Before Any Maintenance Procedure – UNPLUG THE MACHINE
In this section we will describe the most common incorrect tape length problems and some possible solutions.
If your Phoenix Electric Tape Machine is dispensing incorrect tape lengths narrow down the length problem.
Are the tape lengths always randomly shorter then the length selected?
For example, when you select the 18″ length, are tapes coming out at 15″, 9″ etc.?
Is the tape length defaulting to one single tape length regardless of the tape length selected?
For example, are all of the buttons dispensing 1 tape length, such as 24 or so inches?
Are tape lengths always longer then the tape length you select?
For example, you press the 12″ key, but 15″, 17″ or more is dispensed?
Short Tape Lengths
Short tape length problems are almost always associated with worn or out or adjustment feed wheels. This should be an easy problem to correct. Verify that the tape lengths are shorter then the tape length selected. Press a length key such as 18″. Measure the tape length. If it it shorter then 18″ check the Feed Wheels.
Loose Upper Feed Wheel
There are 2 Feed Wheels on the Phoenix Electric Tape Machine. The large Upper Feed Wheel is easy to see. It is the large wheel that pulls the tape through the machine.
Try to rotate the Upper Feed Wheel with your hand. It should not move more then about 1/8 of a turn. If you can move the Upper Feed Wheel by hand, even with some resistance, this slipping will cause shorter tape lengths to be dispensed.
Make sure the 2 – 3/32 set screws on the Upper Feed Wheel are tight. This will eliminate the chance that the Upper Feed Wheel is slipping on the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft.
Next, remove the Motor Cover. Make sure both 3/32 set screws on the Motor Sprocket and Upper Feed Wheel Shaft Sprocket are tight.
Lower Feed Wheel Out of Adjustment or Worn Upper Feed Wheel
While you can’t adjust the Upper Feed Wheel, you can adjust the Lower Feed Wheel. Raising the Lower Feed Wheel slightly will give a better grip so that the tape pulls through the machine without slipping.
First, check the surface of the Upper Feed Wheel. If your machine is equipped with a Chrome Hardened Upper Feed Wheel look at the surface. It should have a clearly defined grooved edge. If it is smooth replace the Upper Feed Wheel. See Section How To Replace Upper Feed Wheel for the correct procedure.
If your Phoenix Tape Machine is equipped with a neoprene Upper Feed Wheel, make sure the wheel does not have a groove in it. If it is grooved, replace with a new neoprene or chrome Upper Feed Wheel. See Section How To Replace Upper Feed Wheel for the correct procedure.
If your Upper Feed Wheel appears to be in good condition try adjusting the Lower Feed Wheel.
Adjusting the Lower Feed Wheel
Remove the tape roll from the tape basket area.
You will see a back wall with a circular cutout.
Look through this cutout and you will see the head of a set screw.
With a 3/32 long handled (or T-Handled) Allen Wrench, insert the wrench into this set screw and turn CLOCKWISE about 1-2 full turns.
IMPORTANT Phoenix E Series Tape Dispensers manufactured after 6/2010 use a 2.5 mm Allen Wrench not a 3/32″
Clockwise turns raise the Lower Feed Wheel up.
Load the tape back into the machine and test the lengths.
If they are correct then the problem is solved.
CAUTION: You can raise the Lower Feed Wheel too high. This will cause tape jams since the tape will bind under the Upper Feed Wheel. It can also cause tape cutting problems since the Upper Shear is connected to the Lower Feed Wheel. Raise the Lower Feed Wheel too high and the Upper Shear will knick or bend the right side of the tape as it is dispensed. Only raise the Lower Feed Wheel a few turns at a time.
Loose Measuring Wheel
Remove the side key drum cover. Look inside the key drum. In the upper right hand corner there is a chrome Measuring Wheel fixed to the end of the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft. A small screw holds the Measuring Wheel securely to the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft. Try to move the Measuring Wheel with your finger. If you can turn it with your finger you will not get an accurate tape length.
If the Measuring Wheel is loose, remove the key drum. Locate and remove the 4 screws inside the key drum located at each corner. Carefully move the key drum out of the way. You should not have to unclip any wiring harnesses if you move the key drum just slightly.
With a small jewelers screwdriver, tighten the screw on the Measuring Wheel so that the Measuring Wheel does not move on the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft.
Helpful Hint: The Measuring Wheel is inside two posts that house the Tape Length Sensor. The Measuring Wheel should be close to the middle of the 2 posts. It should never be rubbing either the inner or outer posts. If the Measuring Wheel is rubbing either post, you may have a bad Tape Length Sensor. To replace the Tape Length Sensor, see section Parts Inside Key Drum.
Long Tape Lengths or Machine Runs On
If you press the 18″ key and you get 19″ or more of tape there are several possible causes.
Loose Measuring Wheel
Remove the side key drum cover. Look inside the key drum. In the upper right hand corner there is a chrome Measuring Wheel fixed to the end of the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft. A small screw holds the Measuring Wheel securely to the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft. Try to move the Measuring Wheel with your finger. If you can turn it with your finger you will not get an accurate tape length.
If the Measuring Wheel is loose, remove the key drum. Locate and remove the 4 screws inside the key drum located at each corner. Carefully move the key drum out of the way. You should not have to unclip any wiring harnesses if you move the key drum just slightly.
With a small jewelers screwdriver, tighten the screw on the Measuring Wheel so that the Measuring Wheel does not move on the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft.
Helpful Hint: The Measuring Wheel is inside two posts that house the Tape Length Sensor. The Measuring Wheel should be close to the middle of the 2 posts. It should never be rubbing either the inner or outer posts. If the Measuring Wheel is rubbing either post, you may have a bad Tape Length Sensor. To repalce the Tape Length Sensor, see section Parts Inside Key Drum.
Bad Tape Length Sensor
While extremely reliable, Tape Length Sensors can fail. If tape lengths are too long try adjusting the Tape Length Sensor first.
Loosen the 2 screws that hold the Tape Length Sensor Bracket to the machine frame.
Move the Tape Length Sensor bracket up slightly.
Test the tape length.
If tape lengths are still too long, try moving the bracket slightly down.
It can take several tries to re-position the Tape Length Sensor.
If re-positioning the Tape Length Sensor doe snot help, you may have to replace the Tape Length Sensor. Remove the 2 screws that hold the Tape Length Sensor Bracket and the 5 pin connector coming off the Sensor to the Main Control Board.
Bad Control Board
If you press a tape length key and the tape machine just keeps running this is generally caused by a fault on the Main Control Board (and not the Tape Length Sensor). Try unplugging the Tape Length Sensor from the Main Control Board. Press a tape length. If the machine runs on then it is not the sensor. To replace the Main Control Board, see section Parts Inside Key Drum.
All Tape Lengths Default to One Tape Length
If, no matter what tape length you select, the machine dispenses one tape length (usually 21″-24″) this is generally caused by the Tape Length Sensor.
FIRST, remove the side key drum cover and make sure the cable coming off the Tape Length Sensor is plugged into the Main Control Board. It is a 5 pin connector. It is possible for that the connector has fallen off the Board.
NEXT, make sure the chrome Measuring Wheel is firmly affixed to the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft. Try to move the small chrome Measuring Wheel with your finger. If it spins free, this will could cause a single tape length to be dispensed.
Look inside the key drum. In the upper right hand corner there is a chrome Measuring Wheel fixed to the end of the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft. A small screw holds the Measuring Wheel securely to the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft. Try to move the Measuring Wheel with your finger. If you can turn it with your finger you will not get an accurate tape length.
If the Measuring Wheel is loose, remove the key drum. Locate and remove the 4 screws inside the key drum located at each corner. Carefully move the key drum out of the way. You should not have to unclip any wiring harnesses if you move the key drum just slightly.
With a small jewelers screwdriver, tighten the screw on the Measuring Wheel so that the Measuring Wheel does not move on the Upper Feed Wheel Shaft.
Helpful Hint: The Measuring Wheel is inside two posts that house the Tape Length Sensor. The Measuring Wheel should be close to the middle of the 2 posts. It should never be rubbing either the inner or outer posts. If the Measuring Wheel is rubbing either post, you may have a bad Tape Length Sensor. To repalce the Tape Length Sensor, see section Parts Inside Key Drum.
NEXT, try to re-position the Tape Length Sensor
Loosen the 2 screws that hold the Tape Length Sensor Bracket to the machine frame.
Move the Tape Length Sensor bracket up slightly.
Test the tape length.
If tape lengths are still too long, try moving the bracket slightly down.
It can take several tries to re-position the Tape Length Sensor.
If re-positioning the Sensor does not solve the problem, replace the Tape Length Sensor. For more detailed directions see Section Parts Inside Key Drum.
If you have any questions regarding these – or any other – maintenance procedures, please call us at 1 (800) 899-9389.
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Beaverdam, VA 23015
