ViewPlus EmBraille 25SN Service Manual Web viewIf a technical training course has not been completed, do not attempt to service the printer. This manual is to be used in conjunction

ViewPlus EmBraille 25SN Service ManualViewPlus Technologies

1965 SW Airport Ave Corvallis, OR 97333 U.S.A.

1-541-754-4002

Revision 2

5 / 1 1 / 2 0 1 5

Table of ContentsGeneral Notes..............................................................................................................................................2

1. Service Preparation.................................................................................................................................3

1.1 Software............................................................................................................................................3

1.2 Inspection..........................................................................................................................................3

1.3 General maintenance........................................................................................................................4

2. Printer Settings and Adjustments............................................................................................................4

2.1 Solenoid calibration...........................................................................................................................4

2.2 Skew..................................................................................................................................................5

2.3 Sensor values.....................................................................................................................................5

2.4 Legacy settings...................................................................................................................................7

2.5 Media Type Settings..........................................................................................................................9

3. Diagnosing and Troubleshooting a Problem..........................................................................................10

3.1 Printing test page.............................................................................................................................10

3.2 Printer not powering on..................................................................................................................10

3.3 Front panel not responding.............................................................................................................10

3.4 Paper not advancing........................................................................................................................11

3.5 Poor dot quality or missing dots......................................................................................................11

3.6 Paper tearing...................................................................................................................................12

3.7 Incorrect carriage movement..........................................................................................................13

4. Case Removal and Replacement............................................................................................................14

4.1 Removing the case...........................................................................................................................14

4.2 Replacing the case...........................................................................................................................16

5. Platen Removal and Replacement.........................................................................................................18

5.1 Removing the platen........................................................................................................................18

5.2 Replacing the platen........................................................................................................................25

10. Installing firmware...............................................................................................................................34

11. Changing/Resetting Serial Number......................................................................................................35

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General NotesIf a technical training course has not been completed, do not attempt to service the printer.

This manual is to be used in conjunction with the ViewPlus EmBraille user’s manual, including its outlined safety precautions.

Unless noted otherwise, the terms front, back, left and right will be from the perspective of a user at the Operator Panel of the embosser.

The screw length used in an individual embosser may vary from that indicated in this manual. The length of some screws is critical. If a screw is to be replaced, use a screw of equivalent type and length. Torque specifications for any location, regardless of length, are as indicated in appendix A.

Dangerous voltages are present in the power supply area if the embosser is connected to an AC power source. When working with the printer case removed, ensure that the printer is not connected to a power source unless instructed. In this instance, use extreme care.

Always make sure that the embosser is connected to the appropriate voltage, as marked on the serial label.

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1. Service Preparation

1.1 SoftwareThe preferred software for servicing is the Tiger Toolbox. This software is not available from the website, ViewPlus support must be contacted. A picture of the "main" tab of the toolbox is shown below.

Figure 1: ViewPlus EmBraille Toolbox

1.2 InspectionInspect the exterior of the printer and note any damage that may have occurred during shipping.

Note the serial number of the embosser. This number is located on the back of the printer, and is used by ViewPlus to keep a service history of each individual unit.

Determine the firmware version currently loaded on the embosser by opening the ViewPlus EmBraille Toolbox and looking on the “main” tab. Verify that the serial number listed below the firmware version number matches the number listed on the back of the printer.

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1.3 General maintenance After inspecting the printer there are a couple routine service tasks that should be performed:

Clean all paper dust out of the printer, using a vacuum Place a small dab of lithium grease on the carriage and rotation rail Inspect the platen for any damage, and remove any debris

2. Printer Settings and Adjustments

2.1 Solenoid calibrationSolenoid calibration should be performed if half of a page produces higher dots than the other half.

Solenoid calibration is used by the printer to compensate for manufacturing tolerances associated with the electronics of the solenoids. The unit for calibration is the percentage of available power to fire the solenoid at. For example, a value of 90 equals 90 percent of the available power. The solenoid calibration values are found on the "Calibrate" tab in the toolbox with the labels "Solenoid 1" and "Solenoid 2."

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To correct a difference in solenoid calibration, turn the available power down on the harder punching solenoid in increments of 2%. Solenoid 1 and 2 are labeled on the carriage interconnect board. For example, if solenoid 1 is punching harder than solenoid 2 (producing taller dots), and solenoid 1 has a value of 98, switch the value to 96. Print out another document to see if the solenoid calibration is equal. Repeat this process if necessary.

2.2 SkewThe skew setting should be used to help eliminate zigzag patterns in printouts.

Skew is used by the printer to account for the time delay between triggering a solenoid punch, and the solenoid pin producing a dot. Since the carriage fires while traveling both directions, this time delay causes dots to be placed to the left or to the right of its ideal placement, depending on the direction of travel. By accounting for the time delay correctly, dots are placed properly.

The skew calibration page uses different time delays to select from, with the goal being to find the best delay to create a vertical line of dots. To print the skew calibration page, navigate to the "Calibrate" tab in the toolbox. Load paper into the printer, and then click the "Skew Calibration" button. The top section of the document shows different time delays to choose from. Start on the left side of the document, and count columns until the most vertical column of dots. Enter the value for this column back into the toolbox and click the "apply" button. If needed interim values can be used, for example, if column 9 is skewed in one direction, and column 10 is skewed in the other direction, a value of 9.5 can be used.

The lower portion of the skew calibration page displays the result of the currently entered value. The calibration page should be printed again if a new value is entered, so the new setting can be verified as creating vertical lines.

2.3 Sensor valuesTo read the sensor values navigate to the "sensors" tab in the Toolbox. While the printer is on and connected to the computer press the "Read Sensors" button. Following is an explanation of each reading and a picture of the "sensors" tab from the Toolbox.

Home Flag: This is the sensor that detects the home position for the carriage. A value of "1" means that the carriage is in the home position (the left side of its travel), a value of "0" means that the carriage is at any other location.

Paper Flag: This sensor is used to determine whether or not paper is in the printer. A value of "1" indicates that there is paper in the printer; a value of "0" indicates that no paper is in the printer.

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Gap Flag: This sensor determines the gap between the carriage and platen, it is not intended to be adjusted, and should read "0."

Paper: This sensor determines whether or not the printer is in single sheet mode, or tractor mode. A value of "0" is registered for tractor feed mode, a value of "1" is registered for single sheet mode.

Panel: This value indicates which buttons are engaged on the control panel. A value of "0" should be registered when all buttons are released.

Solenoid Temperature 1: This is an estimated value, in degrees Celsius, for the coil temperature of solenoid 1.

Solenoid Temperature 2: This is an estimated value, in degrees Celsius, for the coil temperature of solenoid 2.

PCB Temperature: This is a sensor reading in degrees Celsius of the interconnect circuit board located on the carriage. This sensor is used to determine when to slow the printer down due to overheating.

Figure 3: Toolbox sensors tab

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2.4 Legacy settingsThe printer's legacy settings can be accessed via the toolbox on the "Legacy" tab. This can be useful to verify that the settings are set as expected. Following is a picture of the "Legacy" tab, along with an explanation of the functions.

Paper: This section characterizes the overall width and height of the paper, in inches. If using continuous tractor paper, the width of the tractor strips should not be included.

Margins: This section characterizes the 3 different margins on printouts, in inches. The top margin represents a blank row across the top of the page. The left and right margins represent blank columns on either side of the page.

Emboss Quality: The choices for emboss quality function are standard and best. Standard is the default setting. Best mode slows the print speed down to produce higher quality dots.

# of Braille Dots: This function selects the number of dots in each braille cell. The choices are 6 or 8. 6 is the default setting.

Extra line spacing: This value will add more space between consecutive lines of braille than the standard. The unit for this value is inches.

Braille Force: The braille force function changes the height of the braille dots. There are 3 options to choose from: high, normal and low. Normal is the default setting.

Current Braille Table: This value shows which number braille table from this list is currently selected. To view the list, click on the "Braille Tables…" button. A new window will appear with a drop down list of the braille tables. Count down from the top of the list starting with 1, and enter the value of the desired table. Custom tables can also be loaded from this window.

Text mode: This function chooses how to treat characters sent to the printer. The options are text, graphics or microbraille. Text is the default selection. Selecting microbraile will change the spacing between characters to microbraille standard spacing. Selecting graphics reduces the gap between characters from the standard 0.15 inches to 0.05 inches both horizontally and vertically.

Word wrap: This function allows words to continue from one line to the next. If the function is not checked, words that can't fit on a line, will always be kept whole, and placed on the next line.

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Figure 4: Toolbox Legacy tab

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2.5 Media Type SettingsThe punch force to form the dots on different print media is preset within the printer. These values can be accessed through the "Calibrate" tab in the toolbox. In section "Media Types" numbers are given for each of the media types that indicate the force of the punch. Higher numbers will form higher dots. The default values are as in the picture below.

If values need to be adjusted for certain media types, change it within the entry field and click apply.

Figure 5: Toolbox Calibrate tab

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3. Diagnosing and Troubleshooting a ProblemIt is important to talk with the end user prior to troubleshooting, to help pinpoint their problem.

3.1 Printing test pageThe test page is an overall check of the motors, solenoids and sensors located in the printer.

To print the onboard test page hold the "online" button while turning the printer on.

Examine the test page for the following:

Paper advance functions work properly (lines are normally and consistently spaced) Appropriate and consistent punch force, see section 3.1 Correct skew setting, see section 3.2 Embossed pattern is registered to the left and top of the page The test page pattern is complete (no incomplete graphics)

3.2 Printer not powering onFollowing is a table describing scenarios that could lead to the printer not turning on. Causes are listed in order they should be investigated.

Problem Cause ActionPrinter not powering on

Printer is unplugged Plug power cord into power source and back of printer

Incorrect supply voltage Verify the listed printer voltage range matches the power source

AC power cable is unplugged Plug AC power cable into power module, power switch and power supply

DC power cable is unplugged Plug DC power cable into power supply and main circuit board

Power supply is damaged Replace power supplyMain circuit board is damaged Replace main circuit board

3.3 Front panel not respondingFollowing is a table describing scenarios that could cause the front panel to not respond. Causes are listed in order they should be investigated.

Problem Cause ActionControl panel not Printer is turned off Move power switch back to on or

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responding "I" positionUnexpected error has occurred Power cycle the printer off and on

againControl panel cable unplugged Plug cable back into control panel

and main circuit boardControl panel cable is damaged Replace control panel cable

3.4 Paper not advancing Following is a table describing scenarios that could cause paper not to advance. Causes are listed in order they should be investigated.

Problem Cause ActionPaper doesn't advance

Paper path selection lever set to incorrect position

Move paper path selection lever to whichever paper path has paper installed

Tractor feeders not clamped down on paper

Engage tractor feeder clamps

Tractor feeders located to close together causing paper bowing

Move tractor feeders apart until paper is taut

Paper is jammed Clear jammed paper out of printerPaper motor is unplugged Plug motor back into main circuit

boardPlastic gears are damaged or worn Replace damaged gear(s)

3.5 Poor dot quality or missing dotsFollowing is a table describing possible scenarios that could lead to poor dot quality or missing dots. Causes are listed in order they should be investigated.

Problem Cause ActionAll dots are missing

Document contains no data Verify document contains either braille or graphics

Copy paper media type selected while printing with thicker paper

Change media type setting to appropriate paper type

Base force setting turned down too far

Turn base force setting up

Both solenoids are unplugged from interconnect board on carriage

Plug solenoid connectors back into interconnect board

Both ribbon cables are unplugged Plug ribbon cables back into interconnect board and main circuit board

Both solenoids are very loose in the Tighten both solenoid's brass nut

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carriage using a ½" wrenchRibbon cables are damaged Replace ribbon cablesBoth solenoids are damaged Replace both solenoids

Half of the page is missing dots

Solenoid calibration has been turned down too low

Compare calibration value against other solenoid

Solenoid is unplugged from interconnect board on carriage

Plug solenoid connector back into interconnect board

Ribbon cable is unplugged Plug ribbon cable back into interconnect board and main circuit board

Solenoid is very loose in carriage Tighten solenoid's brass nut using a ½" wrench

Ribbon cables are damaged Replace ribbon cablesSolenoid is damaged Replace solenoid

Poor quality dots Wrong media type selected Change media type to appropriate paper type

One or both solenoids are loose in carriage

Tighten solenoid's brass nut using a ½" wrench

Ribbon cables are damaged Replace ribbon cablesCarriage is loose Tighten screws attaching the

carriage to the sled Carriage paper guide is loose Tighten screws attaching paper

guide to carriageOne or both solenoids are damaged Replace solenoidPlaten is worn out Replace platen

3.6 Paper tearingFollowing is a table describing scenarios that could be causing paper tearing. Causes are listed in order they should be investigated.

Problem Cause ActionPaper tearing Braille paper media type selected

while printing on lighter paperChange media type setting to appropriate paper type

Base force setting turned up too high Turn base force setting downCarriage paper guide is bent Replace carriage paper guideSolenoid is damaged Replace solenoid

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3.7 Incorrect carriage movementFollowing is a table describing scenarios that could be causing incorrect carriage movement. Causes are listed in order they should be investigate.

Problem Cause ActionCarriage not moving

Error with home position Power the printer off and then on again, it will calculated home position again

Debris jammed in carriage path Clean out any debris around the carriage

Carriage motor unplugged Plug motor cable back into motor and main circuit board

Carriage bent Move carriage by hand while printer is off, if carriage won't move or binds, replace carriage

Carriage moving into side frame

Carriage moved by hand while printer is on

Power the printer off and then on again, it will calculate home position again

Home position sensor is falsely triggered by debris

Clean out any debris in or around home position sensor

Home position sensor is damaged Replace home position sensor

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4. Case Removal and Replacement

4.1 Removing the caseTo remove the top cover, pull out on the sides and rotate forward.

Pull and lift here to remove the top cover.

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Remove knob and 4 case screws.

Lift and rotate the case toward the front of the printer then unplug the ribbon cable.

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4.2 Replacing the casePlug in the ribbon cable to the control panel.

Set the case back into place and fasten it with 4 screws.

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Snap the lid back on right side first then left side.

Put the knob on and close the lid.

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5. Platen Removal and Replacement

5.1 Removing the platenRemove the case. See section 4.1

Use a small flat head screwdriver to carefully pry off the clear cover.

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Remove the 2 screws holding the carriage.

Lift off the carriage and unplug the ribbon cables.

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Remove the 2 gears. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry back the clip.

Remove the screws from both sides of the roller assembly.

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Pull out on the detents and rotate the cam clockwise to remove it.

The other side needs to be unlocked not removed. Pull out on the detents and rotate the cam clockwise.

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Use a flat head screwdriver to gently pry out the left side of the roller assembly. Pull the tab on the right a little to release the roller assembly.

Pull out the roller assembly.

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Remove the E-Ring and set aside. To remove the bushing pull out on the detents then rotate toward the front of the printer.

Remove the E-Ring from the other side also.

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Pull out on the detents and rotate the bushing clockwise. Pull the platen gear out a little.

Slide the carriage all the way to the right. Pull the left side of the platen out of the side frame. Remove the spring washer and set aside. Rest the platen back in the side frame.

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The platen can now be removed. Pull out the side with the gears first.

5.2 Replacing the platen Slide the bushing and gear on the long end of the shaft. Be sure they are facing the right direction. Rest the shaft into the right frame between the bushing and gear.

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Slide the right bushing into the side frame.

Slide the spring washer on to the left side of the shaft. Push the shaft into place.

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Slide the left bushing into the side frame and rotate so that the detent locks in place. Put the large E-ring on this side.

Slide the Right Bushing into the side frame and rotate so that the detent locks in place. Push the gear up against the bushing.

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Put the smaller E-Ring on the other side.

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Place a cam on the shorter side of the roller assembly shaft as shown. Place the longer side of the roller assembly shaft into the right frame.

Slide the left side of the shaft into place. Rotate the cam to the front of the printer to lock in in place.

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Slide the right side of the shaft into place. Rotate the cam to the front of the printer to lock in in place.

Put the gears on. Be sure the top gear is locked in place correctly.

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Reinstall the screws holding the assembly on each side.

Set the carriage back in place. Screw it down and plug in the ribbon cables.

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Press the ends of the clear cover into the cam on each side.

Be sure the plastic tabs are in place correctly.

Fold down the clear cover and snap it into place.

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Put the case back on. See section 4.2 for instructions.

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10. Installing firmware Make sure the EmBraille is properly connected via power cord and USB Run the firmware EXE file, which is named

"EmBrailleFirmware_9_1_22.exe" for example for firmware version 9.1.22 The firmware download application will open

Choose the appropriate EmBraille printer from the drop-down list and click Start Download

Follow the on-screen instructions to successfully download the firmware

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11. Changing/Resetting Serial Number Open EmBraille toolbox Click on the Service tab Enter in the Serial number Click update then ok

Open the toolbox again and make sure it was saved. The Serial number is listed under the main tab. Ignore the T on the end.

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