HP Z3100 line sensor problem

[kers]

hello,
My dear- 9 years old -  HP Z3100  seems to have a problem;

after doing a carriage test the result was:

problem 55:11
ambar led out of limits
FAIL

The line sensor has to be replaced- part number  Q5669-60683

The printer warns me that color measurements might produce wrong numbers-

has anyone encountered such a problem yet?
Is it better from now on not to execute calibration tests?

It still seems to print without any problem

regards,

Pieter Kers

[Mark Lindquist]

Before replacing the line sensor, Kers, I think it would be wise to check all your inks and printheads.  Sometimes error 55:11 is caused by a faulty printhead.  It won't hurt to replace the line sensor, but it could be other things as well or instead. 

In any case, it shouldn't hurt the printer to continue printing.  If your printheads and inks are fine and the diagnostic test looks good, then just keep on printing....

Mark

[kers]

OK thanks Mark,

I will try what you suggested; i know the printer sometimes sees problems that do not exist.

I am only afraid that if there is something not good and i do a calibration or whatever- my colors will be off...
I will try some paper i never use first..

PK

[kers]

Update:

i did a calibration on a paper i hardly use; it seems to work fine;
The colorsensor is not involved and only the white diode is used i reckon to light up the patches.

When taking the printheads out i have to realign the heads;
So i stay away from that now for the moment since it might cause me some problem if it needs the amber diode to function.

BTW i have tried to get a new (used) linesensor;

I read the original part number  -Q5669-60683- is not available any more and maybe its replacement will work
that is part nr Q6683-67004

Does anybody knows more about it? 
Thanks in advance....

Pieter Kers

[Mark Lindquist]

OEM LINE SENSOR

[kers]

Mark, thanks again;

Only, i am in the Netherlands and they charge 150$ for sending it 

So i think i will contact Ernst Dinkla- he is dutch too.. to ask were he gets his parts...

Pieter

PS Q6683-67004 seems to work in the 24 inch version only (?)

[kers]

Hello, just to let you know my printer works fine again...

In the end i had even more problems, At some point it even refused to startup... (!)

but these were all solved by taking the right part of and clean all parts from spilled ink near the docking station + right spittoon
(i also cleaned the ventilator)
and i had a small bad connection problem with the frontpanel. I reconnected it.
After that the printer did not show any messages and just worked fine.
So after about ten years of (light) usage i spend some money on a new belt- a new ventilator and some small parts + had to replace about 4 printheads...
less than 300 euro spend on parts !

great printer!

[JMRPress]

I also have the 55:11 error.

After replacing the belt on my 44" Z3100 I started to do the recommended Carriage Assembly tests and it stops on LED tolerance with "55:11 Amber Led out of limits". It won't let me complete any of the following Carriage Assembly tests.

Can you tell me what this means?  I gather from Mark's comment that there is no harm in printing with this error, but I would like to know more about what it might mean, and the likely causes. What am I risking by not being able to complete the diagnostics?

Will I have to strip the printer down again to replace the line sensor?

[Mark Lindquist]

I also have the 55:11 error.

After replacing the belt on my 44" Z3100 I started to do the recommended Carriage Assembly tests and it stops on LED tolerance with "55:11 Amber Led out of limits". It won't let me complete any of the following Carriage Assembly tests.

Can you tell me what this means?  I gather from Mark's comment that there is no harm in printing with this error, but I would like to know more about what it might mean, and the likely causes. What am I risking by not being able to complete the diagnostics?

Will I have to strip the printer down again to replace the line sensor?

JMR - you know, it could be that you have a broken rear carriage bushing.  It is a really easy little plastic deal that breaks super easily.
There is some new information from John Nollendorfs on how to replace the bushing without tearing the whole printer down:
http://robogravure.com/HPZ3200_Repair_Notes_Mark_Lindquist_Photography.htm#HP_Z_Series_(Z3200)_REAR_CARRIAGE_BUSHING_REPLACEMENT

Putting two and two together, it just makes sense to me that that one little part could be causing your trouble.

You can do a search on eBay for HP Z3100 rear carriage bushing and you'll find some listed.

The part number is Q5669-60687:

RERA CARRIAGE BUSHING - EBAY SEARCH

Good luck -

Mark

[JMRPress]

Mark,

Thanks, I haven't had any problems or heard any unusual noises yet, though I haven't tried very heavy paper since the new belt. I will check it out.

John

[deanwork]

Good stuff Mark,

You should publish all this stuff on a website ( oh you just did ). Yo da man

[Mark Lindquist]

Good stuff Mark,

You should publish all this stuff on a website ( oh you just did ). Yo da man

You are too funny brotha.  Been getting several thank you emails from folks so
 it appears to be working.