Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Powder and inkjet printing
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Ivan1983
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Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2016 11:25 pm

Re: Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Post by Ivan1983 »

The drive of the lifting and lowering of the desktop. Filmed from inside the bunker.
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Ivan1983
Posts: 41
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2016 11:25 pm

Re: Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Post by Ivan1983 »

Approximately so it should look in 3d model, in reality it looks not so good.
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Kyle
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Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2016 5:58 pm

Re: Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Post by Kyle »

Hi Ivan, That is quite an impressive machine. I don't have a diagram to share (just the pin configuration in my code on github), but I have a suggestion:
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This is a trace from a logic analyzer for one successful "jetting" of my xaar 128, using the code I posted on github. The important things to note:
- When data is clocked on MOSI, READY is HIGH, NS2 and NS1 are pulled down respectively to load 64 bits.
- When NFIRE is pulled LOW, READY goes LOW quickly (I think with 3 microseconds. I don't know why it goes low twice in my trace.)

I've seen a few things happen when something is wrong:
- The READY line oscillates from INACTIVE (120 microseconds) to ACTIVE (60 microseconds). I can make this happen when I disable my 35V power lines.
- The READY line doesn't go LOW when I pull NFIRE LOW. I think I've seen this happen when I have severe clogs or connection problems.

I recommend using a logic analyzer to see if your traces match mine or the one in the guide. If you don't have a logic analyzer but have access to an oscilloscope, check the READY state and NS2 / NS1 states when you are clocking bits.

One other theory: Make sure your clock phase and polarity are set correctly in your SPI configuration. I think the correct settings are CPHA=0 and CPOL=1.
Ivan1983
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Re: Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Post by Ivan1983 »

Thank you Kyle for the answer, I will try. At achievement of positive results I will unsubscribe
evomotors
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Re: Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Post by evomotors »

Is anyone planning to try PolyJet with Xaar 128? I know it can print with UV curable inks, but my knowledge ends here.

@dragonator -Do you think it's possible?
Ivan1983
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Re: Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Post by Ivan1983 »

I tried to print furan resin, about UV resin can not say anything.
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dragonator
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Re: Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Post by dragonator »

It should be possible if it has the right viscosity. Piezo has no special interaction with any fluid. I sadly also lack the experience with the Xaar, and my time is currently tied to overtime at work and Oasis at home.
evomotors
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Re: Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Post by evomotors »

I got the Xaar 128 and connectors and will be ready to experiment soon with paint. but I don't even know where to get this kind of resin...
DDDoug
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Re: Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Post by DDDoug »

Has anyone had any luck hacking a newer Epson head?

I have one disassembled and I see the following: Of the 25 lines from the ribbon cable, there are several grounds and a pair of what appears to be power lines.
The actual head has 22 pins.
There is a two layer PCB between the two.
There are SMD caps and resistors on the PCB.They are mounted text side down.
There are eight pins with same value R-C to ground filter circuitry R=100 ohm and C measured at .1nF.
I imagine they could be data.
There look to be about eight other pins.
The print head has 800 jets.
I would imagine the other pins are as follows:
2 for drop size
1 for fire
1 for logic voltage
1 pin on ribbon cable side has a 10Kohm to ground.
A few runs have a cap to ground.
Does anyone know of any schematics for these printheads?
evomotors
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Re: Hacking the Xaar 128 printhead

Post by evomotors »

@DDDoug -This topic is about Xaar 128
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