problem with HP deskjet...think i found soln but not sure

[dstvns]

Hello,

I am trying to fix a printer for a non-profit agency which helps
homeless and low-income families find shelter. Their HP DeskJet 481C
has a problem recognizing the black ink cartridge.They had hired (and
paid good money to) another techie, and he did all the things I did at
first (he could not fix it or even figure out the problem).

However, I inspected the printer cartridge carriage and found a small
aluminum bar (1.5" long x 1/8" wide) missing from the black cartridge
area, but present in the color cartridge location. This bar, when
pressed down by the printer cartridge, seems to "tell" the printer
that a cartridge is present.

The bar is located straight down the middle of the circuit-tape on the
print cartridge. The bar seems to contact two metal points on the
carriage when pressed down. I think when the in-experienced secretary
attempted to remove the old black ink cartridge, she pulled too hard
and the bar & spring fell out somewhere (I shook the printer, it does
not rattle...darn). In my opinion this was a bad (and cheap) design
by HP.

I was wondering if someone could help confirm that this tiny aluminum
bar (and even-tinier spring) is the cause of the problem. Is there
any way I could purchase this part? How can I jury-rig something else
to work in its place? I've tried soldering a paper-clip to the
contacts, but that did not work. The carriages are something like $70
so I might as well tell them to buy a new printer, rather than fix the
old one. Any advice is appreciated, thanks

Dan

 

[dstvns]

Hello,

I am trying to fix a printer for a non-profit agency which helps
homeless and low-income families find shelter. Their HP DeskJet 481C

Excuse me, it was an 841c. My mistake.

Dan

 

[Bob Headrick]

I am trying to fix a printer for a non-profit agency which helps
homeless and low-income families find shelter. Their HP DeskJet 841C
has a problem recognizing the black ink cartridge.They had hired (and
paid good money to) another techie, and he did all the things I did at
first (he could not fix it or even figure out the problem).

However, I inspected the printer cartridge carriage and found a small
aluminum bar (1.5" long x 1/8" wide) missing from the black cartridge
area, but present in the color cartridge location. This bar, when
pressed down by the printer cartridge, seems to "tell" the printer
that a cartridge is present.

That bar is used for ESD protection and is not required for the black
cartridge. It is not the cause of your problem. There are a few things to
try - first, make sure the black cartridge is a #15. The #45 cartridge looks
similar but is not compatible. It is also possible that the contacts of the
printer or cartridge are dirty. They can be cleaned as shown at the following:
http://www.hp.com/cposupport/printers/support_doc/bpa02060.html .

It is also possible the black cartridge is defective. Have you tried
installing this cartridge in another printer?

Regards,
Bob Headrick, not speaking for my employer HP

 

[dstvns]

That bar is used for ESD protection and is not required for the black
cartridge. It is not the cause of your problem. There are a few things to
try - first, make sure the black cartridge is a #15. The #45 cartridge looks
similar but is not compatible.

You're right. I should've checked what type of cartridge to use.
They installed a 45 in it, but it looked like a perfect fit so I
didn't research the matter...why are the 15 & 45 cartridges so
similar?

Thanks very much,
Dan

 

[Bob Headrick]

You're right. I should've checked what type of cartridge to use.
They installed a 45 in it, but it looked like a perfect fit so I
didn't research the matter...why are the 15 & 45 cartridges so
similar?

The main reason they are so similar is so that the same rather expensive
automated production line can build either part with only minor changes.
Similar factors apply to the color #41, 23, 78, 844 and 845 cartridges. These
use different printheads and inks but the plastic parts and internal features
are shared.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, not speaking for my employer HP

 

[dstvns]

The main reason they are so similar is so that the same rather expensive
automated production line can build either part with only minor changes.
Similar factors apply to the color #41, 23, 78, 844 and 845 cartridges. These
use different printheads and inks but the plastic parts and internal features
are shared.

Wow, thanks. I didn't know this. This will help in the future. I
suppose they simply went and bought whatever looked similar.

I am very appreciative for your expert assistance. It worked and I
just aligned the printer heads. The agency workers will be extremely
happy. And I didn't have to tear the printer apart trying to "fix"
it (darn, lol)

Thanks very much,
Dan

 

[Larry Lynch]

Regards,
Bob Headrick, not speaking for my employer HP

I think HP made a BIG mistake not including thier
"Gray" cart in the box with the newer printers that use
it.

I picked up a new HP yesterday and NOBODY, but NOBODY
anywhere has that cartridge on the shelf...

I truly love the 7660 (like I did the 7350 it replaces)
and I think it does an even better job "gettin' it on
the paper" (it seems a touch faster) but I was TRULY
upset that the 7 (or was it 8) stops I made yesterday
looking for the "Gray" cartridge were fruitless.