Stacking

[Joanne Wilson]

Hi everyone! I hope all are doing well. I made my decision about CR and ordered the CRAH program and I am loving it! It is the program for me!!! All that being said, I am having trouble with my steno machine stacking. I have adjusted the key tension and the spacing. I think it has something to do with this silver thing that touch's the paper against the platen. I don't think it has quite enough pressure. I've tried calling the steno tech support, but they were not able to help me - the only suggestions they had was to fan the paper and change the paper to a fresh pad. And oh yes, spray the paper tray with Static Guard. I think I'll have to send it in, but I don't want to be without my machine!!!! YIKES! ANY other ideas anybody could have would be appreciated.

[Phil Stillerman]

Stacking is often caused by not lifting the fingers of one hand when the next hand comes down for the next stroke. And, yes, there can be a mechanical/machine reason for it to, such as dirt, an uneven platen ... there are many reasons. Having your machine serviced is an excellent idea. Before you send it in, ask if they have a "loaner policy".

[Joanne Wilson]

Phil, thank you for your response! I'd wondered if perhaps I wasn't lifting my hands enough before strike the next stroke. Definately seems to make a difference! I discovered something last night. I was once again going over my owners manual looking at what adjustments I could do. I was reading about adjusting the paper advancing and I saw a side note that if you put your machine on 'manual' mode you may have to readjust this. Not know really the difference between manual and non-manual mode (seem to have the same feel either way and everything seems to operate the same way), the paper did advance differently AND my machine did not stack! But this happend one other time when I adjusted something - it did not stack the rest of that evening, but sure did the next evening. I loved your suggestion about a loaner policy! Will certainly check on this. As for static collecting in the paper tray as the technician suggested as a possible problem - he suggested spaying the tray with Static Guard. I was wondering what if I just lay a dryer sheet in the bottom of the tray. Or, am I supposed to fan the paper each time I sit down to practice? I've been of the opinion since I am so new at this the problem is probably with me and not the machine. Thanks again for your prompt reply!!

[Tami]

I don't miss having paper. I remember the days where I'd have to reach down and quickly pull the paper through because it had jammed up on the "silver thing."

Seems like oiling was the issue back then, and I kind of remember we used sewing machine oil. I'd get the okay from a machine guy before I did that, though.

I used to tear off a quarter of an inch from a fresh pad of paper before I put it in my machine. I remember a completely full pad is where I had most of my problems way back when.

I'm so glad you made the right decision for you!

[Phil Stillerman]

One thing I should've mentioned, and that is that you can always define a "stack" as a perfectly good phrase.

[Joanne Wilson]

??? Not sure what you mean. Do you mean I shouldn't fret too much, so long as it can be read? If I have it adjusted so the lines are spread as far as possible, I can discern one line from the next. But if I have it 1/2 way closer or more, it is so bad it is can be difficult. If I have it adjusted close, it's impossible. Also, I don't think I mentioned, the problem is inconsistent/erratic. No rhyme or reason as to when it does it.

[Joanne Wilson]

Hmmmm. Tearing off 1/4 of the pad. Interesting! I will give this a shot, too. I am DEFINATLEY looking forward to the day I graduate from paper to paper-less! But for now, I see many a tree dying on my behalf, lol!

[tami carlson]

Joanne,

What machine do you have? Are commas and periods and "the" more likely to stack than other words? I am concerned that if you can't feel the difference between manual an electric, then the red arm on the right side (under the hood) may be down. It should be up for electric. You should feel the difference.

Tami II

[Joanne Wilson]

Ahh! Tami, I had to 'flip' the lever back & forth a few times to feel the difference (I didn't do that last night). I understand now the difference in the feel (it's not drastic like I expected). As for it stacking with 'period', 'comma' - no consistency. I thought the fold in the paper had something to do with it as when it gets closer to the fold it seemed to stack - but I have some (although much less) that stack in the middle. Now, all that being said, I have notice the paper in the lower tray is touching the 'suspenders' when it is stacking. So if I do not close my paper tray flush (top against the bottom), it seems fine. If I can get it to operated without stacking by doing this, should do so and just call it close enough? Am I being too picky? Thank you!

[Joanne Wilson]

Tami, I forgot to answer your question, I have a Protege'.

[Tami]

Quarter of an inch should be enough.

[Joanne Wilson]

I have not worked with the computer yet, so I do not understand what you mean by, "I don't have paper and still have the problem." Do you mean on the computer notes it will show as stacking? (I feel so stupid!). Everyone on this site has been so patient and so helpful it is amazing! Thank you!