Handy Tools

[Kenny]

Hi Guys,

haven't got an issue but was just wondering is there some really handy tools/software to have in general for engineers,

we currently work on a wide variety of photocopiers and do a lot of installations just wondering if anyone has any suggestions

[Saturn]

Re: Handy Tools

Ricoh Firmware Update Tool - This allows the customers IT people to update the firmware of many Ricoh devices at the same time.
Canon Remote Operation Viewer - This allows help desk staff and IT people to operate the device remotely as if they were standing at the machine.

[techsxge]

Re: Handy Tools

Angry IP Scanner / Advanced IP Scanner for quick Network checks (For exmaple in remote supportwith unreachable network printer its usefull)
Other than that some simple selfwritten programms to help with mass installation of printer drivers etc

[rrrohan]

Re: Handy Tools

TeamViewer has easily saved me hundreds of hours of driving to site over the years

MX Lookup Tool - Check your DNS MX Records online - MxToolbox is also handy for scan to email issues

WireShark for data captures to help diagnose scan to folder/email

Network cable tester for customers with data point that aren't numbered

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Handy Tools

One of the best tools is CTN.net. If you have a tough problem, just start a thread and like magic, you'll most likely get the correct solution.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Handy Tools

One of the most valuable tools that I use a lot is a network cable tracer. I prefer one that can be used while the network is up and running. It can be incredibly frustrating to track down a cable that has been pludgged into the wrong port at the patch panel or wherever.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Networks-IntelliTone-Toner-MT-8200-60-KIT/dp/B00N2S6RPY/ref=asc_df_B00N2S6RPY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309803885710&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4796928683396597894&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014051&hvtargid=pla-442649415798&psc=1&mcid=9ae3e32ca2fd3b6bb413e34fd3e9f4a9&gclid=CjwKCAiA7t6sBhAiEiwAsaieYpgprq1OVnIAH4qwdm4K6mW-eBbNd-ilbV5OeZtr3GBFG9X0lxGG4xoC25kQAvD_BwE

[mojorolla]

Re: Handy Tools

A laptop with an actual cat5 network port is a must, this is used for creating an "ad-hoc" network for troubleshooting print issues.

As mentioned, Advanced Ip Scanner, great as you can simply run it, don't have to install it to use.

For help desk, a remote access software. We use Kaseya but others like TeamViewer and AnyDesk basically do the same thing.

TightVNC. Small, simple, free and you don't have to use passwords. Always blows customers minds when you bring up the machine's op panel on their desktop. Also allows you to see what the customer is actually doing on the op panel (depending on model).

TB+ external HDD. I have more manuals and firmware than will fit on my laptops drive. Can also store firmware, test files, naked pics of Bea Arthur, etc.

USB thumb drives. I have one for test files, one for firmware, and one for general use.

Kyocera SMB tool. Makes configuring SMB a breeze when networking Kyocera devices.

Last, and most important in my humble opinion, a working understanding of how printers, copiers and networks work. Without this, all other tools are completely useless.

[techsxge]

Re: Handy Tools

A laptop with an actual cat5 network port is a must, this is used for creating an "ad-hoc" network for troubleshooting print issues.

As mentioned, Advanced Ip Scanner, great as you can simply run it, don't have to install it to use.

For help desk, a remote access software. We use Kaseya but others like TeamViewer and AnyDesk basically do the same thing.

TightVNC. Small, simple, free and you don't have to use passwords. Always blows customers minds when you bring up the machine's op panel on their desktop. Also allows you to see what the customer is actually doing on the op panel (depending on model).

TB+ external HDD. I have more manuals and firmware than will fit on my laptops drive. Can also store firmware, test files, naked pics of Bea Arthur, etc.

USB thumb drives. I have one for test files, one for firmware, and one for general use.

Kyocera SMB tool. Makes configuring SMB a breeze when networking Kyocera devices.


Last, and most important in my humble opinion, a working understanding of how printers, copiers and networks work. Without this, all other tools are completely useless.

occasionally you also need a screwdriver but thats often times it for 90% of calls

[mojorolla]

Re: Handy Tools

occasionally you also need a screwdriver but thats often times it for 90% of calls

You could also add a hammer, ya know, to work on Konica Minolta iSeries boxes.

[tsbservice]

Re: Handy Tools

occasionally you also need a screwdriver but thats often times it for 90% of calls

Screwdriver is the heart of service tech. Thanks God we're not all day long at remote, that would be the end for me.

We use TV, Anydesk, KM remote panel, all sorts of MFPs remote supervisions are essential also.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Handy Tools

Who has a Holding Screwdriver in their kit?

[slimslob]

Re: Handy Tools

Who has a Holding Screwdriver in their kit?

I preferred using a magnetized driver. A holding driver is fine for starting a screw but not that great for removing. I got tired of having to find screws after they fell into the machine.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Handy Tools

I preferred using a magnetized driver. A holding driver is fine for starting a screw but not that great for removing. I got tired of having to find screws after they fell into the machine.

A holding driver is really only used for starting a screw. It's invaluable when you don't have a clear and unobstructed path to the screw hole. In this instance, if you try to use a magnetic driver and the screw hits something that blocks the path, the screw will shift on the magnetic tip and you can't start the screw.

[rrrohan]

Re: Handy Tools

also on Konica Minolta, the Driver Packaging Utility.

IT can put the admin credentials into the installer file so it can be installed by users which dont have admin rights (which should be every user)

saves IT needing to remote access 10+ PC's just to type login at the UAC prompt for me

[techsxge]

Re: Handy Tools

You could also add a hammer, ya know, to work on Konica Minolta iSeries boxes.

Hey, don't fix them!