[Electrical] Issue connect with HP DesignJet 815MFD Scanner (Scanner 4200?) -

[Rafael Moreira D'Andrea]

Hello everyone,

We are a nonprofit organization based in São Paulo, Brazil, dedicated to preserving and digitizing critical architectural materials. Recently, we received an HP DesignJet 815MFD scanner as a donation, which is crucial for our activities. However, we are experiencing technical issues with the equipment and urgently need help to resolve them. The Setup:

• The scanner is connected to its original HP computer (running Windows 2000) with the HP software version 3.0.1 pre-installed.
• Wide software is also installed for communication and drivers.
• The scanner is recognized in the Device Manager by name but has a yellow exclamation mark with the error: “This device cannot start (Code 10).”
• The Wide software does not detect the scanner, even though it appears in the Device Manager.

Steps Taken So Far:

1. Replaced the FireWire cable to rule out cable issues.
2. Physically inspected the scanner, including the FireWire interface board (in apparent good condition).
3. Installed the latest driver version available.
4. Replaced the BIOS battery in the original HP computer.
5. Consulted the service manual; no error messages appear on the scanner’s front panel.
6. Confirmed the power supply outputs match specifications. (The 5.3v before regulate is 5.5V (now is ok, 5.3V) Only 3.3V is now 2.9V (how regulate?)

We also tested the scanner on a different computer with another FireWire card, but the issue persists. The Challenge:


Unfortunately, after reaching out to HP and several service providers, we learned that:

• This model has no technical support in Brazil.
• It was imported in limited quantities, and no local expertise or spare parts are available.
• HP does not indicate any partner companies for assistance, as the equipment is discontinued.

Request for Assistance:


We are seeking guidance or support from technicians or experts familiar with this scanner model. Any advice, troubleshooting steps, or recommendations would be immensely appreciated. If there are alternative ways to address or bypass the issue, we are open to exploring them.

Our organization depends heavily on this scanner, and we hope to restore it to working condition soon.

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide!

[Kiran Otter]

The 815 is a antique at this point. I'd try uninstalling the scanner from the device manager, then unplug it, and plug it in again. Let Windows re-detect it. Maybe restart the PC before reconnecting it. The 'device cannot start' is a driver issue.

Be aware that the firewire ports on the scanner are notoriously flimsy. When I had one I had to fold up a business card and wedge it under or over the connector so it would make contact. Eventually the IO card failed and I could never see it connected to any PC.

If you have an old XP machine with a firewire port, I can send you the WideImage disks and you can use the scanner on the PC. These include the driver for the scanner.

Kiran

[Kiran Otter]

Also, make sure the smart card isn't missing or not inserted correctly. I've never quite understood what the purpose of this card is but I have a feeling it gives the scanner its model designation. I don't believe it will be recognized by the PC without it. It's in a tray with a push-in-pop-out mechanism, behind the plastic strip across the front of the scanner.

Kiran

[Rafael Moreira D'Andrea]

Also, make sure the smart card isn't missing or not inserted correctly. I've never quite understood what the purpose of this card is but I have a feeling it gives the scanner its model designation. I don't believe it will be recognized by the PC without it. It's in a tray with a push-in-pop-out mechanism, behind the plastic strip across the front of the scanner.

Kiran

Hi Kiran! Thank you for your help.

I tried both solutions without success. I appreciate your efforts to assist me.

The FireWire port seems fine; I tested it with a multimeter.

I recapped the interface board today, but unfortunately, it still doesn't work.

I know the scanner is old, but since it was a donation, we need to try to make it work so the institute can have at least one functioning unit.

I connected it to my MacBook Pro (a1278, from 2011) today, and it gets recognized, but there’s no software available for the Mac to operate it…

I’ll test the Wide you sent and will update you soon!

Do you have any other suggestions? Thank you!

[Kiran Otter]

I forgot to ask, what is the status of the LEDs on the front panel?

[Rafael Moreira D'Andrea]

I forgot to ask, what is the status of the LEDs on the front panel?

Everything seems normal! The yellow light stays on at the "waiting" symbol.

Inside, on the main board, the green light remains steady while the yellow one blinks slowly, as if waiting for a command.

I’ve checked the entire manual for this model, and there are no error messages or issues indicated on the LED panel (no error codes).

I’m considering buying a new integrated circuit from Texas Instruments and replacing the current one on the communication board, since I can’t find a complete used board in good condition for sale.

Do you have any other ideas or suggestions? Anything could be helpful at this point.

[Kiran Otter]

Ok. The yellow light on probably means it's trying to stitch the cameras, but shouldn't prevent you communicating with the scanner. I'm sorry but I don't have any other ideas. I was at the same point with my own scanner and ended up sending it to the dump. It just stopped communicating with the PC for no reason I could ever find. There are other versions of the communications board that have USB instead of Firewire. At the time I found one on ebay but it was more expensive than I was willing to spend to keep a scanner I never used working.

I wish you luck. Please keep us posted with any successes. (And failures.)

Kiran

[Rafael Moreira D'Andrea]

Ok. The yellow light on probably means it's trying to stitch the cameras, but shouldn't prevent you communicating with the scanner. I'm sorry but I don't have any other ideas. I was at the same point with my own scanner and ended up sending it to the dump. It just stopped communicating with the PC for no reason I could ever find. There are other versions of the communications board that have USB instead of Firewire. At the time I found one on ebay but it was more expensive than I was willing to spend to keep a scanner I never used working.

I wish you luck. Please keep us posted with any successes. (And failures.)

Kiran

Wow! There's a USB version? Could you tell me which model it is? I'll go after it right away!

I sent an email to Contex asking for help. Even if they no longer provide support, they might still assist, right? It doesn’t hurt to try.

Also, I’m looking at another scanner and considering bidding on an HP DesignJet HD Pro at an auction. Do you know anything about it? Haha.

[Kiran Otter]

The 'HD Pro' is a far simpler scanner and far more modern with a lot less to go wrong with it. I think you'd be far better off with one. Or any late model Contex scanner. The only downside is the the CID scanner elements are costly to replace if they fail.

The part number I have for the USB version of the interface board is Q1278-60015. It appears Wide Image Solutions has one.

https://wideimagesolutions.com/products/interface-board-for-the-hp-designjet-815mfp-5500mfp-4200-series-q1278-60015-refurbished

I can't be sure it's USB but the connectors appear to be different from the firewire board (which is Q1277-60004). I could be wrong about all this. I'd contact them and ask.

Another good source of info and scanners is Wide Scanners and Systems. widescansystems.com

Kiran