Very Computer

Last week, our SPARCprinter gave a flashing F4 error code.  According to
the printer doco, this meant that the "drum cartridge is nearing the end
of its service life".  About a day later, a non-flashing F4 error code
appeared and the printer wouldn't print (F4=="Drum cartridge service life
has expired").  New cartridges are quite expensive.

I read the doco on how to change the drum and at the end it said to turn
the printer on whilst pressing a button to reset the drum-low counter.  I
tried this (without replacing the drum) and the printer works fine.

My questions are thus: why does the printer tell me that the drum needs
replacing when it seems to work ok ?  Is there any harm in running the printer
until there is a noticable degregation in the print quality ?

phil

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Phil Watson (an ozzie in exile)   |  _--_|\  | CLUWRR                       |

                                  | \_.--._/ | Uni of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne   |
Phone: (091) 222 7503             |       v  | England, NE1                 |

: I read the doco on how to change the drum and at the end it said to turn
: the printer on whilst pressing a button to reset the drum-low counter.  I
: tried this (without replacing the drum) and the printer works fine.

: My questions are thus: why does the printer tell me that the drum needs
: replacing when it seems to work ok ?  Is there any harm in running the printer
: until there is a noticable degregation in the print quality ?

I don't know whether this will cause any problems, but if it's any consolation:
I recently did the same thing - mainly because I needed to keep
using the printer while the new drum was on its way - but also because
about 6 months ago we were forced to replace the drum cartridge due to
scratches on the laminated surface.  At the time, we didn't turn the printer
off/on as per instructions (with reset button pressed).  As a result, we
were getting those blasted F4 messages only 6 months after installation (and
way before the drum life should have expired.)  There's probably some simple
counter inside the SPARCprinter that triggers the F4 message when it
reaches 20,000.

Just my $.02,
Tom

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+----------------------------------------+ With so many signatures out in the
| Thomas Wolf   | (908) 957-3955         | internet, it's becoming nearly


+----------------------------------------+
Disclaimer: These are my opinions and not necessarily those of my employer.

Quote:>I read the doco on how to change the drum and at the end it said to turn
>the printer on whilst pressing a button to reset the drum-low counter.  I
>tried this (without replacing the drum) and the printer works fine.
>My questions are thus: why does the printer tell me that the drum needs
>replacing when it seems to work ok ?  Is there any harm in running the printer
>until there is a noticable degregation in the print quality ?

  I heard one comment that said at some point the used-toner bin in the drum
unit will fill up and toner will start leaking.  I keep a close watch on mine
and one of these days may actually take it apart and see, but for now....
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|Bob Rahe, Delaware Tech&Comm College | AIDS, *, *: -        |

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