Gerber GS750 User Manual

This document may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without written permission of the copyright owner.

This document is furnished to support the GS750 plus. In consideration of the furnishing of the information contained in this document, the party to whom it is given assumes its custody and control and agrees to the following:

1.The information herein contained is given in confidence, and any part thereof shall not be copied or reproduced without written consent of Gerber Scientific Products, Inc.

2.This document or the contents herein under no circumstances shall be used in the manufacture or reproduction of the article shown and the delivery of this document shall not constitute any right or license to do so.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

GS750 plus, Knife Mode Switching, Corner Correcting Technology, and GERBER EDGE are trademarks of Gerber Scientific Products, Inc. GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE is a registered trademark of Gerber Scientific Products, Inc. 3-in-1 is a registered trademark of Boyle-Midway, Inc. HP-GL is a registered trademark of Hewlett Packard. 3M, ScotchCal and Scotchlite are trademarks of 3M.

FCC NOTICE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own risk.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la classe B prescrites dans les Reglements sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le Ministere des Communications du Canada.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................	1
Description ...............................................................................................	1
Performance..............................................................................................	1
Convenience .............................................................................................	2
Support Information .................................................................................	2
PACKAGE CONTENTS ...................................................................................................	5
INSTALLATION ...............................................................................................................	7
Plotter Stand Assembly ............................................................................	7
Install Plotter on Stand .............................................................................	9
Mount Tool Rack......................................................................................	9
Mount Roll Support Bars .........................................................................	9
Mount the Material.................................................................................	10
Plotter Work Area ..................................................................................	10
Connect to the Plotter .............................................................................	10
Communication Parameters....................................................................	11
Power Cords ...........................................................................................	12
Power-up Sequence ................................................................................	12
SET UP.............................................................................................................................	13
Plotter Selection .....................................................................................	13
Add Plotters............................................................................................	14
Delete Plotters ........................................................................................	15
Assign Default Plotter ............................................................................	15
MATERIALS AND TOOLS............................................................................................	17
Materials.................................................................................................	17
Helpful Hints....................................................................................	20
Tool Force Dial ......................................................................................	21
Settings.............................................................................................	21
Adjustments .....................................................................................	22
TOOLS AND TOOL HANDLING ..................................................................................	23
Storage....................................................................................................	23
Tool Holders...........................................................................................	23
Pen Holder and Pens...............................................................................	24
Pen Replacement..............................................................................	25
Pounce Wheel Holder.............................................................................	26
Aligned Holes ..................................................................................	26
Off-Center Holes..............................................................................	27

Plotter Speed ....................................................................................	27
Pounce Wheel Holder Installation ...................................................	27
Pounce Wheel Replacement ............................................................	28
Knife Holder and Blades ........................................................................	29
Blade Wear ......................................................................................	29
Blade Damage ..................................................................................	29
Knife Holder Installation .................................................................	30
Blade Replacement ..........................................................................	32
OPERATION....................................................................................................................	37
Power Up ................................................................................................	37
Front Panel .............................................................................................	38
Slew Keys ........................................................................................	39
SLOW Key.......................................................................................	39
SWIVEL Knife Key.........................................................................	40
INIT KNIFE Key .............................................................................	40
RUN SINGLE Key ..........................................................................	41
RUN CONT Key..............................................................................	42
RESET Key......................................................................................	44
SPECIAL DIAGNOSTICS...............................................................................................	45
Diagnostic Options .................................................................................	46
Wagon Wheel Test Plot ...................................................................	47
Square/Circle Test Plot ....................................................................	48
ERROR CONDITIONS....................................................................................................	49
Error Codes ......................................................................................	50
MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................	51
Cleaning and Lubrication .......................................................................	51
Tool Holders and Carriage Spindle Bore.........................................	51
Carriage and Ball Bushing...............................................................	52
Sprockets and Bail Arms .................................................................	53
Fuse Replacement...................................................................................	54
PLOTTER ADJUSTMENTS ...........................................................................................	55
Cover Removal .......................................................................................	55
Troubleshooting Guide...........................................................................	57
Z Axis (Tool Height) Adjustment ..........................................................	58
Theta Axis (Tool Rotation) Adjustment ................................................	61
X Axis Backlash Adjustment .................................................................	65
Y Axis Backlash Adjustment .................................................................	68

INTRODUCTION

Description

The GS 750 plus is a state of the art 30-inch (762mm) wide plotter designed for use with the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system and other sign design systems.

Note: When used with GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE systems, the

GS750 plus requires GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE 4.3 or higher. When GS 750 plus is used with other sign design systems, contact the

system manufacturer to obtain a driver for the GS750 plus.

The GS750 plus features Gerber's exclusive Knife Mode Switching™ Technology, which offers the operator a choice of two cutting modes selectable from the plotter keypad:

!Tangential Knife Mode keeps the blade aligned with the direction of plotting motion for cutting thick materials such as sandblast resist and for pouncing patterns.

!Swivel Knife Mode is used for rapid cutting of all but the most demanding materials such as sandblast stencil. Gerber's exclusive Corner Correcting Technology™ assures sharp, easy-to-weed corners in swivel knife mode.

Performance

The GS750 plus is designed to precisely register graphics up to 50 yards long using carbide blades for crisp, sharp cuts.

When used with the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, the GS750 plus uses the Plot Spooler feature to receive and plot files while the operator continues to design at the system.

2 GS750 plus

Convenience

GS750 plus has many features that make it easy and convenient to use:

!Accepts any standard Gerber materials in 30-inch (762mm) wide rolls.

!Draws, cuts and pounces up to 28 inches (710mm) high.

Using the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system Panel feature, the GS750 plus can cut text or graphics in strips up to 96 feet long (29 meters) and 28 inches (710mm) wide.

!Adjustable tool force for uniform cutting with the turn of a dial.

!Stepper motor drive for consistent performance and easy maintenance.

!On-board 4K buffer in addition to GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE buffers.

!Quick installation.

!Simple to use keypad requires minimum training.

Support Information

Gerber pioneered plotter technology with quality engineering designs that consider operator convenience. Performance of the GS750 plus plotter is assured by:

!24 hours of finished product testing before shipment, in addition to testing during the manufacturing process.

!Customer support through Gerber Field Service Department.

!Step-by-step user's manual.

Introduction 3

plus

"plotter, contact your distributor or GSP Field Service Department at 800-828-5406 (in the USA), or fax at 203-645-2448If you require assistance installing or operating the GS750

About This Manual

This manual explains the installation and operation of the GS750 plus plotter. It assumes the operator is familiar with the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system. It tells you how to assemble, install, operate, and maintain your GS750 plus as follows:

!The "Introduction" provides information about the GS750 plus and a list of contents of the shipping crates.

!"Installation" contains instructions for plotter assembly, installation, and connection to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE.

!"Materials and Tools" gives information about material and loading the vinyl, and discusses procedures on using and replacing the pen, knives, and pounce wheel.

!"Tools and Tool Handling" describes how to store, replace, and use tools.

!"Operation" provides information about plotter operation and slew key functions.

!"Special Diagnostics" presents examples and instructions for diagnostic tests.

!"Error Conditions" lists common error conditions and corrective procedures.

!"Maintenance" provides cleaning, lubricating, and fuse replacement instructions.

!"Plotter Adjustments" includes a troubleshooting guide as well as symptoms of plotter adjustment problems.

4 GS750 plus

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

Note: A note contains important information which could affect successful completion of a task.

CAUTION: A caution statement contains information which, if not observed, could result in damage to the equipment.

WARNING: A warning statement contains information which, if not observed, could result in personal injury.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

This section lists the contents of the GS750 plus shipping container. As you unpack the GS750 plus plotter, inspect all items for damage that may have occurred during shipping. Report any damage to your dealer at once. Save all packaging materials in case it becomes necessary to transport the plotter at a future date. The boxes contain:

BOX 1: Plotter Stand Kit

1 Plotter stand right leg

1 Plotter stand left leg

1 Vanity panel

3Roll support bars

1Plotter stand base

4Feet with hex nuts

6 Material core end plugs

4 Phillips screws with lock washers

8 Phillips screws

6 Grommets

BOX 2: Plotter Assembly

1	GS750 plus 30-inch (762 mm) Plotter
1	Interface cable
1	Fuse
1	Power cable
1	Retainer clip (on cable)
1	Vinyl letter squeegee
1	User's Manual
1	Warranty card
1	Service contract
1	Tool rack
1	Dial head tool kit

6 GS750 plus

BOX 3: Paper

50 yds. (45 meters) 20 pound paper for drawing and pouncing

BOX 4: Vinyl

10 yds. (9 meters) High Performance black vinyl

INSTALLATION

Please unpack the plotter boxes and inventory the contents before you begin to assemble the plotter. Follow these instructions to install the GS750 plus plotter to any GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE. Installation of the GS750 plus to other sign design systems is described separately.

Note: Should you experience difficulty during installation of the GS750 plus to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system, contact Gerber Field Service Department at 800-828-5406.

Plotter Stand Assembly

1.Install six plastic grommets in the roll support Stand Assembly bar holes on the inside of the stand legs.

2.Align the left and right stand leg assemblies in position on the vanity panel. Into each stand leg assembly, install the four Phillips screws through the holes in the end of the vanity panel.

3.Turn the stand assembly upside down.

4.Place the plotter stand base on top of the stand assembly and align the two holes at each side of the plotter stand base with the holes in the bottom of the stand assembly.

8 GS750 plus

Installation 9

5.Insert a screw, with a washer, into each of the holes at each side of the plotter stand base.

6.Verify that the alignment between the plotter stand base and the stand assembly is correct, then tighten the screws.

7.Push a tube cap in each open end of the plotter stand base.

8.Install the feet in the bottom of the stand base. If installing the Caster Option, refer to the instructions packed with the casters.

9.Return the plotter stand to its upright position.

Install Plotter on Stand

Lift the plotter onto the stand assembly. Be sure the two metal tabs which project from the top of each leg assembly are inside the end plates of the plotter. Install a Phillips screw through each tab into the plotter assembly.

Mount Tool Rack

Mount the tool rack on the back of the GS750 plus above the power panel by installing the screws through the holes in the tool rack and plotter.

Mount Roll Support Bars

1.To install the roll support bars behind the vanity panel, align the ends of the bottom roll support bar with the lowest position in the hole on each leg assembly.

2.Insert the ends of the bar into the top of the holes and slide the ends firmly down to the bottom of the holes. Repeat this procedure with the other two roll support bars.

10 GS750 plus

Mount the Material

1.First insert the material core end plugs (hubs) into the material rolls. To mount a roll of material on a roll support bar, lift the bar to the top of the hole and slide it toward one leg assembly to free the opposite end.

2.After mounting the material on the bar, return the free end to its hole and slide it firmly down into the locked position.

Plotter Work Area

1.Place the GS750 plus near the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system so that the material feeds toward you. Leave about four feet of space both in front of and behind the plotter to allow the material to move freely. The cable is 10 feet long, so the plotter need not be located immediately beside the console; however, it should be close enough so there will be no strain on the cable after installation.

2.Make sure the plotter is level. If it stands on an uneven surface, use an adjustable wrench to adjust the feet on the bottom of the leg assemblies.

Connect to the Plotter

CAUTION: Be sure power is turned off and the power cord is unplugged at both the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE and the plotter.

1.Insert the 9-pin connector at the end of the RS-232 cable into the 9-pin RS-232 connector on the back of the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE. This connector is normally labeled Plotter or COM Port 2.

2.Carefully align all pins. Use the connector thumb screws to secure the cable to the system.

3.Insert the 25-pin connector at the end of the RS-232 cable into the 25-pin RS-232 connector on the back of the plotter.

4.Carefully align all pins. Secure the cable to the plotter with the connector thumb screws.

Installation 11

Note: If a plotter is already installed in the PLOTTER port on the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, use the TABLET port to install a second plotter.

Communication Parameters

If you are connecting the GS750 plus to a system other than the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, the plotter uses these RS-232 communication parameters:

Communication

Parameters

9600 Baud

No Parity

8 Data Bits

1 Stop Bit

Xon/Xoff Flow Control

The plotter has a 25DB female connector with these pin assignments:

Pin	Signal

2	Tx

3	Rx

4	RTS

5	CTS

7	Sig Gnd

All other pins are not connected.

12 GS750 plus

Power Cords

1.Insert the female connector of the GS750 plus plotter power cord into the socket on the rear panel of the plotter.

2.Connect the power cords for both the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system and the GS750 plus to the multiple outlet strip included with the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE. The strip should be plugged into a standard, grounded electrical outlet (115V +/- 10% AC, 60 Hz or 230V AC, 50 Hz).

3.Turn power on at the system and the plotter.

CAUTION: When the power is on, never try to manually move the carriage, move the drum, rotate the tool, or force the tool up or down. Attempting to manually move the GS750 plus in any axis of movement while the power is on may damage the plotter.

Power-up Sequence

When the GS750 plus is turned on, the following sequence occurs:

1.A short beep sounds, the Power light comes on, and the RUN CONT, RUN SING and SWIVEL KNIFE lights blink.

2.As the GS750 plus performs self-check tests, the lights over the RUN and SWIVEL KNIFE keys flash, and an additional beep sounds.

3.When the self-check is complete, the lights blink and a beep sounds.

4.The plotter goes off-line in tangential knife mode. Only the Power light remains on. This is the initial setting at power-up.

Note: Rapid, continuous beeping and flashing lights may signal a self-check error. See the "Error Conditions" section for more information.

SET UP

After connecting the plotter to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE or other sign design system, use the GSP Setup program in GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE to make the GS750 plus accessible.

Note: When the GS750 plus is used with sign design systems other than GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, contact the system manufacturer to obtain a driver for the GS750 plus, installation instructions, and setup information.

Plotter Selection

Before choosing a plotter close the Plot Spooler. Click once on the Plot Spooler icon, then click on Close.

1.Double-click on GSP Setup. The Setup program opens.

2.Click on Setup. The Setup drop-down menu appears.

3.Click on Plotter. The Add or Delete Plotter(s) dialog box appears.

4. From the Plotters Box, click on GS750 plus to highlight it.

14 GS750 plus

5.Click on the port to which the plotter is connected (COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4) in the Ports box.

6.Click on ADD. GS750 plus appears in the Ready for Plotting list box. Your system is now set up to use the GS750 plus plotter.

Note: The Default Plotter note in the lower right corner of the dialog box tells you the name of the plotter your jobs will be sent to unless otherwise specified in the Plot program.

7.Click on Continue. The screen will return to the GSP Setup Menu.

8.Double-click on the Control Bar to exit the GSP Setup Menu.

The system will return to the GSP GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE program group and you can now access the GS750 plus plotter.

Add Plotters

Multiple plotters can be added to your system. They must be added one by one.

1.Click on the plotter you wish to add from the plotters list box.

2.Click on the port it will be connected to.

3.Click on Add. The highlighted plotter is added to the Ready for Plotting list box.

Note: For each plotter you add, a number is added after the plotter model number (for example, GS 750-1 for the first plotter added, GS 750-2 for the second).

Setup 15

Delete Plotters

To remove plotters from the system:

1.In the Ready for Plotting box, click on the name of the plotter to be deleted.

2.Click on Delete.

Assign Default Plotter

A default plotter can be assigned if more than one plotter is connected to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE.

Note: There must be two or more plotter names in the Ready for Plotting box to select a default plotter. If only one plotter is installed to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system, that plotter will automatically be assigned as the default plotter.

1.Highlight the name of the desired default plotter in the Plotters box.

2.Click on Preference.

3.Click on OK. The name of the default plotter selected will appear below the words Default Plotter.

4.Click on Continue. The screen returns to the GSP Setup menu.

5.Double-click on the Control Bar to exit the GSP Setup menu. The system will return to the GSP GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE program group.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

Materials

The GS750 plus uses the same plotting materials as all Gerber plotters. Gerber vinyl products in high performance or intermediate grades are available in translucent, reflective, or metallic finishes and come in a wide range of colors. Also available are direct-cut screenprint stencil, ruby photo film, paint masking material, rubber sandblast stencil material and heat transfer materials. Consult your Gerber distributor for further information about available materials, colors and prices. Always insist on Gerber authorized materials for highest quality results.

To load material

CAUTION: It is recommended that you load material without a tool in the carriage to prevent damaging the knife blade.

1.Slide the roll of material to be used onto the material support bar. Pull the end of the material away from and over the top of the roll holder toward the plotter and feed directly onto the rubber drum.

CAUTION: When power is on, the carriage spindle must be moved only by using the slew keys. Attempts to manually move the plotter drum, rotate or force the tool up or down will damage the plotter.

CAUTION: While power is off, center the carriage by gently pushing toward the center of its travel. Take care to move the carriage slowly and firmly by gripping the right end of the carriage housing, not by gripping the carriage spindle.

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