PGBK dead after B200 error

[Petev]

Hi, folks,

New here, hoping for some advice. I live in NE England, my Canon ip4950 printer threw up a B200 error yesterday. It had been printing fine although showing empty tanks for some inks. I'd just printed a small drawing (black ink), which showed no signs of ink running out. Then wanted another copy. The printer shuddered then showed a B200 error (on the computer screen). I eventually cleared the error by trying some tricks from the 'net, but now there is absolutely no PGBK ink being deposited. I've thoroughly cleaned the print head and replaced all the cartridges, but no joy.

I suspect the print head PGBK section has 'died', but there doesn't seem to be any way of confirming this other than replacing the head. A new head will cost as much as a new (ip7250) printer. I occasionally print CD's, so want that feature which both the 4950 and 7250 have. What puts me off the 7250 is the cassette system for loading paper - I much prefer the open rear load tray of the 4950, particularly when printing Christmas Cards which come in different shapes and sizes.

So firstly, does it sound like a print head failure? Is it possible that other circuitry further back in the printer has failed? (in which case I would be wasting my money).

Secondly does anyone have a 7250 they would care to comment on in light of my preference noted above?

Many thanks in advance of any replies. Hope you are all having an enjoyable christmas holiday.

Best regards,

Peter.

 

[The Hat]

This isn’t going to make your Christmas enjoyable at all Peter, or a good welcome to the forum either, you’re stuffed and there’s no way out.

The error is in the printer memory and can only be erased by inserting another print head, you’ll need a replacement print head to clear the B200 error, so unless you have another spare or old one then I am afraid you’re going to have to buy a new one.

Here is the best place to get one in the UK and probably the cheapest, sorry we couldn’t be more helpful to you. Part No. QY6-0080-000

http://www.crc-tasktron.co.uk/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=80

 

[Petev]

Thanks, 'The Hat'. I was afraid of that. But the B200 error message doesn't appear now - is there any method for performing a full 'factory' reset to clear the printer memory?

Coincidentally before joining this group I telephoned Tasktron for advice, but as you might have guessed they are closed for Christmas until January 2nd. Typical! But I spotted another thread on this excellent forum which got me printing by setting the paper type to 'matte', so it uses the ordinary black cartridge. Slow but better than nothing for now.

Thanks again. I'd still appreciate any comments on the ip7250 from anyone who might have one.

Cheers,

Peter.

 

[Łukasz]

Hi,

maybe split topic to some groups:

1. I eventually cleared the error by trying some tricks from the 'net, but now there is absolutely no PGBK ink being deposited.

   This part needs further explanations, cause some of those "tricks" can render printer to be "printhead slayer" or render damages to motherboard.
   
   
2. How to set printer to print black when PGBK is disabled.
   A:
   "Narrow black" ink tank can be used instead off PGI tank, even on plain paper.
   In case of using other media (media type in printer driver) there should be no change.
   Some methods to use "narrow black" when PGBK is missing (ANY of following will work for iP4950):
   - set auto double-sided print for plain paper (slower)
   - set borderless printing on plain paper (can be defined in printer driver and saved to default set), (slower)
   - set media to any photo paper, but still use plain paper (slower)
   
   
3. iP4950 + new PH vs. brand new iP7250.
   A:
   If features of iP7250 seems to be better then go for it, and... mothball iP4950 (but don't trash).
   You will have 2 printers, older one slightly inoperative but still 100% usable for printing CDs, photos and so.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ł.

 

[Petev]

Thank you Lukasz. The 'trick' I used to cancel the B200 message was item 3 (and 4c) on this page:

http://fix-your-printer.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/how-to-fix-error-b200-on-canon-printers.html

I also removed the print head and thoroughly cleaned it, but no joy.

Cheers,

Peter.

 

[The Hat]

Hi Peter,

There is another way to try clear the EPROM chip and reset it back to Factory default but not many have done so because it requires taking the top cover off the printer to have a go.

Shinning a UV light source on the chip for a couple of seconds is said to be able to reset it back, this has been done successfully on computer mother boards but I haven’t heard it done to a printer logic board yet, so I’d recommend caution.

Yes the Matte media setting is a good way to continue to use your printer, you can also use the glossy paper setting and if it’s only text you’re printing then reduce the quality setting down to fast or custom, for quicker output.

Please beware that the B200 error can return when least expected..

 

[stratman]

Shinning a UV light source on the chip for a couple of seconds is said to be able to reset it back, this has been done successfully on computer mother boards but I haven’t heard it done to a printer logic board yet, so I’d recommend caution.

Interesting proposal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPROM

 

[Petev]

Well, I bought a new print head which arrived today. And all is now working correctly. Phew! Almost as much as a new printer, but I get to keep my iP4950 with its rear paper feed and CD print tray. Thanks for the advice, folks, particularly 'The Hat'.

 

[John B print]

I have the same problem as Peterv in that the magenta stopped printing. Everything else is fine. All other colours print fully even on high speed draft printing. I bought and installed a new printhead from CRC-Tasktron and the printer was fine for a very short while, but the magenta has now completely stopped again after only a few sheets being printed. Like Peterv, I also want to keep using the ip4950 because of its better spec and paper handling and the fact that it has Pictbridge which the 7250 doesn't. I do a lot of CD printing, so need that facility as well.

Is there a specific reason within the printer that will prevent one colour from working, even with a new printhead? The printer is nearly three years old and has behaved perfectly till now. There have no error messages flashed up.

Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Petev]

Ouch! Particularly when the print head costs so much. You may be able to claim for a replacement from CRC-Taskron, that probably should be your first port of call. It *might* be worth swapping with the old head (and maybe back again) if you kept it - I absolutely can't say whether that would make any difference, but it might cause whatever is acting up in the printer memory to reset. But as you would see from my earlier postings, I am most definitely not an expert!

I can't understand why Canon replaced the 4950 with what is in my opinion an inferior model. Don't they ever talk to their customers???

Best of luck, Peter.