L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

[Kiran Otter]

Re: L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

Sorry, I assumed you knew how to enter the service mode on power up. Hold down the cancel and up buttons, then press and hold the power button until you see the HP logo, then release all three buttons. You might consider using the 'Force Diagnostic Mode' to keep the printer in diagnostic mode between restarts.

The force firmware upgrade uses the printer's web server to upload the .fmw file downloaded from HP. You don't need a .plt file. I would probably leave this as a last resort if replacing the parts doesn't work.

This is all explained in the service manual.

The OMAS PCA is available directly from HP's part store. It's $239.80. If it doesn't work you can return it for a restocking fee. (I wouldn't give Partshere a penny IMHO.)

Kiran

[Kiran Otter]

Re: L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

By the way, if you do get the used OMAS, if it comes with the cable (hopefully) you can just plug it into the OMAS PCA and see if the printer boots, saving having to install it which is a bear.

Kiran

[pbrooks259]

Re: L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

I don't mean any offense whatsoever and good idea on just plugging the OMAS cable into the OMAS PCA.:

As best as I know, I cannot boot to the Service Menu, which contains the "OMAS disable/enable" and the "Force FW Upgrade" menu options.

I can only get into the Diagnostic Menu by pressing and releasing the 3 buttons you note.

OMAS disable/enable is not available in the "Diagnostic Menu".

Force Firmware Upgrade is not available in the "Diagnostic Menu".

As best as I know I can only upgrade the FW via an Emergency FW Upgrade which as far as I know needs the ".plt" file.

....I kinda know what you mean about partshere.com, they have kinda seemed to employ bait and switch with their prices. I don't think I have ever bought anything from them. So far as hp parts I had communication problems and just gave up. I bought from sparepartswarehouse.com for a long time and then they went under. I have bought some from alinc.com.

I kinda like LPS Computer some but they are a bit pricey especially selling used (tested?) parts. For example their OMAS module is about $186. I guess the premium you have to pay for a more reliable used part.

Thanks.
Paul

[Kiran Otter]

Re: L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

You're right, Paul. I apologize. I'm confusing the diagnostic mode with the service menu.

I'll find out about the .plt file. I've never had to do the firmware update via FTP. I really doubt this is the problem. Perhaps trying the HD recovery first might tell us something.

Kiran

[pbrooks259]

Re: L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

Yeah, I like the thought about perhaps the FW is not fully loading and causing the error or something related to the FW.

So maybe I will try the hard drive recovery, if something else does not work before that.

Again, good idea on plugging OMAS module in first before installing it, if I get it. Asking used parts sellers now if they would include cable.

But again: A few years ago I got the front panel message of: "OMAS not reading...." Does this mean anything to you in relation to the present error? Makes me think it is the OMAS module. I got this message the last time it was fired up.

I'm ashamed I have let this sit for 3 years at least.

Thanks very much.
Paul

[Kiran Otter]

Re: L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

I believe the OMAS not reading message indicates it can't 'see' the back of the media because it's either too smooth or in the case of clear media, or the OMAS window is dirty. I don't think it's related to the error. Did you get it just once or twice or all the time and with different medias?

And 3 years? I'd expect to have to replace all of the printheads. That's a costly job.

Kiran

[Kiran Otter]

Re: L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

I got an answer about the .plt files; there are none for that printer.

Kiran

[pbrooks259]

Re: L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

OK, thanks so very much for your input. I am very appreciative. I've got $1900 into this thing and am trying to make it pan out.

I was informed of the front panel statement of "OMAS not reading...." before I bought it 3 years ago. Since then unfortunately I have let it sit. ....I do not know the specifics related to this statement beyond exactly what it states.

It also before I bought it was showing system error 14.05:00 low dryer voltage. But the previous or a previous owner had jeery rigged it to work off 1 220V plug rather than 2 for which it was designed. So I thought that contributed to the error. I have been working to address the 1 circuit, changing it back to 2 circuits--2 plugs.

But it has only shown 50.1:11 since I have fired it up.

UPDATE FOR NOW:

I moved the OMAS controller PCA up 1 slot...no change.

I couldn't move the sausalito PCA; it can only go in the bottom slot as best as I could tell. There is a slot up above but with no slot for trailing cable???? to attach to left as you face the back.

I recovered the hard drive...no change.

I reset the EEROM...no change.

I'm going to spring for a spare OMAS module $100. Hopefully I can get a cable with it. The lowest cost method.

Well, it could be the cable between the PCA and module, but I doubt it.

Thanks.

Hoping the ink tubes are OK, but I would purge them just in case--apply air pressure from the ISS end and extract ink and possibly air at the carriage end. But I've seen it done oppositely--apply suction at the carriage end and then apply pressure at the ISS end driving ink and possibly air into the syringe creating suction at the carriage.

[pbrooks259]

Re: L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

UPDATE:

I tried a "good" used OMAS module ($100, but who knows what you are getting with "used"? I kinda have to assume it was "good".). And I tried a "new" OMAS cable ($20). I still get system error 50.1:11.

Fortunately, I THINK I can return the OMAS module purchased on ebay for a full refund and I pay return shipping.

So, I will now try a good used or new (new seems to be all I can find) OMAS controller PCA (new $235.54 incl. shipping).

Thanks very much for all your input.

Paul

[pbrooks259]

Re: L26500 or Latex 260 - can I use a previously used OMAS controller PCA?

Long delay, I finally replaced the OMAS controller and that resolved the system error 50.1:11

Now I get 24:10, dang it! I may start a new thread about that.

Thanks for your input.