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Ekra X4 Blues

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#89000

Ekra X4 Blues | 27 February, 2023

Hi. Our X4 is posting the attached error code. In the reference menu, the table dances to align with the SMD stencil and the shuttled PCB. During this activity, hearing some new mechanical ticking sounds that were not hear before.

Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot?

Attachments:

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#89003

Ekra X4 Blues | 28 February, 2023

While perhaps not your problem, I found an unsoldered connection on my E1. It had worked for 20 years until I bought it. If you have a manual, try tracing the related connections if you have a resident troubleshooter.

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#89007

Ekra X4 Blues | 28 February, 2023

it looks like the table is in contact with the Y1 switch. If you can remove the cover, the motor is the R/H one. Turning the belt will move that side of the table. I'm going with the assumption that an X4 is close to an X5.

Attachments:

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#89008

Ekra X4 Blues | 28 February, 2023

Thanks guys. Chatted with Ekra (Irv / Rudi) and we have nailed it down to the table LEFT side motor and it is specifically the coupler. As I turn the coupler by hand, there is some internal component under the coiled spring that makes a snapping sound. They are requesting for us to remove the motor and review the coupler. We need to run some production but will review it tomorrow. The printer works other than this irritating ticking / snap sound.

Posted a small video (with audio) here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YTaB6n21PWL64N9V6

Also, as a FYI

The part# for the new style coupler is 5022500114.

Thanks.

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#89009

Ekra X4 Blues | 28 February, 2023

I meant LH.

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#89015

Ekra X4 Blues | 2 March, 2023

The question is, the motor is working or not? Moves, does anything? Seems to be endswitch not working if moves and you heard beaming sound - like motor moving but its on mechanical endpoint.

If I were you, I bet on a limit switch is defective under the table. Maybe the offset mechanic is defective - bearing jammed.

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#89016

Ekra X4 Blues | 2 March, 2023

Thanks for your comments. The table aligns fine but just makes the whining / ticking sound when using the 'REFERENCE' command. In this command the table moves more than the live 'AUTOMATIC' mode.

The motors are working fine to align the PCB & stencil. The left side coupler is the suspect.

Has anyone replaced these couplers? Are these common items to source? Found a vendor in China who claims to have a valid replacement used in their local markets.

Ekra calls it a 'compensating coupler' but personally do not know of the diameter of the mating shafts, etc.

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#89017

Ekra X4 Blues | 2 March, 2023

There is a worning parts inside the coupler, if worn the coupler miss the accuracy. Second one is the offset mechnic which also can miss the accuracy. Offset mechanic is under the plate (next the operator door). Check it by hand to be stable and be massive - it is a few mins of work.

Coupler isn't a big deal from Ays/EKRA too.

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