HP DeskJet 500

Even I would say it's possibly time to retire it. :)

I've found bad solder connections in the power supply of one of those.

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I thought about the solder and so checked all joints under the microscope - all looked good. I really think the controller is telling it to shut down since it is so repeatable. I can watch the voltage shut off when the head reaches the home position.

WT

Considering the cost of cartridges it would be a blessing to retire it !

Graham

On Mon, 26 Jun 2006 12:38:28 -0500, "Wayne Tiffany" put finger to keyboard and composed:

I may have a spare motor for this model. If so, then you can have it for the cost of postage from Australia. What is its part number?

I believe there may be an encoder strip which may need cleaning.

- Franc Zabkar

Hi!

If memory serves, these are just a permanent magnet DC motor--not a stepper type or anything quite that fancy. The positioning is done by way of the encoder strip. In other words, it could well have built up a short circuit by way of either conductive whiskers or something that has broken and changes position just enough to cause trouble. Maybe the components responsible for driving the motor don't start to break down until they've been loaded for a while?

When that happens, the controller might just shutdown on overload, instead of burning up.

I've never had one of the carriage motors quit, but some of mine have had the spring that holds the belt tightly in place start to back off. When this happens, the printer may make "twanging" or "gritty" noises like gears stripping. If it gets bad enough, the controller shuts down and lights flash.

I would think that taking the motor out, cleaning it well and putting it back might solve the whole problem. Even today these printers have a lot of life left in them and the ink can be downright cheap compared to a new unit!

William

I considered that but the motor is constructed with the crimp type on the ends, not fasteners. I have my eye on a newer printer (Hp DJ932C) that is probably available, and if it works, I will tear into the motor on the 500 just to see what's what.

WT