Is this a bad drum?

[Vulkor]

I look forward to hearing the Fix for this.

You just did Engine and Printer? Not all Firmware?

[kduray]

Yes, only the engine and printer firmware - is there another I should update?

[Shadow1]

If you're going to update firmware, its best to do it all - sometimes there are incompatibilities between versions.

Your fuzzy black line is likely caused by toner scattering from the thickness of the layer created when the pdf file prints process black (C+M+Y+K instead of just K) and is typical of what I see on this machine.

I have a feeling your ID sensors are dirty and its got the process control hosed. Clean everything up (including the scanner), and run an ACC - that will force Line Position and ProCon. Then repeat your test images - one process control cycle may not fully correct the problem, but you should see an improvement.

[blackcat4866]

I'd have to agree with Shadow. PDFs do tend to fuzz out heavy black line when created as composite black, even when color registration is perfect.

[Vulkor]

If you're going to update firmware, its best to do it all - sometimes there are incompatibilities between versions.

Your fuzzy black line is likely caused by toner scattering from the thickness of the layer created when the pdf file prints process black (C+M+Y+K instead of just K) and is typical of what I see on this machine.

I have a feeling your ID sensors are dirty and its got the process control hosed. Clean everything up (including the scanner), and run an ACC - that will force Line Position and ProCon. Then repeat your test images - one process control cycle may not fully correct the problem, but you should see an improvement.

I was going to say the same thing about Firmware. I've been told ALWAYS Do them All. But Read the PDFs. Many of them need all of them to work right.

Portion I bolded above is what I thought too, but was uneasy in saying. Hate to be wrong. I did learn something about things in your last paragraph.


blackcat4866
"I'd have to agree with Shadow. PDFs do tend to fuzz out heavy black line when created as composite black, even when color registration is perfect."

Yeah for some reason PDF's do tend to blast.

[banginbishop]

I may be a bit late in saying this, but the registration is looking out of time. As said before clean your ID sensors

clean your optics.

run 2111-3 then 2111-1
check 2194-10/11/12 they should all read 1
run 3011 Normal then 3011 Full Music
check 3011 and again they should all be 11111111 - if not refere to the service manual.

Then Run the ACC.

This should set your copy quailty back to spec and then you can trouble shoot if needed e.g. sp 2109/4417 etc.

[kduray]

First, I am so very appreciative of everyone's help here.

I have updated ALL of the firmware, cleaned the ID sensors, and the lasers, and ran all of the test per previous suggestions.

As mentioned previously, I have replaced the black PCU/Drum. I know that part is not defective because I have tested it on another machine without issues.

I'm attaching my most recent test prints, printed directly from InDesign. This is obviously an issue singled out to black printing. I just don't understand it - it has rendered the machine completely useless, as nearly everything we print has black. I'm ready to take it into an open field and bash the bageezes out of it - "Office Space" style.

I pointed out the areas on the black page that have issue - as you can see they are spaced fairly evenly along the page.

I would be forever thankful for a solution to this! It's made my life as a small business owner a living hell!!!

[Shadow1]

The scan you posted is not high enough resolution to see exactly what is going on, but you have highlighted a repeating pattern with an exact interval. Measure the interval - you are looking for a problem with or related to a roller / gear / belt / pulley / etc. with that exact circumfrence

[category_five]

I'm attaching my most recent test prints, printed directly from InDesign.

I would be forever thankful for a solution to this! It's made my life as a small business owner a living hell!!!

If the machine is giving you that much grief you should hire a technician to fix it. That being said-

Small business owner, using Adobe products. Sounds like a Mac Shop.

If you are using a Mac the results from different applications can vary. You can try saving your Adobe project in a standard format (jpg png bmp) and printing it from a different program. If indesign has layers then you can also try merging the layers before printing. Another problem that Macs have is the results from different OS versions vary. This is especially noticeable when comparing results between 9.x and 10.x.

If you're using a PC try a different driver. If you're using PCL6 try the RPCS driver and vice versa. Also I have been told that adding the post script option can help when printing PDFs, but I've never witnessed the results.

This is all, of course, assuming that by complaining about prints, you're confirming that you've isolated it down to a printing problem and not an engine problem. If that is not the case then ignore my advice and hire a competent technician.

[Scott_Lewis]

I'm attaching my most recent test prints, printed directly from InDesign.

I pointed out the areas on the black page that have issue - as you can see they are spaced fairly evenly along the page.

I would be forever thankful for a solution to this! It's made my life as a small business owner a living hell!!!

Your test print is too 'delicate' I'm not seeing the same details you are. I would rather see two different printouts. 1. Do a solid 80% black on a full page. 2. Do a sky shot by opening the cover and make a copy. Sometimes the lights will cause uneven print. If so, block out the direct lighting to the copier. Would also like a test print from the service mode. But, I'm not gonna go there.

Its fine that you are doing most of your own maintenance. However, there comes a time now and again that calls for the experience and expertise of a service tech.