I need to have anyone with an HP 450C plotter to give me some information on the encoder mark on the left side of the platten. When I was setting up the one that I purchased in 2008 and had finished getting it configured to my system, when running a test print the belt shredded. After replacing the belt then, I could not get it to load the paper. I sent in a post to the old RPLS site and got several replies at that time. To make a long story short, after having the unit in one shop for over two years with no results, I took it to another in Phoenix in January, again with no results, them saying they could not get any parts. I picked it up the last of September and brought it home. Before taking it to Phoenix I found a little piece with two white bars and tape stuck under the bail. Anyway, I put it back on the platten and started working with it in various places on the platten sliding it back and forth in line with the white plastic arm that works with the alignment during the initialization process. Low and behold, I got the outfit to work. But, where I have the encoder mark positioned causes me to load the paper abot 3/8" or so right of the paper loading track marks. I talked to the guy that had the unit for over two years to let him know I had it up and running and told him about the encoder mark. He told me that the one I found stuck to the bail is one that he made up. The manuals do not show any specifics or diagram on the encoder mark only that it works with the initialization process.
What I need is a picture of what the actual encoder mark looks like and exactly where and how it is supposed to attach to the platten. I have the one on it now attached with mylar tape and did not try to move it once I got the unit working.
All help will be appreciated so I can see what things are supposed to be.
I wish you had posted this earlier. About 2 months ago, I set my HP450C out for the trash man.
Shucky Darns
Leonard, I have an old 450C in a box in my shed (bought off of ebay). It used to work fine, but stopped for some unknown reason, which may be a communication issue on my part. I got tired of dinking around with it, so I bought a 110C. You can have it if you want, but I'll let you pay the shipping. Or I can bring it to the BOD meeting in Feb.
Wayne:
If it's not too much trouble, could you look at the encoder mark on the platten and get me a picture of it and where it sets on the platten?
I will keep your offer in mind about having you bring it to the February BOD meeting.
Thanks
Leonard
ok, I'll try and figure that out
Wayne:
I never thought to ask, but is the one you have a 24" or 36" unit? It won't make any difference, but just curious.
Leonard
24" with a roll feeder and a stand. It used to work good when I first got it, then I got a virus and took 'puter to shop for de-bugging. When I hooked it back up I could never get it to go. So I gave up after re-loading drivers, software, etc. Like I suggested, it is likely a communication issue and my inability to figure it out.
Remember back in the old days of being busy, and needing another write off - I just bought a new one (110C)..... ahhhhh, the good old days.... sure do miss 'em 😛
I'll go look at it this afternoon and try and figure out the picture you're looking for
Wayne:
You may have to hook up the power to it to roll the platten around to where you can see the encoder mark using the form feed button. Is the stand attached to it now or do you have it seperated?
I know what you mean about being busy. I went through the same thing in the late 80's when I closed down and headed south. After I more or less got used to not working 12 to 20 hour days, seven days a week, I told myself I'd never start another one of these operations by myself. In one of my best years in the mid 1970's, I had 24 people in the field and 11 in the office and did about $500k in revenue. Could say I met myself coming and going. When I closed down, in 87, I wouldn't have generated enough revenue to pay the monthly light bill.
