as their weight may affect the carriage position.
4. The sensor voltage will probably read about 10 volts DC. It will read this voltage until the sensor is adjusted.
5. Rotate the adjustment screw clockwise in very small increments until the voltage begins to drop. Adjust the sensor until the voltage is at its lowest point, approximately 6 volts or less. Try to minimize any down pressure on the carriage when rotating the adjustment screw, as it can affect the carriage position.

   

6. If it is difficult to reach this low voltage, clean the sensor lens with a dry cotton swab and try again. It is also possible that the sensor was too low to begin with. If so, start at .22 inches away from the platen.
7. After setting this voltage, disconnect the voltmeter and move the carriage about 12 inches to the left and then back to the adjusting position (6 inches from the right end plate). This is to ensure sensor adjustment is maintained after the carriage moves.
8. Recheck the sensor voltage. If the sensor reads between the 4 to 6 volts, disconnect.
9. Move the carriage so that is 6 inches away from the right end plate. Hit the Sensor Test button on the keypad. The sensor should beep every time it crosses the X-axis (gritshaft) mark. Hit the Sensor Test button a second time; Now, it should beep every time it crosses the Y-axis (carriage) mark. Attach the sensor cover.

Issue: Error lights on the keypad

If the Summit keypad gets an error light, it can assist you with your troubleshooting procedure:

Type	Meaning
Steady red light	Buffer overflow or a major communication error
Flashing red light	Jam, in the X axis (length of the paper)
Flashing green light	Jam in the Y axis or the Roll feed mechanism
Steady green light	Serial error, communication problem, sensor not reading the mark
Alternative red/green	Plotter language syntax error

Issue: Frames are out of alignment

1. Make sure that the plotter has been leveled properly. If the plotter is not level, the frames will not line up.
2. Check the Summit Control Center to make certain the frame sensor is enabled.
3. Make sure the paper is pulled taut, tight and square. If there is slack between the feed roll and the take-up roll, frames will not line up. See the User Guide for proper paper set-up procedure.
4. If the plotter frame setting in the Control Center is smaller than the software frame setting, it may cut off the top part of the frame. If the plotter frame setting is larger than the software setting, the sender mark will be appear several inches above the last frame. This can cause a frame gap. To fix this gap, assure that the frame setting on the plotter and in the Control Center match.
5. Assure that the lock collar is flush against the left shaft support blocks on both the take up shaft and the feed shaft. The right end of the shaft should butt against the right end plate. For a more detailed description, see the Summit User Guide.
6. Positioned the chartwheels at an equal distance from the left and right edges of the paper (at least half an inch). You may have to position the charwheels in different locations until you achieve desired tracking. Clean the gritshaft using a soft bristle toothbrush. Make sure you remove any accumulated dust and media residue from the gritshaft.
7. Ensure that the dancer bars move freely. A jammed dancer bar adds drag or friction to one side of the paper loop, which may cause frame alignment problems.