CHAPTER 2
28
Product Overview
4/29/10 Rev G
Firmware startup and internal diagnostics
When the Gerber Solara ion is powered on the internal firmware starts up just like a computer.
The control panel screen displays the name of the printer and the firmware version that is
currently installed. The printer then proceeds with a series of internal diagnostics to test the
operation of various components including sensors, fans, ink system, lamps and network
connections. If there are any internal issues, a message displays after the startup sequence is
complete. See “Messages” on page 174.
Automatic ink level check
The printer checks the ink levels in each of the four ink reservoirs. If any of the reservoirs is low,
the printer will automatically fill them upon startup. If an ink pouch is less than 25% full the Ink
Level LED lights to indicate that a pouch needs to be replaced soon. See “Loading the Inks” on
page 39.
Automatic printhead cleaning check
The printer blinks the Clean Heads LED indicating that you should run the clean heads
sequence which pushes a small quantity of ink through the nozzles to clear them. At the
beginning and end of each day, after every four hours of printing and after two hours or more
of idle time you must clean the printheads. See “Clean Heads Procedure” on page 84.
Sleep/Idle mode
After 10 minutes of idle time
When the Solara ion is idle for 10 minutes it will automatically go into idle mode. When in idle
mode, the UV lamps, vacuum blowers, and roll-to-roll fans turn off and the gantry rises to its
home position. During the first two hours of idle mode, the printer will maintain proper
printhead temperature and spit ink every 10 minutes to ensure that the printer is prepared to
print.
After two hours of idle time
When the
printer has been idle for two hours, the printer enters sleep mode and the printhead
heaters automatically turn off and the printer ceases to spit ink. The Clean Head LED blinks to
indicate that you should perform the Clean Heads sequence before printing.
Press any key to reactivate the printer. The
Printer Ready screen (or the last screen active when
the unit entered sleep mode) displays. The Clean Heads LED should be blinking indicating that
the head cleaning sequence is recommended.
Every thirty minutes when the printer is in sleep mode the Gerber Solara ion automatically
reestablishes vacuum pressure to ensure that no excess ink drips from the printheads.
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