Aficio 1515mf - slight shift

[sandmanmac]

I have a 1515mf that prints very well except for about the last inch on the right side (front of copier), that is shifted upwards slightly, causing a 'blurring' or 'wavy" effect in text and shaded areas.
I had this problem posted on another website, where I was unable to upload an example, and the description of my problem was quite tricky.
Hopefully the attached page will help in the troubleshooting .
My document was purposely scanned upside down to show that the flaw is created toward the front of the copier (away from the drive) but would obviously appear on the left, if you were holding it in the proper orientation
I have replaced the laser assy, transfer roller, and PCU and I get the same result.
Any ideas what else might cause this problem?
Thanks.

**I should add, that you get the same results whether copying, printing, or receiving faxes

[Ricoh-ono]

Probably a bad memory stick.

[schooltech]

I think I remember this on another forum. Now that I can see the picture, it looks like it is the alignment printout from an inkjet printer.

When you've printed out the SMC, is every setting related to the process control at factory spec? There are adjustments for fine lines, white plate adjustments, etc.

Not a common thing that I've seen, though, but I'd definitely make sure that all settings are in spec first. I didn't initially see the text shift, but it's minor.

Looking at it, I think it's something software related, as the shift moves up at the last of the scan, or moves down at the first of the scan. Either way, it looks like a main scan issue.

[Eric1968]

If replacing the laser unit doesn't solve the problem, I think the problem is in the BICU-Board. I would backup NV-RAM data, and perform a memory all clear. If that doesn't solve it, I would replace the BICU (or try to replace the machine by an MP161SPF).

[TonerMunkeh]

I vote laser unit, I've had a Kir do this before.

[sandmanmac]

I think I need to get my hands on a BICU to try.
Thanks for the tips, but 'yes' all SMC settings are in spec. There is no memory stcik installed -all factory memory. ALL firmware just updated to most recent, and TonerMunkeh, I would have also bet my life on the laser unit, until I replaced it and got the exact same result.
I'll post back once I try this.
Thanks again.

[nodle]

Just curious, does this only happen when copying, or does it happen on internal print outs, and on faxes also?

[sandmanmac]

Happens on all outputs

[category_five]

laser synch board

[sandmanmac]

You mean laser Diode assy? I Don't think there's a synch board per say???
Anyway, entire Laser assy has been swapped as stated.

[category_five]

You're right, there's no laser sync detector on the 1515, I was thinking of a similar problem on a 45 ppm that was solved by changing the PCB sync detector, but even then the image issue was more random than yours. Apparently the laser sync on the 1515 is integrated with the LD unit.

[nodle]

At this point I would be leaning to the BICU. I know one of the earlier post recommended that. Just courious is it possible that there is something out of place between the laser unit and the PCU? Does this problem present every single page,or is it intermittent? With the image shift is the paper folded or krinkled? Does the machine run nice and quiet,or is there any unusual sounds or vibrations?
The only thing I see in the gooses guide for blurry copies is to check the mirror placement, but you would have ruled that out with the new laser unit.
There is not much to this machine. Did this problem just start all of a sudden after a paper jam removal, or part replacement? Has the machine been moved from a different location? Does the shift appear on a outgoing fax on the recieving end?
Sorry about all the questions I'm just trying to eliminate as much as possible.

[Cipher]

I would backup NV-RAM data, and perform a memory all clear.

Just what I was thinking.

Print off the non-default SMC settings first though.