HP 5Si laserjet - incorrect error message

[David Gartrell]

Hi there,

I don't know whether someone can help me with this but here goes.

We have a very old HP 5Si Laserjet printer which HP unforunately don't
support any more.

We've started getting a message coming up telling us to empty the top output
tray even though there is no paper in it. It doesn't happen all the time
but it has started to happen far more frequently over the last few weeks.
Does anyone know of a way of disabling this so it can continue printing, or
alternatively how do I get to the actual sensor so I can disable that.

Any help would be much appreaciated

thanks in advance

David

 

[Michael Shell]

We have a very old HP 5Si Laserjet printer which HP unforunately don't
support any more.

We've started getting a message coming up telling us to empty the top output
tray even though there is no paper in it. It doesn't happen all the time
but it has started to happen far more frequently over the last few weeks.
Does anyone know of a way of disabling this so it can continue printing, or
alternatively how do I get to the actual sensor so I can disable that.

David,

I do not know (but doubt) if this can be shut off via software
configuration. Check to make sure that the paper full detect arm can
swing freely. This arm moves to break a light beam which signals the
printer that the paper is full. It is possible that dust has built
up on the sensor causing the problem. At any rate, the sensor PCB
assembly, if I have my part numbers correct, is available cheaply
both new (<$40) and used (<$15):

http://www2.printerworks.com/cgi-win/tpwall.exe/find?RG5-1846-000

The diagram is here:

http://www.printerworks.com/Catalogs/WX-Catalog/900WXPCBLocDiag.html

The paper full arm can be seen here:

http://www.printerworks.com/Catalogs/WX-Catalog/350WXDelivery.html

as 350-12.

The 5si is a great printer, I think it is well worth it to
keep it going.


Cheers,

Mike Shell

 

[David Gartrell]

Hi Mike,

Thanks very much for your advice. It seems to be working again for the
moment but will take up your suggestions. It's probably the sensor that
covered in paper dust. The printer is nearly 10 years old after all.

Thanks again

David.

 

[Michael Shell]

The printer is nearly 10 years old after all.

Just remember, you can keep those older HPs going forever.
Heck, it could even easily outlast a new model.


Mike