CORE BASICS

COMPETENCY EXAM
README
RICOH GROUP COMPANIES

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West Caldwell, NJ (V1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC

Page

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 1
RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES: ........................................................ 1
SPECIAL REVIEW MATERIALS ................................................................ 2

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Core Basics Competency Exam. This exam has been designed to
provide you with the opportunity to satisfy a training prerequisite without the need to
complete a formal training program. By successfully completing this exam, you will be will
permitted to bypass the Instructor led Core Basics Training Program and permitted to
proceed directly to certain product training. Successfully completing this exam
demonstrates that you have the required basic understanding of the imaging processes
that will allow you to better focus on the proper product maintenance and servicing
procedures presented during actual product training.
It is important for you to remember that this exam is not product specific, but may include
terminology common in any of the Ricoh Universitys Instructor-led training programs. This
means that although certain manufacturers in the industry use similar processes, they may
vary somewhat in their terminology. Being able to see around some of these minor
terminology differences is a part of this competency examination. In this examination,
some questions have been designed which will rate your ability to derive the correct
answer from a process you should know, but by using terminology perhaps slightly
different from what you may be used to. In situations such as this, you should attack the
question as you would troubleshoot a technical problem, by first eliminating those answers
that are obviously incorrect and then by focusing on those provided answers that are
most likely to be correct.
Overall however, it is your understanding of the basic concepts and processes used in all
products that this exam attempts to gauge.

RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES:
The following are strongly recommended prior to attempting the Core Basics Competency
Exam:

Six months experience working on any manufacturers analog product(s).

*Review the Office Automation Series Manuals (Volume I Basic Electronics
and Volume II Understanding the Copy Process).

SPECIAL REVIEW MATERIALS

The Point-to-Point Diagram
Introduction
If youve ever been lost in the middle of absolutely nowhere you can appreciate the
value of a map. In some rural areas you can go for miles with no sign of human life
besides isolated mailboxes, telephone poles and the occasional trail of a high-flying jet.
Now imagine being lost while trying to service a copier, or any other complex electronic
device. In each case, the right kind of map can save you valuable time, as well as help
preserve your sanity.
People in many different occupations depend on their own particular kind of map.
Architects and construction workers use blueprints to map out the design of a building.
Project planners use special charts that map the flow of work through time. People who
work with electronics have their own varieties of maps. They let engineers and
technicians see all the detail in even the most complex component designs, and
provide an easy way to trace individual circuits like roads through a confusing
landscape.
Like road maps, electronic maps offer a tremendous amount of information on a single
sheet of paper. Everything is labeled. Cities, towns, interstate highways and local roads
all have their counterpart on an electronic map. To read this kind of map quickly and
clearly requires some knowledge of electronics, but the basics are fairly simple.
Levels of Detail
There are two main types of electronic maps: schematic drawings and block
diagrams. They take very different approaches to presenting the layout of an electronic
component, and this difference is mostly a matter of how much detail they contain.
The Schematic Drawing
This is the more traditional and
more detailed type of electronic
map; its usually just called
a schematic. Basically, a
schematic shows everything. It
lays out every circuit no matter
how complex, and every
component no matter how
small. Each and every resistor,
transistor and capacitor are
indicated on the schematic,
and where they are located in
the circuit. This type of detail is
generally only required for a
bench technician, someone
who must troubleshoot to the
component or chip level

While schematic drawings are still the best approach for certain applications, it is much
more information than a copier technician, that troubleshoots to the board level and
not to the chip level, really needs.
The Block Diagram
A block diagram shows an
electronic system divided into
a number of main areas,
blocks, and then shows all
the inter-connections among
those areas.
Showing only the connections
between major assemblies, a
block diagram contains
relatively little detail. This
actually makes them
preferable for troubleshooting
complex systems consisting
of many major components or
sub-systems.
But detail that exists inside
the blocks is not shown. This
greatly simplifies the diagram for a complex piece of equipment, and is often all a
technician needs to navigate through the different circuits.
The simplest kind of block diagram can be found in the owners manual for a stereo
component, like a receiver or compact disc player. It shows how to connect the
component into an existing sound system by using pictures of several items connected
in different ways. In this case the individual components are the blocks, and the audio
cables hooking them together are the circuits.
For a copier, the blocks on a block diagram represent individual circuit boards. In the
actual machine these boards are thin wafers of non-conductive material used to
support individual circuit components: resistors, transistors, chips and so on. The
boards are connected to each other and to other electrical devices with bundles of thin
wires, each bundle known as a wiring harness.
Troubleshooting
Today schematics and block diagrams are both in wide use, for simple and complex
applications. There are situations when a fully detailed schematic is still necessary,
even on a device with a bewildering number of components. For example, a technician
troubleshooting a video cassette recorder with only a block diagram would simply not
have enough information to find the problem. This job would involve two steps. The
technician would first examine the VCRs block diagram to localize the problem on one
circuit board, then work with a schematic of that particular board to isolate the faulty
component.

Economics is another factor in the evolution of electrical drawings. As electronics have

become more sophisticated, circuit boards have become less expensive, and that has
led to a change in service procedures. This trend has continued to the point where its
economically feasible to replace entire circuit boards in some items, rather than have a
technician spend time in the field troubleshooting down to a single component.
Instead, the technician sends the faulty board to the manufacturer or some other
service facility. The board is quickly repaired with the aid of specialized test
equipment. Its then either returned to the customer or re-stocked as a replacement
part.
This type of board swap service policy has given rise to a kind of hybrid electrical
drawing. It combines the characteristics of schematics and block diagrams, and is
specifically tailored for the service of complex devices with replaceable circuit boards.

A point-to-point diagram is a hybrid. It shows more detail than a block diagram, but
less than a schematic. This is the preferred map for navigating through a copiers
electrical components.
The Point-to-Point Diagram
This type of drawing is a compromise between the massive amount of detail on a
conventional schematic, and the relative lack of detail on a block diagram. It has the
overall appearance of a block diagram but presents more detail in certain areas. The
name point-to-point comes from the drawings concentration on connections to and
from different components.

A typical point-to-point diagram shows most circuit boards as relatively featureless

blocks, and may show some detail inside the blocks. For example, if a circuit board
contains a large information-processing chip, the point-to-point will not show all the
connections to that chip, but will show connections to the board itself. Other
components get similar consideration. Like a schematic, a point-to-point will give
graphic representations of relays, solenoids, fuses and other high voltage devices. In
short, it shows anything in the electrical system that might help a technician service
the equipment, with the exception of full detail on every circuit board.
Line-by-Line
In a very literal sense, a point-to-point diagram consists of lots of lines. If this type of
information is new to you, understanding the diagram is a little easier when you
approach it that way, as a collection of different types of lines. Each type represents
something different.
When you first look at a point-to-point the most obvious elements are the blocks
representing circuit boards. Theyre outlined with the thickest lines on the diagram, and
are clear, rectangular shapes with definite boundaries.
There may also be divisions within a block, to indicate logical groupings of components
on the corresponding circuit board. For example, a copiers main board might be
divided into sections dedicated to specific areas of the control system. These would be
indicated on the point-to-point by dividing lines within the block, though components
inside those areas would probably not be shown.
Connecting the blocks together are many different types of lines, some thick, some
thin, some dotted or dashed. Each type signifies a particular kind of electrical signal.
Though the signal codes on a point-to-point vary from one manufacturer to the next,
most follow certain standards. If in doubt, look for a signal key or symbol table
somewhere on the diagram. It will explain which signal each type of line represents.
Here are the most common varieties:
AC voltage, such as 110 volts AC for a copiers power supply, is often indicated
with a heavy or otherwise distinctive line. This is generally the thickest voltage
line on the drawing.
DC signals such as 5,12 or 24 volts for machine control purposes are indicated
with thinner lines.
Pulsed signals are sometimes indicated with a broken or dotted line.
Some point-to-point diagrams are printed in two or three colors. In most such
cases, red lines are positive signals, blue or green are negative, and black
indicates circuit boards and other details. This color-coding will vary, so always
check the signal key on the diagram. Today however, the vast majority of
diagrams similar to the point-to-point and the actual point-to-point used to
troubleshoot the products you will train on, are all in black & white only.

Line Markers
The lines showing inter-connections
from board to board are only part of the
information
needed
for
effective
troubleshooting. To complete the picture
each line is labeled in a variety of ways,
providing detailed information about the
signal on that particular conductor. On a
point-to-point diagram, labeling is
usually placed over a signal line, close
to where the line meets a circuit board.
A reference for line markers, this symbol
Heres an important note. The signals
table
serves as a legend on a point-topresent on each conductor in a piece of
point diagram. It shows the meaning of
electronic equipment vary depending on
the various symbols used to label signals.
what the machine is doing at the time.
Further variation can take place depending on the chosen mode of operation, and even
the specific part of an operational cycle. This is particularly true of copiers, since they
have three operational modes: off, ready and copying. For example, a wire that carries
no signal at all when the copier is switched off might carry positive 24 volts when the
machine is in a ready condition. This voltage might then drop to 12 volts during certain
portions of an actual copy cycle.
This variation creates a certain challenge. How should the point-to-point diagram be
labeled? Should the line for a certain conductor indicate 0, 24 or 12 volts? Copier
manufacturers have worked out a solution thats become an industry standard. The
point-to-point shows all electrical signals as if the copier were in a ready condition,
which means switched on and warmed up, but not making copies
The following is a list of the different types of labeling you can expect to see on a copier
point-to-point diagram. They are always used in some combination, especially the first
three.
Voltage is indicated with numbers showing 5,12,24 or whatever voltage is present on a
particular conductor. For components that are not energized in the ready condition, the
number may appear anyway, with an indication that it represents an active signal.
Polarity for a DC signal is indicated with a negative or positive sign ( - or +) just before
the voltage number. Dont confuse negative voltage with ground. A negative voltage has
the same potential as a positive voltage, but with the opposite polarity. Ground is always
zero potential.
Direction of a signals flow is indicated by a small arrow, pointing towards the signals
destination.
High or Low indications are important for sensor or electromagnetic component trigger
signals. Digital circuits only deal with high and low conditions, usually +5 or +24 volts for
a high and less than 1 volt for a low. A small arrow is used to indicate the signals digital
state when in a Ready or Active condition.
Ready, a condition or status for the device in which the point-to-point applies. A product
in a Ready Condition is generally sitting idle, but available to make a copy or to print a
page. The Ready Condition establishes a base-line from which to begin
troubleshooting.

Connector Numbers identify the multi-pin connectors that plug into each circuit board.
These connectors are plastic plugs that snap into matching jacks on the board. Theyre
attached to wiring harnesses that link the boards and other components together, and
provide the essential communication channels for the control system. Connector numbers
are usually preceded by initials that identify the number as representing a connector. The
most common are CN for connector, and J for jack. Labels like CN1O4 and J56 both
indicate connector numbers.
Connector Pin Numbers are important for locating the wires that correspond to certain
lines on the point-to-point. Since wires are normally attached to circuit boards with
connectors, the pin number is usually an extension of the connector number. It indicates
exactly where on the connector a certain wire is attached. The label CN1O4-7 indicates a
wire is attached at pin 7 in connector CN1O4.
Component Pin Numbers have a similar purpose, but pertain to board-mounted
electronic components instead of connectors. Component pins are simply short wires
through which an item is connected to different circuits on the same board. Todays solidstate components can have between 3 and 64 pins, and the maximum number keeps
going up.

Wire Color is indicated on most diagrams. Not all manufacturers stick to specific wire color
codes, but those that do usually give the color along with the voltage and connector pin
number. This is quite helpful, since a wires color is much easier to see than the pin
number where its connected. Multi-colored wires have a base color with one or two spiral
stripes. A white wire with green and red stripes would be shown as WT/GN/RD; the base
color is always given first. Wire Color is no longer provided on the more recent point-topoint diagrams.
Waveforms are shown on some diagrams. A waveform is an actual picture of an
electronic signal, produced by a piece of test equipment called an oscilloscope. It shows
much more information about the signal than a multi-meter, and is often essential when
working on digital circuits. On a point-to-point, waveforms might be shown for signals
where adjustment is the most critical. More recently, waveforms are rarely provided on
current point-to-point diagrams.

An illustration of an electrical signal,

this waveform gives information about
a particular signals behavior during a
certain interval of time.

Grid Coordinates are provided around the edges of the point-to-point diagram. These
(Cartesian) coordinates provide a means to cross-reference the information provided on
the point-to-point with other servicing documentation. For example, a technician may be
referring to an Electrical Component list in a products service manual. This list provides
the technician with a detailed explanation of a specific electrical component and the pointto-point location as B6. The technician can now locate that component easily on the
products point-to-point diagram by locating the B reference along the top of the point-topoint and the 6 reference along the side. Where these two reference markers meet, B6,
is where the component in question is located
Peripherals or Options are sometimes indicated on the point-to-point. An area of the
main products point-to-point surrounded by a dashed line helps inform the technician
that this area deals with an option for the product. This also usually indicates that more
detail regarding the option can be found on the options own point-to-point diagram.
These are only the most common types of information provided on a point-to-point
diagram. Always attempt to become familiar with the standard point-to-point diagrams for
the equipment youre servicing. Knowing how to read the map keeps you from getting
lost.
On the following page is an actual example of a point-to-point diagram for a document
feeder used on a digital full color copier. Examine this point-to-point and locate some of the
items described in this document.