On Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:46:46 -0500,
kabowers@... wrote:
> When you are ready to print, look at print quality under printer
> properties; set for best quality, highest resolution, etc. All sorts
> of things may be hidden under "advanced" settings.
>
> The kind of paper selected in printer setup may also make a difference
> in toner density.
>
> It might also help to stir up the toner. Remove the toner cartridge
> and, while holding it horizontally, roll it back and forth along the long
> axis.
> Then rock the ends up and down a few times. Then maybe shake it gently
> end-to-end.
Thanks for the info, everyone. I'll do a little more experimenting before
giving up on the printer, but I'm going to hedge my bet and pick up an HP
P1006 from Staples on the way home and return it if I can get mine working.
I've got two off-brand cartridges, both of which seem to exhibit the same
quarter-inch-wide stripe down the left third of the page and generally thin
toner density, even with all of the settings properly set up for max
density. The stripe makes me think that there's something else that needs
maintenance, ∗on top∗ of needing a good toner cartridge (probably an
official HP one). Just a replacement cartridge for this printer is north
of $50 on eBay, which I would gladly do if I thought that was all I needed.
Live and learn. This printer's still got plenty of life left in it, I
think, just not for PCBs!
--
Brian Lalor
blalor@...