24" Laser point Black boxs on display/Carriage problem

[2tall2hide 0]

I have had my cutter for some time and when I first received it, it displayed black boxes.  Well I pressed on all the connections on the main board and that seemed to fix it for awhile.  When the black boxes came back 5 or 6 months later I figured out that if I pressed on the black metal heat disperser that it would fix the problem temporarily.  The last time I did this when I put the cutter back together the screen came up, but when I pushed the online button to move the carriage left and right it just shutters in one direction.  Could this be a main board problem or is the carriage off track?  I found that I can buy a new mainboard for $80 dollars, but I don't know if that will fix the carriage problem.  I'm also not sure how to put the carriage back on track.

Any experienced users out there have any advice?

[Guest HowardI]

If the carriage is off track you will be able to pull the bottom away from the rail with a gentle tug.  If it doesn't move away then it's probably on track properly.  You will see the white wheels on the V shape of the rail.

If the carriage is in place, and you can easily move the carriage back and forth with the power off and it's smooth, then the mechanism is likely fine.

Note for people running to these issues:  The motors almost never fail, don't even consider them. 

A bad motherboard can cause a "stutter" in the carriage when it starts moving.  If you press left or right to try to move the carriage and sometimes it moves and sometimes it stutters it's probably the motherboard.

If the machine is under warranty we'll credit you the cost of the board when you return the bad one. 

Howard Irwin

Support Specialist

US Cutter

425 481-3555 Ext. 7105

[2tall2hide 0]

I checked and the carriage is on the track.  Unfortunately the cutter is out of warranty, I should of called when I first recieved the cutter but I'm a diy'er and thought I had it fixed. I'll order the board and hopefully that takes care of it.

Thanks for the reply.

[Brandon_Davis 1]

How far out of warranty are you? When did you buy your cutter?

-BD

[2tall2hide 0]

I bought it on Jan. 6 2008. How much is a mainboard out of warranty if I replace it myself?

Also, Is it possible to buy a stand separate?  I have trouble with tracking and I guessed it was because I don't have a stand with a sturdy roller to hold the vinyl.  I don't mean to get this post off track (no pun intended) but I searched the US cutter website and could not find one by its self.  24 inch cutter.

Thanks,

[Brandon_Davis 1]

Like $80 .... Let me know what you want to do, Howard or I can help you!

[2tall2hide 0]

Brandon--  I called and left a message on your voicemail.  I want to go ahead and order a new main board and am interested in purchasing a stand as well.

[Brandon_Davis 1]

Sounds great! I will check my voicemail and get you a call back in the morning... Please feel free to call me anytime, that goes for anyone on this board.