Epilog laser startup - Engraving Etc. Forum

<body> <h1>Full Version: <a href="https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.12">Epilog laser startup</a></h1><a name="a4828_12"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.12">#12</a>]<br /> 13 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.11">#11</a>] 13 Sep 2006</p> Harvey,<br /> <br /> I know a few people running Epilogs. I've never heard any of them claim they have problems upon startup.<br /> <br /> Next time I'm in their shops, I'll ask. <hr /><a name="a4828_13"></a><p><b>From: Upacreek</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.13">#13</a>]<br /> 13 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: ALL</b></p> <p>My Epilog Mini 45 watt needs to be powered on for at least 1 minute before the laser will work. If I start the job sooner, it goes through all the motions, but the laser doesn't work whether it's raster or vector.</p> <p>I can run the laser all day, shut it off for one minute, then power it back on. If I try to run the job before 1 minute has passed after power-on, the laser will not work.</p> <p>I was also told by Tech Support this was "normal."</p> <p>Michel</p><hr /><a name="a4828_14"></a><p><b>From: Patty (PDI)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.14">#14</a>]<br /> 13 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Phyllis (TXTWYST)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.3">#3</a>] 13 Sep 2006</p> <p>I too have been told its "normal." Normal for the newer models. It was never a problem for my Legend 32 but my start-up time has done nothing but lengthen during my ownership of a Helix 75 watt.</p> <p>Patty</p><hr /><a name="a4828_15"></a><p><b>From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.15">#15</a>]<br /> 13 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Upacreek</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.13">#13</a>] 14 Sep 2006</p> The user manual that came with My Mini-24 says that the laser needs to be on for at least 45 seconds before trying to fire the tube, so it can warm up. I always turn mine on a couple of minutes before needing to fire it and have never had it not fire.<hr /><a name="a4828_16"></a><p><b>From: Bob (ALLSPORT)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.16">#16</a>]<br /> 13 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.15">#15</a>] 14 Sep 2006</p> <p>My (8 years +) old Epilog Radius sometimes fails to fire up at first in the morning, then it's right for the rest of the day. Seems to be related to temperature. This first occurred a few years ago and doesn't seem to have got any worse. If it was a new machine I would definitely be chasing a warranty repair, but seeing as the warranty ran out seven years ago I'm prepared to live with it. Maybe a capacitor doesn't like being chilly?<br /> The same problem also appears very occasionally with our GCC (or Laserpro), also typically after a cold night. Life is short - I'll live with that too.<br /> On reliability I have found our Epilog laser to be outstanding. Just one x-axis motor failure in all this time with heavy use and only occasional maintenance. An excellent machine.</p><hr /><a name="a4828_17"></a><p><b>From: Ozzy Fox (CLIVEGARAWAY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.17">#17</a>]<br /> 14 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: ALL</b></p> <p>Hi all,<br /> I have an Epilog mini (25 watts), and was told from installation that the first job of the day took 1-2 seconds for the laser to fire, I just run the first job and as soon as it fires I stop, reset and start again, no real drama and it works fine from then on, the interesting thing is if I switch the laser off during the day it doesn't have the same issue when I restart an hour later! It works fine.</p> <p>regards Clive.</p> <hr /><a name="a4828_18"></a><p><b>From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.18">#18</a>]<br /> 14 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Ozzy Fox (CLIVEGARAWAY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.17">#17</a>] 14 Sep 2006</p> <p>The last two posts have one thing in common, a temperature or humidity issue, maybe. Interesting... Very interesting.</p> <p>Do they use a fluorescent light source?</p> <hr /><a name="a4828_19"></a><p><b>From: John (ICTJOHN)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.19">#19</a>]<br /> 14 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.18">#18</a>] 14 Sep 2006</p> Harvey,<br /> <br /> <div class="quotetext" id="quote"><b>quote: </b></div><div class="quote">The last two posts have one thing in common, a temperature or humidity issue</div><br /> <br /> Isn't that <b><i><u>2 issues</u></i></b>?<br /> 1. Temperature<br /> 2. Humidity<br /> <br /> <span class="e_devil" title="(devil)"><span class="e__">(devil)</span> </span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> sorry, couldn't help it................... <hr /><a name="a4828_20"></a><p><b>From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.20">#20</a>]<br /> 14 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: John (ICTJOHN)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.19">#19</a>] 14 Sep 2006</p> The sympton is the common thing.<br /> <br /> See how poor wording can change the meaning or understanding of what is meant. (Never claimed to be a writer, but usually do understand what I write. Usually.)<br /> <img src="http://accentonengraving.com/emot/jest.gif" /> <hr /><a name="a4828_21"></a><p><b>From: Upacreek</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.21">#21</a>]<br /> 14 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.15">#15</a>] 14 Sep 2006</p> <div class="quotetext" id="quote"><b>quote: </b></div><div class="quote">The user manual that came with My Mini-24 says that the laser needs to be on for at least 45 seconds before trying to fire the tube, so it can warm up. I always turn mine on a couple of minutes before needing to fire it and have never had it not fire.</div><br /> <br /> That's new then. That never made it to my manual. <br /> <br /> At least they have it documented now.<br /> <br /> Michel<hr /><a name="a4828_22"></a><p><b>From: logojohn</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.22">#22</a>]<br /> 14 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Ozzy Fox (CLIVEGARAWAY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.17">#17</a>] 14 Sep 2006</p> <div class="quotetext" id="quote"><b>quote: </b></div><div class="quote">Just one x-axis motor failure in all this time with heavy use</div><br /> <br /> Wow what a difference. We have the same Epilog Radius model for about 8 years also.<br /> I have never gone much over 1 year without replacing the x axis motor bearings and belts at an annual cost of around $600.<br /> <br /> It has taken us to the party overall for years so I am not complaining, but expect more from our 2 month old Xenetech. It hasn't failed to fire so far at the start.<br /> <br /> The Epilog rarely doesn't fire right away. A few months ago it did it a few times but wasn't even the first job of the day.<br /> <br /> I think it has a sophiscated sensing mechanism. If you don't have any extras, have a customer watching, knows in advance that you will remove the item before checking or complain about Epilog it will be much more likely to not fire right away.<br /> <br /> . <hr /><a name="a4828_23"></a><p><b>From: Pedaler (ROYBREWER)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.23">#23</a>]<br /> 14 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Webquest</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.1">#1</a>] 14 Sep 2006</p> All,<br /> <br /> I'll clear the air on this (with no corporate authority to do so). <br /> <br /> Epilog uses DEOS tubes exclusively. DEOS is a manufacturer of laser tubes(Wave Guide technology). DEOS was a competitor to Coherent and Synrad for a number of years, but Coherent now owns both Synrad & DEOS, which to my knowledge are still "stand alone" facilities).<br /> <br /> While DEOS has been an extremely reliable, efficient tube, changes were made approximately a year ago that I can attest made it even more reliable. Since those changes, "infant mortality" has been almost non-existent. <br /> <br /> The technical nature of the changes are far above my head, but one of the observable side effects is the <b>Monday morning startup</b>. Every DEOS tube since this change will miss a few strokes on Monday morning. As most are aware, every tube is allowed a touch of "attitude;" that is, some (about 50% is my experience) might miss a few raster strokes after being turned off for even 16 hours. I have not personally experienced any tube that will miss a "beat" if turned off only for a few hours.<br /> <br /> It is also my understanding that it is considered normal "warm up" if under 5 seconds. If over 5 seconds then it should be discussed with tech support.<br /> <br /> I believe I would be correct in saying that the "infant mortality" issue was the major (if not exclusive) purpose of this/these change(s). So if you have an older DEOS tube that does not exhibit this behavior, you should not be concerned that you do not have the latest, greatest DEOS tube; that is, you are already well beyond that stage.<br /> <br /> One other possible disclaimer, maybe I should say Epilog DEOS tubes instead of just DEOS tubes(?). I understand DEOS makes some "OEM" changes/enhancements just for Epilog and then I understand that Epilog then does some unique engineering on the tube/electronics after receiving from DEOS. Many (most?) of the other manufacturers also use at least some of the DEOS tubes. I said all that to say that I do not know if the DEOS changes affect them also; hopefully we'll hear from other users to clarify.<br /> <br /> Definitions: [unofficial, non-technical, home-spun terms]<br /> infant mortality: a laser tube dies after only a few months use<br /> Monday morning startup: after being turned off for two or more days <hr /><a name="a4828_24"></a><p><b>From: Ozzy Fox (CLIVEGARAWAY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.24">#24</a>]<br /> 14 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: ALL</b></p> <p>Roy,<br /> WOW and I thought Americans spoke english!!</p> <p> </p> <p>sorry couldn't resist it, if I could understand it I'd admire it.</p> <p>All I know is it doesn't work for 5 seconds then it does !!!!!!!!!!!</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> cheers Clive.</p> <hr /><a name="a4828_25"></a><p><b>From: Pedaler (ROYBREWER)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.25">#25</a>]<br /> 16 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Ozzy Fox (CLIVEGARAWAY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.24">#24</a>] 17 Sep 2006</p> Clive,<br /> <br /> If you'll confirm that it works *all day long* even if turned off for awhile(even several hours) <b>and</b> that you bought your Mini within the last year that will tie together the explanation. <hr /><a name="a4828_26"></a><p><b>From: ray (RMV0215)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.26">#26</a>]<br /> 16 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: ALL</b></p> <p>I have an Epilog Legend 32 EX 40 watt. It was purchased from Roy Brewer. The only problem that i've had lately is that i noticed it took a long time to fire as well. Well Peck with Epilog told me make sure that the cover is closed upon turning on the system, because of the tickle. It has to see that all of the safety contacts are cleared before it will turn on. Since i've done this (make sure the lid is closed when turning on for the first time for that day) it works great.<br /> p.s. If after you turn on the machine and with the first 45 seconds to 1 minute you open the lid, this will restart the timer circuit for the tickle. Make sure you turn on the machine and then wait before opening the unit to put any items in.</p> <p>Ray Vell<br /> Vell Enterprises<br /> <a href="http://www.laserdyesub.com">www.laserdyesub.com</a></p><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 16 Sep 2006 by RMV0215</p> <hr /><a name="a4828_27"></a><p><b>From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.27">#27</a>]<br /> 16 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: ray (RMV0215)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.26">#26</a>] 16 Sep 2006</p> <p>If that does it for everyone with the problem, you have just provided a very important piece of information.</p> <p>Thanks.</p> <hr /><a name="a4828_28"></a><p><b>From: Ozzy Fox (CLIVEGARAWAY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.28">#28</a>]<br /> 17 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Pedaler (ROYBREWER)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.25">#25</a>] 18 Sep 2006</p> <p>Roy,<br /> Yes it works every other time during the day, and yes I turn it off and on quite a few times, it was purchased Jan 06.<br /> I did try one other suggestion from the forum and that was to switch the machine on for a few minutes (first time of the day) before using, I tried this and it seemed to fire straight away, I've only had time to try this once so far .</p> <p>regards Clive</p> <hr /><p align="center">Show messages:  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.1">1-11</a>  12-28</p> <h4><a href="lthread_list.php?webtag=EE">Back to thread list</a> | <a href="llogout.php?webtag=EE">Login</a></h4> <h6>© 2025 <a href="http://www.beehiveforum.net/" target="_blank">Project Beehive Forum</a></h6> </body>