Mako 46 problem

[pjozsa]

Suddenly one day to another the output of the imagasetter went wrong, it seems that the film is overexposed.
could you please check test pattern #2.
Is there any chance to get back the Mako adjusting the laser bias or whatever?
Or we should just replace the laser.

[maxon]

Peter,
First you make sure there's no sudden change in processing conditions, developer temp, speed and recirculation are all working properly. Make sure you haven't change the film roll/emulsion type. Now run a series of exposure sweeps starting from say 40 up until 200 in steps of 10 or 15, process. Does the density increase as expected ?
You can of course change the laser bias (menu > select > system setup) down to 80...95 percent and retest but only if there's background fogging, otherwise don't touch this setting.
Very important do you see any change in focus (thin lines, hairline circles) or dot shape ? The checkerboard test pattern MUST come up perfectly square under a microscope. Do these checks before deciding to replace the laser as a very last resort. Good luck.

[STSTech]

Suddenly one day to another the output of the imagasetter went wrong, it seems that the film is overexposed.
could you please check test pattern #2.
Is there any chance to get back the Mako adjusting the laser bias or whatever?
Or we should just replace the laser.

Peter,

I experience the same type of problem that you are having. I could not get a good checker board pattern, and my 50% screen was coming out round dot using calibration from Rip. What I found it to be was the Film. Customer was using a very low cost film with less silver in it. I switched to a different film, and problem was solved.

STSTech