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View Full Version : Toner on both sides; dark pages where it should be white



jariep
06-08-2005, 12:56 PM
Please look at my post of some time ago. I received one reply but I was asked a question and I asked some other questions as well in my second reply, with no response.

http://printertechsforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395

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Update:

I just wanted to tell you all that the printer is printing out pages like new. I'm not sure why, I'll tell you what I did, don't know if it makes any sense.

The pages that were being printed were really dirty and dark.

What I noticed was that there is a little plastic flap covering some sort of drum. I decided to clean it, first with a moist towel with some isopropyl alcohol. Afterwards, I decided to rotate what looked like a drum and wipe the excess toner with the dry & soft cloth that would be deposited on its surface as it rotated. I did this for about 5 minutes. I I then switched the dial for controling the amount of toner that is deposited all the way to number 1. I then changed it to number 5. (note: for some reason by lowering the number the toner got darker but the pages became lighter. I mean lighter in that the white areas were actually a dark gray were becoming lighter with the lower number.

I started to notice that the pages were no longer dark. I then switched toner cartridges and installed the new one, which apeared to be defective the first time I installed it, since the pages looked blotchy and gray. This time, the pages looked beautiful. I will post a scanned image of the printed pages so you can take a look at the before and after.

Thank you for answering my questions. I know you are all very busy. I was thinking that I needed a new printer, but now I realize that this printer has the chance of a long life.

One question, I would like to purchase a voltage regulator to protect the laserjet from surges. How many watts should the voltage regulator be able to handle to be able to power the Laserjet III?

Thank you, jariep

mattchall
06-09-2005, 03:15 PM
Glad to hear your prints are nice and clear. The print cartridge is the culprit for most print quality issues. As far as surge protection, a decent power bar works fine. Don't buy the cheapest from the dollar store, but you don't need to go overboard ($20.00 should be OK, Tripp-Lite, APC or other good brand). UPS systems aren't recommended with laser printers, especially older ones, due to the power fluctuations from the fuser. The power ratings of the power bar shouldn't be a concern as they should all be rated for 15 amps, 120VAC to meet electrical code anyway. If it has the UL or CSA sticker on it, it's fine.