HP Z3200ps - should I repair and sell or just scrap my beloved machine?

[Brett L]

I would appreciate your thoughts on my dilemma:

I've owned my 24" HP Designjet Z3200PS from new (March 2011). It has only ever had light use and has been well looked after (only ever used HP inks and printheads etc). It has recently thrown up an error code of 02.1:10. This would appear to indicate a new carriage assembly is required. This is approx £230 from China or £800+ from HP. Prior to this, the machine was running really well (recent new belt, all good) although it was telling me that a service pack is advised in the near future.

I now also have a Z9+ so don't 'need' the 3200. The problem is that I can't sell it as it is for 'spares or repair' because I have a lot of art files stored on the internal HD and wouldn't wish to part with the printer with these files included. I can't wipe the HD because I can't get access to any part of the printer until the 02.1:10 error is fixed.

I'm guessing the machine is worth maybe £500, all working, on a good day! So I could spend £230, replace the carriage assembly (trailing cable and formatter battery are already replaced)...and then find the fault isn't cured. Or if it is cured, I don't get the money back, so it would be cheaper not to have made the repair... But the alternative is to take the machine to the refuse tip. It is SUCH a good machine. I don't know the secondhand resale market at all. Is my Z3200ps really only fit for scrap? Or is it worth repairing?

Thoughts appreciated but please be gentle!

Many thanks

Brett

[GST]

Its possible to get access to the data on disk and clear it.
Look at https://forum.luminous-landscape.com/index.php?topic=98064.msg1220517#msg1220517
If you are willing to go that route let me know so I can help you out there.

[neil snape]

If the above works and it should I'd say scrap the Z3200. They are easier to customise, as the Z9 + has no user input changes, yet old printers will have mechanical wear and some electronic parts that will need replacing (capacitors on different boards). It is not like the old Frigidaire that were inefficient yet would last forever.

[Richard.Wills]

If the above works, then list it for spares or repair. If you can't wipe the hard drive, then remove it and list it for spares (new belt, spare spindles etc), on the condition that buyer collects. Gumtree, freecycle etc, has to be better than land fill.

[Mark Lindquist]

If you have the space, consider storing it. Never know, might get the urge to get it running again someday.

I've got two in storage now - recently sold one to a good friend so if I get the itch, I can always bring out one of them and start tearing it down and building it back up.

If you don't have the space - consider giving it to someone who could really use it.

Best-

Mark