A procedure for upgrading Trendsetter NEWS MCE devices to GMCE devices in the field has been added to the Procedures and GMCE Information pages. Kit number 518-02088A is required to complete this procedure.

FCO CA09895 (upgrade kit number 512-00400A) reduces plate scratching between Bay 1 and Bay 2 plates for MCE Trendsetter NEWS dual-bay machines. Upgrades include:

• Replacing the plate ledge with one that has four airjets instead of two
• Adding two extension tabs to the separator arms to improve support for the Bay 1 plates
• Upgrading the MCE firmware

This is a next failure FCO.

FCO CA08748 (upgrade kit number 512-00322A) upgrades the dual-bay option in the following areas:

• Adds a cylinder sensor to sense the position of the NELA stop cylinder
• Adds an extension tap to enlarge contact area of switch stop block
• Adds pneumatic contact switches and modifies the pneumatic plumbing to improve the reaction of the clamp cylinder and stop block cylinder
• Upgrades the MCE firmware to the latest version

This is a next visit FCO.

A copy of NELA’s PL-T Plate Preloader Installation Guide has been posted on the Installation page.

The new Floor layout CAD drawings for Trendsetter NEWS devices page contains links to 3-D CAD drawings, in DWG and DXF format, that show the footprint and work area dimensions of Trendsetter NEWS output devices with and without an unload table rotator. Use these drawings during the site preparation phase to help plan the positioning of Trendsetter output devices at the customer site. See the Site Preparation section of the Installation page for related documents and procedures.

Print Console 3.20.0.32 Patch 1 fixes a problem with picking single broadsheet plates for sites running MCE Trendsetter NEWS CR 5.0 with the following configurations:

• Kodak NewsManager
• A plate preloader

Find instructions for using this patch on the Print Console site’s Downloads page.

Trendsetter 400/800/NEWS - GMCE Controlled Release 2.1 for GMCE Trendsetter 400/800 III base, Autoloader, ContinuousLoad, and NEWS is posted on the Control/Settings page. GMCE CR 2.1 includes an update for the DCAPI server. This CR can only be installed on GMCE devices.

The Wrist Cylinder Upgrade for FCO CA00567 has been revised to correct an error. Previously, the procedure instructed service engineers to thread the clevis onto the cylinder shaft, leaving three threads visible after it was locked down by the jam nut. However, three threads is not a sufficiently consistent measure, and could result in retracted wrist cylinders being different in length, causing skew in plate loading. The corrected procedure instructs service engineers to thread the clevis onto the cylinder shaft so that the end of the shaft is flush with the open end of the clevis.

The Trendsetter NEWS Dual-Bay Option Field Service Guide has been updated to include field service information for both GMCE and MCE-based Trendsetter NEWS output devices with the Dual-Bay option. Find the link to this document on the Dual Bay option page.

Print Console 4.8.1.6 Patch 1 for GMCE Trendsetter NEWS CR 2.0 and 2.1 contains:

• A GDAPI fix that allows Kodak NewsManager software to determine the correct configuration of the bays in a dual bay newspaper output device
• A Print Console fix that prevents Print Console software from getting stuck on a NEWS 200 output device
• The Japanese translation of the Print Console/Trendsetter online help

Find instructions for using this patch on the Print Console site’s Downloads page.

Trendsetter NEWS output devices with serial numbers starting with NG are in production effective 15 Nov 2006. GMCE information has been added throughout the site including:

• New specifications on the Overview page.
• Updated Site Preparation Guide on the Installation page.
• New Visual Reference Guide and Safety Guide for customers on the Reference page.
• Factory-installed GMCE Controlled Release 2.0 on the Control/settings page.
• A new link in the side menu to the GMCE information page.

Additional updated information and translations will be posted to the site as they are available.

A new picker up down sensor kit (part number 518-01911A) for MCE devices has been created due to reliability problems with picker sensor 10-3676A. See FCO CA10840 on the FCOs page for the kit number and procedure. This is a next failure FCO.

Before doing a field upgrade to MCE Trendsetter NEWS Controlled Release 5.0, you must be familiar with the requirements and processes for installing Creo Feature Licensing.

• Read the CFL upgrade information on the CFL site. The CFL Controlled Release Upgrade flowchart and CFL Controlled Release Upgrade flowchart for CEM outline the processes needed for CFL CR upgrades. Use the Configuration checker script and additional information on the CFL Procedures page.
• You must have a customer dongle, service dongle, and customer license files before installing this release, or the result will be a hard-down situation.

The following plate processor pre-installation guides from Glunz & Jensen have been posted on the Installation page:

• Glunz and Jensen Mercury News Plate Processor Pre-Installation Guide
• Glunz and Jensen Polymer (Raptor) Plate Processor Pre-Installation Guide

The Trendsetter NEWS (MCE) Installation Guide has been updated and posted on the Installation page.

A new equipment accreditation document has been posted on the Reference page, describing the compatibility between the Glunz & Jensen Raptor plate processors (Raptor 68 and Raptor 85) and Thermal News plates with 980 developer. Note that the Raptor plate processors are not accredited for processing single-wide broadsheet plates side-by-side.

Use kit number 512-00368A to replace a failed single strut on devices with serial numbers NM314 to NM621 and lower. See FCO CA10120 on the FCOs page.

The following Trendsetter NEWS specifications documents have been updated with the latest plate size and throughput specifications, and are posted on the Overview page.

• Trendsetter NEWS 50 Specifications
• Trendsetter NEWS 70 Specifications
• Trendsetter NEWS 100 Specifications
• Trendsetter NEWS 150 specifications
• Trendsetter NEWS 200 Specifications
• Trendsetter NEWS Dual Bay Option Specifications
• Trendsetter News SA Specifications

Trendsetter NEWS MCE Controlled Release 5.0, posted on the Control/settings page, includes CTP Feature Licensing to enable the Trendsetter configuration and to enable access to Service Shell using the customer dongle. It also introduces new product throughput specifications, releases the single broadsheet plate-picking feature, and solves several firmware and software problems. For more information, see Trendsetter NEWS MCE Controlled Release 5.0 ReadMe/Release Notes .

For Trendsetter NEWS output devices running MCE Controlled Release 4.1, Service Shell should be upgraded from Service Shell 2.6 SP1 (service pack 1) to Service Shell 2.6 SP2. The Service Shell installer downloads are not available on the CR 4.1 CD, but have been posted on the Trendsetter NEWS MCE Controlled Release 4.1 page.

The English version of the Trendsetter NEWS Family Site Preparation Guide (GMCE) has been updated and posted on the Installation page. The revisions include improved footprint and work area diagrams, new information regarding the floor requirements for the NELA PL-T plate preloader, and new information regarding the transition bridge between the Trendsetter NEWS device’s unload table and a Glunz & Jensen processor.

The new Trendsetter AL, CL, and NEWS Processor Interface Guide has been posted on the Installation page. This document describes the electrical connections, firmware requirements, installation procedure, and operation of the processor interface between a Trendsetter NEWS, AL, or CL output device and a Glunz & Jensen or Agfa Lithostar processor. This document replaces document number 73-3663A-B, which applied only to MPE Trendsetter NEWS devices.

A new document describing the MCE firmware parameters used to adjust geometric correction on Trendsetter 400/800 II, Autoloader, ContinuousLoad, Spectrum, and NEWS output devices has been added to the Base Trendsetter Procedures page.

A procedure for static balancing of the drum on MCE output devices in the field has been added to the Base Trendsetter Procedures page. This procedure may be required in situations where there is excessive device vibration. Kit number 518-01763A is required to complete this procedure.

See the Reference page for the Swedish translation of the Trendsetter NEWS operator and visual quick reference guides.

See the Reference page for the simplified Chinese translation of the Trendsetter NEWS and Trendsetter NEWS SA operator and visual quick reference guides.

See the Installation page for Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese versions of the Trendsetter NEWS Family Site Preparation Guide.

This update reduces the unload table hold current of the traveler motor to prevent the motor from overheating. It also provides fixes and enhancements for NEWS devices with the following options:

• Large Dual Broadsheet Plate option
• Dual-Bay option

See Trendsetter NEWS Controlled Release MCE 4.1, Update 1 on the Control/settings page.

The new Trendsetter 800 II/NEWS MCE Thermal Head 1.7 to 2.x Upgrade Procedure was created primarily to document how to upgrade a Trendsetter 800 II-based output device with the X-speed (eXtra fast) option. However, it also applies to upgrading from a TH1.7 to a TH2 head on Trendsetter NEWS MCE-based output devices, a procedure that has not been formally documented until now.

Because this new procedure applies only to MCE-based output devices, it does not replace the existing Trendsetter NEWS TH1.7-to-TH2 Upgrade Procedure. This document has simply been renamed to Trendsetter NEWS MPE Thermal Head 1.7-to-2.x Upgrade Procedure to distinguish it from the new MCE procedure. In addition, it has been updated with the latest safety information for installing TH2 heads on MPE output devices.

Both of these documents are posted on the Procedures page.

The Trendsetter NEWS (MCE) Installation Guide, posted on the Installation page, has been updated with the following changes:

• Thermal imaging head installation/setup information removed (Trendsetter NEWS devices are now shipped with heads installed)
• Link added to procedure for measuring plate throughput on NEWS output devices

For the Thermal 2 imaging head installation procedure, see TH2 Installation Procedure for Trendsetter Platesetters, also on the Installation page.

The Trendsetter NEWS Family Site Preparation Guide (GMCE) , posted on the Installation page, has been updated with the following enhancements:

• Document is in rebranded Kodak template
• More accurate dimensions and weights given for output device and shipping crates
• Power consumption specs added
• Plate registration/positioning information updated with new drawings and explanations
• Information about the compact shipping option added

Thermal head firmware 1.05c, included in CR 4.1, has a defect that can cause solid stripes to be plotted on plate (see Example 1 and Example 2 ).

This defect occurs when 1.05c firmware is installed on a TH2 head with beam correction hardware. If CR 4.1 is installed on a NEWS output device with such a thermal head, firmware version 1.05c must be downgraded to 1.04d (until the next CR becomes available. For information on how to determine whether the TH2 head has the beam correction hardware and how to downgrade the head firmware, see the notice marked “Important,” near the top of the TS NEWS MCE CR 4.1 page.

FCO CA08428 releases a new version (500-02355B) of the 25-mm deep plate ledge (AKA the 100-plate ledge) to fix the plate double-picking problems of the previous version (500-02355A).

A page containing information about the Dual Bay option has been added to this site. The Dual Bay option enables the fully automated selection of two different plate sizes during production when the Trendsetter NEWS is equipped with a NELA PL-T loader. Click the Dual Bay option link in the left-side menu to access this page.

The TTSN_117 NB3.hex file included on the CD for MPE Controlled Release 1.2 (CD part number 651-00298A-A) fails to load, because it is not a hex file, but rather, a compressed Zip file. The solution is to rename this file to TTSN_117 NB3.zip and use WinZip (or equivalent) to extract the hex file. See MPE firmware version 1.17 hex file fails to load in MPE CR 1.2, posted on the Troubleshooting page, for more information.

The Trendsetter NEWS External Status Lights Indicator Upgrade Installation has been posted on the Procedures page. This upgrade provides customers with an external status lights indicator to which an additional corner status LED display board can be connected at a location away from the device, thus greatly increasing the operational efficiency of their press room. Note that this is not an FCO, but rather, an optional feature that customers may choose to purchase if they want it.

FCO CA08150 releases upgrades to fix the following problems.

If a TS NEWS output device has picking problems due to movement of the the picker wrist stoppers over time, add a new, reinforced bracket to the picker wrist assembly to hold the stoppers in place more securely. See procedure .

If a TS NEWS 200 output device with the 25 mm-deep plate ledge (AKA the 100-plate ledge) has an excessive number of plate-loading, double-picking, or picker wrist position errors, these problems are most likely the result of inaccurate sensing of the picker wrist position due to the deeper plate ledge. The solution is to upgrade the autoloader manifold and add an adjustable sensor flag to the picker. See procedure .

FCO CA08150 is a Next Failure FCO.

Trendsetter NEWS MCE Controlled Release 4.1, posted on the Control/settings page, contains several new fixes and features that are important to Customer Services and Solutions and to the customer. For more information, see Trendsetter NEWS MCE Controlled Release 4.1 ReadMe/Release Notes .

PDF files of the Trendsetter NEWS Visual Quick Reference Guide (part number 653-00978A-XX-A) in the following languages are now available on the Reference page.

Dutch | Finnish | French | German | Italian | Japanese | Spanish

This troubleshooting item, posted on the Troubleshooting page, describes what to do when one of the two Thermal 2 heads in a NEWS 200 output device fails. In brief, there is no way to make a NEWS 200 operate with only one thermal head, so the only solution is to replace the failed head ASAP.

Sites using Trendsetter NEWS CR 4.0 can use Print Console 3.17.0.128 JPS Patch 2 to fix these two problems:

• Synapse NewsManager groups two images to create jobs for dual-stack devices. When only one image is available and two plates are being loaded, the job will fail in the device.
• Every other single broadsheet job from Synapse NewsManager gets stuck in edge detect.

Instructions for using this patch are available on the Print Console site’s Downloads page.

The CSC-PSS contact information for CAP has been updated on the Escalation page. The e-mail address has changed and separate phone numbers for Australia and Shanghai are now available.

FCO CA07165 releases new, more reliable cooling system pumps and motors. If the old pump fails, replace the pump only. If the old motor fails, replace both motor and pump.
Water pump: 378-00008 (non-NEWS 200); 378-00015 (NEWS 200 only)
Motor: 500-02914A (non-NEWS 200); 500-02915A (NEWS 200 only)

This FCO has a priority of Next Failure.

FCO CA06879 releases a short adapter cable to be attached between the home-side load ramp sensor and the existing MCE baord-to-sensor cable. This adapter cable has a 10 kilohm resistor in parallel between pin 1 and pin 2, which compensates for the fact that the MCE board‚s I/O for the home-side load ramp sensor has a 100 kilohm pull-up, while the I/O for the away sensor has a 10 kilohm pull-up. This mismatch can result in the I/O for the home load ramp plate sensor being less sensitive than the I/O for the away load ramp plate sensor and failing to measure plate length accurately. This FCO has a priority of Next Visit.

See also MCE Error #40658 or 40659, or image skewed, or plate flyoff, posted on the Troubleshooting page. This troubleshooting item describes the symptoms of the home-side load ramp plate sensor failing to measure the plate length accurately.

A new reference document, Trendsetter NEWS MCE Firmware Commands, Parameters, and Sensor States , has been posted on the Reference page. This document provides and introduction to firmware commands and parameters used on the Trendsetter NEWS output device. It also describes how the output device uses low-level firmware commands and parameters to perform operations such as picking, loading, imaging, and unloading thermal plates. In addition, it explains how to use firmware commands to check the status of the analog and digital sensors and digital drives used throughout the output device, and shows the locations of these sensors.

The Trendsetter NEWS External Alarm Interface Upgrade Installation has been posted on the Procedures page. This upgrade provides customers with an external alarm indicator interface to which they can connect their own alarm indicator, thus greatly increasing the operational efficiency of their press room. Note that this is not an FCO, but rather, an optional feature that customers may choose to purchase if they want it.

If firmware error #40016 occurs on an MCE Trendsetter NEWS output device that has just had a new controlled release installed, it is likely that the output device is still using the old 24-tooth unload table stepper motor pulley, which is not compatible with the latest default NVS parameters. The solution is to temporarily modify the mhauto UnloaderMSR and mhauto UnloaderSPM parameters to match the old defaults, and then replace the 24-tooth pulley with the new 16-tooth pulley as soon as possible ( FCO CA02183 ).

If error #40016 occurs and the output device has not just had a new controlled release installed, the problem could be with the home-side unload table table motor sensor or cable.

See the troubleshooting item, posted on the Troubleshooting page, for more information.

The foam tape used to block the picker down sensor signal can cause intermittent sensing problems. Order kit number 512-00288A with a bracket that moves the sensor to a better location. See FCO CA07202 on the FCOs page.

A new procedure for diagnosing and solving Registration/image shift problems has been posted on the Troubleshooting page.

The specifications documents for Trendsetter NEWS 50, 70, 100, 150, 200 and SA have been put into the latest template and revised with the most recent specs. A new specifications document for the Trendsetter NEWS Dual Bay option (coming out of beta soon) is also available. Find links to these documents in the Specifications section of the Overview page.

Trendsetter NEWS MCE Controlled Release 4.0, posted on the Control/settings page, contains several new fixes and features that are important to Customer Services and Solutions (CS&S) and to the customer. For more information, see Readme/release notes for Trendsetter NEWS MCE Controlled Release 4.0 .

For a failure of PS1, PS2, PS3, or PS4, order the appropriate kit that includes hardware and a procedure for the power supply replacement. See FCO CA06199 on the FCOs page for details.

The Adjusting Stitching/Geometric Correction Parameters on a TMCE or GMCE Trendsetter NEWS 200 Device procedure describes how to set up the gc mshift, headspacing, and sshift parameters for the master and slave TH2 thermal imaging heads on Trendsetter NEWS 200 output devices.

Find links to this procedure on the Procedures and Installation pages.

Trendsetter NEWS MPE Controlled Release 1.2, posted on the Control/settings page, contains several new fixes and features that are important to Customer Services and Solutions (CS&S) and to the customer. For more information, see MPE Trendsetter NEWS Controlled Release 1.2 Readme/Release Notes .

See FCO CA06616 on the Base Trendsetter 400/800 FCOs page for details. Kit 512-00260A includes replacement parts for all pivot blocks and a replacement procedure. This is a Next Failure FCO.

The new installation test procedure (ITP) for service engineers and customer-facing installation test procedure checklist (ITPC) have been posted on the Installation page. The ITC is to be filled out by the service engineer during the installation test procedure, signed by the customer, and a copy left on site. Translations of the checklists will be posted when available.

Order kit number 518-01238A to replace picker head in/out cylinders. Order field service kit (part number 512-00263A) to replace the upper load ramp cylinders. See FCO CA06235 for details.

A new document, describing how to upgrade the model of a Trendsetter NEWS single-head MCE device (example: from NEWS 70 to NEWS 100, NEWS 100 to NEWS 150, and so on), has been posted on the Procedures page.

Note: Always call the Response Centre in CCA for assistance in upgrading models.

A new document, describing how to replace the LIONEL board on Trendsetter NEWS devices with the Dual-Bay option (currently in beta), has been posted on the Procedures page.

Visual quick reference guides for Trendsetter NEWS and Trendsetter NEWS SA are now available.

Find a link to these documents on the Reference page.

If the cooling pump on MCE devices is not running or runs intermittently, the thermal head can overheat. The cause may be poor electrical contacts in the connection box. See the troubleshooting item for information on what to check.

Find a link to this document on the Base Trendsetter Troubleshooting page under Chiller/cooling.

FCO CA06235 releases field service kits for replacing the upper load ramp cylinders (part number 512-00263A) and picker head in/out cylinders (part number 512-00264A). The priority of this FCO is Next Failure.

MCE Main firmware version 1.22.09.03, which supports the muli-colored status lights upgrade, has been implemented in production for several months, but not released as an official Controlled Release. Trendsetter NEWS MCE Controlled Release 3.1, posted on the Control/settings page corrects this situation.

FCO CA06533 releases a field service kit (part number 512-00256A) for replacing the unload table traveler motor on MCE devices (serial numbers begin with NM). The priority of this FCO is Next Failure.

The Large-Capacity Plate Ledge Upgrade Procedure for Trendsetter NEWS has been posted on the Procedures page. This upgrade replaces the standard plate ledge on NEWS 200 devices with a deeper one that will hold up to 100 10-mil plates. Note that this is not an FCO, but rather, an optional feature that customers may choose to purchase if they want it.

A new procedure, Interpreting MCE Sensor I/O Bit States , has been posted on the Base Trendsetter 400/800 Procedures page. This document describes how to use the scan <I/O> command to display sensor input bit names and interpret the results.

A new procedure, Replacing the Picker 3 guide cables , has been posted on the Procedures page.

FCO CA06076 replaces the MCE device unload stepper motor cable (10-4855A-A) with a new cable (10-4855B-A). The new cable has better contacts in the motor-side IDC connector, which prevents the cable from heating up, melting, and possibly damaging the stepper motor. This FCO has a priority of Next Visit.

Note: This FCO supersedes FCO CA04962.

This troubleshooting item describes the actions to perform for service engineers, the Response Center, and shared maintenance customers (where applicable) when this error occurs.

Find a link to this document on the Base Trendsetter Troubleshooting page.

This affects Thermal 1.x heads with head firmware version 1.93, 1.95, or 1.96 and LVD hardware version 4 or later

If all of the above conditions apply, and the device has more than one media setup, when you switch media the stroke tables may become corrupted and display all 33s. This can cause image artifacts or banding.

If the device you are working on meets all the conditions above and has more than one media setup, even if you are not experiencing image artifacts or banding, complete the following workaround:

Workaround

1. Check the stroke table by typing stroke.
2. Check the head firmware version and LVD hardware version by typing head version. You’re looking for a Thermal 1.x head with:
   • head firmware version 1.93, 1.95, or 1.96
   and
   • LVD hardware version is 4 or later
3. Repair the stroke tables and prevent future corruption by using the following commands:
   • MPE: Type set head r6 0.
   • MCE, and newer MPE platforms where r6 does not exist: Type set head lvreverse 0.
4. MPE only: type nvs save head.
5. Reset the device.

The 33s in the stroke tables are active and have not been saved, so resetting the device will clear them. After resetting the device the head will perform a stroke cal automatically on the first plot as each media is selected.

A permanent solution will be rolled out in the next two weeks.

A new troubleshooting item, Plate throughput too slow on Trendsetter NEWS TSM (MCE) output devices with TH2 heads, has been posted on the Troubleshooting page. It describes four things to check if plate throughput does not meet the device specifications:

• Verbose reporting level set to "customer" or "disabled"/"off".
• Focus reuse enabled
• Drum speed correct
• Print Console’s Print Setups > TIFF Downloader tab set to *90 degree rotation and mirroring Around drum.

FCO CA04962 replaces the unload stepper motor cable (10-4855A-A or A-B) with a new cable (10-4855A-C). The new cable has better contacts in the motor-side IDC connector, which prevents the cable from heating up, melting, and possibly damaging the stepper motor. This FCO has a priority of Next Visit.

Note: This change is not being tracked via the ECO 100 Label.

Random subscan shifts, towards home or away, can be caused on Trendsetter NEWS MCE devices (serial numbers begin with "NM") by the Print Console setting "Edge Detect When Required". On NEWS 200 and NEWS 150 devices, this is an option on the Device menu. On other NEWS devices, it is set in the registry. See the troubleshooting item for the solution to this problem.

Posted on the Troubleshooting page.

This utility is used to rotate TIFF files by 90, 180, and 270 degrees before moving the TIFF file to a Print Console hot folder. It is most commonly used for panorama plates on the NEWS 200, which limits the TIFF options available (including rotation) in order to split a single TIFF between two heads. This limitation will be removed from Print Console for NEWS CR 4.0, to be released in December 2004.

This utility is available on the Print Console Downloads page for versions 3.2, 3.4, and 3.10.

A new troubleshooting item has been posted on the Base Trendsetter Troubleshooting page, describing the procedure to perform when one or more of the following symptoms occur:

• Output device spontaneously resets during plotting
• CRC check errors such as #38171 or low-level firmware errors such as #-46
• Digital I/O errors

FCO CA00752 introduced a new carriage driver board (503C01525B), which has a switching power supply that generates a high level of electrical noise. This noise is fed into the MCE board via carriage driver board power cable 220-00061A, which can cause SCSI CRC check errors, digital I/O errors, and low-level firmware errors.

FCO CA05160 corrects this problem by replacing the carriage driver board’s power cable with one that connects directly to the power supply instead of a point on the MCE board.

Note: The procedure for FCO CA00752 has also been updated with information about the new cable and how to connect it.

The Status Lights Upgrade Procedure for Trendsetter Autoloader and NEWS Devices has been posted on the Procedures page. This is a feature upgrade that customers may purchase in order to upgrade their NEWS or Autoloader devices to use the new, multicolored status lights.

FCO CA05180 releases the Velcro strip upgrade for the load table plate ledge on Trendsetter NEWS devices. This upgrade adds friction to the plate ledge, keeping plates from sticking together when they are picked. This FCO has a priority of “Next PM.”

Posted on the FCOs page.

The Trendsetter NEWS (TSM version) Operator Manual - English has been updated with information regarding the operation of the new status lights.

Posted on the Reference page.

The Trendsetter GMCE/TMCE Wiring, Safety, and Block Diagrams document has been updated with a new page (page 13) showing the wiring of the forthcoming Dual Load option (beta expected to be in October). This option is for a Trendsetter NEWS device combined with a NELA pre-loader. It allows the automatic loading of different sized plates (panorama and dual broadsheet) from two bays—the pre-loader bay and the Trendsetter NEWS autoloader bay.

Posted on the Drawings/photos page.

When installing the GENINE board, the plastic film MUST be removed from the heat sinking compound on the back of the board. Failure to remove this film can lead to unexpected resets or premature failure of this board. For devices built between 1 April 2004 and 20 July 2004, please verify that the GENINE board has been installed correctly. See Checking GENINE board installation on the base Trendsetter Procedures page

A new procedure for replacing or repositioning the load table's plate ledge teeth has been added to the Procedures page.

See the Base Trendsetter Troubleshooting page for the following items:

• MCE System command reports very low temperature
• Subscan variability on imaged plates

See PLL Lock errors - MCE on the Trendsetter 400/800 Troubleshooting page.

The load ramp sensor extension cable (10-5155A) that was used in devices with serial numbers NM049 to NM226 could fail because the wrong pin was used. For details, see the FCOs page. This is a Next Visit FCO.

MPE boards (10-3692B) with serial numbers 1A0049xx and date code 2004-05-12 were shipped without the NVS parameters and state variables initialized. For details on fixing the problem, see the General exception fault after replacing MPE board troubleshooting item.

The Picker 3 section of the PM procedure has been revised to add a step for checking and adjusting the distance between the picker head and the load table after a picker in command. If this distance is less than 25-30 mm, plate double-picking may occur.
Posted on the Maintenance page.

FCO CA04191 releases a kit for upgrading the hinges and gas struts on the plate bay door. This upgrade addresses the issues described in the Product Safety Alert posted on 18 Mar 2004.
The priority of this FCO is ASAP.

The following new procedures have been posted on the Procedures page:

• Measuring engine, picker, and table actuator times and adjusting actuators
     Related procedures:
     • Adjusting the load ramp in/out actuator regulators
     • Adjusting the Picker 3 Up/Down Actuator Regulators
     • Adjusting the Picker 3 In/Out Actuator Regulators
     • Adjusting the separator in/out actuator regulators (full format NEWS devices only)
     • Adjusting the table rotate on/off actuator regulators
• Replacing vacuum cups on Picker 3
• Measuring the picker vacuum level and setting the vacuum level threshold
• Replacing the autoloader unload table vacuum cups
• Measuring the unload table vacuum level and setting the vacuum threshold

The following new troubleshooting procedures for plate double-picking have been posted on the Troubleshooting page:

• Eliminating external (to the output device) causes of plate double-picking
• Plate double-picking on Picker 3 due to improperly adjusted picker head travel distance

Also, the following troubleshooting item has been updated to include the latest FCO (CA00567, wrist cylinder upgrade) for solving picker 3 double picking and picker vacuum timeout errors:

• Picker 3: Wrist or picker head in/out cylinders leaking

The optical sensors will provide improved reliability. Order kit #512-00083A for TS8 MPE devices. For details, see the FCOs page. This is a Next Failure FCO.

FCO CA03937 upgrades the power box cooling on all NEWS 200 two-headed devices. Order kit #512-00136A. For details, see the FCOs page. This is a "next visit" FCO.

The release notes for the MCE firmware included in Controlled Release 3.0 instruct you to enter command load bay 1 calibrate to have the device set the mh DistSensorToLEC parameter during an automatic load. However, this command does not work in this firmware release—the plate is picked, but the picker never goes down and the device “hangs.” Thus, it is necessary to do a manual load calibrate to set the mh DistSensorToLEC parameter.
See the Known problems section of CR 3.0 for more information.

On some MCE devices, the screws for the TEC sensors may not be tight. This can interfere with the motion of the lock/unlock cylinder. Devices with serial numbers NM176 to NM180 should be checked. For details, see the TECs with optical sensors fail to lock or unlock troubleshooting item on the base Trendsetter Troubleshooting page.

The Trendsetter NEWS SA Operator Guide for the soon-to-be released semi-automatic Trendsetter NEWS device has been posted on the Reference page.

The TH2 Installation Procedure for Trendsetter Platesetters has been revised with new information on setting the focus basethickness parameter and determining target error value during the head positioning procedure. Note: If the thickness of the plate used to position the head is less than 305 microns (the maximum plate thickness supported by TS NEWS devices), the error value displayed during a head install on command should not be zero. Rather, it should be the difference between 305 and the thickness of plate used for positioning the head.
Posted on the Installation page of this site and the Thermal 2 Head site.

The Trendsetter NEWS Family Site Preparation document has been revised and posted on the Installation page. Note that the Site Inspection Checklist section of this PDF document now contains text fields and check boxes that you can fill in online.

While it is always strongly recommended to read the release notes that accompany the various components of a controlled release, it is especially important to do so for MCE Controlled Release 3.0. In particular, the Trendsetter NEWS MCE Firmware Version 1.22 Release Notes indicate that some TS NEWS devices may require hardware upgrades (Genine board, carriage drive amplifier, unload table pulley) before being upgraded to Controlled Release 3.0.
This information has now been added to the Tasks list on the Controlled Release 3.0 page as well.

The optical sensors will provide improved reliability. Order kit #512-00112A for MCE devices. For details, see the FCOs page. This is a next PM FCO.

This problem was corrected with FCO CA04191 (July, 2004)
A Product Safety Alert to notify customers of a potential safety hazard on Trendsetter Autoloader and NEWS devices was sent to customers on 17 Mar 2004. The message went to all Trendsetter customers on the eCentral mailing lists and has also been posted on the Safety and Reference pages. Please encourage your customers to sign up for eCentral so that they can receive any future Alerts. Use Plate bay hinge inspection and replacement to inspect all of your TS NEWS sites.

This problem was corrected with FCO CA04191 (July, 2004)
The hinge that supports the plate bay door is subjected to heavy loads that can lead to excessive wear on the hinge pin causing premature failure. This should be inspected on all TS NEWS devices. See Plate bay hinge inspection and replacement. This document is posted on both the Maintenance and Procedures pages. The PM procedure has been revised to add more information on this inspection.

Updated Planned Maintenance procedure is posted on the Maintenance page. See Trendsetter Autoloader/NEWS Planned Maintenance Procedure.

BaseThickness is an MCE-based parameter located in the FOCUS subsystem. It is used on Trendsetter NEWS devices to determine if multiple instances of media are loaded in the same spot on the drum (double-picking).

Lotem Quantum devices do not use this parameter.

For information on how to set BaseThickness on Trendsetter News, refer to the following excerpt from the Trendsetter NEWS MCE firmware release notes:

Thermal Head 2 Install Procedure and Basethickness Parameter Setup

Proper use of the moving lens range is a basic requirement for host products to allow room for any bump tracking.

The head install procedure ensures that any plate thickness allowed by the product specification will work properly and have room for any bump tracking. NEWS devices support plates with thickness 0.2 to 0.3 mm. The head should be installed with an average error of 100 microns and the basethickness set to 305 if the plate loaded during the install is 205 microns thick. For example, if the head is installed to an error of +100 using a 205 micron thick plate, and then a 305 micron plate is loaded, there still will be 150 microns for plate bump tracking. In other words, one should NOT always do head install to 0 error.

The constraint is the equation: “BaseThickness” - “Thickness used to install head” equals “The error head was installed to”. Choose a BaseThickness value that is the maximum of the different thicknesses that are expected to be used. The head install procedure is as follows:

1. Set the BaseThickness, BT to the maximum supported by the device. In case of NEWS this value is 305.
2. Choose which thickness of plate to install the head with, IT.
3. Install the head with a target error of (BT - IT).

Specifications for the soon-to-be-introduced Trendsetter News SA (semi-automatic) device have been posted on the Overview page. In addition, existing specifications for News 50, News 70, News 100, News 150, and News 200 have been revised.

On MCE devices there have been random occurences of BBRAM corruption. For details see Machine electronics failed power on self-tests on the Troubleshooting page.

Drum amp shunt resistor for MCE devices improved to prevent damage by high surge of current. For details, see the FCOs page. This is a next failure FCO.

There is a bug in Trendsetter NEWS MCE controlled release V2.3 that causes the Thermal 2 head error [00221] Beam-Balance: The beam-balance sensor shutter could not be closed to be generated. A workaround is available: TH2 error [00221] occurs on Trendsetter NEWS 200 with MCE controlled release V2.3.
Note that the workaround does not apply to Panorama plates larger than 885mm.

This troubleshooting item is available on the Troubleshooting page of this site.

This release includes Service Shell 2.5 build 770, Xilinx 1.76, MCE Main firmware version 1.12.31, and MCE Slave version 1.04.11. For details, click on MCE Controlled Release version 2.3 on the Control-Settings page.

This Carriage Driver Upgrade for MPE/MCE will increase the performance and reliability of Trendsetter carriage systems. The new carriage driver board operates from a single 48V power supply and does not need PS3 to operate. This FCO is applicable to TN (MPE) & NM (MCE) devices that use a 48V carriage driver. You must install MCE Controlled Release 2.3 for this FCO. See FCO CA00752 for details.

If you install a TH2 head in a Newspaper machine with MPE, please disable the power monitor parameter. Normally all TH2 heads leave the factory floor with the power monitor parameter set to true, but the MPE does not support this feature.

The following error message may appear while you're plotting:
[02318] laser diode: the laser power could not be calculated during calibration

If this occurs, use the related TH2 troubleshooting item for a solution. This has been posted to the Troubleshooting page of the Thermal 2 site under the keyword power calibration.

To meet the demands of the Newspaper market, Creo is manufacturing TH2 heads with resolutions of 1016 and 1270 dpi. These heads have been released to Early Production.

• The 1016 and 1270 dpi heads are identical to the 1200 dpi TH2 head in almost every way, with a few different optical components that reduce the resolution to 1016 dpi or increase it to 1270 dpi.
• Both heads are capable of 23W power on plate.
• The 1016 dpi head has 192 channels (versus 224 on the 1200 & 1270 dpi). On the 1016 dpi head, because the physical size of each channel is larger, the throughput of the head is the same because the total width of the swath is the same size as the 1200 dpi head.
• The 1270 dpi head has a slightly narrower swath. This affects throughput very slightly as the imaging time is approximately 5.5% longer.

For more information, download the FAQ: Thermal 2 1016 and 1270 DPI Imaging Heads, also available from the Overview page of the Thermal 2 site.

See the Maintenance page for French, German, Spanish, Italian, Finnish, Dutch, and Japanese versions of the Trendsetter NEWS Planned Maintenance Checklist for Customers.

In response to customer requests, an initiative is underway to improve how scheduled maintenance is documented and tracked. One part of the initiative is to ensure that every device is checked for safety and overall operation first, before each assembly is assessed and cleaned/fixed. Once the PM work is finished, the customer is given a list of what has been done and asked to sign off on it. The advantage to Creo is that once the signed PM documents are filed centrally, we have a complete maintenance history for each machine.

The new customer checklist is to be filled out by the service engineer during a PM visit, signed by the customer, and a copy left on site. The customer PM checklist and procedures for Creo service are on the Maintenance page.

On MCE devices, the 16-tooth unload table pulley can prevent stalling and the belt guide for non-rotator Autoloaders can reduce belt wear. See FCO CA02183 for details.

This release includes Service Shell 2.5, Thermal Head 2 firmware version 1.03b, and MCE Main firmware version 1.12.24 and MCE Slave firmware version 1.04.10. For details, click on MCE Controlled Release version 2.2 on the Control-Settings page.

The following Thermal 2 document has been updated to include information on what heads may be affected by this problem.

To summarize:

• All Thermal 2 heads with serial number T00815 or earlier may have this problem, except for RMA heads dated February 17, 2003 or later.
  If you suspect that the Thermal 2 head you’re working on has this problem, follow the procedure included in the document.
• Thermal 2 heads with hardware problems, such as a broken cable to the laser diode, can also experience this problem.

For full details, download: Troubleshooting WLP burst errors . This document is also available from the Troubleshooting page of the Thermal 2 site.

Two new documents about Thermal 2 LDD calibrate have been released. Download the following from the Thermal 2 TechPlanet site:

• How to run LDD Calibrate
• Troubleshooting error 02317, The laser beam was not detected

Both documents are also available from the Troubleshooting page of the Thermal 2 site.

Two Thermal 2 documents have been updated. They now have a more up-to-date diagram of the Thermal 2 voltage and safety lines.

• Measuring Voltages on a TH2 head
• Th2 Voltages and safety circuitry

Contact NELA directly for problems with the preloader. See the Escalation page for details.

This release includes Print Console 3.4.2.5. Print Console build 5 changes only affect NEWS devices with rotator unload tables. A manually loaded plate will now use correct rotation settings when automatically unloaded. All other components of this Controlled Release are the same as Trendsetter NEWS MCE CR2.1. For details, click on MCE Controlled Release version 2.1.1 on the Control-Settings page.

Creo MPE devices are no longer being shipped with metal oxide varistors (MOVs) and spark gaps between line and ground. The MOV assemblies (part number 10-4018A) should be removed from units in the field at the next PM visit. See FCO CA01804 for details.

The installer file for Service Shell v2.4 SP1 is generating an error message when NVS parameters are backed up. The message will read:

• Timeout waiting for:
• OK
• From this command
• stg verify flash

To avoid this problem, download the updated Service Shell v2.4 SP1 Firmware Upgrade Script from the Service Shell Downloads page and install it on any machine where the Firmware installer file release date is prior to 15 Aug 2003.

Order 10-4766C if you have to replace an MCE board.

MCE Controlled Release 2.1 is now available for the Trendsetter NEWS. This Controlled Release includes MCE Main firmware 1.12.20 and Slave 1.04.08. MCE Main firmware mhauto parameter defaults have been changed for the 16 tooth pulley. For details, click on MCE Controlled Release version 2.1 on the Control-Settings page.

A new procedure has been posted that describes how to install a TH2 head in a Trendsetter NEWS device.

It is available on the NEWS Installation page and on the Thermal 2 Installation page.

See the Reference page for Dutch version of the Trendsetter NEWS (TSM version) Operator Manual.

A kit is available for air leaks near the U47 sensor on 10-4766D-D and earlier MCE boards. For details, see FCO CA01716 on the FCOs page.

The checklist portion (Appendix B) of the Trendsetter News Site Prep document can now be completed in Word format. Follow the instructions on the Installation page.

The Installation Procedure for the MCE version of Trendsetter NEWS is available on the Installation page.

See the Reference page for French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Finnish versions of the Trendsetter NEWS (TSM version) Operator Manual.

Updates to the Trendsetter NEWS escalation page include:

• revisions to the escalation process
• updates to the contact names
• list of information required for an escalation to Product Development (PD)

Refer to the Escalation page for more details.

503C01525B replaces 10-4935C. For kit information, see FC0 CA00663 on the FCOs page.

MCE Controlled Release 2.0 is now available for the Trendsetter NEWS. This Controlled Release includes Print Console 3.4.2, Service Shell 2.4 Service Pack 1, MCE Main firmware 1.12.16 and Slave 1.04.06 and Xilinx 1.65 firmware. For details, click on MCE Controlled Release version 2.0 on the Control-Settings page.

The following documents have been posted to the MCE Info page:

• MPE to MCE: Common Status Checks
• MPE to MCE: Selected Commands and Parameters

On some MCE devices there have been random shifts where the image is shifted away from the LEC. For details see Image shift away from the LEC.

The Trendsetter NEWS Site Preparation and Requirements document has been revised. See the Installation page.

This page contains information that is specific to Trendsetter MCE devices. Note that the terms Type II, TSM, and MCE are all used to refer to Trendsetter MCE in Trendsetter documentation.
All of the information listed on Trendsetter MCE Info is also available on the relevant pages within the Trendsetter 400/800, Trendsetter AL and Trendsetter NEWS sites.

A wrist cylinder upgrade kit for improved reliability and a kit for replacing the discontinued vacuum generator have been released. See FCO CA00567 for kit numbers and procedure.

Revised specifications for Trendsetter NEWS are available on the Overview page. Output table height, and plate sizes for rotator option were updated.

Please ensure that all Trendsetter MCE devices have the carriage parameters set according to the carriage settings table on the Control/Settings page.

There have been some cases of the clamp plates breaking in production. Inspect these on next visit or PM. For details see Cracked or broken clamp plates.

Kit 512-00031 includes stepper motor and pulley assembly and cable adapter. See FC0 CA00482 on the FCOs page.

If any of the following errors appear:

• [02327] Laser Diode: Possible safety fault (WLP fault)
• [02330] The WLP burst data is not available
• [03553] Safety loop fault has been detected
• [03573] A safety loop fault is preventing normal operation

Refer to the following procedure: Safety faults and WLP burst error, available from the Troubleshooting page of the Thermal 2 site.

Kit# 512-00043 provides UDRC connectivity for Chemistry-free option (LC) on MCE Trendsetter NEWS. See FC0 CA00386 on the FCOs page.

Some new or replacement 1.7 thermal heads may not come online when an MCE device is powered up for the first time. A script is required to initialize the head. See the Troubleshooting page for more information.

TEC lock/unlock sensors are getting damaged during operation. New bracket will protect sensors from contact with lock/unlock tabs. See FCO CA00398 for more information.

If the following error messages appears while you're plotting: [02318] laser diode: the laser power could not be calculated during calibration , refer to the related Thermal 2 troubleshooting item for a solution. This has been posted to the Troubleshooting page of the Thermal 2 site.

The second MCE Controlled Release CD is now available for the Trendsetter NEWS. This Controlled Release includes version 1.83 firmware for Thermal Head 1.7. For details, click on MCE Controlled Release version 1.1 on the Control-Settings page.

A document for Configuring Windows 2000 as a PPP Server for MCE TCP/IP Serial Connection with Print Console has been posted on the Procedures page.

The MCE version of the Trendsetter NEWS Operator Manual has been posted on the Reference page.

The first MCE Controlled Release CD is now available for the Trendsetter NEWS. A Controlled Release is a package of software/firmware components that have been tested for compatibility with each other and with Trendsetter NEWS hardware. For details, click on MCE Controlled Release version 1.0 on the Control-Settings page.

Revised specifications for Trendsetter NEWS are available on the Overview page.

New uptime spares kits for all models of MPE and MCE NEWS are posted on the Part/Tools page.

Some unload table pans that were shipped in November, 2002 may have an extra flange at the rotate position. This flange may cause the rotator to jam or grind while trying to rotate. If the extra flange is detected on the unload pan (see photo 1 and 2), then the center panel (57-4687A) must be replaced.

The MCE electronics package for single-headed Trendsetter NEWS models (Trendsetter NEWS 50, 70, 100, and 150) is in Early Production in CAM. CEU is still treating this product as a beta until such time as they can get a number of units installed in their distribution unit. The double-headed Trendsetter NEWS product (Trendsetter NEWS 200) is in beta at this time. For information on the differences between MPE and MCE, see the Control/Settings page for firmware and the Parts/Tools page for hardware.
A half-day update course is available for all customer support engineers. In many areas this training is available via WebEx to eliminate the need for travel. If you have questions or concerns, contact Todd Malone the Product Support Manager for the Trendsetter NEWS product line.

Fretting on contacts between cable and sensor was causing loss of connection. A new cable and sensor should be installed for improved reliability. See the E897 on the FCO page for appropriate kit number and procedure.
Note: Do this FCO at the same time as E876.

The new track will prevent cables from getting caught in cable track links, breaking and wearing out prematurely. An adaptor plate is included in the kit to mount the new track to the unload pan and traveler. See E876 on the FCOs page for kit number and installation procedure.
Note: Do this FCO at the same time as E897.

If you have to replace a TEE board, order kit 518-00003. The kit includes the board plus necessary fittings. See FCO CA00063 on the FCO page.

Some 15-3466 components were shipped from the manufacturer with an incorrect or completely ignored deadband calibration. The device may fail drum initialization intermittently. See the troubleshooting item for information on how to check the deadband calibration to see if the drum drive amp should be replaced.

The preloader interface option for the Trendsetter News works with a third party preloader plate handling device. The interface includes a preloader interface board, a cable that connects the board to the TEE board (MPE version) or the Genine board (MCE version), and a cable that connects to the preloader for re-energizing the picker solenoids. See E862 on the FCOs page for kit numbers and installation procedures.

See the specs on the Overview page.

MCE, Thermal Head 1.7 and Thermal Head II firmware information has been added to the Control/Settings page including a Quick Reference to Thermal Head II commands for Trendsetter NEWS and a detailed comparison of Thermal Head 1.7 and Thermal II commands and NVS parameters.

The picker vacuum muffler should be used to check the picker wire cable tension instead of a 14mm wrench, See Version 3 Picker, Step 6 in the Trendsetter Autoloader/NEWS Planned Maintenance Procedure.

A small number of drum brake control boards (#10-4795A-B) used for both the TS8 and NEWS were faulty. Drum Amp Displays Code 5 includes a procedure to check on whether the board is faulty.

Some customers find the UDRC too noisy. The kit now includes longer hoses and cables so that the unit can be placed farther away from the device operator. See E921 on the FCOs page for more information.

At sites where customers use positive plates, avoid a firmware upgrade unless it is absolutely necessary. An artifact has been seen lately on Trendsetter VLFs and Trendsetter Spectrums, and it is suspected that it affects all MPE-based devices. The artifact is an unimaged strip, 0.5 to 1.0 mm wide, visible on positive plates at the away end of the plate. The solution to the problem is to downgrade to an earlier version of the MPE firmware.

If you must do a firmware upgrade because you are replacing a thermal head, or for some other reason, see the troubleshooting note for tests to verify that the plates will be free of the problem and for a possible workaround if the problem does occur.

The first Controlled Release CD is now available for the Trendsetter News (FCO E706). A Controlled Release is a package of software/firmware components that have been tested for compatibility with each other and with Trendsetter News hardware. For details, click on Controlled Release version 1.0 on the Control-Settings page.

Although the EH.PWR signal is present on all heads produced now, there are several hundred in the field that do not have this signal. On some systems, the absence of this signal will cause a flag, such as Exposure Head Power, to be asserted. This flag should be masked.
Refer to the new Thermal 2troubleshooting item for more information.

Creo has a contract with Rx Monitoring Services in Manchester, NH (603-666-6606 ext201) to provide Power & Environmental Site Surveys for the NAFTA region. The monitoring service includes voltage, current, temperature, humidity, dust and air pressure. Rx will provide the equipment to be installed at the customer site (for a maximum of 10 days), monitor it and send an e-mail report.

Air pressure monitoring is the latest addition to the Power & Environmental Site Survey. See Installing the Rx Air Pressure Sensor for details.

Door uses a latching mechanism that is not visible from the outside. To open the door, push FIRMLY on the top of the door. The first base machine to ship is TE422 and the first Proofsetter is PX096. For service implications, see FCO E243

TEH 2 Head Power Cables Need Replacing — See FCO E342 for details.

Troubleshooting Bad Relays on the Drum Brake Control Board — A bad batch of relays on the drum brake control board cause problems with the drum not moving. For details, see troubleshooting tip.

Description of the Processor Interface — For details of the processor interface from the Trendsetter NEWS machine to either a Glunz & Jensen or Agfa Lithostar processor, see Upgrade Installation Procedures

Release of Version 1.14 firmware on ECO E278 — See Trendsetter NEWS Versions for details.

TEC backbone microswitches replace unreliable reed switches — The current TEC backbone reed switches have proven unreliable so microswitches (15-3478) will now be used. See FCO E120 for more information.