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can anyone tell me any potential faults on a cadet please?
I have the opportunity of picking up a cadet at a reasonable price. Before I go and check it out I was wondering if anyone could give me some possible things to look out for that may be specific to these machines?
This will be my first printer, looked at some PC600’s and the like but having read about the running costs of ribbons etc and a lack of parts decided that this is not the way to go.
Thanks in advance
Adie
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4 Replies
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All I will say is ALWAYS…and I mean ALWAYS see it working.ie, printing a picture.
Don’t trust a ‘TEST PRINT’ button – this will verify that the heads are working OK..and it’s no big deal if one or two lines seem out of place using the TEST PRINT button..
Make sure the heaters work too and that it’s still rated to use / using ACTIVSOL inks…and not been converted to the less solvent heavy ECO-SOL etc.
…if it isn’t working – don’t be tempted to ‘have a go’ at DIY repairs even if it is cheap.
Other than that – cracking starter machines (I use a 54" one).
Software – well make sure it come with a ‘RIP’ program…probably WASATCH or something.
Dave
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Cheers for that. I was thinking of taking a picture to print when I go and look so I will dig one out!
If anything at all is not working on it I will be walking away! Dont mind a bit of DIY but draw the line at painting and decorating. Even subbed out the christmas tree decorating to the wife!! 😀 😀
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The main problem with Cadets will be the heads drying out particularly if it is a low use machine.
As already advised see it printing and check the quality of a full colour photo type image. If possible print some solid blocks of CMYK to see if there is any banding. You might also check print/cut alignment and quality,
Remove the cover on the right and look to see if there is any ink leakage around the pump. The general state of cleanliness will indicate how well it has been maintained. Check the ink drain on the left of the head station and see if it is clogged. Build-up of Activasol ink here can eventually contact the head and drag on to the print leaving smudges or drips. Although messy this is easy to clean.
I would be happy if it were using EcoSol Max inks rather than Activasol, as this will eliminate the head drying problem. If it is, check the RIP you will be getting. Troop/Wasatch is the original supplied RIP for Activasol, VersaWorks for EcoSol Max. You will have problems getting profiles for a Troop/EcoSol Max combination.
I hope this is of use. Good Luck.
Peter
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Many thanks for the tips. Fingers crossed! (hot)
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