What's New For Lotem 800 Quantum Spectrum Version 3.50.07

This document describes changes made to the Lotem 800 Quantum Spectrum software in version 3.50.07 relative to version 3.50.06

Important Notes:

1. This controller version requires the following firmware files to be loaded in the TMCE board and Thermal Head 2:
   TMCE firmware: 1.18-01 (QuantumFmwRelease118-01.bin)
   Xilinx firmware: 1.05 (mcelca0105.bin)
   Head firmware: 1.00C (th2h100c.bin)
   Pattern Data: 1.01 (mcedata.bin)
   Boot Code: 1.09 (mceboot.bin)
   Information about software versions loaded in the TMCE and TH2 can be obtained by typing the following commands (through SPlot or Service Shell):
   QUANTUM>> fw dir (or: list version all)
   QUANTUM>> th2 "ver"
   In addition, the following calibration script should be used:
   Media Calibration Script: 0.9 (QuantumSeries.spt)
   
   
2. The proofing media unloading sequence improvements introduced with this new version require an adjustment of the proof unloading arm end position detector. Please see issue (5) below under the section "Synchronization of Drum & Unloading Bar" to better understand the roles of the proof unload arm end position detector in the unloading procedure.
   
   Bug Fixes:
   
   
3. There were certain circumstances in which the balancing operation would not be performed for proof expose. For example after opening and closing the rear door. Not doing the balancing operation automatically would lead to a vibrating machine during expose and/or to expose failure. This is especially important to support the new Brisque resubmit functionality, which one usually operates after expose failures and door openings.
   
   
4. When loading a plate while a carrier is still on the drum, the plate is brought to drum entry and then carrier unloading is supposed to begin. But the carrier unloading was performed only if two conditions were met: the parameter UnLoad Plate under the EXPOSE registry section is TRUE, and the unload flag of the plate expose job in the Brisque is TRUE. So, if at least one of these parameters was FALSE, the carrier would not have been unloaded and the plate load (and expose) would fail with an error of Illegal loading system state: Proofing media is on the drum.
   
   New features:
   
   
5. Improved proof media unloading reliability:
   
   
   1. Synchronization of Drum & Unloading Bar:
      
      During donor/receiver peeling from the drum, the drum needs to start moving together with the retraction of the proof unload arm in order to allow smooth detachment of the media away from the drum. These two motions were previously synchronized by a timeout value, but currently the trigger for the drum motor to start moving is the proof unloading arm end position detector switching to OFF state, signaling the arm physically detached from the drum. In case the detector did not change to OFF state within 500 milliseconds from the proof unloading arm retraction command, a warning will be displayed on the screen and the unloading process will continue.
      
      
   2. Unload Tray Detector Polling:
      
      After the proof unloading arm peeled the donor/receiver from the drum, it shuts off its suction cups and the media lands down on the unloading tray and on the Plate On Unload Detector. Previously there was a two seconds wait and then the state of the detector was read - ON meaning the media was peeled successfully, OFF meaning failed attempt. Currently, the detector is constantly polled after switching off the suction cups, waiting for the detector to turn to ON state. If after ten seconds there was no ON reading, then the donor/receiver is pulled back to the drum for another peeling try (up to a maximum of 6 tries).
      
      
   3. Ironing After Each Failed Peeling:
      
      After each failed peeling attempt, the donor/receiver are now ironed again onto the drum using the unload roller, before re-attempting their unload.
      
      
   4. Shutting Off Drum Vacuum For Receiver Peeling:
      
      The drum vacuum pump is now switched off for receiver unloading during the sixth and last unload attempt in case of previous receiver unload failures. This is happening while the arm is pressing the receiver against the drum, immediately before it is retracted up to peel it. A certain drum vacuum threshold is waited for before continuing with the peeling process.
   
   
   
6. Added new parameter for drum speed when unloading a carrier: Drum Motor Speed To Unload Carrier (mm/sec), with default value of 45 mm/sec, under …\Loading System\Unload Proof\Drum Motor. This slower drum speed is needed especially in Quantum machines due to their much faster default drum speed in media unloading.
   
   
7. Added a script that enables to cycle test the proofing media unloading reliability. It can be found in C:\Lotem\Lotem800\Scripts\Testing\ UnloadReliabilityTest.Script.
   
   
8. Added the latest TMCE firmware (version 1.18-01, file name: QuantumFmwRelease118-01.bin) and calibration tests file (version 0.9, file name: QuantumSeries.Script)