Error Message:

CARRIAGE: operation timed out

Applies to:

• All

Service Information:

A "worst case" time to complete is calculated for all carriage move operations. If the move operation is not completed by this time, the "operation timed out" error is reported. The maximum time allowed to move is:

timeout = 1.5 * distance to move / carriage speed

If this error is reported when performing a "carriage home" or "carriage away" (i.e. retrace during normal operation), most likely the HOME/AWAY (HA) hardware failed or the carriage has stalled. In the case of a HA hardware failure, the carriage will be jammed at either the home or away mechanical limit. The alignment of the HOME/AWAY board should be checked along with the cable. If these appear ok, the HOME/AWAY board should be replaced and re-aligned. Note that if it is jammed at one of the mechanical limits, the carriage will have to be moved past the HOME or AWAY switch by manually turning the leadscrew.

If the carriage is stalling before reaching the mechanical limits, the tightness of the leadscrew nut setscrew should be checked. The leadscrew motor and belt should also be checked. The ALE can be swapped, as can the carriage drive board (Trendsetter only).

If this error is reported when performing a "carriage moveto <position> <speed>" command, there are 2 known firmware problems that may be the cause:

1) In versions prior to 2.0, the timeout was calculated using the default maximum speed instead of the specified speed. The only workaround is to use a speed greater than 2/3's the default speed.

2) If it takes the carriage longer than 27 minutes to reach its target at the chosen speed, this error will be reported. For example, a speed of 10 mil/sec is chosen to move 17 inches.

If none of the above conditions apply, the error may be due to a failure of the carriage controller on the ALE. The ALE should be replaced. If this does not fix the error, the responsible firmware programmer should be contacted.

Operator Action:

The platesetter may recover if "RESUME" or "CANCEL" are chosen. In any case, record the error message and call Creo Service for help as the machine probably needs servicing.

Cause:

• Firmware bug in versions prior to 2.0? when speed is not maximum
• HOME /AWAY board or cable is not working or misaligned
• Carriage stalling due to excessive speed parameter
• Carriage stalling due to electrical (motor, driver) or mechanical (belt, leadscrew nut) problem
• Unlikely failure of the carriage controller on the ALE

See Also: