Epilog laser startup - Engraving Etc. Forum

<body> <h1>Full Version: <a href="https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.4">Epilog laser startup</a></h1><a name="a4828_4"></a><p><b>From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.4">#4</a>]<br /> 11 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Phyllis (TXTWYST)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.3">#3</a>] 11 Sep 2006</p> <p>Being a non expert on that problem, it sounds like the tickle is set a little too low. The tickle is supposed to keep the tube ready to fire. (Set too high it will not stop firing.)</p> <p>As lasers age the tickle sometimes needs to be raised.</p> <p>You will need to find a real expert to tell you just how to set it.</p> <hr /><a name="a4828_5"></a><p><b>From: bobkat</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.5">#5</a>]<br /> 11 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Phyllis (TXTWYST)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.3">#3</a>] 11 Sep 2006</p> <div class="quotetext" id="quote"><b>quote: </b></div><div class="quote">he also said it's normal for the laser to not fire anywhere from 1-5 seconds on the first job. anything over 5 seconds could be a problem.</div><br /> <br /> What a bunch of baloney! That machine should fire immediately after start-up. How many other laser owners have to "warm up" their laser before it works like it is supposed to? If this was normal, why did it just start happening? You are being fed a line of BS; make them fix your machine.<hr /><a name="a4828_6"></a><p><b>From: Phyllis (TXTWYST)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.6">#6</a>]<br /> 11 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: ALL</b></p> <div class="quotetext" id="quote"><b>quote: </b></div><div class="quote">As lasers age the tickle sometimes needs to be raised.</div><br /> <br /> i know every day the laser is "aging," but 4 months old?<br /> <br /> i'm not happy with the "keep an eye on it" and for sure not happy with having to run a test EVERY time i turn on the laser... if it keeps it up i will have to say something.<br /> <br /> i have plenty of time left on the warranty so i'm not concerned.<br /> <br /> bobkat: do you have an epilog?<br /> <br /> phyllis<hr /><a name="a4828_7"></a><p><b>From: bobkat</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.7">#7</a>]<br /> 12 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Phyllis (TXTWYST)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.6">#6</a>] 12 Sep 2006</p> I HAD an Epilog. It was a very happy day when I was finally able to get rid of it. I have posted extensively on this forum about my experiences with the company and the equipment. My view is that you just spent tens of thousands of dollars on a piece of equipment that lasted 4 months before it started giving you problems. If you bought a new car and the engine started giving you problems after 4 months, you would not be happy if the dealer said "just let it warm up for 10 minutes each time you start it up". You are being fed a line of BS, and there is a lot more where that came from.<hr /><a name="a4828_8"></a><p><b>From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.8">#8</a>]<br /> 12 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Phyllis (TXTWYST)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.6">#6</a>] 12 Sep 2006</p> <p>I am in agreement with everything you said.</p> <p>My point is that the tickle may have been set too low when it was made. As I said I am not an expert in this corner of lasers, so their service should, (should), have better answers than to run a fake job first then engrave.</p> <p>If you ran a job and then two hours later went to use it, do you need the fake job again? That will give more limited possibilities.</p> <hr /><a name="a4828_9"></a><p><b>From: Webquest</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.9">#9</a>]<br /> 12 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: ALL</b></p> Thanks for the help!<hr /><a name="a4828_10"></a><p><b>From: Holly (GRIZGIRLS)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.10">#10</a>]<br /> 12 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: ALL</b></p> <p>Just adding my 2 cents...I have an Epilog 35W. It's 9 months old. My 'normal' for this machine is the first lasering job of the day after powering it on does not fire for 3 seconds. Happens every day - but only the very first job. I just re-run that first job for 3 seconds and I'm all set...until I power up the next day...</p> <p>Some might say that's unacceptable...that it should fire right out of the shoot. I chock it up to my laser needing it's cup of coffee each day... <span class="e_smile" title=":)"><span class="e__">:)</span> </span></p> <p>I probably should ask my rep...but thankfully, too busy right now! <span class="e_smile" title=":)"><span class="e__">:)</span> </span><span class="e_smile" title=":)"><span class="e__">:)</span> </span></p> <hr /><a name="a4828_11"></a><p><b>From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.11">#11</a>]<br /> 13 Sep 2006<br /><b>To: Holly (GRIZGIRLS)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.10">#10</a>] 13 Sep 2006</p> <p>Since this seems to be a recurring thing on those lasers, I wonder if the tickle is not activated until you start running a job the first time.</p> <p>There may be a logical reason for this, or there is a glitch in the firmware.</p> <p>Wish I knew more about the subject.</p> <hr /><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 /><form accept-charset="utf-8" method="get" action="lmessages.php" target="_self"><input type="hidden" name="webtag" id="webtag" class="bhinputtext" value="EE" dir="ltr" /><input type="hidden" name="msg" id="msg" class="bhinputtext" value="4828.24" dir="ltr" /><input type="submit" name="submit" id="submit1" class="button" value="Keep reading…" /></form><p align="center">Show messages:  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.1">1-3</a>  4-23  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=4828.24">24-28</a></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>