FW updates, when do you do it?

[techsxge]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

Thanks to all the feedback! All good stuff.

I concluded that there needs to be a solid and concrete reason to update, this may be at the set up for some, or later on when you see fit for others. It really might depend on the customer needs and trouble that arises and the service department personnel to do so.

I am going to do a taboo thing and piggy back on this thread and ask where do you get HP firmware updates for old machines? I noticed its not there on the hp website support for older models anymore. O how I wish I saved the files over the years updating different HP models.

@copier tech may have them on hand

[anothertech]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

I update the firmware when I go out to the machines for a service call. Better to be proactive. I've seen many times where techs are troubleshooting a problem and it turns out they just needed to update firmware. All that time and money wasted.

[wingit]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

Definitely not (except of security issues) since I learned already in the old days: "Never Touch a Running System"

Will never forget that I once gave the nice working EP-5400 (yes, I'm THAT old) in my BIL's office a good clean out of courtesy. I left a bricked machine with a blade flip and a damaged selenium drum.

Hans

Hi Hansoon,
The EP-5400 what I remember had a organic drum, your thinking of the EP-8600 Ep-8601, Ep-850, EP-550 POS. All Dogs in the U.S.
I am probably your age, Ep-450 cadmium , I am independent, I don't upgrade as well, only when I.T. wants to proceed. Working on Canon and some Minolta's.

[adecanmin]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

It's nice not having to use brasso anymore to clean those toxic selenium drums

[slimslob]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

It's nice not having to use brasso anymore to clean those toxic selenium drums

But you use it any less?

[adecanmin]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

But you use it any less?

Ha Ha
I haven't used any since the 80s.

[Vincent128]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

The Gallium Arsenic drums were prettier than the Selenium drums I always thought.

[Hansoon]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

Hi Hansoon,
The EP-5400 what I remember had a organic drum, your thinking of the EP-8600 Ep-8601, Ep-850, EP-550 POS. All Dogs in the U.S.
I am probably your age, Ep-450 cadmium , I am independent, I don't upgrade as well, only when I.T. wants to proceed. Working on Canon and some Minolta's.

You're right. The EP-5400 introduced in 1989 had an OPC drum.
My mistake, I was confused about the machine type. The machine of my BIL I had ruined was an EP-550Z introduced in 1984 and that one had a Selenium drum. The one with the cross-hatched surface. When I saw it for the first time, thought it was damaged

Feeling suddenly VERY old..........

Hans

[blackcat4866]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

You're right. The EP-5400 introduced in 1989 had an OPC drum.
My mistake, I was confused about the machine type. The machine of my BIL I had ruined was an EP-550Z introduced in 1984 and that one had a Selenium drum. The one with the cross-hatched surface. When I saw it for the first time, thought it was damaged

Feeling suddenly VERY old..........

Hans

LOL! Just thinking that not many folks here remember those machines. =^..^=

[eddy out]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

Recently the machines are being set up to update firmware automatically, except for security reasons. But, as for me, never unless it has a purpose. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I've made some nice lamps from used drums.

[copier tech]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

@copier tech may have them on hand

Thanks, yes we can help if required.

Printer Firmware Download

[techsxge]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

LOL! Just thinking that not many folks here remember those machines. =^..^=

I was not even born when that machine was introduced. My Parents didnt even knew each other in 1984 sooooooo

[tsbservice]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

Young or old doesn't matter with some things like common sense.

Back on topic: each to their own.
It's clear to me that old school techs prefer principal-
If it ain't broke, don't fix it, while others including me are more adventurous.

Who's is right really doesn't bother me as long as I can fix my own stupidity.

[Copier Mechanic]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

+1 on that. I've seen plenty of machines bricked by firmware updates, and relatively few fixed by them. I have to have a reason to update, before I do. =^..^=

What do you mean by BRICKED??

[slimslob]

Re: FW updates, when do you do it?

What do you mean by BRICKED??

Made useful as a boat anchor only.