HP LJ 9000 models - update the Firmware

[dbMark]

To everyone with a HP LaserJet 9000 series printer:

Even if you don't think you have problems with it, check and be sure you have the latest firmware. There were lots of improvements made to the firmware after the printer was released. Apparently this model, meant to be the core of a group of synchronized units such as collaters and staplers, was a "work in progress" back in 2001, as this is the only HP printer model series I've seen where you can update the firmware. (I think they're great, by the way.) One such update dealt with pausing in big print jobs, which was what prompted me to update my firmware.

The most recent firmware (as of May 2003) is 15 April 2003. (The same HP9000 firmware file should also work for 9000n, 9000dn, 9000hnf, 9000hns, HPLJ9000, etc.)

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...askId=135&prodTypeId=18972&prodSeriesId=28650

 

[dbMark]

If you do upgrade the firmware, be aware that some user settings can be cleared or reset. For example, the default FONT PITCH setting (under the menu tree of Configure Device, Printing, PCL, Font Pitch) is reset to 10 CPI. While that may not affect Windows print jobs, printing from DOS may be afftected. Other settings may be reset as well, so be alert to that possibility.

The most recent firmware revision is 02.515.2 dated 10 March 2004.

 

[DansDadUK]

Relying on the 'user-default' settings configured on the front panel of a small desktop machine connected to, and used by, one system, might be OK.

But with a large printer such as the HP9000, which (because of its size and throughput potential) is likely to be networked, and hence printed to by many users (each of whom may have their own ideas as to what the 'default settings' should be) is asking for trouble.

 

[dbMark]

What about maintenance?

The 9000 printer's recommended preventative maintenance is to be done every 350,000 pages. The kit can cost US$400 or more. It includes a new fuser unit and several small rollers and one long thin transfer roller. The defective fuser may have to be returned too to avoid a "core" charge.

While the fuser unit can last much longer than 350,000 copies, by then it has reached its expected useful life and thereafter could fail at some point. Unless you have a spare on hand, then you could be down for a few days until you get the needed parts. The most common failure is that the clear surface covering of the light brown fuser roller can ripple. If that happens, you will see those crinkles imprinted onto the paper and it is time to replace the fuser unit.

The current 9000 printer number or version (see a printout of the printer configuration) is 1C. Earlier versions ran a risk of letting the idle printer's hot fuser roller sit still too long and flatten it, causing a thumping when warming up or printing.

By 350,000 copies the pick-up, paper feed/separation rollers and transfer roller are wearing smooth and nearing the end of their life. Repeated paper misfeeds likely mean you'll need to check the rollers to determine if they need replacing. NEVER clean the small rollers with alcohol. If dirty, wash with soap and water, rinse and dry.

Generally the rollers will need replacing before the fuser unit, but each printer is different. You could have 2 printers, both with worn rollers, yet only one is getting paper feed errors - so far. That's why it's called "preventative maintenance".

dbMark

 

[dbMark]

Update: The most recent 9000 printer firmware revision is 02.515.2B dated 22 June 2004.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...sp?locBasepartNum=lj-2240-8&lang=English+(US)

Here's some more details about the 9000's fuser issues. Early models had a computer board which allowed the fuser to sit in the same place. Apparently not an issue with smaller models, this fuser can flatten after sitting for a long time in the same place. One common symptom is audible, you can hear it "thump - thump - thump" even when warming up after being turned on.

Well, the circuit board was improved to rotate the fuser periodically. Oops, the fuser rotated right back to the same spot every time. No good, try again. Ah yes, version "1C" does it right. (To see what the "printer number" is on your 9000, print a configuration sheet and look at the third line.) If it's a lower number than "1C" call HP the next time the fuser fails (or thumps loudly) and get the hp9000 upgraded for free.

Long live the 9000 series!