Digital BW, The Print

After months of working on this thing replacing heads and all, I am going to 
have to replace the mainboard on this 7000 to keep it alive. 

Just found out that Compas Micro and Epson will still do a board exchange for 
$150.00. I have a maintanace manual. Even if I sell this machine I should still 
do this.

Can anyone tell me how difficult this all is? Everything else on this printer has 
been restored. The guy at Compas told me I might need some "special 
software". I'm going to study the manual tonight, but is this doable without me 
spending even more money? I have to reinitialize everything and up date the 
firmware. Does anyone know what I need for this and how complex it is? I 
would like to use this machine for the new piezzotone inks that are about to 
be released. Even with replacing the head fuse and transistor this pump 
motor isn't working right now. 

Any sources for reading about all this would be appreciated.

Thanks,

J

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
<deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> After months of working on this thing replacing heads and all, I am 
going to 
> have to replace the mainboard on this 7000 to keep it alive. 
> 
> Just found out that Compas Micro and Epson will still do a board 
exchange for 
> $150.00. I have a maintanace manual. Even if I sell this machine I 
should still 
> do this.
> 
> Can anyone tell me how difficult this all is? Everything else on 
this printer has 
> been restored. The guy at Compas told me I might need some "special 
> software". I'm going to study the manual tonight, but is this 
doable without me 
> spending even more money? I have to reinitialize everything and up 
date the 
> firmware. Does anyone know what I need for this and how complex it 
is? I 
> would like to use this machine for the new piezzotone inks that are 
about to 
> be released. Even with replacing the head fuse and transistor this 
pump 
> motor isn't working right now. 
> 
> Any sources for reading about all this would be appreciated.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> J

Are you sure it's not the motor?

From what I have read in the manual, extracting the firmware requires 
1 of 3 methods. #1 is use some software to copy the firmware out of 
the printer into a DOS (maybe windows) PC. The second is to use a 
16MB SRAM memory card (PCMCIA type 1 or 2) To copy the firmware from 
the printer to the card, then from the card to the new printer. There 
may also be a number three of getting the firmware from Epson, and 
copying it to the card, then use the card to copy to the new printer. 
I've never had to do this yet. I also don't know if you can use any 
PCMCIA memory card or if it has to be the SRAM type, those can be 
expensive where regular NVRAM cards are cheap. The SRAM normally 
needs a batery to keep the info alive. There might also be a fourth 
method where you simply remove the chip from the old machine, and put 
it in the new machine, this of course would be the easiest!

As far as checking the motor, I would have to look at the schematic 
to see what type it is, and see what the logic is teling it to do. 
Might be as simple as supplying the correct voltage to make it turn. 
It could also be a stepper, and worst case a servo. If I have time, 
I'll dig up my manual and check tonight. I mention this because it 
could be possible that the motor is causing the driver chip to fail 
(normally letting out smoke when they go).

Do you know if that motor is the exact same as is used in the 
9000/9500? It would be easier since I have the 9500 manual printed. 
Also, if you can get the firmware for the 7500, I think it is the 
same chassis as the 7000. Not sure exactly what that would buy you, 
but might be worth investigating. 

If you would like, you can email me off list, and I'll try to help as 
much as possible. A little more background into what went wrong might 
be helpful too, I can't say that I've seen any other posts about this 
from you before.

Hi John,

I wondered what happened with your 7000 after working on the broken 
CN24 -- I assume you got that restored OK, but still no output, eh?

My suggestion regarding replacement of the main board is just to be 
sure it is really necessary before you jump in. Swapping the board is 
sometimes easier and faster than component level repair, but since 
your problem is currently with getting the pump motor working, I'd 
want to make sure that the fault is actually on the main board and 
not with the connectors, cables or pump motor itself.

The manual gives a pretty good description of what is required to 
swap the main board, and as you will see from the procedures outlined 
you're in for a bit of work. It's really not as bad as it sounds, but 
I'd make sure you're comfortable with all the technical steps and 
that the main board is actually the culprit before proceeding. Can 
you get a scope on it to make sure?

I run Piezotones (WN) in my 7000 and they're great -- the new inks 
sound even more nicer!

Ciao,
Richard

    

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
<deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> After months of working on this thing replacing heads and all, I am 
going to 
> have to replace the mainboard on this 7000 to keep it alive. 
> 
> Just found out that Compas Micro and Epson will still do a board 
exchange for 
> $150.00. I have a maintanace manual. Even if I sell this machine I 
should still 
> do this.
> 
> Can anyone tell me how difficult this all is? Everything else on 
this printer has 
> been restored. The guy at Compas told me I might need some "special 
> software". I'm going to study the manual tonight, but is this 
doable without me 
> spending even more money? I have to reinitialize everything and up 
date the 
> firmware. Does anyone know what I need for this and how complex it 
is? I 
> would like to use this machine for the new piezzotone inks that are 
about to 
> be released. Even with replacing the head fuse and transistor this 
pump 

> motor isn't working right now. 
> 
> Any sources for reading about all this would be appreciated.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> J

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting" 
<dfaprinting@y...> wrote:


We're thinking along the same lines here regarding the pump motor and 
trying to save John a lot of work in case it's not the main board ;>)

The motors in the 7000 and 9000 are the same spec-wise, but carry 
diffent part numbers. They are both steppers (4 phase 200 cycle HB 
types) with the same control voltages.

Ciao,

Richard



> 
> Are you sure it's not the motor?
> 
> From what I have read in the manual, extracting the firmware 
requires 
> 1 of 3 methods. #1 is use some software to copy the firmware out of 
> the printer into a DOS (maybe windows) PC. The second is to use a 
> 16MB SRAM memory card (PCMCIA type 1 or 2) To copy the firmware 
from 
> the printer to the card, then from the card to the new printer. 
There 
> may also be a number three of getting the firmware from Epson, and 
> copying it to the card, then use the card to copy to the new 
printer. 
> I've never had to do this yet. I also don't know if you can use any 
> PCMCIA memory card or if it has to be the SRAM type, those can be 
> expensive where regular NVRAM cards are cheap. The SRAM normally 
> needs a batery to keep the info alive. There might also be a fourth 
> method where you simply remove the chip from the old machine, and 
put 
> it in the new machine, this of course would be the easiest!
> 
> As far as checking the motor, I would have to look at the schematic 
> to see what type it is, and see what the logic is teling it to do. 
> Might be as simple as supplying the correct voltage to make it 
turn. 
> It could also be a stepper, and worst case a servo. If I have time, 
> I'll dig up my manual and check tonight. I mention this because it 
> could be possible that the motor is causing the driver chip to fail 
> (normally letting out smoke when they go).
> 
> Do you know if that motor is the exact same as is used in the 
> 9000/9500? It would be easier since I have the 9500 manual printed. 
> Also, if you can get the firmware for the 7500, I think it is the 
> same chassis as the 7000. Not sure exactly what that would buy you, 
> but might be worth investigating. 
> 
> If you would like, you can email me off list, and I'll try to help 
as 
> much as possible. A little more background into what went wrong 
might 
> be helpful too, I can't say that I've seen any other posts about 
this 
> from you before.

Hi Richard,

I still have printouts of all your valueable information from the past. Quite a 
folder here on head replacements etc.
I am pretty sure this is not the motor itself as it has always worked fine, but 
rather the connection on the board that makes it buzz like that and finally give 
the error message. It isn't easy reprogramming the board, you guys are right 
about that. And, it requires a special program and a pc, which I do have 
access to, though not Windows 95 like they mention in the manual.

I'm going to read over all this again tonight and post again tomorrow. If I can't 
solve the problem of the connection of the pump motor onto the main board I 
will have no choice but to replace the board. If it wasn't so cheap to buy one I 
wouldn't even attempt that.

I'll get back to you.

thanks again,

John


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "richard_h95050" <
richardh@j...> wrote:

> Hi John,
> 
> I wondered what happened with your 7000 after working on the broken 
> CN24 -- I assume you got that restored OK, but still no output, eh?
> 
> My suggestion regarding replacement of the main board is just to be 
> sure it is really necessary before you jump in. Swapping the board is 
> sometimes easier and faster than component level repair, but since 
> your problem is currently with getting the pump motor working, I'd 
> want to make sure that the fault is actually on the main board and 
> not with the connectors, cables or pump motor itself.
> 
> The manual gives a pretty good description of what is required to 
> swap the main board, and as you will see from the procedures outlined 
> you're in for a bit of work. It's really not as bad as it sounds, but 
> I'd make sure you're comfortable with all the technical steps and 
> that the main board is actually the culprit before proceeding. Can 
> you get a scope on it to make sure?
> 
> I run Piezotones (WN) in my 7000 and they're great -- the new inks 
> sound even more nicer!
> 
> Ciao,
> Richard
> 
>     
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
> <deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> > After months of working on this thing replacing heads and all, I am 
> going to 
> > have to replace the mainboard on this 7000 to keep it alive. 
> > 
> > Just found out that Compas Micro and Epson will still do a board 
> exchange for 
> > $150.00. I have a maintanace manual. Even if I sell this machine I 
> should still 
> > do this.
> > 
> > Can anyone tell me how difficult this all is? Everything else on 
> this printer has 
> > been restored. The guy at Compas told me I might need some "special 
> > software". I'm going to study the manual tonight, but is this 
> doable without me 
> > spending even more money? I have to reinitialize everything and up 
> date the 
> > firmware. Does anyone know what I need for this and how complex it 
> is? I 
> > would like to use this machine for the new piezzotone inks that are 
> about to 
> > be released. Even with replacing the head fuse and transistor this 
> pump 
> > motor isn't working right now. 
> > 
> > Any sources for reading about all this would be appreciated.
> > 
> > Thanks,
> > 
> > J

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "richard_h95050" 
<richardh@j...> wrote:
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting" 
> <dfaprinting@y...> wrote:
> 
> 
> We're thinking along the same lines here regarding the pump motor 
and 
> trying to save John a lot of work in case it's not the main 
board ;>)
> 
> The motors in the 7000 and 9000 are the same spec-wise, but carry 
> diffent part numbers. They are both steppers (4 phase 200 cycle HB 
> types) with the same control voltages.
> 
> Ciao,
> 
> Richard
> 
> 
That stepper isn't going to be much fun to trouble shoot. Too bad 
they couldn't have just used some kind of simple DC motor with a gear 
head for reduction. Do you know if there is any feedback from the 
motor that the board needs to tell if it is running?

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
<deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> Hi Richard,
> 
> I still have printouts of all your valueable information from the 
past. Quite a 
> folder here on head replacements etc.
> I am pretty sure this is not the motor itself as it has always 
worked fine, but 
> rather the connection on the board that makes it buzz like that and 
finally give 


Is that it, a bad connection? Some days I fix those all day long. 
Nothing a bit of wire and solder can't fix. I forget how many layers 
these boards use, but there is always a component somewhere that you 
can tack a wire too. May not look pretty, but how often do you show 
off the inside of your printer? If it is the connector on the end of 
the cable, that might be a little tricky, but you don't always have 
to use the exact replacement connector, you can get any pair and just 
hang one part on the board with wires, and then install the mate on 
the cables to the motor.

You might be surprised how often really expensive equipment gets a QC 
fix by running a wire on the board to fix a bad trace, and make a 
modification/upgrade before they revise the actual board. I can't 
tell you how often I get something that cost $15000 or more that 
arrives with a small mod or fix to a PC board, broadcast TV cameras, 
routing switchers, tape machines. It's actually rare to get something 
that doesn't have some kind of repair or change, especially when you 
get into 6+ layer boards.

I agree regarding troubleshooting the stepper -- not much fun, but 
from John's last post it does sound like there is some life in it.

The stepper motor is driven by an LB1845 (a pair in the 9000). This 
is a PWM current control type device that has internal thermal 
shutdown circuitry -- it's a pretty common and sturdy chip.

There isn't any direct feedback loop in that section of the circuit 
(but the ASIC may well be sensing the state of the 42V supply line). 
The the main board just outputs it's control to the stepper on a four 
pin cable, CN24 -- that's the connector that was giving John grief 
before, so it's definitely suspect... 

Richard 

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting" 
<dfaprinting@y...> wrote:
> --- In 
DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "richard_h95050" 
> <richardh@j...> wrote:
> > --- In 
DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting" 
> > <dfaprinting@y...> wrote:
> > 
> > 
> > We're thinking along the same lines here regarding the pump motor 
> and 
> > trying to save John a lot of work in case it's not the main 
> board ;>)
> > 
> > The motors in the 7000 and 9000 are the same spec-wise, but carry 
> > diffent part numbers. They are both steppers (4 phase 200 cycle 
HB 
> > types) with the same control voltages.
> > 
> > Ciao,
> > 
> > Richard
> > 
> > 
> That stepper isn't going to be much fun to trouble shoot. Too bad 
> they couldn't have just used some kind of simple DC motor with a 
gear 
> head for reduction. Do you know if there is any feedback from the 
> motor that the board needs to tell if it is running?

Yes. It's called retrofiting and is part of a technicians job in most
service organisations. It's also employed in rebuilds and repair of
exchanged parts under service contracts in most industries.
What? No one thought they just threw away valuable merchandise did
they? They get repaired, recertified and go back on the shelf for use.

Regards

Duane


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting"
<dfaprinting@y...> wrote:

> 
> You might be surprised how often really expensive equipment gets a QC 
> fix by running a wire on the board to fix a bad trace, and make a 
> modification/upgrade before they revise the actual board. I can't 
> tell you how often I get something that cost $15000 or more that 
> arrives with a small mod or fix to a PC board, broadcast TV cameras, 
> routing switchers, tape machines. It's actually rare to get something 
> that doesn't have some kind of repair or change, especially when you 
> get into 6+ layer boards.

Hi John,

After you read through your manual tonight and post tomorrow, can you 
also answer a couple of questions?

> I am pretty sure this is not the motor itself as it has always 
>worked fine, but rather the connection on the board that makes it 
>buzz like that and finally give the error message.

Does the stepper motor (pump) actually operate intermittently when 
you initialize or does it just start "buzzing"? What error message is 
it giving you -- a "0100" or ?

>...reprogramming the board...requires a special program and a pc, 
>which I do have access to, though not Windows 95 like they mention 
>in the manual...

It doesn't matter whether you have Win95 -- the program runs 
under "DOS mode" anyway, so whatever OS is on the system you borrow 
will be fine, I'm sure.

Replacing the main board may be a lot more grief for you than 
repairing the CN24 connector, if that's where the problem is...

Cheers!
Richard

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
<deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> Hi Richard,
> 

<< Snipped>>

Hi Richard and dfa printing,

> After you read through your manual tonight and post tomorrow, can
you  also answer a couple of questions?
> 
Yes of Course -  I am going to try posting the jpeg of where we
soidered the wires and where they were originally on the board. 

>  Q> I am pretty sure this is not the motor itself as it has always 
> >worked fine, but rather the connection on the board that makes it 
> >buzz like that and finally give the error message.

  A -I suspect the four CN 24 connector wires because that is the
connection of  that motor to the board. Because the motor worked fine before I 
had the head fuse replaced and before I broke that connector, my logic was 
why would the motor decide to die now,and I think that would be rare in any 
situation, since this is not a printer that has ever had heavy use.
---------------------------------------
Q- Does the stepper motor (pump) actually operate intermittently when 
> you initialize or does it just start "buzzing"? What error message
is 
> it giving you -- a "0100" or ?

A -When the wires were soidered the machine didn't flash error
messages  immediately but the motor was actually engaged the print heads 
moved out of  home position things began to work for about 5 seconds then 
the motor begins buzzing and acting like it doesn't have enough power to turn
the gears  and drive the pump, which it didn't, then it stops dead and the error 
message flashes  0001000C, which referes to the malfunction of the pump 
motor. The manual  says check the connection, the motor, finally replace the 
main board. But your  right if it is the connection I might be able to fix this if its 
the mainboard replacement,  probably over my head, even if I had the 
sofware to do the firmware upgrade  and reinitialize everything.
----------------------------
> 
Q - It doesn't matter whether you have Win95 -- the program runs 
> under "DOS mode" anyway, so whatever OS is on the system you borrow 
> will be fine, I'm sure.

 A -I'm sure XP would also work IF I had the program to do this with. 
----------------------------------------
Q - Replacing the main board may be a lot more grief for you than 
> repairing the CN24 connector, if that's where the problem is...

 A -You are definitely correct sir. Let me hope the board is not
ruined. I have been very, very careful with it, the guy who soidered the wires 
was great and  very careful.But replacing the main board... probably more 
than I am capable of doing. I was just surprised the board was only $150.00 
and still available,  so momentarily it gave me hope. However even the guy 
from Hong Kong, KT Chan didn't do it  for himself, he called Epson, that is a 
bad sign indeed. 

But, who knows. I'll keep tinkering with that CN connection for a
couple of more days before giving up on that element. I suppose I could order 
a new  motor and the ribbon cable that comes connected to it. But the
connector that  goes to the board wouldn't be with it and that would be the 
main thing I need.  If the motor is not bad, and I keep wondering why would 
the motor all of a  sudden go bad?

I'll be in touch.

John



--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "richard_h95050" <
richardh@j...> wrote:

> Hi John,
> 
> After you read through your manual tonight and post tomorrow, can you 
> also answer a couple of questions?
> 
> > I am pretty sure this is not the motor itself as it has always 
> >worked fine, but rather the connection on the board that makes it 
> >buzz like that and finally give the error message.
> 
> Does the stepper motor (pump) actually operate intermittently when 
> you initialize or does it just start "buzzing"? What error message is 
> it giving you -- a "0100" or ?
> 
> >...reprogramming the board...requires a special program and a pc, 
> >which I do have access to, though not Windows 95 like they mention 
> >in the manual...
> 
> It doesn't matter whether you have Win95 -- the program runs 
> under "DOS mode" anyway, so whatever OS is on the system you borrow 
> will be fine, I'm sure.
> 
> Replacing the main board may be a lot more grief for you than 
> repairing the CN24 connector, if that's where the problem is...
> 
> Cheers!
> Richard
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
> <deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> > Hi Richard,
> > 
> 
> << Snipped>>

I had to post the jpeg of the connection on the epson large format list as this 
list makes it impossible to post pics, why?

John

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
<deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> I had to post the jpeg of the connection on the epson large format 
list as this 
> list makes it impossible to post pics, why?
> 
> John

Can't get the pic, not a member there.

I did just do some price checking... the SRAM cards are... well to 
put it mildly... expensive! I wonder if you could use a compact flash 
card in a PCMCIA adapter to do the job, much cheaper and it 
would "never" fade away. It's been about 2 years since I've read up 
on the procedure for the firmware change and new main board 
installation, so my memory is a little foggy. I kind of remember that 
there are a lot more adjustments that need to be made after a board 
change. I think all the A-D converters need to be calibrated to the 
different mechanics.

If I had a 7000 I would suggest shipping the parts to me, but I 
don't. I could make a go at it, but wouldn't really know if it was 
fixed until sending it back.

One thing you might want to do is remove the capping station and 
pump. That way the motor doesn't have a load, so it shouldn't need to 
pull much current to spin. On the 9500 there is a motor check mode in 
one of the service menus, that way you can avoid spraying ink all 
over. I think that motor is one that can be turned on for checking.

I'll email a copy of the jpeg to you.

From John's description, it sounds like the motor is actually working 
intermittently, so that would indicate the device driver is intact 
and the problem is more likely with the connector fix that was 
hardwired. Possibly a bad solder joint or a choice of connection 
points that don't actually pass through to all board layers? (In the 
jpeg, it looks like the fix/connection is being made to a solder pad 
and not to the connector pin itself -- that would be preferable).

As you suggested earlier, I think it would be overkill to get into a 
mainboard replacement just to resolve that problem...

Ciao,
Richard


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting" 
<dfaprinting@y...> wrote:
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
> <deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> > I had to post the jpeg of the connection on the epson large 
format 
> list as this 
> > list makes it impossible to post pics, why?
> > 
> > John
> 
> Can't get the pic, not a member there.
> 
> I did just do some price checking... the SRAM cards are... well to 
> put it mildly... expensive! I wonder if you could use a compact 
flash 
> card in a PCMCIA adapter to do the job, much cheaper and it 
> would "never" fade away. It's been about 2 years since I've read up 
> on the procedure for the firmware change and new main board 
> installation, so my memory is a little foggy. I kind of remember 
that 
> there are a lot more adjustments that need to be made after a board 
> change. I think all the A-D converters need to be calibrated to the 
> different mechanics.
> 
> If I had a 7000 I would suggest shipping the parts to me, but I 
> don't. I could make a go at it, but wouldn't really know if it was 
> fixed until sending it back.
> 
> One thing you might want to do is remove the capping station and 
> pump. That way the motor doesn't have a load, so it shouldn't need 
to 
> pull much current to spin. On the 9500 there is a motor check mode 
in 
> one of the service menus, that way you can avoid spraying ink all 
> over. I think that motor is one that can be turned on for checking.

Once again thanks for the valuable comments.......

Yea guys, the more I read about the board replacement the less I want to go 
down that road. If I eventually had to do that it would probably make more 
sense to order the board then let an Epson guy come and put it in and do the 
programing. However, by the time he finished charging me and whining about 
the Piezzo inks and me ordering my own board from Micro, I could have 
bought one of the new 7800's or a slightly used 7600. I just hate to throw 
things away when they could provide more years of service, know what I 
mean?

I am going to try to make that connector thing work today but I have my 
doubts. As you can see there is a grey wire among those four and there is no 
way to see from the manual if it goes on top or bottom. I simply don't 
remember and didn't have the sense to mark it. We soldered it to the top pin. 
However I have held this wire in place while turning on the machine with it in 
the opposite configuration and no go. 

I am going to try to hold them temporarily and tape this to the original spot on 
the board again today. Once before we soldered this thing I held the wires 
very tightly on the original spot and it worked. I wish I had one of those 
original white plastic connectors ( you can see it in my jpeg) because it held 
the thing in the exact position and tightly. If I ordered a new motor it wouldn't 
come with one.

Which one of you guys works on these things? If  you have an interest in 
taking a stab at it I would be happy to pay you whatever it is worth for you to 
try. I really don't have anything to loose do I? So I can pay for an attempt. A 
perfectly great printer is going to be wasted if I don't so something. But 
eventually you have to cut your losses and move on.

Thanks for the suggestions,

I will probably not order the new mainboard.

John



--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting" <
dfaprinting@y...> wrote:

> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
> <deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> > I had to post the jpeg of the connection on the epson large format 
> list as this 
> > list makes it impossible to post pics, why?
> > 
> > John
> 
> Can't get the pic, not a member there.
> 
> I did just do some price checking... the SRAM cards are... well to 
> put it mildly... expensive! I wonder if you could use a compact flash 
> card in a PCMCIA adapter to do the job, much cheaper and it 
> would "never" fade away. It's been about 2 years since I've read up 
> on the procedure for the firmware change and new main board 
> installation, so my memory is a little foggy. I kind of remember that 
> there are a lot more adjustments that need to be made after a board 
> change. I think all the A-D converters need to be calibrated to the 
> different mechanics.
> 
> If I had a 7000 I would suggest shipping the parts to me, but I 
> don't. I could make a go at it, but wouldn't really know if it was 
> fixed until sending it back.
> 
> One thing you might want to do is remove the capping station and 
> pump. That way the motor doesn't have a load, so it shouldn't need to 
> pull much current to spin. On the 9500 there is a motor check mode in 
> one of the service menus, that way you can avoid spraying ink all 
> over. I think that motor is one that can be turned on for checking.

Hi John,

From the information you're providing in your post below, replacing 
the main board is not really required so I'm glad you're not spending 
the money on it.

You have verified that when the wires are correctly connected to CN24 
that the pump motor works -- therefore, the main board device driver 
(that powers the pump motor) is not defective.

You also verified that the problem is not in the pump motor or the 
connecting cable between the pump motor and the main board -- rather 
it is isolated to an unresolved problem with the CN24 connector.

The most practical way of solving this problem is to have someone 
with good, basic electronic (not electrical ;>)) soldering skills to 
visit your site and have them solder the CN24 cable pins directly to 
the header. Although we both work on printers, disassembling your 
7000 to ship the parts would be far more work than it's worth.

In terms of the Pin 1 orientation, I know we covered that on the EWF 
group when we first discussed the CN24 problem. I wouldn't do a lot 
of fooling around with the cable until you're ready to solder the 
leads in place exactly where they belong -- otherwise, you may cause 
unintentional damage to the system. 

It would be a shame to retire your 7000 just because of this cable 
problem, John -- stay with it! You just need to find someone local 
who knows basic electronics and is good with a soldering iron!

All the best!
Richard

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
<deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
>  Once again thanks for the valuable comments.......
> 
> Yea guys, the more I read about the board replacement the less I 
want to go 
> down that road. If I eventually had to do that it would probably 
make more 
> sense to order the board then let an Epson guy come and put it in 
and do the 
> programing. However, by the time he finished charging me and 
whining about 
> the Piezzo inks and me ordering my own board from Micro, I could 
have 
> bought one of the new 7800's or a slightly used 7600. I just hate 
to throw 
> things away when they could provide more years of service, know 
what I 
> mean?
> 
> I am going to try to make that connector thing work today but I 
have my 
> doubts. As you can see there is a grey wire among those four and 
there is no 
> way to see from the manual if it goes on top or bottom. I simply 
don't 
> remember and didn't have the sense to mark it. We soldered it to 
the top pin. 
> However I have held this wire in place while turning on the machine 
with it in 
> the opposite configuration and no go. 
> 
> I am going to try to hold them temporarily and tape this to the 
original spot on 
> the board again today. Once before we soldered this thing I held 
the wires 
> very tightly on the original spot and it worked. I wish I had one 
of those 
> original white plastic connectors ( you can see it in my jpeg) 
because it held 
> the thing in the exact position and tightly. If I ordered a new 
motor it wouldn't 
> come with one.
> 
> Which one of you guys works on these things? If  you have an 
interest in 
> taking a stab at it I would be happy to pay you whatever it is 
worth for you to 
> try. I really don't have anything to loose do I? So I can pay for 
an attempt. A 
> perfectly great printer is going to be wasted if I don't so 
something. But 
> eventually you have to cut your losses and move on.
> 
> Thanks for the suggestions,
> 
> I will probably not order the new mainboard.
> 
> John
> 
> 
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting" <
> dfaprinting@y...> wrote:
> > --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
> > <deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> > > I had to post the jpeg of the connection on the epson large 
format 
> > list as this 
> > > list makes it impossible to post pics, why?
> > > 
> > > John
> > 
> > Can't get the pic, not a member there.
> > 
> > I did just do some price checking... the SRAM cards are... well 
to 
> > put it mildly... expensive! I wonder if you could use a compact 
flash 
> > card in a PCMCIA adapter to do the job, much cheaper and it 
> > would "never" fade away. It's been about 2 years since I've read 
up 
> > on the procedure for the firmware change and new main board 
> > installation, so my memory is a little foggy. I kind of remember 
that 
> > there are a lot more adjustments that need to be made after a 
board 
> > change. I think all the A-D converters need to be calibrated to 
the 
> > different mechanics.
> > 
> > If I had a 7000 I would suggest shipping the parts to me, but I 
> > don't. I could make a go at it, but wouldn't really know if it 
was 
> > fixed until sending it back.
> > 
> > One thing you might want to do is remove the capping station and 
> > pump. That way the motor doesn't have a load, so it shouldn't 
need to 
> > pull much current to spin. On the 9500 there is a motor check 
mode in 
> > one of the service menus, that way you can avoid spraying ink all 
> > over. I think that motor is one that can be turned on for 
checking.

Thanks Richard for the suggestions,

Those points on the board are so close together that it going to be a supra- 
delicate job soldering to them without the points touching, but I will try to figure 
something out. I don't have anything to loose at this point.

Thanks again for clairfying these options from your experience,

John



--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "richard_h95050" <
richardh@j...> wrote:

> Hi John,
> 
> From the information you're providing in your post below, replacing 
> the main board is not really required so I'm glad you're not spending 
> the money on it.
> 
> You have verified that when the wires are correctly connected to CN24 
> that the pump motor works -- therefore, the main board device driver 
> (that powers the pump motor) is not defective.
> 
> You also verified that the problem is not in the pump motor or the 
> connecting cable between the pump motor and the main board -- rather 
> it is isolated to an unresolved problem with the CN24 connector.
> 
> The most practical way of solving this problem is to have someone 
> with good, basic electronic (not electrical ;>)) soldering skills to 
> visit your site and have them solder the CN24 cable pins directly to 
> the header. Although we both work on printers, disassembling your 
> 7000 to ship the parts would be far more work than it's worth.
> 
> In terms of the Pin 1 orientation, I know we covered that on the EWF 
> group when we first discussed the CN24 problem. I wouldn't do a lot 
> of fooling around with the cable until you're ready to solder the 
> leads in place exactly where they belong -- otherwise, you may cause 
> unintentional damage to the system. 
> 
> It would be a shame to retire your 7000 just because of this cable 
> problem, John -- stay with it! You just need to find someone local 
> who knows basic electronics and is good with a soldering iron!
> 
> All the best!
> Richard
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
> <deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> >  Once again thanks for the valuable comments.......
> > 
> > Yea guys, the more I read about the board replacement the less I 
> want to go 
> > down that road. If I eventually had to do that it would probably 
> make more 
> > sense to order the board then let an Epson guy come and put it in 
> and do the 
> > programing. However, by the time he finished charging me and 
> whining about 
> > the Piezzo inks and me ordering my own board from Micro, I could 
> have 
> > bought one of the new 7800's or a slightly used 7600. I just hate 
> to throw 
> > things away when they could provide more years of service, know 
> what I 
> > mean?
> > 
> > I am going to try to make that connector thing work today but I 
> have my 
> > doubts. As you can see there is a grey wire among those four and 
> there is no 
> > way to see from the manual if it goes on top or bottom. I simply 
> don't 
> > remember and didn't have the sense to mark it. We soldered it to 
> the top pin. 
> > However I have held this wire in place while turning on the machine 
> with it in 
> > the opposite configuration and no go. 
> > 
> > I am going to try to hold them temporarily and tape this to the 
> original spot on 
> > the board again today. Once before we soldered this thing I held 
> the wires 
> > very tightly on the original spot and it worked. I wish I had one 
> of those 
> > original white plastic connectors ( you can see it in my jpeg) 
> because it held 
> > the thing in the exact position and tightly. If I ordered a new 
> motor it wouldn't 
> > come with one.
> > 
> > Which one of you guys works on these things? If  you have an 
> interest in 
> > taking a stab at it I would be happy to pay you whatever it is 
> worth for you to 
> > try. I really don't have anything to loose do I? So I can pay for 
> an attempt. A 
> > perfectly great printer is going to be wasted if I don't so 
> something. But 
> > eventually you have to cut your losses and move on.
> > 
> > Thanks for the suggestions,
> > 
> > I will probably not order the new mainboard.
> > 
> > John
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting" <
> > dfaprinting@y...> wrote:
> > > --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "john dean" 
> > > <deanwork2003@y...> wrote:
> > > > I had to post the jpeg of the connection on the epson large 
> format 
> > > list as this 
> > > > list makes it impossible to post pics, why?
> > > > 
> > > > John
> > > 
> > > Can't get the pic, not a member there.
> > > 
> > > I did just do some price checking... the SRAM cards are... well 
> to 
> > > put it mildly... expensive! I wonder if you could use a compact 
> flash 
> > > card in a PCMCIA adapter to do the job, much cheaper and it 
> > > would "never" fade away. It's been about 2 years since I've read 
> up 
> > > on the procedure for the firmware change and new main board 
> > > installation, so my memory is a little foggy. I kind of remember 
> that 
> > > there are a lot more adjustments that need to be made after a 
> board 
> > > change. I think all the A-D converters need to be calibrated to 
> the 
> > > different mechanics.
> > > 
> > > If I had a 7000 I would suggest shipping the parts to me, but I 
> > > don't. I could make a go at it, but wouldn't really know if it 
> was 
> > > fixed until sending it back.
> > > 
> > > One thing you might want to do is remove the capping station and 
> > > pump. That way the motor doesn't have a load, so it shouldn't 
> need to 
> > > pull much current to spin. On the 9500 there is a motor check 
> mode in 
> > > one of the service menus, that way you can avoid spraying ink all 
> > > over. I think that motor is one that can be turned on for 
> checking.

I'll take a look at it if you want. You can email me at the following:

greg <AT> dfaprinting <DOT> com (Yahoo always hides the email address, 
so you'll have to put it together). I'm up in central NY so at least in 
the same country.

I might at least be able to copy the wires from my 9500 To figure out 
which goes where. If you order the motor, I would expect it to come 
with a new connector on the end of the wire. As far as the connector 
for the board, that might be difficult to obtain from an Epson parts 
place. It could be easy to salvage off of something like and old video 
tape machine (which I have plenty of at my regular job). The big 
question is what condition the board is in. That might be a little 
harder to fix. Often with the multi layer boards, component leads are 
used to help bridge connections from one layer to the next. If any of 
those get broken, putting all the connections back together can be a 
real pain (but not impossible).

I never did check to make sure I have a manual for the 7000, so I 
prolly better do that.

Greg,

If you need a 7000 manual let me know -- if your email will take a 
10mb PDF as an attachment, I can send one to you.

Richard

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting" 
<dfaprinting@y...> wrote:
> I'll take a look at it if you want. You can email me at the 
following:
> 
> greg <AT> dfaprinting <DOT> com (Yahoo always hides the email 
address, 
> so you'll have to put it together). I'm up in central NY so at 
least in 
> the same country.
> 
> I might at least be able to copy the wires from my 9500 To figure 
out 
> which goes where. If you order the motor, I would expect it to come 
> with a new connector on the end of the wire. As far as the 
connector 
> for the board, that might be difficult to obtain from an Epson 
parts 
> place. It could be easy to salvage off of something like and old 
video 
> tape machine (which I have plenty of at my regular job). The big 
> question is what condition the board is in. That might be a little 
> harder to fix. Often with the multi layer boards, component leads 
are 
> used to help bridge connections from one layer to the next. If any 
of 
> those get broken, putting all the connections back together can be 
a 

> real pain (but not impossible).
> 
> I never did check to make sure I have a manual for the 7000, so I 
> prolly better do that.

Greg,
 Greg,

If I can't make this thing work by this weekend, I will take you up on your offer.

I actually have the entire manual printed out in book form as well as a pdf 
which I can also send you on a cd if you like working off the screen. I should 
also probably order the motor this week just in case it is needed. 

I'm writing you to your email.

John



--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dfaprinting" <
dfaprinting@y...> wrote:

> I'll take a look at it if you want. You can email me at the following:
> 
> greg <AT> dfaprinting <DOT> com (Yahoo always hides the email address, 
> so you'll have to put it together). I'm up in central NY so at least in 
> the same country.
> 
> I might at least be able to copy the wires from my 9500 To figure out 
> which goes where. If you order the motor, I would expect it to come 
> with a new connector on the end of the wire. As far as the connector 
> for the board, that might be difficult to obtain from an Epson parts 
> place. It could be easy to salvage off of something like and old video 
> tape machine (which I have plenty of at my regular job). The big 
> question is what condition the board is in. That might be a little 
> harder to fix. Often with the multi layer boards, component leads are 
> used to help bridge connections from one layer to the next. If any of 
> those get broken, putting all the connections back together can be a 
> real pain (but not impossible).
> 
> I never did check to make sure I have a manual for the 7000, so I 
> prolly better do that.

Just checked and I do have the manual for the 7000.

If you are going to order a motor, you might want to grab a few other 
things while you're at it.

I always recommend having a few extra dampers on hand incase you get 
one that is clogged. Also the capping station and ink pump assembly 
can be nice to have.

Here are some other places to check for parts:

www.vancebaldwin.com
www.agson.com
www.nationalparts.com

I've used Vance Baldwin more often than the others.