Robe 575XT burned ribbons

[Jamtastic3]

Hi BR,

 

Got a problem with a Robe 575XT scanner and I think it's to do with the ribbon from the PCB to the PCB in the main housing. Over time it's got burned by the heat of the lamp.

 

I've now got a rotating gobo error, Static gobo error, gobo indexing error and effects wheel error. When touching the gobo wheels for example, they are loose, which suggests no power is getting to the motors

 

Does anyone know if these are all related to the same ribbon by any chance?

If so, is there a ribbon that I could replace it with - something on the lines of a computer ribbon (as I'm guessing these are essentially what they are in the light)?

 

 

Cheers!

[Jamtastic3]

Anyone?

[matt c]

For the most part, standard computer ribbon connectors are 0.1" pitch, with 2 rows of n pins...

 

The cable is usually 0.05" pitch..

 

These style of connectors are usually readily available from the likes of Farnell, RS etc. Not very expensive.

 

It's important to keep everything straight when clamping them together. If you have a tool, then great, but a vice wil also allow you to apply even pressure on the entire length of the connector. Done it many a time. Watch out for polarity bumps etc, as you could end up with a backwards cable, and the connectors are not easily removed or replaced.

 

I seem to recall that the standard type of cable is not very tolerant of heat, so it might be worth trying to locate a high temperature version, or some type of heat shielding.

 

Matt

 

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edit - SPag

[DrV]

For the most part, standard computer ribbon connectors are 0.1" pitch, with 2 rows of n pins...

 

The cable is usually 0.05" pitch..

 

These style of connectors are usually readily available from the likes of Farnell, RS etc. Not very expensive.

 

It's worth not skimping on the cost of the connectors. Cheaper connectors use single wipe contacts where the bit in the female connector only touches one side of the pin. In a moving light the ribbon is likely to be carrying a bit more current (for a stepper etc) so connectors with double wipe contacts are better. But what Matt says about using a vice is correct. Just buy a few extras and be prepared to throw away a couple while you learn how to do it.

 

Dave

[bjkered]

Dare I say give ROBE a call

[KevinE]

Yes, ring Robe, their spares are pretty reasonably priced and you dont want to fit something that is inferior!

[Don Allen]

Computer ribbon cable has pvc insulation which cannot handle any heat. If you have any risk of heat, you need to use teflon ribbon cable. A lot of looms in movers and scanners use the one colour teflon, all white or all black, so the loom needs to be labelled.

 

Another hazard for looms if uv from the lamp, as it breaks down the pvc.

 

As others have said, ring robe, there parts are not expensive when you want reliability.

[Jivemaster]

Proper Robe parts and clean the fans before you reassemble the units, even just dusty fans blow less air.

[Jamtastic3]

Ok guys, cheers.

 

I'll go and do the proper thing and get some Robe parts.