Error Message:

ALE: Separator timed out moving out

Applies to:

• Trendsetter_400/800_Auto

Operator Action:

Select the RESUME button on the workstation dialog box. If this fails to correct the problem, open the plate cover and inspect the plate separator arms and associated microswitches. The separator arms should be in their outboard position and the microswitches should be tripped. If everything looks normal, then Creo Service should be called.

Service Information:

At least one of the plate separator arms failed to trip the microswitch sensor while moving to the outboard position within the timeout specified by the aldly sio parameter.

The sensor status may be checked by using the PICKER command. The sensor status should read TRUE if the separator arms are in their outboard position. The microswitches are wired in series, so both of them need to be tripped for the status to read TRUE.

It may be useful to cycle the Separator Arms a few times using remote diagnostics. Older Autoloaders may experience a buildup of air pressure in the Separator Arm cylinders if they are extended for a long period of time. This causes the Separator Arms to stick in the inboard position. When the arms move to the out/home position, they move at an excessive speed and bounce off of the micro switch and hang up on the micro switch bracket. Cycling the Separator Arms will relieve this buildup of pressure for a short period of time.

It may be useful to set the 'verbose alcmd' parameter to 1 in order to obtain further diagnostic information.

Typing "ALE" will display the system air pressure.

Cause:

• The separator arms may have been obstructed by something.
• The separator arms may not be adjusted to reliably trip the microswitch.
• The microswitch may have been damaged.
• The aldly sio timeout value may be set too short.
• The wiring to the air valve solenoid may be disconnected or damaged.
• The wiring to the microswitch may be disconnected or damaged.
• The pneumatic speed controls may be mis-adjusted.
• The pneumatic system may be damaged.
• The air supply may be low or turned off.
• If the plate separator arms are functioning correctly but the sensors are not working, then the sensors may be temporarily masked off by setting al ss to 0. Masking off these sensors will get rid of the error message but will cause the machine to run significantly slower than it used to.
• WARNING: Masking off sensors disables proper error checking!

See Also:

• Command: picker
• Command: resume
• Command: ale
• NVS: al ss
• NVS: aldly sio
• NVS: verbose alcmd