HP C6280 Photosmart will not print self test diagnostic correctly

[ThrillaMozilla]

Sorry, no can do - IF you mean OEM.

No, I mean non-OEM ink that is formulated specifically for your printer. I guess that's what you meant also. Just in case, Precision Colors (Image Specialists ink) and OCP sell ink for HP, and are recommended. InkTec ink is also good (but they sell in small quantities with a refill kit that fills only the sponge), although there are some old reports that the pigment black (K -- for text) may clog up the purge system. (Photo black -- PK is all right.)

Hmm, on second thought, considering the variety of problems, it could be down to a single cause like a bad connection or dirt somewhere. If there is a smoker or cat or a lot of dirt in the house, that would definitely be something to check. Try remaking as many connections as you can. And someone mentioned that it is possible to destroy some of those ribbon connections. Work the connections out gently, moving them from side to side. Good luck.

If the computer does die, though, it is probably possible to get a good refurb that should be fine. Or you could get just a printer if the HP scanner still works, but then you would lack the copier function. If it comes to that, I'm not so pessimistic about HP as some are. My HP 1 1/2 or 2-year-old HP has been good except that the wireless radio died twice. HP replaced the printer for me a few months out of guarantee. Theoretically, I think they would replace this one too, but it's safer just to live with it.

The only other minor problem with it is the nonresettable, opaque cartridges, but that's not bad, really. Check with people here for refilling hints. There are reliable reports that the cheaper HP's, with head and ink cartridge in a single, disposable unit are hard to refill reliably without special vacuum techniques, so those printers are best avoided.

Oh, yes, one other problem. I've never heard anything good about the HP software, but you don't need to use it. Just install the driver.

 

[phkhgh]

I've used ink from LD Products for good while. Don't know if their HP compatible ink is as good as others. They "say" ink is formulated for specific brands of printers. No way to know for sure, w/o lab tests - for any company. Never had an issue - in 2 printers using HP02 carts, if printed at least few pages / wk. Think that was part (or all) of the problem this time - went too long w/o printing several pgs / wk. C5180 is couple yrs older & no issues (damn, shouldn't have bragged on it!) Before that, used InkSell HP02 compatibles. Worked fine, then changed vendors & chips no longer reliable - so switched.

Bad news: not re assembled prtr yet, but scanner can lay on top. Copying OR scanning just gives black sheet. I'd think the 2 ribbon cables from scanner / copier to pcb would be 1 for copier; 1 for printer. But, it's early & coffee hasn't kicked in.

Anyone have ideas how to check if copying / scanning issue is damaged cable, or something else? Please share. Also, where might find instructions on removing / replacing the scanner cable.

I wouldn't think the tiny tear on only 1 cable's outer covering would stop BOTH copying & scanning, but...
At worst, 1 conductor on 1 cable was broken. It's either so tiny a wire, it's not visible w/ strong hand lens & flashlight, from all angles (doubtful), or that area (very outer edge) didn't actually have a conductor. But something's up. As said, I could solder it, but don't see anything TO solder.

EDIT: Looking VERY closely at scanner / copier cable end connectors to pcb - they may be soldered in. There's no connector locking mechanism. They're tiny - 1/8 in. x 1 in. It'd be incredible if they were really that hard to pull off, if just a friction fit.

It IS however, printing good as new. Fixed one thing, screwed up another. Not from lack of mechanical knowledge, but chronic pain in hands.

No idea where to get schematic of the printer to ID the cable (if any diff in the 2); or if HP is only place to get replacement. Can check w/ couple repair shops of local authorized repair shop. What's a 6 in. thin, ribbon printer cable go for?

 

[phkhgh]

Peter - FYI - the plastic strip that the carriage travels along (thru the carriage) that you called timing strip (which may be what it does), is called "Encoder strip - Clear strip with position marks - Used by the sensor in the carriage assembly to determine position." Per HP parts site.

BTW, so far, one parts place wanted $55 or 85, depending on which of the 2 cables. Uh...

 

[PeterBJ]

You are right, when we are talking about HP printers. Encoder strip is a better term, as it tells the function. But Canon use the term "timing slit film strip" or "timing strip". Source: Various Canon service manuals and parts catalogs.

Another example: The pump that cleans and primes print head nozzles is called "purge unit" by Canon and "service station" by HP. In this case I think Canons term is the most descriptive.

I have read many more Canon than HP service manuals, that's why I used the Canon term.

 

[ThrillaMozilla]

It sounds like you should be telling us how to fix this, not the other way around.

I looked at those cables with an eye to eventual changing of the purge pads. As I recall, it looked like a little nightmare. I recall seeing some tear-down pictures for some Canon all-in-ones on this forum, but you probably don't need them at this point. Parts for those things (or anything, really) tend to be prohibitively expensive, unless you can acquire a junk one for nothing.

 

[phkhgh]

Well, if I keep messing w/ something long enough, I often learn more than really cared to. But often, knowledge gained (even in failed attempts) is applicable in other general or specific ways.
When this printer issue appeared, I knew a little about it, except general cleaning print heads & clearing error codes, but never opened one. But I have repaired just about everything imaginable.

I'm finding internal parts for HP inkjets aren't really sold to vendors, except basics. That's from an authorized repair place. And yes, for price of some parts, you could by a nice used printer. If it's in warr., they'll replace it / send a recon; after warr. - they expect to fill landfills. Need a $5 belt? Too bad. Buy a new printer. But, I can buy lots of parts at reasonable prices for my 1970 Sony reel to reel.

Same repair place said wasn't sure about C6280, but HP DOES solder some cables to pcb's. I'm pretty sure these are. It's the 1st cable / electrical connection I can remember tearing up - on anything - in ~ 45 yrs. "I missed it by that much."

Amazingly, I already have leads on cheap, used C6280's - by individuals. Hell, if bought a used one that worked well enough, I wouldn't bother unsoldering / resoldering a cable. I'd just keep mine for spare parts.