HP 1220c Printing Extremely Dark

[J]

Hewlett Packard 1220c - recently started printing very dark compared to
onscreen image (image in Photoshop approx in range 0-30% greys prints in
range approx 70-100%).

This happens printing the greyscale in either colour or just black, seems to
be even darker in colour though.

Any idea how to fix?

Also notice that colour/black heads are out of alignment since last
installing ink cartridges (doubling of image only when printing in
colour/black, crisp image in black only). How to align heads? i cant find an
option for it in tools.


Help appreciated

thanks

J

 

[Bob Headrick]

Hewlett Packard 1220c - recently started printing very dark compared to
onscreen image (image in Photoshop approx in range 0-30% greys prints in
range approx 70-100%).

This happens printing the greyscale in either colour or just black, seems
to be even darker in colour though.

Any idea how to fix?

Also notice that colour/black heads are out of alignment since last
installing ink cartridges (doubling of image only when printing in
colour/black, crisp image in black only). How to align heads? i cant find
an option for it in tools.

Both problems could be caused by a malfunctioning alignment sensor. You can
try forcing an alignment by turning on the printer, then press and hold the
power button, then pressing the formfeed button three times, then releasing
the power button. This will print an automatic alignment page. Does the
last line have a green checkmark? If not the alignment has failed. This
may be caused by the sensor becoming clouded or the plastic lens being
dislodged, often as a result of a paper jam being pulled out forcefully.
The sensor is a small (about 1" square) box on the right side of the
cartridge carriage. At the bottom of this is a rectangular plastic lens
about .5" x .25". You can clean this with a damp q-tip. If the lens has
become dislodged it can be cemented back in place.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, MS MVP Printing/Imaging