HP DesignJet 800 print problems

[reckless]

I am having issues printing with my HP DesignJet 800. I installed drivers on Windows 8.1. It comes with a software HP Instant Print 3. Using that program to render pics it just hangs. Once it got finally through but nothing printed.

Please Help!

[blackcat4866]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

Discontinued in 2008 ... 13 years ago? =^..^=

[Bricorley]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

too old.. prob struggling to process and just drops

[Phil B.]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

I am having issues printing with my HP DesignJet 800. I installed drivers on Windows 8.1. It comes with a software HP Instant Print 3. Using that program to render pics it just hangs. Once it got finally through but nothing printed.

Please Help!

What driver did you install? Did you let wincrap 8.1 choose the driver/port?
If yes delete that go to HP site D/L the latest Make sure you don't install WSD ANYTHING.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[reckless]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

So I made the first mistake to use windows drivers. Then I went to HP and downloaded HP drivers. Then I was able to print a simple file in acrobat. I was succesful once printing using hp software, other hp software doesn't work with 800 (possibly best plotter ever, ink is $3 and lasts forever). I am just having issues getting file to Designjet. Designjet 500/510 are same as 800.

[Kiran Otter]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

I think your first mistake really is using Windows 8. You can download and use Windows 10 for free. But at any rate, there are no drivers for the 800 and Windows 8, or windows 10 for that matter. You have to download the Windows 7 drivers. They work on 10, I presume they work on 8. And make sure you get the 32 or 64 bit version to match your OS.

And use Foxit Reader instead of Adobe Reader to print PDFs. Also set the option to process the job 'in computer' in the driver.

Kiran

[Kiran Otter]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

I forgot to mention there are 2 drivers for Windows 7, HPGL2 and PCL. You can use either. I tend to always use the HPGL2 driver.

Kiran

[PrintWhisperer]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

Kiran is right HPGL/2 is the go-to for plotter rendering, especially in the older models and CAD apps.

These are not certified for Windows 8.1 so take it to 10:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-designjet-800-printer-series/25302/swItemId/pl-112185-1

Here is the thread from the HP forum where the above was linked:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/DesignJet-Large-Format-Printers-Digital-Press/HP-Designjet-800-Plotter-Drivers/td-p/5900558

[reckless]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

Thanks to everybody for your help. I got the printer working after a lot of trial and error. The windows 7 driver was key. Also there was one windows update that made a difference.

I have a new question. Inkjet printers are nice but is there any nicer technology for printing posters? Currently I am using regular stock paper and would like colors that pop and are more vivid. Both inkjet and laser feel a bit flat. I'm ordering glossy paper and gloss spray but not sure if it will make super vibrant posters. I'm trying to make 10,000+ posters as give aways. The ink for HP 800 is super cheap $3/cartridge. I like that also its supposed to be pretty heavy duty but not sure if oil based inks would make nicer posters to hang up in homes? HP 800 doesn't handle oil based inks.

[Kiran Otter]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

If you're doing artwork that is meant to last a long time, the aqueous (water) based inks in the 800 aren't for you. You want either latex, or eco-solvent, or with HP a printer that uses the 'HP Vivid Photo Inks', like the Designjet Z9.

The best you can do with the 800 is use a satin or glossy media, and spray-seal it or laminate it. Or if you can find someone who puts UV versions of the inks in the 800 ink cartridges. I don't know that exists but it might.

Kiran

[reckless]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

Thanks for your feedback. Will untreated aqueous ink last 2-3 years on a bedroom wall?

Will spray seal preserve aqueous ink 10+ years?

Is it worth buying glossy paper if I am spray sealing it?

[reckless]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

Rust-Oleum 264985 Specialty Clear Triple Thick Spray, Clear, 12-Ounce - Spray Paints - Amazon.com
I bought this one because it was cheap. Not sure if its wrong sealant.

[Kiran Otter]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

Yes, using photo paper would help the look. Aqueous ink is absorbed into bond paper, where with photo paper the dots stay on the surface and don't coalesce (merge together/bleed. At least this is what I've been told. Someone else might have more experience.) I prefer a satin/semi-gloss media over full glossy because of the light reflection you get from glossy.. but it's up to you.

This is the kind of stuff I've seen print shops use. Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol, 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss - Spray Paints - Amazon.com I can't really speak to how long a print will last though. Maybe Krylon has more info on their website.

Untreated in an air-conditioned environment, not exposed to sunlight, I would think it would last 2-3 years. If it's not air conditioned or gets humid, less.

Kiran

[PrintWhisperer]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

With aqueous ink absorbancy is key. For CMYK subtractive we need discrete dots which don't run together. Gloss and Matte are at cross purposes so if anyone has used a good example of this I would love to hear what it is.

Certainly with slow speed/fast drying inks you might get away with gloss but I've only recently had to re-engage with liquid machines in the Kyo Pro15000c and the color gets worse with non-absorbancy. You want a nice depth to those dots to bring out the color.

[reckless]

Re: HP DesignJet 800 print problems

If I am cold laminating 42" posters manually with thick glossy roll is it better to use regular paper or glossy photo paper?