Plotter Part Assistance
Self Repair
If you own your own large format plotter, chances are you have familiarized yourself fairly well with the machine as a whole and its constituent components. You may be getting fairly familiar, but there is a certain point where an enthusiast can’t match up with a qualified plotter technician. When you experience problems with your plotter, you shouldn’t jump in and attempt a repair yourself unless you are fully confident and capable of performing that said repair. You’re great at switching out plotter pens and probably have fixed the roller feed a time or two, but an expert should be called in to handle the more extensive repairs. Don’t know if you’re ready to tackle a new repair? Here are two repairs which are best to leave to the professionals.
If you’re having a problem with your plotter’s formatter card, call in a professional before you drop money on anything. Somebody familiar with your plotter’s make and model will be able to diagnose the problem as requiring repair or replacement. They might even catch something you may have overlooked, such as an outdated or dysfunctional driver. Formatter cards are tricky because they are relatively fragile and, should any physical defect occur, identifying said defect is difficult for the untrained eye. In addition, gaining access to the formatter card isn’t always easy, and is potentially dangerous. Removing electrical equipment should always be left to the pros.
If you’re having a problem with your plotter’s formatter card, call in a professional before you drop money on anything. Somebody familiar with your plotter’s make and model will be able to diagnose the problem as requiring repair or replacement. They might even catch something you may have overlooked, such as an outdated or dysfunctional driver. Formatter cards are tricky because they are relatively fragile and, should any physical defect occur, identifying said defect is difficult for the untrained eye. In addition, gaining access to the formatter card isn’t always easy, and is potentially dangerous. Removing electrical equipment should always be left to the pros.
Professional Diagnostics
The second repair which is best left for the professionals is that of the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly is the moving component of your plotter which moves over the paper, holding the pen and plotting out its course on the media. The improper installation of a carriage assembly can manifest in a plethora of problems and may even result in permanent, irreparable damage to your plotter. The installation of a new carriage assembly isn’t something you should tackle right off the bat, but it is something you will be able to do yourself. Just make certain that the first time the installation is performed, you are present to witness how it is done.
Finding quality plotter repair is sometimes one of the biggest troubles. In my experience, it isn’t best to talk directly to the manufacturer. Even if an authorized repairperson is in the area, first party resources are often quite expensive. I enjoyed a bit of luck in finding a replacement part and a plotter technician at a refurbished reseller. Refurbished hp plotter resellers often keep a technician on hand. If you find a refurbished reseller, ask if technicians are available to perform repairs off site. I was able to purchase a refurbished Q1251-69273 carriage assembly for my HP DJ5000 plotter. In a relatively short time, the technician was able to visit my office, install the carriage assembly, and show me how to do it myself. Remember that finding a good technician to perform the tough repairs will save you more money than if you had attempted and failed at a repair yourself. Unless you are a trained professional, self-repairs always carry the extra risk of damaging the plotter, or worse damaging yourself. Be safe and get assistance when it is warranted.
Finding quality plotter repair is sometimes one of the biggest troubles. In my experience, it isn’t best to talk directly to the manufacturer. Even if an authorized repairperson is in the area, first party resources are often quite expensive. I enjoyed a bit of luck in finding a replacement part and a plotter technician at a refurbished reseller. Refurbished hp plotter resellers often keep a technician on hand. If you find a refurbished reseller, ask if technicians are available to perform repairs off site. I was able to purchase a refurbished Q1251-69273 carriage assembly for my HP DJ5000 plotter. In a relatively short time, the technician was able to visit my office, install the carriage assembly, and show me how to do it myself. Remember that finding a good technician to perform the tough repairs will save you more money than if you had attempted and failed at a repair yourself. Unless you are a trained professional, self-repairs always carry the extra risk of damaging the plotter, or worse damaging yourself. Be safe and get assistance when it is warranted.