[Protomat S63 - LPKF] Camera problem

[greenstrike]

Hi guys, I've bought Protomat S63 some years ago.
After 3 months camera window started showing horizontal lines on right half (after 2-3 hours); in this case I couldn't correctly read fiducials and check router width (I supposed was camera defective).
If keeping webcam on, image became completely gray, so I have to shutdown Protomat and wait some hours.
After 1 year LPKF support still trying to solve trouble through software (re-installing drivers, OS, changing USB port, and so on); finally agree to change webcam!!!
I've noticed this is a common trouble of VX-800 camera.
Is this correct?
Anyone had same troubles?
Thanks.

[TJ232]

Did you buy it brand new? 1 year to come to a conclusion and to change the camera? at that price level ? 

[greenstrike]

One year due to:
- wait for new version of software
- wait for a new OS to be bought (maybe this the trouble?)
- wait for a new PC to be bought (maybe this the trouble?)
- wait to be allowed to give full access to PC to LPKF support
and so on.

Ok, I've been very busy during this year, at the same way LPKF technician, but at the end I've been very disappointed trouble has been considerated "out of warranty" from LPKF headquarters.
At the end LPKF offered to change camera "only"  for 2000 euros.
So I directly opened camera and I..... (I don't know how say it in english) I repaired old camera.
Just curious to know if I was the only one to have this trouble.

[TJ232]

Good to know ... I am asking because I was looking at a second hand one but with full support from LPKF (refurbished).
If is not confidential, can you share your S63 price please. Did you buy it also with the extra package, that one with second set of accesories, etc. Thanks.

[greenstrike]

I've bought in stock:
- Protomat S63
- MiniContact
- case for Protomat
- spare parts (drills....)

20'000 euro + VAT.

[TJ232]

How did work your MiniContac ? have seen some mixed results. What's the smallest hole dia used for.

[greenstrike]

Minimum drill tip I have is 0,5mm.
I would like to buy 0,3 and 0,4mm (I've seen compatible drill tips on ebay) to try smaller vias.

Minicontact works nice, just I always need to check routing width after plating due I've read somewhere it adds extra thickness to copper.
And surface, after plating, becomes rough.

[TJ232]

What version of Mini Contac do you have? I've seen a live demo of a Mini Contac-III unit.

[tra]

I run the MiniContac RS and the new Contac S4. The trouble with these machines isn't the machine themselves, but monitoring/adjusting the copper plating solution. I could write pages on how to maintain the MiniContac RS, but I haven't had the Contact S4 long enough to really figure it out. I'm having all sorts of issues with it drifting from plating beautifully to growing copper bumps along the panel surface. The MiniContac plates like a dream once you get it dialed in. I can't remember the last time I had an open via.