HPZ3200ps twanging sound

[artobest]

I have a question for you tech-minded Z owners out there. I have a 24" Z with a problem: whenever I lower the paper-clamp lever on the left side of the machine, I have to wait a few seconds while the machine has a small twanging fit - that's right, it makes a sound like something being repeatedly twanged or slapped against the side of the machine. Then it pulls itself together and carries on.

Sometimes this behaviour is exhibited during normal sheet loading as well, between paper movements. But it consistently occurs when the lever is lowered. It sounds like something is breaking, but in all other respects the printer works fine, as it ever did.

Any ideas or suggestions? I have to warn you, I'm not the sort who will happily tear the machine down to a pile of screws and dust on the studio floor.

–Peter

[Mark Lindquist]

Since you don't want to work on the printer yourself, maybe a call to tech support is in order.

Sounds like it could be a gear issue, or possibly an issue with the trailing cable.

If the carriage is involved, there could be other complications.

Without being able to tear it down somewhat, this would be hard to diagnose.

If you roll up a sheet of paper and put it in the hole at the upper right of the bonnet opening the printer will work with the cover open.  Get a flashlight and try to duplicate the problem and see if you can identify the source. 

Someone who has had a similar experience might chime in with an answer, but I wouldn't guess at this without further information.

Spelling Edit

[artobest]

Hi Mark

Sorry for the late reply, the Easter bunny dragged me away. I am printing today, so I will try that trick with the rolled-up paper (if I understand you right about which hole to stuff it in) and, like the bear on the mountain, see what I can see.

Thanks!

Peter

[Mark Lindquist]

Peter - see if possibly the encoder strip is dirty.  Get a flashlight and a dental mirror and check it very thoroughly.  You can clean it with a soft cloth like an old T-shirt and distilled water if you are very careful, and I do mean very careful.

-Mark

PS - Roll the paper into a tight narrow cone.  You will be tripping the limit switch the is down there in the hole.