Components are on the Reference page under Theory.
Firmware and Factory settings are on the Control/settings page.
Site Preparation is on the Installation page.
Specifications are on the Overview page.
Tools are on the Parts/tools page.
User guides (operator manuals, technical bulletins, etc) are on the Reference page.

Trendsetter NEWS devices with serial number NG0296 and higher use a slow-start air regulator (part number 500-06015A). NEWS devices with lower serial numbers will continue to use 55-1220A.

Go to air supply filter/regulator assemblies.

Instructions are now available for installing the optional outrigger pin upgrade on the rotator unload table of Trendsetter AL, CL, and NEWS devices with serial numbers lower than TG0536 and NG0364.
Go to Outrigger upgrade procedure for rotator unload table on the Procedures page for the upgrade procedure.
Go to Rotator unload table outrigger assembly update: June 2008 on the Overview page for a description of the outrigger pin feature.

MCE Trendsetter NEWS 200 firmware patch 1 for CR 5.0, 5.1, and 5.2 fixes a problem with focus laser spots that can appear on sensitive media with MCE Trendsetter NEWS 200 devices running these CRs. The patch keeps the slave head?s focus laser at low power for a longer duration during non-imaging operations, preventing it from exposing the plate.
Go to the Control/Settings page.

Trendsetter 400/800 Controlled Release GMCE 3.2 is posted on the Control/Settings page.
Go to the Trendsetter 400/800/NEWS GMCE Controlled Release 3.2 Readme/Release Notes for more information.

Beginning with serial numbers TG0536 and NG0364, Trendsetter AL, CL, and NEWS devices are shipping with a new outrigger pin feature installed on the rotator unload table. On Trendsetter AL and CL devices, the outriggers allow the automatic unloading of small plates that would have to be unloaded manually without this feature. On Trendsetter NEWS devices, this feature enables the automatic unloading of one or two broadsheet plates on rotator unload tables.
Go to Rotator unload table outrigger assembly update: June 2008 on the Overview page for more information.

Go to the Overview page for technical specifications that apply to Trendsetter NEWS devices starting at serial number NG0358.

This tool is now available on Trendsetter NEWS devices and should be used for all new installations.

Go to the Installation page for information on Using the Output Devices Installation Report Tool.

The optional narrow format upgrade allows customers with Trendsetter NEWS platesetters to image plates that are as small as 276 mm in subscan size. To accommodate these narrow plates, the drum registration blocks must be modified to reduce the space between blocks 1 & 3 and 2 & 4.
Go to Trendsetter NEWS Narrow Format Option Upgrade Procedure on the Procedures page.

For machines on which the unload table panels are badly worn and causing unload problems, FCO CA14960 replaces the worn panels with new, more durable button-style panels. This FCO has a priority of Next Failure.
Go to FCO CA14960 on the FCOs page.

Trendsetter 400/800 Controlled Release GMCE 3.1 for GMCE Trendsetter 400/800 base, Autoloader, ContinuousLoad, News, and NX is posted on the Control/Settings page.
Go to the Trendsetter 400/800/NEWS GMCE Controlled Release 3.1 Readme/Release Notes for more information.

This firmware upgrade script is required because the version on the CR CD is not compatible with the TH 1.7 firmware.
Go to the MCE CR 5.2 page.

For GMCE Trendsetter output devices in the field, ensure that the firmware verbosity is set to a level that is high enough to provide log files with enough useful information for general troubleshooting, but not so high that it affects throughput. Typically, the following verbosity levels are recommended:

• vbs user service
• vbs eng mdh mpc

To help diagnose specific problems, you may need to increase the verbosity to provide more information in the device logs. Use the settings in this table as a general guideline:

Problem area	Verbosity setting
Plotting	vbs debug mpc
Loading/unloading of plates	vbs debug mdh
Head	vbs debug dtl ehi him
Licensing	vbs debug cfl
Safety loop	vbs debug sst

For more information, refer to the GMCE firmware release notes included with the Controlled Release installed on the output device. Go to the Controlled Releases section of the Control/settings page.

FCO CA13418 provides an EMC fix for Trendsetter AL, CL, and NEWS devices with TH1.7 thermal imaging heads. This fix suppresses high broadband emission leakage from the Meanwell power supplies and the drum servo amp. This FCO has a priority of Next PM.
Go to FCO CA13418 on the FCOs page.

Field service personnel are reminded that Kodak has taken over the service business from NELA for the PL-T plate preloader in US&C. This means that every service request for installation, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and upgrades of the PL-T must now go through the Kodak Response Centre, just like service requests for any other Kodak output device. Please ensure that your customers are aware of this standard procedure.

Only the qualified personnel in the Response Center can escalate cases to NELA when additional support is needed. Customers and Kodak service engineers should no longer contact NELA directly for support.

In addition to the NELA PL-T, you may come across a different preloader for the Trendsetter NEWS platesetter that is manufactured by Glunz & Jensen (previously K&F). Note that Kodak does not provide any service for this unit. For any issues related to the G&J preloader, the customer must contact Glunz & Jensen directly. In such installations, Kodak is only responsible for providing a working preloader interface in the Trendsetter NEWS platesetter.

For a PDF copy of this news item, go to the Troubleshooting section of the NELA Preloader Information page.

FCO CA09835 installs a safety cover over the drum drive V-belt and pulleys to prevent pinch and entrapment accidents. This FCO applies to TMCE Trendsetter output devices with serial numbers TM1017 to TM1081 (Trendsetter 400/800 base, AL, and CL) and NM538 to NM588 (Trendsetter NEWS). These machines were manufactured and shippped to the field when the drum drive V-belt was first introduced, but before the safety cover was added in production. This FCO has a priority of Next Visit.
Go to FCO CA09835 on the Base Trendsetter 400/800 FCOs page.

Trendsetter NEWS Controlled Release MCE 5.2 is posted on the Control/Settings page. MCE CR 5.2 should only be used to provide support for Windows 2003 and Windows XP. See the Trendsetter NEWS MCE Controlled Release 5.2 Readme/Release Notes for more information.

This new procedure describes how to adjust geometric correction (GC) parameters on a GMCE Trendsetter NEWS 200 output device, using the Test Plot software utility in Service Shell.
Go to Adjusting Stitching/Geometric Correction Parameters on a GMCE NEWS 200 Using the Test Plot Software in Service Shell on the Procedures page.

On the next visit to any site with a Trendsetter output device that uses the drum drive V-belt, inspect the area around the motor pulley for debris and other signs of belt wear (see example photo ). If necessary, perform the V-belt alignment and tensioning procedure.
Go to Aligning and tensioning the drum drive V-belt on the Base Trendsetter 400/800 Procedures page.

FCO CA13403 is a mandatory safety upgrade for all Trendsetter NEWS and Trendsetter Autoloader output devices. It replaces the two-position "picker move" solenoid valve with a three-position valve that prevents sudden unexpected movement of the picker assembly when the compressed air supply is cut off and then re-energized. This FCO has a priority of Next PM.
Go to CA13403 on the FCOs page.

After installing the picker upgrades from FCO CA13213, check and correct the autoloader alignment. This procedure guides you through the alignment steps using new jigs that mount on the engine side plates.
Go to Aligning the Autoloader using the Alignment Jigs on the Procedures page.

FCO CA13213 is a mandatory picker reliability upgrade kit for all MPE, MCE and GMCE Trendsetter NEWS and Autoloader output devices. This FCO has a priority of Next PM.
Go to CA13213 on the FCOs page.

This procedure describes how to use the Geometric Correction (GC) tool in Service Shell 3.6 (and later) to align two Kodak Quantum MCE or GMCE platesetters or two different pin sets on a dual plate-loading device.
Go to Geometric Correction: Aligning Devices in the Field Using GC Tool on the Base Trendsetter Procedures page.

The updated documents are available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Polish, Swedish, and Simplified Chinese.

Go to the Reference page.

GMCE Controlled Release 3.0 for GMCE Trendsetter 400/800 III base, Autoloader, ContinuousLoad, NX, UHR, and NEWS supports production hardware changes that include a universal drum for Trendsetter 400/800 III and Trendsetter NEWS, and autoloader reliability improvements. New features and fixes are described in the Trendsetter 400/800/NEWS GMCE Controlled Release 3.0 Readme/Release Notes.
Go to Trendsetter 400/800/NEWS-GMCE Controlled Release 3.0 on the Control/Settings page.

Some regions or customers may have HSE regulations that restrict the use of ethylene glycol. Any Trendsetter customer that requests HSE-friendly propylene glycol should be upgraded. The correct hoses and seals must be installed on devices using propylene glycol coolant.
Go to FCO CA12621 on the FCOs page.

The “Operator Training” appendices have been removed from the installation procedures for GMCE Trendsetter NEWS and Trendsetter 400/800 III and replaced with a separate checklist. After installing one of these GMCE output devices, use this checklist to train the operators and leave a copy onsite for future reference.
Go to Operator Onsite Training Checklist for Trendsetter 400/800, AL, CL, and NEWS on the Installation page.

The production facility recently shipped several GMCE Trendsetter 400/800, AL, CL, and NEWS output devices that require a corrective procedure to prevent image artifacts. During your next site visit, reinstall the setscrew that fastens the thermal head carriage to the flex tube.
Go to Corrective procedure for loose carriage flex-tube setscrew on the Base Trendsetter Procedures page.

Security settings in Windows XP cause this PSRM error. A DCAPI patch (2.0.6.30) is available for Trendsetter 400/800/NEWS GMCE Controlled Release Version 2.3 running on Windows XP systems.
Go to the troubleshooting item or the Control/settings page for the installer.

The following Trendsetter NEWS documents have been updated with the latest specifications for minimum plate size, imaging resolution options, and imageable area on plate with the optional contoured leading edge clamps.

• Trendsetter NEWS 50 Specifications (GMCE)
• Trendsetter NEWS 70 Specifications (GMCE)
• Trendsetter NEWS 100 Specifications (GMCE)
• Trendsetter NEWS 150 Specifications (GMCE)
• Trendsetter NEWS 200 Specifications (GMCE)
• Trendsetter NEWS SA Specifications (GMCE)
• Trendsetter NEWS Dual Bay Option Specifications (GMCE and MCE)

Go to the Specifications section of the Overview page.

Recently, some GMCE Trendsetter AL, NEWS, and CL output devices have been shipped without Loctite adhesive applied to three setscrews in the unload table traveler stepper motor assembly. If not corrected, this problem can cause the unload traveler to slip and reach incorrect positions or stall completely. This problem should be corrected on the next site visit or PM.

Go to the Procedures page for a document containing the serial numbers of the affected devices and instructions for properly securing the setscrews.

The NELA PL-T automatic plate preloader information page, containing links to documents, photos, drawings, and schematics, is now available. A link to this page has been added to this site’s side menu.

The procedure for measuring engine, picker, and table actuator times and adjusting actuators has been updated. It now lists revised actuator times and tolerances for all Trendsetter 4 and 8-page devices (400/800 base, AL, CL, and NEWS).

Go to Measuring engine, picker, and table actuator times and adjusting actuators on the Trendsetter NEWS Procedures or Base Trendsetter Procedures page.

When a GMCE output device with a TH1.7 thermal imaging head is starting up, the following error message may be reported:

*** HEAD CRASH DETECTED ***
C HIM: Fatal head fault occurred: 44835
*** Unsolicited Message 44835 Fatal
[THC:all retries failed on chnl 1]

This message does not indicate that the head has actually crashed, and it can safely be ignored.
Go to the troubleshooting item on the Base Trendsetter Troubleshooting page.

Trendsetter 400/800/NEWS-GMCE Controlled Release 2.3 for GMCE Trendsetter 400/800 III base, Autoloader, ContinuousLoad, NX, and NEWS is an update to GMCE CR 2.2. It introduces support for Flexcel NX media on the Trendsetter NX Narrow/Mid imager, and allows the use of a larger standard plate size on Trendsetter NEWS devices. The only components that have been updated since CR 2.2 are the Trendsetter and NEWS license definition files and the TS-400-800-III_GMCE-NEWS.ini file. This CR can only be installed on GMCE devices.
Go to Trendsetter 400/800/NEWS-GMCE Controlled Release 2.3 on the Control/Settings page.

The “Adjusting eject speed and distance” procedure has been revised and renamed. It now includes GMCE/TMCE information and the procedure for setting the unload table traveler’s travel limit.
Go to Adjusting the unload table plate-eject settings on the Procedures page.

If the unload table moves up before the plate has fully left the table, this can skew the plate and cause problems on the processing line. The solution is to adjust the exit velocity paramater of the traveler stepper motor so that it is just slightly slower than the speed of the processor infeed.
Go to the troubleshooting item on the Troubleshooting page for details.

When you replace a GMCE board, the new board may not have the same core firmware (boot code and Xilinx) loaded as the old board. To update the code, rerun the core firmware installer after replacing the board.
Go to the GMCE Info page for details.

The Trendsetter NEWS TMCE/GMCE FRU locator is a new tool for visually locating information about field replaceable units, such as pneumatic cylinders, boards, motors, switches, and so on.
Go to the Parts/tools page.

Recently, some GMCE Trendsetter output devices have been shipped with the carriage driver board (CDB) cooling fan mounted facing the wrong way. The fan should blow air onto the board, not draw it away. Incorrect mounting of this fan can cause the carriage driver board to overheat, so you should inspect it upon your next site visit.

The procedure for checking and correcting the mounting of this fan is available from the Base Trendsetter Procedures page.

The Load table adjustment procedure for Trendsetter AL and NEWS devices has been revised with new photos and instructions for eliminating on-plate image skew problems. It has been posted on the Procedures page.

The Aligning and tensioning the drum drive V-belt procedure for Trendsetters with drum drive motor assemblies that use the V-belt and idler has been posted on the Base Trendsetter Procedures page. This procedure is different from that used to align and tension the older toothed drum drive belts.

MPE boards that are eight years old or more may have corrupt NVS data due to battery failure. See MPE board NVS data is corrupt (2200: NVS: low battery in NVS detected) on the base Trendsetter Troubleshooting page for details.

Controlled Release 5.0 MCE firmware Update 1 for MCE Trendsetter NEWS 50, 70, and SA is posted on the Control/Settings page. This update fixes a safety hazard on Trendsetter NEWS 50 and 70 where, under certain circumstances, the picker can move down unexpectedly. In addition, it includes other bug fixes for NEWS 50, 70, and SA.

See the Trendsetter NEWS MCE Main Firmware Version 1.42.24 Release Notes for more information.

Note: For NEWS 100, 150 and 200, use CR 5.1.

Trendsetter NEWS MCE Controlled Release 5.1 for (T)MCE Trendsetter NEWS devices is posted on the Control/Settings page. MCE CR 5.1 is a patch release, tested only on Trendsetter NEWS 100, 150, and 200 devices. It includes the following fixes:

• Improved plate-scratch prevention for Trendsetter NEWS with the Dual-bay option
• Single broadsheet equipped devices can now operate with the Single-broadsheet option disabled
• NEWS 200 stitching fix

A new picker up down sensor kit (part number 518-02218A) for MPE devices has been created because the optical reflective sensors currently used in Trendsetter MPE Autoloader and NEWS devices are not reliable. See FCO CA11580 on the FCOs page for the kit details and procedure. This is a next failure FCO.

Links to five photographs of the NELA plate preloader have been added to the Drawings/photos page.

This safety alert, sent to the Product Support News mailing list and posted on the Safety page, is to advise you of a hazardous situation that can arise on GMCE or TMCE Trendsetter Autoloader or NEWS devices if you work on the picker assembly in the up position while the safety interlock override (SIO) key switch is in the Interlock Override position. Under certain circumstances, the picker will move down forcefully after a two-minute timeout, potentially causing injury to any body parts in its path. To avoid this situation, do not use the SIO key switch when working on the picker. See the safety alert for more information.

The procedure for upgrading Trendsetter NEWS MCE devices to GMCE devices in the field has been updated based on feedback from the field. The links to this document have been updated on the Procedures and GMCE Information pages. As before, kit number 518-02088A is required to complete this procedure.

On TMCE and GMCE Trendsetter NEWS output devices, if the dual-plate option is disabled in firmware, and the single-broadsheet imaging option (that is, the ability to load one plate at a time from a dual stack, automatically alternating between stacks for each single broadsheet job submitted) is not disabled, the picker still tries to pick plates from alternating stacks, and Print Console reports an error:
invalid plate parameter (plateid=1)
The solution is to ensure that if the dual-plate option is disabled, the single-broadsheet option is also disabled. See the troubleshooting item for more information.

The new Trendsetter NEWS 289-mm (11.375-in.) Broadsheet Plate Setup Procedure is now available on the Procedures page. Use this procedure to set up 289-mm (11.375-in.) wide broadsheet plates for loading on a Trendsetter NEWS output device.

The new Trendsetter NEWS (GMCE) Installation Guide is now available on the Installation page.

Trendsetter 400/800/NEWS - GMCE Controlled Release 2.2 for GMCE Trendsetter 400/800 III base, Autoloader, ContinuousLoad, and NEWS is posted on the Control/Settings page. GMCE CR 2.2 includes support for Trendsetter NEWS 200, migration support for Trendsetter NEWS from TMCE to GMCE, and Print Console 4.8.1 software. This CR can only be installed on GMCE devices.

Trendsetter NEWS MPE Controlled Release 1.3 has been posted on the Control/settings page. For more information, see the MPE Trendsetter NEWS Controlled Release 1.3 Readme/Release Notes document.

The Trendsetter NEWS Single Broadsheet Imaging Upgrade Procedure for has been posted on the Procedures page. This optional upgrade is for MCE NEWS output devices manufactured before single broadsheet imaging became a standard feature on NEWS devices configured to image broadsheet plates.

Translations of the GMCE Trendsetter NEWS Family Site Preparation Guide in Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish are now available on the Installation page.

The customer-facing Trendsetter NEWS installation test procedure checklists (ITPCs) in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish have been updated with the latest Kodak corporate branding and posted on the Installation page.