Roland GX-500 cropmark error

[toomeycustoms]

I am running into a problem with my GX-500 not getting past reading the second cropmark. I am printing to my Roland SC-545 via versaworks. I then load the print into the GX-500. The cropmarks are aligned with the cutting strip. I then send the job from versaworks to the gx-500. It finds the first mark, but when it gets over the the second mark it literally will stop searching less than a 1/4" away from the mark. If it just started 1/2" further from where it starts to look, it would find it. Here is a link to a video I took of the problem.

http://youtu.be/joS9UTj48N0

Has anyone else encountered this problem or know where I should start looking? I read the user manual, but didn't really find any info on cropmark sensor adjustments. The print is not laminated and I have tried to print different images/sizes with no luck.

 

[Jack Knight1979]

That sounds like a problem from VW. I have ran into this. Reboots on everything and a software double checked fix it.

 

[wolf]

if your not using Roland inks this can be the issue.

I have had this issue in the past.

 

[toomeycustoms]

I've tried rebooting and updating to the latest Versaworks with no change. I'm also using genuine roland inks.

 

[wolf]

Hi make sure no laminate covers the black round circles.

I am not familiar with versaworks but I do a bit of work in illustrator.

If you create a file in illustrator and you setup the contour cut lines and add
The registration marks and save the project if you change the registration
Mark position on your next project in illy and save that when you open the previous project in illy and I send that to cut studio to contour cut the reg mark positions change.

This may occur in versaworks I am not sure.

Is the distance of the reg marks on your print the same distance
Apart in your software?

Hope this helps. Maybe do the video again showing a screenshot of your
Software and cut in progress then you can contact support.

Joe

 

[Jack Knight1979]

Walk us through how you set up the files. I feel like you are changing the artboard size and VW/GX thinks it's ripping a different file.

 

[toomeycustoms]

Bumping this thread in hopes that someone else has had this problem. I've put this off as I thought it may have something to do with the computer and the version of Windows XP. Over the holiday, I installed a brand new hard drive and installed a fresh copy of Windows 7 Pro. Reinstalled versaworks and still have the same error when the GX-500 tries to read the 2nd crop mark. Here is the process:

Add job to Versaworks.
Edit settings for media and check the "Crop Marks" under the "Mark" menu.
Print job and then load into the GX with the crop mark.
Drag ripped file in versaworks to the queue for the GX
Send the job to GX

Here is a list of stuff I have done to try to resolve the problem:
1. Updated firmware on GX500 to latest 1.7 version
2. Updated firmware on SC-545 to latest version
3. Updated versaworks to latest version
4. Tried printing on different media(matte/gloss)

I am able to print/cut with Flexisign, so it has to do with Versaworks, right? I would just use Flexi, but the prints are horrible(grainy/colors) and that is using the profiles from Oracal. I have spent hours trying to make profiles with my i1, but it still prints terrible through Flexi.

Anyone have any other suggestions on what to look for next? I have been in contact with Roland support, but they seem to be stumped too.

 

[Gene@mpls]

I think this may help you- if you print these (I included one dimension in
case the scale is off) and stick them on the machine as in the pict (one
each side of course) it will show you when the machine will cut and where
it will detect the circles. This machine has the extend switch turned on so
it will cut a max of about 49.25 inches instead of the normal 47and some
fraction. I can help you with that also if you like. Been meaning to post
a how-to for the GX-500. Gene

 

[toomeycustoms]

I think this may help you- if you print these (I included one dimension in
case the scale is off) and stick them on the machine as in the pict (one
each side of course) it will show you when the machine will cut and where
it will detect the circles. This machine has the extend switch turned on so
it will cut a max of about 49.25 inches instead of the normal 47and some
fraction. I can help you with that also if you like. Been meaning to post
a how-to for the GX-500. Gene

For these tests I am just printing on 30" material and they are small decals(4" round). I align the pinch rollers so they are within a few inches of the crop marks. It finds and reads the first one, but it literally will stop scanning 1/4" away from the second one, as seen in the video in the first post.

Would definitely be interested in how to turn the extend switch on. Also, if you have any hints on the page/machine setup. I did try to run a larger print on 54", but had to trim off some excess white space on the sides in order for it to fit properly withing the pinch rollers on the GX.

 

[CS-SignSupply]

After updating your VW, did you reinitialize the software?

 

[Gene@mpls]

OK- I see I screwed up the .pdf in my rush to get to a cold beer-
here is a revised one.

To turn on the extend feature on GX-500:

Machine power off>
Press- left/down/right arrows while turning on power>
navigate to system switch( forget just how- but not too hard)
Change the 6th zero to '1' (00000100)
Return to regular menu> to condition> to Extend> increase to 1.0 inch

Your machine will now cut to the limit positions in the (2nd) .pdf- not
sure how the detection area of the reg mark changes but the pdf is correct

As to having to trim off one side of the 54" media- that is a function of
printing in the correct area of the 54"- If you take the cut/detect info
from the cutter on a scrap of media you will see where your reg marks
have to fall. I have that info for the VP540(it has movable outer rollers
and I have the correct spots marked) but if your printer does not have
movable rollers you will have to play with the software to move the
origin to the left of full width.

 

[toomeycustoms]

@cibersupply - I didn't reinitialize because it was a fresh install of Versaworks that was updated. I just re-initialized it, but it didn't solve the cropmark error.

@Gene - Thanks for the info. I got into service mode and changed the 6th zero. I turned off and powered on in regular mode, but cannot find the Extend option in the Condition menu. There is an option for area that says 3.3 ft.

On a side note, does anyone have a service manual(not user manual) for the GX-500?

 

[toomeycustoms]

Just bumping this to see if anyone else has had this problem.

I just got off the phone with Roland tech support and one of their product managers is saying that the sc-545ex pro ii crop marks are not compatible with the gx-500. They are checking with another tech/manager and should be getting back to me next week.

So my question is does anyone have a pro ii printer and a gx-300,400 or 500 cutter that will read the crop marks when printed from versaworks?

 

[shuray]

...if anyone else has had this problem.

Unfortunately I have this problem! absolutely the same.
Have you decided this problem?

Alex.