How do you check the actual print count on the gt-541 & would it be from new? Also i have people that are wanting to sell the machine(g-541) for a good price ...but they are too far for me to check the machine out...any suggestions on how to purchase site unseen with-out getting burned for my $$$ my e-mail is the t-king
Brother provides a really cool utility for exporting the entire print log, including print counts, purge frequency, etc. It is incredibly detailed and well thought out. The only downside is, I don't think there is a way for the end user to actually "read" the file. See, it allows you to export it, but you have to send the file to your rep to be translated into an XLS spreadsheet. Although I am not positive, I don't THINK the entire log can ever be cleared out, so I think you should be able to get an accurate number from this tool.
Brother provides a really cool utility for exporting the entire print log, including print counts, purge frequency, etc. It is incredibly detailed and well thought out. The only downside is, I don't think there is a way for the end user to actually "read" the file. See, it allows you to export it, but you have to send the file to your rep to be translated into an XLS spreadsheet. Although I am not positive, I don't THINK the entire log can ever be cleared out, so I think you should be able to get an accurate number from this tool.
Good luck!
if you can export this file, you may be able to read it by right clicking in windows and choose "open with" and try wordpad or notepad. If saved as a text file, you may then be able to import into Excel, trying different filters.
Ian
__________________ imprimeo! ....Digitizing, DTG and Embroidery..FREE Embroidery SOFTWARE Sierra Consultant, Stitch ERA Universal Dealer, Digitizing trainer for GUNOLD USA
Perhaps I am misreading the original post but the on screen display will give you the total count. Hit the button that looks like a curved arrow. Scroll down until you see total print and hit the OK button. This would be the print from new button. I suppose it could be reset but probably not by the basic operator.
Don't think I would get a used machine I wasn't able to see work. Take a trip, get a 1/2 hour demo and if all works out take the machine home with you. If it isn't as advertised enjoy a couple local sites and head for home knowing you saved some money buy not making a bad mistake.
if you can export this file, you may be able to read it by right clicking in windows and choose "open with" and try wordpad or notepad. If saved as a text file, you may then be able to import into Excel, trying different filters.
Believe me, I tried a million things to make this particular log "viewable" by the end user... So far, no luck. Chances are, I am going to have to figure out the decryption key for it, or do some fancy coding to change it from format to format, until we hit the magic combo. The closest I got to cracking it, was simply changing the extension from ".zlg" to ".txt", then using "OPEN WITH" and selecting any word editor; the problem? You wind up with a long, complex file of gobbledegook; nothing even remotely readable by humans (the same is true if you try to change the extension to ".xls").
Perhaps I am misreading the original post but the on screen display will give you the total count. Hit the button that looks like a curved arrow. Scroll down until you see total print and hit the OK button. This would be the print from new button. I suppose it could be reset but probably not by the basic operator.
I believe the total print count can be reset by basic users, but I am not sure... I will check it out on my machine. I KNOW the print LOG cannot be changed by the end user, period (unless they completely replace the board, from what I was told yesterday).
Interesting... Hey i like the way you do the custom shoes...are you using a brother for those? Pretty awesome bro!
Thanks for the kind words! In fact, I am using a Brother GT-541 printer to print on the Converse, as well as Fernando's Converse platen (available from Stitch City: STITCHCITY INDUSTRIES - I don't see it on their website, so you'd have to call). I have seen other users who were able to print shoes without the platen, but having used it, I can assure you it is incredibly well thought out, and should make your results more refined, repeatable and crisp. Of course, I have not done it the other way, personally, and I HAVE seen some amazing results from people who haven't used the platen!
I believe the total print count can be reset by basic users, but I am not sure... I will check it out on my machine. I KNOW the print LOG cannot be changed by the end user, period (unless they completely replace the board, from what I was told yesterday).
I had only had my machine for 3 weeks and one of the main boards went. It was a demo machine and it started with 500 on it, after the board was replaced it went back to 0.
Thanks for pointing that out, Kathy! I didn't even think about that possibility... Therefore, a machine that says it has 2,000 prints on it might actually have 20,000, and a new circuit board.... Hmmm...
As CSW pointed out, it would definitely behoove you to take a look at the machine in person, take a few dozen shirts, and print plenty of your own designs. Get your hands dirty, and you will get a feel for how the machine is going to treat you. Keep your eyes out for potential issues, and don't rationalize anything! Chances are, if you see a problem during the demo, you are going to see the same problem again during actual production. Give the machine a thorough visual inspection, and you will get a feel for how the owner cares for and maintains it.
Good luck in your search! There are plenty of great, used machines out there, looking for a good home.
I had only had my machine for 3 weeks and one of the main boards went. It was a demo machine and it started with 500 on it, after the board was replaced it went back to 0.
Kathy Mac
Also, thanks for telling us about your issue! Since very few people actually talk about the problems they experience, publicly, people get the impression that these printers are bulletproof.
Also, thanks for telling us about your issue! Since very few people actually talk about the problems they experience, publicly, people get the impression that these printers are bulletproof.
Good news was that the demo machine had the same one year warrenty, and Brother overnighted the new board and came and installed it the next day, so there was no down time, Scary thing though is if this was past the warrenty I would have been looking at big bucks. All of my embroidery machines, ioline cutter, heat presses are all demos. Good part is that they are cheaper, have the warrenty, and at least you know who has had them. I've probalby saved 20k over the last 5 years of taking advantage of the dealer's demo programs. Most of them have been through going to local shows and being there early and reserving the demo. The dealers always throw in extras too like blades, carts etc.
Brother gt-541 print count 
