Reverse Duplex Workbook
Reverse Duplex Workbook
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PDF Workbook (1.10MB)
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Reverse/Duplex Systems
The objectives for this course are:
Identify the different types of Reverse / Duplex systems.
Explain the theory of operation of the Reverse and Duplex process.
Explain the maintenance procedures associated with each system.
Reference the various service and support documentation available to
the technician.
Review all safety compliance concerns.
Explain how to troubleshoot defective components related to the
Reverse and Duplex section.
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Navigation Instructions
NARRATION: Here are the instructions on how to navigate through this course.
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Reverse/Duplex Systems Overview
Function
This system generally comprises a Reverse/Exit Unit and an Automatic Duplexing Unit,
also referred to as the ADU or the Duplex Unit. The function of the Reverse/Exit Unit
on most machines is to either turn over the copy paper and have it exit the machine
face down in the exit tray when running single-sided copies, or reverse (switchback)
the copy paper into the Duplex Unit when double-sided copies are selected. The
function of the Duplex Unit is to convey the copy paper back to the imaging section for
the MFP to put an image on the second side of the sheet. This however, is dependant
on the selections made at the control panel by the key operator.
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Reverse/Duplex Systems Overview
Component Identification (1/2)
Conveyance clutch /
upper
Conveyance roller
Drum
Conveyance sensor
Conveyance clutch /
lower
Reverse/Exit Unit
Paper feed Conveyance roller
drive motor
Duplex Unit
NARRATION: Here are the main components associated with the Duplex Unit.
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Reverse/Duplex Systems Overview
Component Identification (2/2)
Reverse/Exit Unit
Reverse motor
Reverse solenoid
Reverse Gate
NARRATION: Here are the main components associated with the Reverse/Exit unit.
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Reverse/Duplex Systems Overview
Types (1/3)
There are several basic types of reverse/duplex systems in use today. The most
common of these utilizes a Reverse/Exit unit in conjunction with the Duplex Unit to
accomplish copy turnover and duplex copying.
Externally mounted duplex system
NARRATION: There are several basic types of reverse/duplex systems in use today. The
most common of these utilizes a Reverse/Exit unit in conjunction with the Duplex Unit to
accomplish copy turnover and duplex copying.
Of these, the most common is the Externally mounted reverse/duplex systems that are
normally used on low volume products.
Due to its commonality, this system will be the focus of our discussion throughout this
course.
NOTE: On some machines, the Reverse/Exit unit may not be configured to work in
conjunction with the Duplex Unit. In this environment, the Duplex Unit will normally be
equipped with its own Reverse (Switchback) mechanism.
Note: Many changes have taken place in the MFP market, mainly due to the advent of
digital technology, which among many things, allows scanned documents to be stored
electronically in the machine. This concept single-handedly revolutionized the way copy
paper is now processed within the machine. Regarding the Duplex Unit, this technology
allows for the duplexing of copies to be achieved in a dynamic, stackless environment,
unlike in the analog world where duplexing involved the stacking of copies within a
dedicated compartment and stoppage of paper flow due to the scan-once – print-once
image process associated with analog technology.
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Reverse/Duplex Systems Overview
Types (2/3)
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Reverse/Duplex Systems Overview
Types (3/3)
Some older systems, such as the Internal Pass-through duplex system and the Internal
Cassette duplex system, are seldom used today.
NARRATION: Some older systems, such as the Internal Pass-through duplex system and
the Internal Cassette duplex system, are seldom used today.
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Reverse/Duplex Systems Overview
Safety Concerns
Always turn OFF the machine and unplug the power cord prior to performing
maintenance on the Reverse and Duplex System components.
Care should be taken while working in this area. Ensure that the machine is OFF and
unplugged from the wall outlet. Tools, clothing, and hands can easily be caught in this
area causing injury or damage.
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Lessons
The following lessons are covered in this course:
Lesson 1: Duplex Unit
Lesson 2: Reverse/Exit Unit
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Lesson 1
Duplex Unit
NARRATION: The following topics within the Duplex Unit lesson will be covered.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.1 General Statement
Duplex Units are constructed in various shapes and sizes, and may be configured as
an external unit in one machine, and as an embedded unit in another. However,
regardless of its makeup, they all do one thing in common – enable the duplexing of
copies, that is, to put an image on the second side of the copy paper.
NARRATION: Duplex Units are constructed in various shapes and sizes, and may be
configured as an external unit in one machine, and as an embedded unit in another.
However, regardless of its makeup, they all do one thing in common – enable the duplexing
of copies, that is, to put an image on the second side of the copy paper.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.2 Location
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1) Duplex Unit
1.3 Drive (1/2)
Gear train
Conveyance roller
NARRATION: The method of which drive is imparted to the Duplex Unit depends on the
model MFP that the unit is installed in and the configuration of the Duplex Unit itself.
On some models, the Duplex Unit obtains its drive from a common motor that is used by
other paper feed mechanisms within the main body as well. In these mechanisms, drive is
usually imparted to the Duplex Unit via a gear train, which in turn drives feed rollers via
belts. Here, clutches are normally used to control the ON/OFF rotation of these rollers
without affecting the ON/OFF timing of the motor.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.3 Drive (2/2)
On other models, the Duplex Unit utilizes two or more dedicated motors to provide direct
drive to the Duplex Unit conveyance rollers via a belt. The rotation of these rollers is
controlled directly by the ON/OFF timing of the motor, dependent upon signals from the
control board.
NARRATION: On other models, the Duplex Unit utilizes two or more dedicated motors to
provide direct drive to the Duplex Unit conveyance rollers via a belt. The rotation of these
rollers is controlled directly by the ON/OFF timing of the motor, dependent upon signals
from the control board.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.4 Theory of Operation (1/5)
Conveyance Path
Reverse roller
When the duplex mode is selected, the paper Conveyance sensor
is first fed from the paper tray and then
conveyed past the drum and fusing unit, during
which time the first side of the paper is printed
on.
Paper exited
The paper is then conveyed to the Duplex Unit
by the Reverse Roller within the Reverse/Exit
Unit. Conveyance rollers, driven by the Paper Fusing unit
Conveyance
sensor
Conveyance roller
NARRATION: When the duplex mode is selected, the paper is first fed from the paper tray
and then conveyed past the drum and fusing unit, during which time the first side of the
paper is printed on.
The paper is then conveyed to the Duplex Unit by the Reverse Roller within the
Reverse/Exit Unit. Conveyance rollers, driven by the Paper Feed Drive Motor or dedicated
drive motors on some models, continue to convey the paper back to the drum where the
second side of the paper is now exposed (flipped) to the drum and printed on. From there,
the paper is conveyed to the Fusing Unit and then the Reverse/Exit Unit where it is exited to
the exit tray.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.4 Theory of Operation (2/5)
Conveyance
sensor
Conveyance roller
NARRATION: Depending on the Duplex system, the method of controlling paper flow can
vary somewhat, but the timing sequence of the paper being conveyed is generally the
same.
Conveyance Clutches, generally found in systems where the Duplex Unit obtains its drive
from a shared drive motor, are used to control the ON/OFF timing of the Conveyance
Rollers to prevent paper from interfering with each other within the Duplex Unit when
multiple sheets are printed.
The Conveyance Clutches normally receive control signals from the Printer Control Board,
which depends on paper conveyance sensor input from the Duplex Unit.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.4 Theory of Operation (3/5)
NARRATION: In systems that utilize multiple dedicated drive motors to drive the Duplex
Unit Conveyance Rollers, the Printer Control Board controls the ON/OFF timing of the
motors, which again depends on paper conveyance sensor input from the Duplex Unit.
These types of systems were developed to increase the speed of the Duplex Unit.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.4 Theory of Operation (4/5)
Conveyance control
NARRATION: When printing two or more sheets of paper with the duplex mode selected,
the conveyance control in the Duplex Unit will differ according to the length of paper being
fed in the sub-scan direction. In other words, the shorter the length, the more paper the
Duplex Unit can convey at one time during the duplexing process. In middle to low volume
products, the Duplex Unit can normally convey up to 3 sheets at a time, while in high
volume products, normally 5 sheets can be conveyed at a time.
Please click on the links below to view the Conveyance Control process and the details
regarding this operation.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.4 Theory of Operation (5/5)
NARRATION: System architecture, such as how sheets of paper are fed from the document
trays, how they are processed within the machine, to how they are exited and to what type
of device, determines how paper must flow through the process to ensure that the final
product consists of printed sheets that are properly stacked in the correct order. Thus, the
configuration of the Duplex Unit and Reverse/Exit Unit paper handling process focused on
in this course, requires that the fed sheets from the document trays first be printed on the
2nd side of the copy, then the 1st side when the duplex mode is selected to ensure the
proper end product. Whereas, with other systems where a different type of Reverse/Exit
Unit is used, for example, the printing sequence may differ when duplexing is selected.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.5 Preventative Maintenance
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1) Duplex Unit
1.6 Disassembly/Reassembly
NARRATION: Refer to the service manual for Disassembly and Reassembly procedures for
the particular model that you are servicing.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.7 Malfunction Codes and Counters (1/2)
Drive
If the motor that provides the
drive to this section failed to
turn, the control panel would
display code “C” (C-XXX), or
another code, depending on the
model.
Some machines may have
maintenance counters that can
track the number of copies that
have been made using each
paper source. This number
represents how many copies
that have been processed
through the duplex system.
Refer to the malfunction codes
section of the field service
manual for the particular model
that you are servicing.
NARRATION: If the motor that provides the drive to this section failed to turn, the control
panel would display a “C” code or another code, depending on the model.
Some machines may have maintenance counters that can track the number of copies that
have been made using each paper source. This number represents how many copies that
have been processed through the duplex system.
Refer to the malfunction codes section of the field service manual for the particular model
that you are servicing.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.7 Malfunction Codes and Counters (2/2)
Sensors
If a sensor does not turn OFF or ON within a specified period of time, usually caused by
an unexpected interruption of paper flow within the Duplex Unit conveyance path, the
control panel would display a “J” code (J-XXX), or another code, depending on the
model.
Refer to the malfunction codes section of the field service manual for the particular
model that you are servicing.
NARRATION: If a sensor does not turn OFF or ON within a specified period of time, usually
caused by an unexpected interruption of paper flow within the Duplex Unit conveyance
path, the control panel would display a “J” code, or another code, depending on the model.
Refer to the malfunction codes section of the field service manual for the particular model
that you are servicing.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.8 Adjustments
Drive
Refer to the adjustment section of the field service
manual for the particular model that you are servicing
to ensure proper gear mesh or belt tension.
Conveyance
Adjustments that affect timing and alignment of fed
paper can be performed to fine-tune how paper is
conveyed through the Duplex Unit to correct paper
jamming as well as print alignment issues.
Refer to the Adjustment section of the field service
manual for the particular model that you are servicing.
NARRATION: Regarding the Drive system, refer to the adjustment section of the field
service manual for the particular model that you are servicing to ensure proper gear mesh
or belt tension.
Regarding paper conveyance, adjustments that affect timing and alignment of fed paper
can be performed to fine-tune how paper is conveyed through the Duplex Unit to correct
paper jamming as well as print alignment issues. Refer to the Adjustment section of the
field service manual for the particular model that you are servicing.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.9 Theoretical Troubleshooting
Drive
If a malfunction should occur, you would first visually check the motor drive section to
ensure that the motor is not binding due to damaged or worn gears and belts. You would
then refer to the Troubleshooting and Electrical Schematic sections of the field service
manual for troubleshooting procedures and the associated voltages supplied to the motor
and control circuit.
Sensors
Normally, a self-diagnostic tool is built into the machine whereby the signal of each sensor
can be checked under simulated conditions to determine if it is functioning properly.
Clutches
The self-diagnostic tool can be used to apply a load to each clutch under simulated
conditions to determine if it is functioning properly.
NOTE: When troubleshooting the duplex process of the Duplex Unit, it is a good
practice to test the system during both print and copy operations to enable isolating
certain conditions. That which may function properly during a print job, may not
necessarily function properly during a copy job, and vice versa.
NARRATION: Regarding the drive mechanism, if a malfunction should occur, you would
first visually check the motor drive section to ensure that the motor is not binding due to
damaged or worn gears and belts. You would then refer to the Troubleshooting and
Electrical Schematic sections of the field service manual for troubleshooting procedures
and the associated voltages supplied to the motor and control circuit.
When troubleshooting sensors, normally, a self-diagnostic tool is built into the machine
whereby the signal of each sensor can be checked under simulated conditions to determine
if it is functioning properly.
Regarding clutches, the self-diagnostic tool can be used to apply a load to each clutch
under simulated conditions to determine if it is functioning properly.
NOTE: When troubleshooting the duplex process of the Duplex Unit, it is a good practice to
test the system during both print and copy operations to enable isolating certain conditions.
That which may function properly during a print job, may not necessarily function properly
during a copy job, and vice versa.
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1) Duplex Unit
1.11 Review
You should now have a basic understanding of the configuration and operation of
the vertical style Duplex Unit. You should be familiar with:
How paper is conveyed via the use of sensors, clutches, and conveyance rollers;
The timing sequence required to simultaneously run multiple sheets during a
duplex operation;
And some of the codes, adjustments, and troubleshooting techniques associated
with this system.
NARRATION: You should now have a basic understanding of the configuration and
operation of the vertical style Duplex Unit. You should be familiar with:
•How paper is conveyed via the use of sensors, clutches, and conveyance rollers;
•The timing sequence required to simultaneously run multiple sheets during a duplex
operation;
•And some of the codes, adjustments, and troubleshooting techniques associated with this
system.
Next we will discuss the Reverse/Exit Unit.
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Lesson 2
Reverse/Exit Unit
NARRATION: The following topics within the Reverse/Exit Unit lesson will be covered.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.1 General Statement
As the name implies, the Reverse/Exit Unit functions either to direct the paper
out of the machine and into an exit tray, or directs the paper to the Reverse
(switchback) section where the paper is directed to the Duplex Unit. This is
dependent, however, upon the selections made on the control panel by the key
operator.
NARRATION: As the name implies, the Reverse/Exit Unit functions either to direct the
paper out of the machine and into an exit tray, or directs the paper to the Reverse section
where the paper would be directed to the Duplex Unit. This is dependent, however, upon
the selections made on the control panel by the key operator.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.2 Location
NARRATION: Regarding MFPs with externally mounted Duplex Units, the Reverse/Exit
Unit is usually located to the upper-left of the Duplex Unit and just above the Fusing Unit.
NOTE: Reverse/Exit Units are usually located at the left end of horizontally embedded
Duplex Units.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.3 Drive
Normally, paper is conveyed to the exit tray or the Reverse section of the Reverse/Exit
Unit by the Fusing Unit drive motor. A Reverse Solenoid drives a Reverse Gate which
determines which path the conveyed paper will take based on the mode of operation.
If the duplex mode is selected, the paper is conveyed to the Reverse section where it
engages a reverse roller which conveys the paper to the Duplex Unit via drive imparted
by a Reverse Motor.
Reverse motor
Reverse roller
Reverse solenoid
Reverse gate
NARRATION: Normally, paper is conveyed to the exit tray or the Reverse section of the
Reverse/Exit Unit by the Fusing Unit drive motor. A Reverse solenoid drives a Reverse
Gate which determines which path the conveyed paper will take based on the mode of
operation.
If the duplex mode is selected, the paper is conveyed to the Reverse section where it
engages a reverse roller which conveys the paper to the Duplex Unit via drive imparted by
a Reverse Motor.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.4 Theory of Operation (1/2)
From the paper feed tray, paper is
conveyed past the imaging unit and fusing
unit to the Reverse Gate of the Reverse / Reverse section
Exit Unit. When the single-sided mode
(image printed on one side of paper only)
is selected, the Reverse Gate is at its
resting position (Reverse Solenoid OFF),
directing paper to the exit tray and blocking Paper
the path to the Reverse section. To exit tray
NARRATION: From the paper feed tray, paper is conveyed past the imaging unit and fusing
unit to the Reverse Gate of the Reverse / Exit Unit. When the single-sided mode (image
printed on one side of paper only) is selected, the Reverse Gate is at its resting position
(Reverse Solenoid OFF), directing paper to the exit tray and blocking the path to the
Reverse section.
In most cases, the ON/OFF timing of the Reverse Solenoid is based on signals input to the
Printer Control Board from the Fusing Exit Sensor as it detects the conveyed paper.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.4 Theory of Operation (2/2)
When the duplex mode is selected (image printed on both sides of paper), the paper is
once again conveyed past the imaging unit and fusing unit to the Reverse Gate of the
Reverse/Exit Unit, but this time the Reverse Solenoid is turned ON to pivot the Reverse
Gate into position to direct the paper to the Reverse Roller, and not the exit tray.
The Reverse Roller continues to convey the paper to the outside of the machine, then
reverses direction based on signals input to the Printer Control Board from the Reverse
Sensor as it detects the conveyed paper. This reverse in direction conveys the paper
back into the machine to Conveyance roller 1 of the Duplex Unit where the paper will be
turned over to continue the duplexing process.
Please click on the link below to view the single-sided and duplex processes. Also, refer
to the Note section for additional details.
Reverse roller Roller reverses direction
Paper
Paper
Reverse sensor
Duplex Unit
NARRATION: When the duplex mode is selected, the paper is once again conveyed past
the imaging unit and fusing unit to the Reverse Gate of the Reverse/Exit Unit, but this time
the Reverse Solenoid is turned ON to pivot the Reverse Gate into position to direct the
paper to the Reverse Roller, and not the exit tray.
The Reverse Roller continues to convey the paper to the outside of the machine, then
reverses direction, based on signals input to the Printer Control Board from the Reverse
Sensor as it detects the conveyed paper. This reverse in direction conveys the paper back
into the machine to Conveyance roller 1 of the Duplex Unit where the paper will be turned
over to continue the duplexing process.
Please click on the link below to view the single-sided and duplex processes. Also, refer to
the Note section for additional details.
Note: Based on the system architecture of the MFP, some Reverse/Exit Units must be
designed to flip the sheets fed from the fusing unit during single-sided copying/printing prior
to exiting so that they are stacked in the proper order when conveyed to the exit tray, while
other units need only to convey the sheets to the exit tray as fed from the fusing unit.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.5 Preventative Maintenance
The Reverse Gate, sensors, and Reverse Roller should be cleaned at every
Preventative Maintenance cycle to remove dust build-up and other debris.
NARRATION: The Reverse Gate, sensors, and Reverse Roller should be cleaned at every
Preventative Maintenance cycle to remove dust build-up and other debris.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.6 Disassembly/Reassembly
NARRATION: Refer to the field service manual for Disassembly and Reassembly
procedures for the particular model that you are servicing.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.7 Malfunction Codes
Drive
If the motor that provides the drive to this section failed to
turn, the control panel would display code “C”, or another
C-XXXX
code, depending on the model.
Refer to the malfunction codes section of the field service
manual for the particular model that you are servicing.
Sensors
If a sensor does not turn OFF or ON within a specified
period of time, usually caused by an unexpected
J-XXXX
interruption of paper flow within the Reverse/Exit Unit, the
control panel would display a “J” code, or another code,
depending on the model.
Refer to the jam codes section of the field service manual
for the particular model that you are servicing.
NARRATION: If the motor that provides the drive to this section failed to turn, the control
panel would display a “C” code, or another code, depending on the model.
If a sensor does not turn OFF or ON within a specified period of time, usually caused by an
unexpected interruption of paper flow within the Reverse/Exit Unit, the control panel would
display a “J” code, or another code, depending on the model.
Refer to the malfunction or jam codes section of the field service manual for the particular
model that you are servicing.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.8 Adjustments
Refer to the Adjustment section of the field service
manual for the particular model that you are
servicing.
NARRATION: Refer to the Adjustment section of the field service manual for the particular
model that you are servicing.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.9 Theoretical Troubleshooting
Drive
If a malfunction should occur, you would first visually check the motor to ensure that the
motor is not binding due to damaged or worn gears and/or belts. You would then refer
to the Troubleshooting and Electrical Schematic sections of the field service manual for
troubleshooting procedures and the associated voltages supplied to the motor and
control circuit. Refer to the field service manual for the particular model that you are
servicing.
Sensors
Normally, a self-diagnostic tool is built into the machine whereby the signal of each
sensor can be checked under simulated conditions to determine if it is functioning
properly. Refer to the field service manual for the particular model that you are
servicing.
Solenoids
The self-diagnostic tool can be used to apply a load to a solenoid under simulated
conditions to determine if it is functioning properly. Refer to the field service manual for
the particular model that you are servicing.
NARRATION: Regarding the drive mechanism, if a malfunction should occur, you would
first visually check the motor to ensure that the motor is not binding due to damaged or
worn gears and/or belts. You would then refer to the Troubleshooting and Electrical
Schematic sections of the field service manual for troubleshooting procedures and the
associated voltages supplied to the motor and control circuit.
When troubleshooting sensors, normally, a self-diagnostic tool is built into the machine
whereby the signal of each sensor can be checked under simulated conditions to determine
if it is functioning properly.
Regarding solenoids, the self-diagnostic tool can be used to apply a load to a solenoid
under simulated conditions to determine if it is functioning properly.
Refer to the field service manual for the particular model that you are servicing.
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2) Reverse/Exit Unit
2.11 Review
You should now have a basic understanding regarding the configuration and operation
of the Reverse/Exit Unit. You should be familiar with how paper is exited or, during a
duplex operation, directed to the Reverse section of the Reverse/Exit Unit and Duplex
Unit. You should also be familiar with some of the codes, adjustments, and
troubleshooting techniques associated with this system.
NARRATION: You should now have a basic understanding regarding the configuration and
operation of the Reverse/Exit Unit. You should be familiar with how paper is exited or,
during a duplex operation, directed to the Reverse section of the Reverse/Exit Unit and
Duplex Unit. You should also be familiar with some of the codes, adjustments, and
troubleshooting techniques associated with this system.
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Summary
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