973.439.0306 x112

Chris Talks

Check out some of our tips & tricks as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

A Printing Problem, May Not be a Problem Printer

A printing problem doesn’t always mean a printer problem.  If you can’t print check the printer for attention lights or error messages at the printer that may resolve the problem.  If you get a message at the PC that indicates the document failed to print you may need to check beyond the printer.  Make sure there is proper power to the printer.  Make sure the data cable to the printer is properly connected.

Here’s a special note: it is possible to insert the USB cable (printer end) into the network connector on the printer.  This can happen if someone reconnected the USB cable without getting a good view of the rear of the printer.  I have never seen a customer damage a printer doing this but it would have to be moved to the correct position

Use the owners manual to determine how to print an internal document from the printer without requiring a print job from the PC.  This may be selected as a Demo page, a configuration page a settings page or some type of report.  If you successfully print then you have verified a high level of printer function. You could still have a hardware interface problem.

Exhaust all possible causes before you start considering a network connection or a wireless connection as the issue.  If you don’t feel comfortable troubleshooting a wireless or network problem consult an IT professional.

Transporting your inkjet printer

When transporting your inkjet printer to a new location or for service, follow these tips:

Do not remove the ink cartridges.

It may seem like a good idea but this could contribute to toner leakage but may also allow air bubbles to enter  the ink transport mechanism of the printer.  When the printer is transported it is important to keep the printer in its normal upright position.  For instance, tilting the printer on to it’s back may cause a toner leak.   A toner leak of course could be very messy but if the liquid ink finds its way to components or circuit boards then serious damage could occur with the printer.

When it is time to take your inkjet printer for service there is another  good reason to leave the ink cartridges in the printer.  The ink maybe part of the problem.  It is best to take the printer in it’s “as failed” condition to a repair center  to aid in proper diagnosis of the problem.  Also a printer taken to a service center for repair requires an adequate ink supply in the printer to perform a diagnosis and repair.  The customer would normally be charged for a new set of inks no matter what service center is performing the repair.

How to clean the outside of your printer

We get a lot of printers coming through our shop.  Some of them come in with scuff and tape marks.

Here is the four step process I use to clean these discolorations –

IMG_5317

  • First I use a household cleaner like Fantastik, Windex, or 409.  Many case this does the job.

  • Second, is use Isopropyl alcohol which is usually safe for plastics

  • Third, if the stain is still not going away, I use Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol which is more intense.

  • Forth, when push comes to shove, with care, I use a green Scotch Brite pad.  I use this sparingly along with a dab of IMG_5318Isopropyl alcohol.

Warning, use these cleaning methods sparingly and you may want to test the back of your printer first to make sure the cleaner is safe.

Finally, if the discoloration on your printer came from exposure to sunlight, this can not be cleaned away.

HP Officejet Pro L7580

Description: HP Officejet Pro 7580 C8187A

Price: $75.00  SOLD

HP Laserjet 2100

Description: HP Lasterjet 2100  C4170A

Price: $65.00

Getting vertical black lines when faxing or copying

Problem: vertical black lines when faxing or copying using the automatic document feeder (ADF) but does not exhibit this problem when using the flatbed scanner.   This particular problem applies only to a multifunction machine with both flatbed and ADF capability.  The solution might be as simple as cleaning the narrow strip of glass that the ADF unit passes the document over.  Most cleaning efforts can be done with a slightly damp cloth.  If the glass has whiteout on it, you will need to break up the whiteout with your finger nail.  If you try to use something other than your finger nail you may actually scratch the glass.

HP Laserjet 2300L

Description: HP Laserjet 2300L  Q2477A

Price: $85.00

 

Print speed, black (best quality mode) Up to 20 ppm
First page out, black 10 sec
Processor speed 266 MHz
Recommended monthly volume, maximum 30,000 pages

Brother HL-5040

Description:  Brother HL- 5040

 

Price $75.00
The HL-5040 laser printer is the ideal printer for your office at work or your office at home. It offers a fast print speed of up to 17ppm, PCL® 6 emulation, graphics quality print resolution, and convenient paper handling
 

HP Laserjet 4050

Description HP Laerjet 4050 C4251A

Price: $85.00
Printer specifications
Characteristic Description
Speed 17 pages per minute (ppm)First page out = 15 seconds
Resolution 300 dpi with PCL5e/HP’s PostScript Level 2 emulation (PS)600 dpi with PCL5e/PSHP FastRes 1200 (PCL6, PS)HP ProRes 1200 at engine speed (17 ppm) (PCL6, PS)
Typefaces 100 Scalable TrueType (80 built-in, 30 via HP FontSmart)Euro symbol
Memory Options 8 MB SDRAM standard (4050/4050 T)16 MB SDRAM standard (4050 N/ 4050 TN)Optional Memory:4, 8, 16, MB EDO DIMMs4, 8, 16, 32, 64 MB SDRAM DIMMs
Mass Storage Options 2 and 4 MB Flash DIMMs Greater than 1 GB hard disk
Expansion Slots 3 100-pin DIMM slots2 enhanced I/O (EIO) slots
Interface Bidirectional IEEE 1284-compliant parallel portCJ3113A – 10/100Base-TX RJ-45 Jet Direct Card (bundled with 4050 N/4050 TN)(FIR) HP Fast InfraRed Receiver (standard on the 4050 N/4050 TN)(optional on the 4050/4050T)RS232 9-pin serial portPaper Handling Connector (PHC)
Optional Networking 10Base-T and 10Base-210/100Base-TXToken RingLocalTalk
Paper Trays 100-sheet Tray 1Size: 76 x 127 mm to 216 x 356 mm (3 x 5 inches to legal)500-sheet Tray 2 (4050/4050 N)Size: letter, legal, A4250-sheet Trays 2 and 3 (4050 T/4050 TN)Size: letter, A4, executive, legal, B5 (ISO), B5 (JIS), A5

Optional 500-sheet Universal Tray

Supports standard and custom sizes from 149 x 210 mm (5.8 x 8.2 inches) to 216 x 356 mm (8.5 x 14 inches)

Paper Path Straight through from Tray 1 to Rear Output Bin or to Top Output Bin
Output Capacity 250-sheet Top Output Bin50-sheet Rear Output Bin
Paper Handling Options Duplexer, Envelope Feeder, Optional 500-sheet Universal Tray Assembly
Duty Cycle Up to 65,000 pages-per-month

When You Can’t Print – It May Not Be the Printer

A printing problem doesn’t always mean a problem with your printer.  If you can’t print:

1 – Check the printer for attention lights or error messages at the printer that may resolve the problem.

2 – If you get a message at the PC that indicates the document failed to print you may need to check beyond the printer.

3 – Make sure there is proper power to the printer.

4 – Make sure the data cable to the printer is properly connected.

5 – Make sure the printer cable is inserted in the right slot.

– It’s possible to insert the USB cable (printer end) into the network connector on the printer.  This can happen if someone reconnected the USB cable without getting a good view of the rear of the printer.  I have never seen a customer damage a printer doing this but it would have to be moved to the correct position

Use the owners manual to determine how to print an internal document from the printer without requiring a print job from the PC.  This may be selected as a Demo page, a configuration page a settings page or some type of report.  If you successfully print then you have verified a high level of printer function. You could still have a hardware interface problem.

Exhaust all possible causes before you start considering a network connection or a wireless connection as the issue.  If you don’t feel comfortable troubleshooting a wireless or network problem consult an IT professional.

Brother Printer Repair • 21 Pine Street • Suite 120 • Rockaway, NJ 07866 • 973.439.0306 x112