Necessary tools

In order to be able to install firmware, the following tools are required:

• Personal computer with MS Windows
• Network cable to connect the Valuejet wit the pc
• The latest MSA-tool (Mutoh Service Assistance)
• Make sure the latest heater firmware is up-to-date and installed first, before installing the mainboard-firmware

Detailed instructions how to install the firmware, are described in the maintenance manual.

The latest current firmware can be downloaded below this article.

Current version 2.02

Changed items

• Serial number entry changed

Version history

2.01

Changed items

• Modified smart/chip ink capacity limit (It's possible to use up to 1000ml).

Info

• RJ80EMS-100-xx inks contain 3 x 440 ml smart chip cards. In case you want to use the 1000 ml smart chips, please order VJ-LSINK1-xx1L inks.
  
  

  Important Please be aware that this new firmware needs to be installed in order to be able to use this new ink capacity limit.

  
  

2.00

Changed items

• New revision of main board. Part number of the mainboard remains the same. The new mainboard will be used as from Q4 2012 because of flash memory component end-of-life. More info to follow.
  
  

  Remark Firmware 2.00 is also compliant with current type of mainboard Updating FW V2.00 or higher requires MSA tool Ver.3.0.1.0 or higher As from serial number EY4E001960, firmware 2.00 becomes installed base.

  
  

1.26

Changed features

• Extra error codes instead of the 'Not Original Ink' error:
  • [S/C ink error]: wrong ink type is used
  • [S/C color error]: ink cartridge is inserted in the wrong slot
  • [S/C code error]: Not proper ink cartridge is inserted
  • [S/C read error]: Failed for reading the smart chip
  • [Broken chip]: S/C reading information is illegal (forged)

Bug fixes

• At the power-on, Data LED remains on. => fixed

1.24

Changed features

• Checking  of  the  serial  number  registered  in  Serial  Number/Update/Parameter/Diagnostic improved
• During feeding to avoid sticking, the rear sensor monitor should not detect “media end”.
• Possible printing of "#" during printing step adjust prints
• Improved "CR maintenance" sequence
• Improved maximum data length

Bug fixes

• In diagnostics mode, some unidir adjustment swaths were clipped. This problem is now fixed
• Media end is not monitored during the printing of step adjust swaths. This problem is now fixed
• PM command *MS command problem fixed
• There was a problem with the [Ink near end] and [Ink end] message display. This problem is now fixed
• Possible communication problems (when working with msa tool) at start-up are fixed
• Diagnostic : Adjust : Slant check  result value is displayed incorrectly. => fixed.

1.23

Changed features

• Changed cartridge pin detection operation during ink sequence.
  When the pin is detected during ink sequence, it will give “NearEnd”, however, the pump doesn't stop.  Now, for ink filling, little filling, the initial cleaning, and cleaning, before the sequence starts, it would check the pin. When the pin is detected, immediately it will give “INK END” and the suction will not start.
  
  
• Ink sequence recovery processing is added.
  During initial ink fill sequence, the user had to be careful not to interrupt with the sequence (cover open or empty cartridges). Now, some recovery processing is added in case these interruptions would still occur.

Bug fixes

• Origin setting value
  During inputting the origin setting value (X: 00000mm Y: 0000mm), after the lever UP/DOWN, under the following two operations, it gives problems.
  • When you leave this menu by CANCEL key, and then during the media detection (or no media loaded), still it's possible to input the value. After when you leave this menu by CANCEL key, the panel hang up.  
    • Now it's not possible to re-input the value and gives “function is not valid” message.
  • When you leave this menu by ENTER key, it gives “Position check -> ENTER” message at the position where CR is cap-out.
    • Since this operation is performed when no media loaded, it won't check the origin position.
      
      
• Manual feed after printing a Bi-D pattern
  If a media end occurs during media feed after printing a Bi-D pattern in User menu, the manual feed is not possible. This problem is now fixed.
  
  
• Checking the position of the PF
  Via set 9: origin setting, the origin of the print can be changed. If this origin value is more than 15 meter, the feed direction becomes reverse, this is now fixed
  
  
• Feeding problem
  During feeding without printing, even if pressing “CANCEL” key, it won't stop until finishing feeding. This problem is now fixed
  
  
• CR maintenance
  CR maintenance sequence in combination with panel up/down key: Bug fix.
  
  
• DATA receiving LED remains blinking
  When cancelling a bidir adjust print and take-up panel setting is set to “type1”: printer hangs, this problem is now solved.

1.22

New features v1.20 => v1.22

• Print modes
  Added PM command new print modes (Q8 and Q9)
  
  
• PA PM command
  Added * PA PM command
  
  

Changed features v1.20 => v1.22

• EF PM command
  Expanded *EF  PM command (Fine& Fuzz 3 and 4)
  
  
• PM command
  *PS will become valid with PM command *ID250
  
  

Bug fixes v1.20 => v1.21

• Manual feed
  There used to be a manual feed problem. This problem is now fixed.
  
  
• Narrow width media
  When loading a narrow width media, and the panel setting is set to Media Flush ON, the print margin at the left side (not-origin side) was bigger. This problem is now fixed.
  
  
• Bi-D adjustment print
  After printing a Bi-D adjustment pattern, it kept on feeding media. This problem is now solved.
  
  
• Head temperature
  Improved monitoring of the head temperature.
  
  
• Media detection error
  During the media detection error, CR maintenance problem. When it gives the media detection error and executes Panel menu: CR maintenance, the carriage moves to the maintenance position and without having wait for ENTER key input, it immediately caps in. => fixed
  
  
• Setting the Take-up
  When the take-up system is set to "enabled", and a Bi-D pattern is printed, it feeds media. This has been changed to: When setting the take-up system to “enabled” and a Bi-D pattern is printed, it doesn’t feed any media.
  
  
• Waste tank full
  Improved “Waste tank full” sequence. When the machine displays "waste tank full / ink end" during cleaning, CR is left out as "cap-out" status.
  • Before the suction/ power flushing, if the error is already appeared, it will wait until all errors are cleared.
  • During suction when the waste tank full / ink end occurs, it will do the air suction and wait as "cap-in" status until error is cleared.
    
    
• Disabled ENTER key
  Under the following conditions, pushing cleaning button - Enter 2 seconds - doesn't start the cleaning sequence. (after this, Enter doesn't work)
  • During the mechanical initializing
  • During the media initializing
  • During "cover open"
  • During "lever up"
    
    When this happens, press Enter for 2 seconds to disable the cleaning.
    
    
• Media initializing
  In diagnostic mode, during the media initializing, when selecting "cleaning menu", the machine freezes. This problem is now solved.
  
  
• Aging CR motor
  In diagnostic mode, after nozzle check, when executing Aging CR motor, unexpected media feed happens. This problem is now fixed.

Bug fixes v1.21 => v1.22

• Media feed
  Media feeding fine adjustment => corrected
  
  
• Effect overlapping problem countermeasure
  When effect is set (except None), during printing there was the possibility of CPU error. This problem is now fixed.
  
  

1.19

Changed features

• Changed English description
  There are some English messages changed to make it easier to comprehend.
  
  
• Head lock solenoid
  The head lock solenoid duty is changed.
  
  
• Head temperature monitor limit
  The head temperature monitor limit is changed from 40°C to 85°C.
  
  
• Air suction sequence
  The regular air suction sequence has been reviewed.
  
  
• CR2 over current threshold value
  The CR2 over current threshold value at the acceleration is changed.
  
  
• Missing nozzles
  When performing a cleaning during printing, it could occur that nozzles were missing. The sequence is changed so that the head caps first.
  
  
• Wave form out of spec
  We have added a limit to the wave form since there are some cases when the wave form width becomes out of spec.
  
  
• Bi-D adjustment
  We have changed the User menu Bi-D adjustment to after printing. This way it feeds media once the pattern is printed. This way it's easy to check the pattern.

Changed features in diagnostics

• Added heater flag
  We added a heater flag in Update/Diagnostic so that it is possible to set the heater off when in diagnostics mode.
  
  
• Heater check specifications
  Some part of the heater check specification in diagnostics are changed.

1.16

Changed items v1.13 => v1.15

• Improved temperature compensations for consistent colour output. New temperature compensation is default enabled.  The new temperature compensation may mildly influence colour behaviour. To keep using the old temperature compensation set “debug bit” in diagnostic mode.
  • Diagnostic mode -> Parameter -> Update -> Debug bit
  • Change the value of the fourth digit from right to [1]
  • Change the value of the seventh digit from right to [1].
    
    
• Cleaning before printing changed  
  For a certain time when the cap is open before printing, the printer judges whether the cleaning or the flushing would be executed. In case of the nozzle check in User menu, the printer would not execute the cleaning forcefully, but the flushing would be executed.
  
  
• “Banner 1” and “Banner 2” can be used both as fixed dot and variable dot mode.
  
  
• The function of the head temperature check during printing was added.  To check the head temperature during printing, go to menu ==> Temperature.  However this function is activated by setting the eight bit on Diagnostic ==> Parameter ==> Update ==> DebugBit
  
  
• Overlap problem corrected  
  When printing variable dot data (except NONE), the overlap dot shape and dot amount changed. This problem is corrected.
  
  When selecting setup list print or setup list print ALL, and press Menu, the printer reprints. => corrected.
  Problem description: It should be only once the printer ouputs “setup list”. The printer used to print twice. When you select either “setup list” or setup list all and then press the menu key, The printer
  prints twice.  The bug is fixed.
  
  
• The printer’s selection menu allows hiding setup items that are not frequently used. This feature did not always function properly. This bug is fixed.
  
  
• In previous firmware, the printer would perform a media feed equal to the Y-axis origin setting after finishing a job or printing a set-up list.  This is now corrected.

Changed items FW 1.15 ==> 1.16

• Added sleep mode.
  When you activate sleep mode, the printer operates as follows.
  • The exhaust fan stops.
  • The paper-lifting fan stops.
  • All heaters stop.
  • All lamps switch OFF except for the power lamp.
  • Automatic head cleaning is performed after the time set in the “Timer setting” menu hasexpired.
    
    
• Added CR2 overcurrent detection function.
  During carriage movement, the printer monitors overcurrent. In previous firmware, conditions occurred when the error occurred too soon. Status: Solved
  
  
• When you execute the heater check in the diagnostics menu, sometimes the panel did not show any messages. Status: Solved.

1.13

Changed items

• Added new wave: Fuzz  
  Fuzz1/Fuzz2 are added instead of Wave3/Wave4; this waveform gives a fuzzy joint between consecutive print passes improving overall print quality. An example can be found in the picture below
  
  
  

• Added “Pause” function during printing
  By pressing the [-] key during printing, the operation is paused, pressing [enter] resumes the printing operation.
  
  

• Corrected idle heating problem
  The internal timer of the idle heater was activated even if the “idle heater was OFF”.
  
  

1.12

Changed items

The main changed item for this version is to prevent drying inside of the capping, when the power is OFF, PG (head height) is low in order to maintain the cap contract as high as possible.

• When the power is OFF and the head height is set to high, it gives a message to switch over to head height LOW and a ring buzzer will ring.
• Changed to keep it ring until either the cassette is removed or until you input the key when Ink near end or Ink end.
• Sometimes, the firmware installation to H-Cont board fails ==> corrected.
• Controller initialization timing change

1.11

Changed items

From V1.09 to V1.10

• Support optional take-up system.
• Changed the indication of vacuum fan setting on the set-up list.
• Added the “waste box near full” message.
• Changed the cleaning start condition.
• Changed the notification processing of the ink consumption during printing.
• Loader MAC address setting function problem ==> corrected
• CPU error message changed.

From V1.10 to V1.11

• Media feed speed problem when using the optional take-up system ==> corrected
• Delete “feed processing” after side margin adjustment pattern print in Diagnostic.
  
  

ValueJet Series CPU System Serious Errors (Firmware: ValueJet 1204, higher than V1.10)

1.09

Engine firmware updates

From V1.02 to V1.03

• Initial cleaning flag setting.
  Modified to be able to turn off the power without executing initial ink filling.
• Added Dot Place selection function in lower layer of Effect in the panel menu
  *Dot Place => Able to change the firing order.  By changing the pattern, the print quality improves.
• Added parameter to be able to select odd row (A row) or even row (B row) of Super fine in Effect  
• After NVRAM initializing, the head rank initial value is not initialized. => corrected

From V1.03 to V1.04

• By mistake pressing “power off” key, within three seconds if press power on, the power will not be off.  
• When selecting 8pass print mode and effect 3 and 4, the overlap processing changed in order to reduce the banding.  
• During printing fine adjustment value always showed “0” => corrected to display the value
• Diagnostic => side margin adjustment  the media width should be displayed.
• Diagnostic => Parameter [Debug bit] is added.  

From V1.04 to V1.05

• PM command *FH (pre-heater), *PH (platen heater) setting temperature changed => Maximum temperature setting for both is 50C.
• Changed the effect function None1~2, Wave1~4, Fine& Wave 1~4, A-S. Fine &Wave, B-S Fine & Wave

From V1.05 to V1.06

• Added Uni-D and Bi-D adjustment function for Banner mode wave form
• Added the side margin feed processing
• When panel setting mode is Banner1/2 and execute the set up list print, a problem happened. Regardless of print mode setting, the set up list will be printed in 360x360 1pass.
• Wave amount changed in super fine mode

From V1.06 to V1.07

• Top margin problem corrected
• ID 250 heater command setting added
• PM command *PC (interval time setting command) implemented
• *SW command (data width/machine width) added.
• Effect default value changed
  ~V1.05 [Wave1]
  V1.06 [Fine & Wave 2]
  V1.07 [Fine & Wave 1]

From V1.07 to V1.08

• Added *EF command
• Added the heat timeout. Can be set between 10 ~ 240 minutes
• Added Quality5 and Graphic3 in *PQ command  
• Added the count-up shorten (abbreviation) function  
• Changed quality fine adjustment pattern  
• Version indication menu added (You can check the version of the engine and the heater in the menu)  

From V1.08 to V1.09

• Added ink end indication during the cleaning
• CR maintenance problem => corrected.  When opening the cover In order to replace a wiper, the wiper returns and it was not possible to replace it
• Change the vacuum fan duty after media initial or slant check
  

  	Normal operation	Media initial or slant check
  High	100%	80%
  Low	55%	55%