Replacing the Carriage Belt in a DesignJet 800
The carriage belt is an essential part of most printer designs. It transfers the movement to the carriage to move it across the page as the jets are printing onto the page. If the carriage belt on your DesignJet 800 has become loose or worn, it may be time to replace it. This is generally a fairly simple process that a user can perform, but it requires a Torx screwdriver and some patience. Follow the steps below to replace your carriage belt.
1. Unplug the printer and disconnect any cables. Remove the ink cartridges and any paper.
2. Lift and remove the covers on the right and left sides. Locate the index strip and remove the screw holding it in place.
3. Stick the Torx screwdriver through the exposed hole in the index strip and loosen it just a bit to remove the retaining nub.
4. Loosen the screws and remove the service station on the right side. Remove the print head assembly and loosen the screw until you can raise the carriage, then release the clip to separate the carriage and disconnect the black cable.
5. Slide the retaining clip off the white cable’s connector and disconnect the cable, then slide the carriage free.
6. Carefully remove the belt, noting its orientation so that you can place the new belt on properly.
7. Wind the new belt around the carriage, and then reverse the instructions to reassemble the printer.
Once you have reassembled the printer and put the covers back on, reconnect the cables and plug the printer into the wall. Print a test page by going to the Control Panel and clicking “Hardware and Sound”, then clicking “Printers”. Right-click the printer’s icon and choose “Properties”, then click the “General” tab and click “Print Test Page”. Don’t forget to add paper. If the printer prints correctly, you have successfully completed your repair.
How to Replace the Hard Drive in a HP Pavilion a6000 Desktop
The HP Pavilion a6000 desktop computer is a solid machine that can be configured to the buyer’s liking with a multitude of different options such as processors, graphics processors, and hard drive configurations. If the original hard drive installed in the computer is not enough storage for your needs, or if the original hard drive has failed, you may need to replace it. Fortunately, the a6000 uses a hard drive “cage” that makes adding or replacing drives simple. Follow the steps below to replace your hard drive.
1. Back up any important files from the original drive. If you are upgrading to a larger drive, consider making an image of the drive and copying it to the new drive so that you won’t have to reinstall the operating system.
2. Turn off the computer and disconnect all cables, including the power cable. You may wish to use an anti-static wrist band to avoid damaging the computer with static electricity as well.
3. Turn the computer around so you can access the back. Remove the thumbscrew about mid-way up the left side, then grab the handle above the screw and pull the side panel back toward you and lift it away from the chassis. Gently lay the computer down on its side so that the open side is facing up.
4. Locate the hard drive cage inside near the bottom rear of the chassis. Remove the two screws that hold it in place.
5. Push down on the latch near the front of the cage and slide the hard drive cage away from the chassis. Lift the cage until you have access to the cables, and remove them from the drive. Make note of where the cables were so you can reconnect them to the new drive.
6. Remove the four screws securing the drive to the cage. There are two screws on either side. Slide the drive out of the cage.
7. Slide the drive into the cage in the same orientation as the previous drive, and secure it in place with the four screws.
8. Reconnect the cables and place the cage back in the chassis. Align the guides at the bottom and slide it into place, then replace the two screws that hold the cage in place.
9. Replace the side panel on the chassis and the thumb screw.
You can now reconnect all cables and boot the computer to confirm that the hard drive is recognized by the system. If you did not image your original drive, you may need to reinstall the operating system.
RamSan-70 PCIe SSD for Server Computers
SSDs (Solid-State Drives) are becoming increasingly popular for laptops and notebooks, but are also starting to be included in desktop systems. Now, IT professionals who maintain servers are starting to consider the benefits of SSDs, but implementing them into compact server configurations without much expansion space can be a problem. Texas Memory Systems may have solved most of these problems with its RamSan-70 PCIe SSD.
The RamSan-70 PCIe SSD is a solid-state drive integrated into a PCIe card, meaning it can be easily installed in any system with an open PCIe slot. This eliminates the need for an open drive bay, which may not be possible on many compact server designs. In addition, it also means that the original drive does not need to be removed, adding more storage space to the server instead of subtracting it by installing a smaller SSD than the original platter-based drive.
Speaking of storage space, the RamSan-70 PCIe SSD has up to 900 GB of usable capacity, which makes it one of the largest SSD configurations currently on the market. An add-on “mezzanine” card can be installed to add an additional 450 GB as well.
The RamSan-70 PCIe SSD features a built-in processor for handling input and output calculations. This takes some of the strain off the host computer by doing these calculations onboard. Once the unit and its driver are installed, it appears as a regular hard drive on the system, ready to be formatted or partitioned. It also includes automatic error checking and wear leveling, to avoid wearing out portions of the drive prematurely.
Overall, server administrators who prefer a PCIe solution instead of a traditional drive will find a lot to like in the RamSan-70 PCIe SSD. They can get the speed and reliability of SSD technology in an easy-to-install card that is also relatively affordable.
How to replace a keyboard in a HP Mini 5103
The HP Mini 5103 is a lightweight notebook for small office and business users with a solid design and great features. Despite its solid construction, however, problems can still arise. If you are experiencing issues with the keyboard of your HP Mini 5103, you may need to replace the keyboard. Before you begin, you will need to order a compatible replacement part. Use an online parts locator tool to find a part that is compatible with your specific model, and then follow the steps below to replace the keyboard.
1. Turn off the laptop and disconnect all cables, including the AC power cable. Remove the battery.
2. If your laptop has a SIM card installed, remove it by pressing on the card in the battery compartment until it releases, then grip it and pull it out.
3. Close the lid and flip the laptop over to the back. Remove the three screws located inside the back of the battery compartment. These screws hold the keyboard in place.
4. Flip the laptop back over and open the lid.
5. Look for the small slots on the left and right sides of the keyboard near the Tab and Enter keys. Insert a small screwdriver into the slots and gently apply pressure to release the keyboard on each side.
6. Gently lift the keyboard from the right side and press down on the retention tabs with the small screwdriver to release them as you continue to lift the keyboard. There are a total of three tabs along the top that must be released.
7. Lift the keyboard up and tilt it forward. Release the ribbon connector that attaches the keyboard to the motherboard, remove the keyboard and set it aside.
8. Connect the ribbon cable from the new keyboard to the motherboard, then put the keyboard in place and press down to snap the retention clips into place. Reverse the instructions to re-assemble the laptop.
Once your laptop is re-assembled, replace the battery and reconnect the power cord. Turn on the laptop and test the keyboard functionality. If the keyboard is working properly, you have successfully repaired your laptop.
HP DesignJet 1050C
The HP DesignJet 1050C is a large-format thermal inkjet printer. It is designed for CAD environments or technical departments and provides and efficient way to do large-format printing in a very cost-effective way. It can handle a wide variety of project types from maps to 3D CAD renderings at very fast speeds. Its price is high, but its efficiency may make it a good value for some buyers who need its specific features.
The 1050C is a rather bulky machine, as are most large-format thermal printers. It measures 50.8 inches by 61 inches by 26.6 inches and weighs around 150 pounds. The printer comes mounted on a stand with casters for rolling it into place, alleviating the need for lifting it.
The printer can handle page sizes up to 36 inches wide and when combined with a paper roller unit, it can handle extremely long projects as well. Printing resolution is up to 1200 dpi in black and white and up to 600 dpi in color. The wide dimensions combined with sharp resolutions allow users to print large detailed projects easily. The machine can handle a variety of media types, such as photo paper, coated paper and imaging film in addition to plain paper varieties.
Print speed is relatively fast for a large-format unit, at up to 2 pages per minute in color. Graphics can print at up to 4 pages per minute, and black and white prints are rated up to 1.3 pages per minute.
For production houses, CAD environments and technical departments that need an efficient large-format printer, the DesignJet 1050c is a solid choice. Its fast speeds and sharp resolution combine to produce high-quality prints at a quick pace. The printer’s reliability and solid design represent a good value for buyers who require a large-format thermal inkjet printer.
Compatible and OEM Ink Cartridges – Is there a difference?
Choosing between OEM and compatible ink cartridges can be a confusing process, as manufacturers and other consumers often give conflicting advice about which is the best choice. Manufacturers claim that using non-OEM cartridges could result in reduced print quality, but what is there really a difference? Let us look at some of the major factors involved.
For the majority of buyers, the reason they consider compatible ink cartridges instead of OEM is to save money. In almost every case, buying compatible cartridges will save a significant amount over OEM prices, sometimes up to 75% savings. This gives compatible cartridges a big advantage for buyers who are looking to reduce costs.
OEM manufacturers often claim that their products will provide sharper quality and better color output than compatible cartridges. In most cases, compatible ink gives the same quality output for a lower price. The cartridges are designed to meet or exceed the specifications of the originals, so there is no reason they should not. However, it is important to buy compatible cartridges from a seller with a reputation for quality. Many good sellers offer a satisfaction guarantee so that the product can be returned if it does not meet your expectations.
Lastly, many users tend to perpetuate a myth that using compatible cartridges will void the warranty on their printer. This is not true. In fact, there are many laws against manufacturers who do not honor a warranty for this reason.
While there are no significant differences between OEM and compatible ink cartridges, many buyers only buy OEM cartridges, despite the potential cost savings. Often this is based on poor experiences with low-quality compatible cartridges that led buyers to believe that all compatible products are made this way. If you decide to go with compatible ink cartridges, it is important to find a reputable seller who stands behind their products with a satisfaction guarantee.
Top 5 Desktop PCI-E Graphics Cards
When looking at desktop PCI-E graphics cards, there are a number of criteria that a buyer might use to determine the best card for their needs. Some buyers may look for the fastest performance, while others want the best value for the money. Using as many of these different criteria as possible, here is our list of the Top 5 Desktop PCI-E Graphics Cards.
1. AMD Radeon HD 6990
Although its release has been postponed to the first quarter of 2011, the Radeon HD 6990 looks poised to be one of fastest graphics cards on the market at release. With two Cayman cores, it may meet or exceed the performance of two cards running in CrossFire, making it the fastest card yet.
2. Nvidia GeForce GTX 580
The GeForce GTX 580 is one of their top-performing single-GPU cards, with great performance and still a relatively affordable price. Its 512 shader cores make it a force to be reckoned with, and its fairly compact size won’t take up as much space as a two-card array.
3. Nvidia GeForce GTX 570 As a less expensive option from the 580, the GTX 570 has fewer shader cores at 480, as well as fewer texture units, but its performance is still very fast. For gamers who want great performance and sharp graphics without paying too much for it, the GTX 570 is a good value.
4. AMD Radeon HD 6970 As AMD’s fastest single-GPU card, the Radeon HD 6970 offers solid performance for those who don’t want the added hassle and expense of dual cards. It sits at a good middle-ground between price and performance, though it is still expensive for all but the most serious gamers.
5. AMD Radeon HD 6950 Calling the Radeon HD 6950 a paired down version of the 6970 would not be doing it justice, as this card offers most of the performance of its more expensive brother at a bit lower price. It is a good choice for gamers who want to save a bit more money for a single-GPU solution.
Common Issues With Xerox Phaser Solid Ink Printers And Solutions
Solid ink printers have recently become more popular, especially in office environments, as a replacement for traditional laser printers. Part of the appeal of solid ink printers is that they produce less waste and are often less expensive to run and maintain than laser models. However, they are not immune to occasional problems. Here are a few common issues of Xerox Phaser solid ink printers, and some possible solutions.
Light Stripes
Some printouts may exhibit light vertical lines that often run the length of the paper. Most printers have a menu option called “Eliminate Light Stripes” for this very issue. It is usually located under Troubleshooting – Print Quality Problems in the menu. Run this feature a few times then print a test page to see if the problem is solved.
Printing Is Slow to Start
If you find that your Phaser printer is slow to start printing, adjust the power saving settings for quicker starts. Turning Fast Resume on will make printing start faster, though it uses more power throughout the day. You can also adjust the amount of time before the printer enters standby mode.
Problems After Moving Printer
One of the most common problems is bad print output after the printer has been moved. This is often the result of moving the printer before it has properly cooled down. Consult the manual for the proper cool down procedure before moving a solid ink printer. Unfortunately, once this problem exists, it generally requires a repair technician to fix.
Printer Using Too Much Ink
Many users may find that a solid ink printer seems to be using too much ink, specifically that it is dumping a large amount of ink in the waste reservoir of the printer. The printer will generally dump excess ink to remove air from the printhead. This problem is especially present when the printer loses power. To remedy this issue, make sure the printer is not losing power during the day, and keep the printer in sleep mode to ensure that it isn’t shut off unnecessarily.
The Different Methods of Data Backup on a Desktop PC
Finding a reliable and easy way to backup important data has been a problem that software and hardware engineers have been working on since the early days of computing. There are many different methods available to users, and here we will look at a few of them, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Physical Media
Perhaps the most popular method of backing up important data is using physical media for backing up files, mainly thumb drives, external hard drives, or optical discs such as CD-Rs or DVD-Rs. While this is a very good way to quickly and easily back up important files, the user must remember to do it often for it to work, and sometimes important files can be missed in the process. The other problem with this solution is that the physical media is often stored in the same building or the same room as the user’s computer, meaning that a fire or other disaster could wipe out both copies of the file. Many programs are available to help automate this process, but usually still require input from the user.
Trading Media
Many users have devised a method of backing up to physical media and then taking one copy off the premises, to protect against disasters. In many cases, the user will use two external hard drives, swapping them after every backup with a friend or co-worker, to be stored at an off-site location. This helps eliminate the problem of disasters, but still relies on the user to remember to backup frequently.
Online Backup
The newest and perhaps most effective backup method involves using an online backup solution. These are generally programs designed to automatically backup important files over the internet when the user is away from the computer and store the files in a server or number of servers off-site. The files can then be retrieved when needed from any computer with the proper login information. This eliminates most of the problems mentioned above, as the user doesn’t have to remember to backup, but instead it all happens automatically in the background. The most popular services for online backup include DropBox, Carbonite, and Mozy.
With so many different backup methods available, it should be possible to find a solution that is simple and easy for your needs. With a little research, you can rest assured that your data is protected.
How is Printer Ink or Toner page yield determined?
Page yield can be a somewhat confusing term. At its simplest, the page yield of a printer ink cartridge or toner cartridge is the number of pages the cartridge is expected to print before it will be empty. Since the type of printing and print quality can play a major factor in the amount of ink or toner used, the predicted page yield can be a very subjective and sometimes inaccurate number, but let us take a look at how the page yield is determined.
Most manufacturers calculate the estimated page yield for a cartridge by calculating based on 5% coverage. That is to say that when an average page of text and graphics is printed, approximately 5% of the page will be covered in ink. This is only an estimate, however, as many pages will use more and less than 5% coverage, which will affect the overall page yield of the cartridge.
In more recent years, the ISO (International Organization for Standards) has released a set of standards for determining page yield. This process involves printing a test page or series of test pages until the cartridge reaches its end-of-life. Testing a monochrome cartridge involves a single test page which contains a combination of text and graphics, while testing color cartridges involves printing a series of 5 pages that use a variety of different images and patterns. In both cases, they are printed repeatedly until the cartridge is empty.
The great benefit of these ISO standard tests is that is provides a much better comparison between different models. Previous to this standard test, one manufacturer’s test procedures might have used very different page coverage than another’s. Today, any manufacturer who conforms to the ISO/IED 19752 or 19798 standards can be accurately compared with each other. This helps consumers make an informed decision by comparing the page yields of different models and cartridges in an accurate way.
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