Mega FP?8000 XL Instruction Manual - page 4
AUTO/MANUAL switch: Position of AUTO/MANUAL switch has impact against laser head behaviour. AUTO ‐
laser head moves to its starting position (left side of the drum) MANUAL ‐laser head moves 1 cm to the right
only
Before first data plotting, check the AUTO/MANUAL switch and set it to AUTO position. When you start the
plotter, laser head will move to its starting position (left side), after that you can start data plotting (laser
head will move from left to right side during the plotting). When the plotting is finished and the switch will
be in AUTO position, laser head will move back to its starting position and plotter will be ready again for
plotting. When the plotting is finished and the switch will be in MANUAL position, laser head will move 1 cm
to the right only and plotter will be ready again for plotting.
AUTO mode is suitable for single data plotting in the whole film width. MANUAL mode is suitable when you
want to plot 2 (or more) data ‐side by side (in drum axis direction). After first data plotting laser head moves
little to the right only (1 cm) and next plotting starts from this position.
If you turn power on after film is loaded, it may happen that laser light beam flashes shortly on the film at
the moment when power is turned on and electronic circuitry is reset. This may result in very small spot on
the film.
3.3 Place and tape film
Lift the photoplotter lid, so you have access to the outer surface of the drum. Rotate drum by hand (in any
direction) to point white arrow located on the left side of the drum to white arrow located on the left side of
drum holder. This is the outgoing position of the drum for photo‐plotting. The left top corner of photo‐
plotted area is then approximately 20 mm from the left edge of the drum on the horizontal line marked by
white arrow. Place film on the drum with its top edge approximately 20 mm behind the white mark on the
drum, hold it firm by hand and fix it to the drum by means of a masking tape along the top edge. Rotate
drum by one hand to be able to fix film‘s bottom edge, but make sure film is tight on drum surface. After film
is fixed to its position on the drum, rotate drum back to 1st initial position (both white arrows point to each
other). Close the lid.
NOTES:
It is a matter of practice to fix film properly on the drum surface.
Films used in this photoplotter are sensitive to light of 670 nm (red light). When working with film
(loading, unloading,…) use light dark green light. It is recommended to use dim light in room during
photo‐plotting. Make sure there are no other sources of light that may expose film, for example light
coming from monitor screen, when loading and unloading film. The film manufacturer can recommend
proper type of dark room safe light if needed.
Transparent films must be mounted with emulsion side on the drum surface. (Film in rolls used for image
setting machines has emulsion side on inner side and therefore it is easy to put it on photoplotter drum
properly). Emulsion side of the film has light grey colour, compare with dark colour of the other side.
However, films made for laser photo‐plotters, like DuPont films, which have a special anti‐reflection
coating on the other side of the film, cannot be plotted with emulsion side pointed towards drum surface.
In this case emulsion side must be on outer surface, while source of laser light may need to be re‐focused.
From this reason, use transparent films, otherwise laser light focus must be adjusted – contact your
photoplotter supplier for details.