Gerber GSx Plus Owner's Manual
GSx
plus
USER'S
MANUAL
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
COPYRIGHT
1995 Gerber Scientific Products, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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 GSx
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.
plus
GSx
, Knife Mode Switching, Corner Correcting Technology, IP Plus, Gerber Mask, and GERBER EDGE are
trademarks of Gerber Scientific Products, Inc. GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE and GerberCal are registered
trademarks 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. 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.............................................................................................. 1
Support Information..................................................................................2
PACKAGE CONTENTS ....................................................................................................5
INSTALLATION................................................................................................................ 7
Plotter Work Area ..................................................................................... 7
Connect to the Plotter................................................................................8
Communication Parameters ......................................................................8
Power Cords..............................................................................................9
Power-Up Sequence................................................................................10
SET UP..............................................................................................................................11
Plotter Selection......................................................................................11
Add Plotters ............................................................................................12
Delete Plotters.........................................................................................12
Assign Default Plotter............................................................................. 13
MATERIALS AND TOOLS ............................................................................................15
Materials .................................................................................................15
Helpful Hints ....................................................................................18
Tool Force Dial .......................................................................................19
Settings .............................................................................................19
Adjustments......................................................................................20
TOOLS AND TOOL HANDLING...................................................................................21
Storage ....................................................................................................21
Tool Holders ...........................................................................................21
Pen Holder and Pens ...............................................................................22
Pen Replacement ..............................................................................23
Knife Holder and Blades.........................................................................25
Blade Wear .......................................................................................25
Blade Damage...................................................................................25
Knife Holder Installation.................................................................. 26
Suggested Tool Force Settings ......................................................... 27
Blade Replacement...........................................................................28
OPERATION ....................................................................................................................29
Power-Up ................................................................................................29
Front Panel ..............................................................................................30
Slew Keys.........................................................................................31
SLOW SLEW Key ...........................................................................31
INIT KNIFE Key..............................................................................32
RUN SINGLE Key...........................................................................32
RUN CONT Key ..............................................................................33
RESET Key ......................................................................................35
SPECIAL DIAGNOSTICS ...............................................................................................37
Diagnostic Options..................................................................................37
Wagon Wheel Test Plot....................................................................38
Square/Circle Test Plot.....................................................................39
ERROR CONDITIONS ....................................................................................................41
Error Codes.......................................................................................42
MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................43
Cleaning and Lubrication........................................................................43
Tool Holders and Carriage Spindle Bore .........................................43
Carriage and Ball Bushing................................................................44
Sprockets and Bail Arms..................................................................45
Fuse Replacement ...................................................................................46
PLOTTER ADJUSTMENTS............................................................................................49
Troubleshooting Guide ...........................................................................50
Z Axis (Tool Height) Adjustment...........................................................51
Symptoms ......................................................................................... 51
Objective...........................................................................................51
Adjustment Procedure ......................................................................51
X Axis Belt Adjustment..........................................................................55
Symptoms ......................................................................................... 55
Objective...........................................................................................55
Adjustment Procedure ......................................................................55
Y Axis Backlash Adjustment..................................................................58
Symptoms ......................................................................................... 58
Objective...........................................................................................58
Adjustment Procedure ......................................................................58
Drum End Play Adjustment ....................................................................62
Symptoms ......................................................................................... 62
Objective...........................................................................................62
Adjustment Procedure ......................................................................62
INTRODUCTION
Description
1
The GSx
use with the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system and other sign design
systems.
Note: When used with GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE systems, the GSx
requires GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE 4.3 or higher. When GSx
with other sign design systems, contact the system manufacturer to
obtain a driver for the GSx
Performance
The GSx
meters) long using carbide blades for crisp, sharp cuts. It cuts up to 25%
faster than comparable plotters 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
Able to handle complex jobs, the GSx
second (on a straight line). When used with the GRAPHIX
ADVANTAGE, the GSx
plot files while the operator continues to design at the system.
plus
is a state of the art 15-inch (38.1 cm) plotter designed for
plus
plus
is used
plus
.
plus
is designed to precisely register graphics up to 50 yards (45.7
plus
cuts at 4.7 inches (11.9 cm) per
plus
uses the Plot Spooler feature to receive and
Convenience
The GSx
plus
has many features that make it easy and convenient to use:
Accepts any standard Gerber materials in 15-inch wide rolls.
Draws, cuts and pounces up to 12.75 inches (32.4 cm) high. Using
the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system Panel feature, the GSx
cut text or graphics in strips up to 96 feet (29.3 meters) long and
12.75 inches (32.4 cm) wide.
Adjustable tool force for uniform cutting with the turn of a dial.
plus
can
2 GSx
plus
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 GSx
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.
plus
If you require assistance installing or operating the GSx
plotter,
contact your distributor or GSP Field Service Department at
800-828-5406 (in the USA), or fax at 203-645-2448
About This Manual
Introduction 3
This manual explains the installation and operation of the GSx
plus
plotter.
It assumes the operator is familiar with the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE
system. It tells you how to assemble, install, operate, and maintain your
plus
GSx
as follows:
The "Introduction" provides information about the GSx
plus
and a list
of contents of the shipping crates.
"Installation" contains instructions for plotter assembly and
connection to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE.
"Set Up" contains instructions for managing plotters.
"Materials and Tools" gives information about material, loading the
vinyl, and use of the tool force dial.
"Tools and Tool Handling" discusses procedures on using and
replacing the pen, knives, and pounce wheel.
"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.
"Service and Maintenance" provides cleaning, lubricating, and fuse
replacement instructions.
"Plotter Adjustments" includes a troubleshooting guide as well as
symptoms of plotter adjustment problems.
4 GSx
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
5
This section lists the contents of the GSx
unpack the GSx
plus
plotter, inspect all items for damage that may have
plus
shipping container. As you
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.
plus
The GSx
GSx
Roll holder
package contains the following:
plus
plotter assembly
1 10-yard roll vinyl (US only)
1 Plotter power cord
1 10-foot RS-232 cable
2fuses
1 Vinyl letter squeegee
1 User's Manual
1 Warranty card
1 Service contract
1 Tool Kit
1 Paper sample (International only)
Contents: Tool Kit
1 Pen holder with pen
1 Knife holder with knife
2 Tool lift washers (on tool holders)
2 Spare life washers
1 Allen wrench
1 Pair tweezers
1 Pen height gage
INSTALLATION
Please unpack the plotter boxes and inventory the contents before you
begin to assemble the plotter. Follow these instructions to install the
plus
GSx
plotter to any GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE. Installation of the
plus
GSx
to other sign design systems is described separately.
7
Note: Should you experience difficulty during installation of the GSx
to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system, contact Gerber Field Service
Department at 800-828-5406.
Plotter Work Area
1. Carefully remove the GSx
it near the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system. The cable is 10 feet
(3.1 meters) 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. Place the material roll holder next to the plotter on the right side.
plus
from its packaging materials and place
plus
8 GSx
plus
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.
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
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
plus
to a system other than the
The plotter has a 25DB female connector with these pin assignments:
All other pins are not connected.
Power Cords
Installation 9
Pin Signal
2Tx
3Rx
4RTS
5CTS
7Sig Gnd
1. Insert the female connector of the GSx
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 GSx
plus
to a multiple outlet strip. 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.
10 GSx
plus
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 GSx
movement while the power is on may damage the plotter.
Power-Up Sequence
plus
in any axis of
When the GSx
plus
is turned on, the following sequence occurs:
1. A short beep sounds, the Power light comes on, and the RUN CONT
and RUN SINGLE lights blink.
plus
2. As the GSx
performs self-check tests, the lights over the RUN
keys flash, and one additional beep sounds.
3. When the self-check is complete, the lights blink and the plotter
beeps.
4. The plotter beeps and goes off-line. Only the power light remains
on. This is the initial setting at power-up.
Note: Rapid, continuous beeping and flashing lights may signal a selfcheck error. See the "Error Conditions" section for more information.
SET UP
After connecting the plotter to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, you will
use the GSP Setup program in the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE to make
the GSx
plus
accessible.
11
Note: When the GSx
GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, contact the system manufacturer to obtain a
driver for the GSx
Plotter Selection
1. Click on Setup. The Setup drop-down menu appears.
2. Click on Plotter. The Add or Delete Plotter(s) dialog box appears.
G S xP L US
plus
is used with sign design systems other than
plus
, installation instructions, and setup information.
3. Click on GSx
plus
in the Plotters list box to highlight it.
4. Click on the port to which the plotter is connected (COM1, COM2,
COM3, or COM4) in the Ports box.
plus
5. Click on ADD. GSx
Your system is now set up to use the GSx
appears in the Ready for Plotting list box.
plus
plotter.
12 GSx
plus
6. Click on Continue. The screen will return to the GSP Setup Menu.
7. Double-click on the Control Bar to exit the GSP Setup Menu. The
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
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.
system will return to the GSP GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE program
group and you can now access the GSx
plus
plotter.
Plotting list box.
Note: For each plotter you add, a number is added after the plotter
model number (for example, GSx-1 for the first plotter added, GSx-2 for
the second).
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.
Set Up 13
Note: There must be two or more plotter names in the
Plotting
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
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
box to select a default plotter. If only one plotter is installed to
below the words
system will return to the GSP GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE program
.
group
Default Plotter
.
Ready for
MATERIALS AND TOOLS
Materials
15
The GSx
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: Gerber recommends 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 roll holder. Pull the end
of the material away from and over the top of the roll holder toward
the plotter.
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.
CAUTION: Do not use the way shafts to lift or turn the GSx
This will damage the system and reduce plotting accuracy.
plus
.
16 GSx
plus
2. Center the carriage spindle preferably by using the slew keys (see
"Front Panel" section) or manually, with certain precautions as
outlined here. Be sure that the carriage spindle is not located at
either extreme end of its travel and that both ends of the rubber drum
can be reached easily.
3. Open the bail arms at either end of the drum by pulling them up and
away from the drum.
4. Using the slew (arrow) keys, rotate the drum until three closely
spaced pins are visible. These three sprocket pins are used to align
the material.
Materials and Tools 17
To feed and align material
1. Feed material under the black cam shaft and over the rubber drum.
See the illustration below.
2. Place the holes in the material over the sliding sprocket pins first.
Match the three closely spaced sprocket pins and holes.
3. Slide the material and the sliding sprocket to reach the fixed
sprocket and place the material over these sprocket pins.
4. Center the bail arms over the sprockets. Move the adjustable bail
arm at the rear of the plotter slightly forward or backward to
accommodate small differences in the material width. Securely
close the front bail arm first and then the rear bail arm.
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