Inking Troubleshooting Guides

Pneumatic Controller Frequently Asked Questions

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Standard Controller 350-0002 
1)
The Controller is plugged in but the "POWER" LED is off
2)
Controller powers up okay but will not respond to prober signal
3)
Controller powers up okay, responds to prober input but the shuttle does not move
4)
Dot size does not change with adjustment of Dot Size Knob
5) What maintenance is required for the Standard Controller

Motorized-Z 350-0018
1)
The Unit is plugged in but the "POWER" LED is off
2)
Unit powers up okay but will not respond to prober signal
3)
Unit powers up okay, responds to prober input but the shuttle does not move4) "STATUS" & "INK ON" LED’S Flashing
5) Dot size does not change with adjustment of Dot Size Thumbwheels
6) What maintenance is required for the Motorized Z Controller

Auto-Z 350-0006
1)
The Unit is plugged in but the "POWER" LED is off
2)
Unit powers up okay but will not respond to prober signal
3)
Unit powers up okay, responds to prober input but the shuttle does not move
4) "STATUS" & "INK ON" LED’S Flashing
5) Dot size does not change with adjustment of Dot Size Thumbwheels
6) What maintenance is required for the Auto Z Controller

REMOTE VALVE CONTROLLER  350-0013 (for X5200 Inker on TEL P8, P12)
1)
The Unit is plugged in but the "POWER" LED is off
2)
Unit powers up okay but will not respond to prober signal
3)
Unit powers up okay, responds to prober input but the shuttle does not move
4)
Dot size does not change with adjustment of Dot Size Knob
5) What maintenance is required for the Remote Valve Controller

Format for Symptom/Cause/Solution:

Symptom: State Symptom
Cause a): State Cause A for Symptom 
Solution a): State solution(s) for Cause A
Cause b): State Cause B for Symptom
Solution b): State solution(s) for Cause B
(continue with Cause:Solution as required)
Related Information: Included if there is related information/referral to other causes, for example: "See pneumatic shuttle maintenance procedure"

STANDARD CONTROLLER 350-0002
1) The Controller is plugged in but the "POWER" LED is off.
Cause a):  The outlet the controller is plugged into does not have power
Solution a):
 
Make sure that the controller is plugged into a live outlet. The requirement is 100/120/220/240 volts. 

Cause b):  The controller fuse is bad.
Solution b):
 
Check controller fuse to be sure it is good and has the right ratings.
Related Information: Go to the product manuals section of the Xandex website and download the appropriate user manual.  Review the Voltage Selection and Fuse Replacement information contained in the manual. If you have an older controller model, review the Voltage Selection and Fuse Replacement information contained in the Pneumatic Controller Power Module History application note. 

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2) Controller powers up and POWER LED is lit but will not respond to prober signal.
Cause a):  The prober to controller cable is not connected to the controller or it is not connected to the prober, or both.
Solution a):
 
Verify prober to controller cable is plugged into the "PROBER" input on the controller and the probers inker output signal jack.

Cause b):  The prober to controller cable is shorted.
Solution b):
 
Check the continuity of each cable pin and repair or replace the cable as necessary.

Cause c):  The controller has sustained internal damage.
Solution c):
 
The controller is subject to internal damage such as a cracked Printed Circuit Assembly (PCA)  if it is dropped. Perform system diagnostics procedure as documented in the controller maintenance section of the Xandex website to verify controller operation. Xandex recommends returning the controller to the factory for service if internal damage is suspected.

Cause d):  Prober's inker signal is outside the controller's input range.
Solution d):
 The controller input circuit responds to an unregulated 12 to 59 VDC input signal
.  If the prober's output signal is not within this range, the controller is not able to respond. Verify that the prober's inker output signal is within the controllers input range.
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3) Controller powers up, POWER LED is lit and the unit responds to prober input by creating an ink dot but the shuttle does not move.
Cause a):  The controller is not in operating mode.
Solution a):
 
Place the toggle switch on the front of the controller into the RUN position.

Cause b):  The shuttle air supply tubing (blue side of the twin blue/red tubing) is cut or blocked preventing air signal from reaching the shuttle.
Solution b):
 Inspect the shuttle air supply tubing (blue tubing) and verify that it is not cut, pinched or clogged and correct as necessary.

Cause c):  Place top mode switch to SETUP. The shuttle should extend. If it does not, and all air hose connections are correct, the problem may be that the shuttle mechanism is binding.
Solution c):
 Perform shuttle maintenance.  Shuttle maintenance kits are available from Xandex.  See the Shuttle Maintenance section of the Xandex web site for more information.

Cause d):  The controller shuttle valve is defective.  
Solution d):
 
c) Perform Shuttle Valve diagnostic test as documented in the controller maintenance section of the Xandex website.  If the valve requires replacement, a maintenance kit is available from Xandex.  See the Shuttle Maintenance section of the Xandex website for more information.
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4) Dot size does not change with adjustment of Dot Size Knob
Cause a):  The blue and red twin air tubing that supply the cartridge and shuttle with air have been switched.
Solution a):
Verify that the air hoses from the controller to the inker are connected properly:
  • RED AIR TUBING connects to the ink cartridge and to the barbed fitting that is closest to the center of the controller connector.
  • BLUE AIR TUBING connects to the shuttle connection on the shuttle mechanism and to the barbed fitting that is closest to the outside edge of the controller connector.

Cause b):  Dot Size Potentiometer is defective
Solution b):
b) Run diagnostic test "B." Dot Size Potentiometer Test described in the controller maintenance section of the Xandex website. If test results are not within parameters, contact Xandex Customer Service.

Cause c):  If the dot size changes, but does not change sufficiently, the cartridge type is not correct. 
Solution c):
Three cartridge types are available for Xandex pneumatic inkers.  You must select the cartridge type based on the inker model, ink type and dot size required.  Cartridge types are A5, A6, and A8.  Each has a different size Teflon tube and therefore, a different dot size range. Type A5 is capable of creating the smallest ink dots and type A8  the largest.  For more information see Pneumatic Inking System Dot Size Specifications (PDF) to select a cartridge type to fit your requirements.

Cause d):  Dot size knob set screw is loose, allowing the knob to turn without changing the dot size setting.
Solution d):
Loosen the set screw sufficiently to remove the dot size knob from the potentiometer shaft.  Turn the potentiometer shaft counterclockwise until it stops.  Replace the dot size knob with the knob indicator set at MIN on the controller scale and tighten down the set screw.  Perform potentiometer diagnostics as documented in the controller maintenance section of the Xandex website to verify potentiometer operation.

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 5) Maintenance Required for the Standard Controller|
Maintenance for the Standard Pneumatic Controller requires regular replacement of the internal pneumatic valves.  For a description, maintenance schedule, maintenance kits available and detailed instructions see the controller maintenance section of the Xandex website

MOTORIZED Z CONTROLLER (350-0018)
1) The Controller is plugged in but the "Power" LED is off.
All causes and solutions listed under Standard Controller apply.

 

2) Unit powers up okay but will not respond to prober signal.
All causes and solutions listed under Standard Controller apply.

 

3) Unit powers up okay, responds to prober input but the shuttle does not move.
All causes and solutions listed under Standard Controller apply.

 

4) "STATUS" & "INK ON" LED’S Flashing
Cause a):  The controller is not connected to an air supply.
Solution a):
Verify that the Motorized-Z controller is connected to a continuous
80 ± 5 PSI air supply

Cause b):  Unacceptable mode switch combination on the controller front panel.
Solution b):
 
Review Motorized Z operation in Chapter 4 of the Motorized Z User Manual.
(PDF).
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5) Dot size does not change with adjustment of Dot Size Thumbwheels
Cause a):  The blue and red twin air tubing that supply the cartridge and shuttle with air have been switched.
Solution a):
Verify that the air hoses from the controller to the inker are connected properly:
  • RED AIR TUBING connects to the ink cartridge and to the barbed fitting that is closest to the center of the controller connector.
  • BLUE AIR TUBING connects to the shuttle connection on the shuttle mechanism and to the barbed fitting that is closest to the outside edge of the controller connector.

Cause b): Ink cartridge tip is damaged or clogged.
Solution b): Clean the cartridge tip with DieMark Ink Remover and a clean lint free swab.  If this does not enable dot size adjustment replace the ink cartridge with a new undamaged cartridge.

Cause c):  If the dot size changes, but does not change sufficiently, the cartridge type is not correct. 
Solution c):
Three cartridge types are available for Xandex pneumatic inkers.  You must select the cartridge type based on the inker model, ink type and dot size required.  Cartridge types are A5, A6, and A8.  Each has a different size Teflon tube and therefore, a different dot size range. Type A5 is capable of creating the smallest ink dots and type A8  the largest.  For more information see Pneumatic Inking System Dot Size Specifications (PDF) to select a cartridge type to fit your requirements.

Cause d):  Dot Size Thumbwheel module is defective
Solution d):
b) Run diagnostic test "A." Dot Size Potentiometer Test described in the Motorized Z controller maintenance and diagnostics (PDF) available for download from the  Xandex website. If test results are not within parameters, contact Xandex Customer Service.

 

6) Maintenance Required for the Motorized Z Controller|
Maintenance for the Motorized Z Pneumatic Controller requires regular replacement of the internal pneumatic valves.  For a description, maintenance schedule, maintenance kits available and detailed instructions see the controller maintenance section of the Xandex website

AUTO Z CONTROLLER 350-0006

1) The Controller is plugged in but the "Power" LED is off.
All causes and solutions listed under Standard Controller apply.

 

2) Unit powers up okay but will not respond to prober signal.
All causes and solutions listed under Standard Controller apply.

 

3) Unit powers up okay, responds to prober input but the shuttle does not move.
All causes and solutions listed under Standard Controller apply.

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4) Dot size does not change with adjustment of Dot Size Thumbwheels
Cause a):  The blue and red twin air tubing that supply the cartridge and shuttle with air have been switched.
Solution a):
Verify that the air hoses from the controller to the inker are connected properly:
  • RED AIR TUBING connects to the ink cartridge and to the barbed fitting that is closest to the center of the controller connector.
  • BLUE AIR TUBING connects to the shuttle connection on the shuttle mechanism and to the barbed fitting that is closest to the outside edge of the controller connector.

Cause b): Ink cartridge tip is damaged or clogged.
Solution b): Clean the cartridge tip with DieMark Ink Remover and a clean lint free swab.  If this does not enable dot size adjustment replace the ink cartridge with a new undamaged cartridge.

Cause c):  If the dot size changes, but does not change sufficiently, the cartridge type is not correct. 
Solution c):
Three cartridge types are available for Xandex pneumatic inkers.  You must select the cartridge type based on the inker model, ink type and dot size required.  Cartridge types are A5, A6, and A8.  Each has a different size Teflon tube and therefore, a different dot size range. Type A5 is capable of creating the smallest ink dots and type A8  the largest.  For more information see Pneumatic Inking System Dot Size Specifications (PDF) to select a cartridge type to fit your requirements.

Cause d):  Dot Size Thumbwheel module is defective
Solution d):
b) Run diagnostic test "A." Dot Size Potentiometer Test described in the AUTO Z controller maintenance and diagnostics (PDF) available for download from the  Xandex website. If test results are not within parameters, contact Xandex Customer Service.

 

5) Maintenance Required for the AUTO Z Controller|
Maintenance for the AUTO Z Pneumatic Controller requires regular replacement of the internal pneumatic valves.  For a description, maintenance schedule, maintenance kits available and detailed instructions see the controller maintenance section of the Xandex website

REMOTE VALVE CONTROLLER  350-0013 (for X5200 Inker on TEL P8, P12)

 

1) The Controller is plugged in but the "Power" LED is off.
All causes and solutions listed under Standard Controller apply.

 

2) Unit powers up okay but will not respond to prober signal.
All causes and solutions listed under Standard Controller apply.

 

3) Unit powers up okay, responds to prober input but the shuttle does not move.
All causes and solutions listed under Standard Controller apply.

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4) Dot size does not change with adjustment of Dot Size Knob.
All causes and solutions listed under Standard Controller apply.

 

5) Maintenance Required for the Remote Valve Controller.
Maintenance for Xandex Pneumatic Controllers requires regular replacement of the internal pneumatic valves.  The remove valve controller does not contain internal pneumatic valves.  It relies instead on valves installed on the inker body (remote valve). Other than providing an optimum operating environment, and a clean filtered air supply, there is no regular maintenance required.  A description of the operation of this controller and procedures for replacing the valve/manifold assembly located on the inker body, are contained in the X5200 Pneumatic Inker Installation and Operation manual (PDF) available for download HERE.

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