Mac 700 giving LTCO error...

[celestialteapot]

We have a Mac 700 that's dousing itself and has to be sent a re-strike every now and then, we're hoping to get a replacement sent shortly but we're curious as to what the error message the display is saying actually is... we can't find it in the manual and nor has a google search help.

 

It's flashing 'LTCO' - we're assuming it's a lamp temperature error (particularly as it's dousing itself but coming back when sent a re-strike) but the 'CO' part is puzzling.

 

Anyone know, or is the damn thing so confused it's not sure what error is should be telling us?!

[Ben]

LTCO (Lamp temperature cut-out)

 

Problem:

... the lamp temperature is too high and

thermal protection circuits cut power to the

lamp.

 

Solution:

Allow fixture to cool. Ensure nothing is

obstructing airflow around fixture.

Clean air vents, air filters and fans.

Reduce ambient temperature.

Contact Martin service personnel if

problem continues.

 

This is cut and pasted from the user manual found on the martin website...

 

It is worth mentioning that the thermal sensor may be faulty which is an easy fix

[celestialteapot]

Thanks Ben!

 

I wonder why it wasn't listed in the user manual we have.

[mac.calder]

The thermal switches are not that robust in 700's and 550's (Martin have had a few bad batches) - the best way to determine whether it is the temp sensor or an over heating problem is to run the fixture without striking the lamp. If you get an LTCO error without the lamp struck, you know you have a faulty switch.

[Ben]

It should be in all the manuals looked in a few different language ones and it seems to be in them all...

 

Also you can do a simple continuity test to see if the Thermal sensor is bad.