How do I get inside this?

[Terry Pinnell]

My LexMark Z23 Printer's power supply unit has suddenly died on me.
240 V is reaching it, but the 30V at 0.4A output is conspicuously
absent. Nor is there any resistance across the mains inputs. (But, as
I'm unsure what sort of power unit this is, maybe I shouldn't expect
any; is there conceivably a capacitor in series?) Definitely nothing
at the output contacts though. No idea what could have caused failure.

Anyway, I desperately need to know how to get into the unit to attempt
a fix. It's a litle rectangular case about 65 x 65 mm, with one corner
beveled off, and 30 mm deep. FWIW, here's an illustration of it:
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/LexMarkZ23Power.jpg

It can be pulled from main unit after removing latter's covers. On
removing the single self-tapping screw, I expected to be able to prise
the halves apart, but it's just not budging. What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Maybe a hacksaw...

--
Terry Pinnell
Hobbyist, West Sussex, UK

 

[John Woodgate]

I read in sci.electronics.design that Terry Pinnell <terrypinDELETE@dial
..pipexTHIS.com> wrote (in <v9bq009kpdqmmad6bo4hhvrgp500c13lrc@4ax.com&gt
about 'How do I get inside this?', on Tue, 20 Jan 2004:

What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Maybe. Or sometimes they are ultrasonically welded.

Maybe a hacksaw...

Yes, probably the only practicable way. But go carefully (not that you
wouldn't, of course).
--
Regards, John Woodgate, OOO - Own Opinions Only. http://www.jmwa.demon.co.uk
Interested in professional sound reinforcement and distribution? Then go to
http://www.isce.org.uk
PLEASE do NOT copy news posts to me by E-MAIL!

 

[Paul Burridge]

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 13:32:37 +0000, Terry Pinnell
<terrypinDELETE@dial.pipexTHIS.com> wrote:

My LexMark Z23 Printer's power supply unit has suddenly died on me.
240 V is reaching it, but the 30V at 0.4A output is conspicuously
absent. Nor is there any resistance across the mains inputs. (But, as
I'm unsure what sort of power unit this is, maybe I shouldn't expect
any; is there conceivably a capacitor in series?) Definitely nothing
at the output contacts though. No idea what could have caused failure.

Anyway, I desperately need to know how to get into the unit to attempt
a fix. It's a litle rectangular case about 65 x 65 mm, with one corner
beveled off, and 30 mm deep. FWIW, here's an illustration of it:
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/LexMarkZ23Power.jpg

It can be pulled from main unit after removing latter's covers. On
removing the single self-tapping screw, I expected to be able to prise
the halves apart, but it's just not budging. What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Most likely those annoying little springy catches moulded into the
plastic that snap into a recess when the two halves are mated.
--

My opinion is worth what you've paid for it.

 

[Jerry G.]

These supplies are not designed for being serviceable. They are usually
ultrasonically welded, or on permanent snaps. You may have to use a hacksaw
to open it. These supplies are considered disposable modules.

If the internal fuse is blown, there will most likely be some failed or
shorted components. Once you get inside, and if you can locate the defective
parts, depending if the parts are proprietary or not, will determine their
availability.

If you consider the time and effort, it would pay to buy another supply from
them. I am sure that these are not very expensive. If it is one of these
low cost printers, it pays more to change the complete printer. Even these
printers are built as disposable. You will find that there is no service
support for them either.

As for reading the input with an ohm meter, most of these supplies may read
infinite, even if working correctly. This is because they are highly
reactive units, and are of very high efficiency.

--

Greetings,

Jerry Greenberg GLG Technologies GLG
=========================================
WebPage http://www.zoom-one.com
Electronics http://www.zoom-one.com/electron.htm
=========================================


"Terry Pinnell" <terrypinDELETE@dial.pipexTHIS.com> wrote in message
news:v9bq009kpdqmmad6bo4hhvrgp500c13lrc@4ax.com...
My LexMark Z23 Printer's power supply unit has suddenly died on me.
240 V is reaching it, but the 30V at 0.4A output is conspicuously
absent. Nor is there any resistance across the mains inputs. (But, as
I'm unsure what sort of power unit this is, maybe I shouldn't expect
any; is there conceivably a capacitor in series?) Definitely nothing
at the output contacts though. No idea what could have caused failure.

Anyway, I desperately need to know how to get into the unit to attempt
a fix. It's a litle rectangular case about 65 x 65 mm, with one corner
beveled off, and 30 mm deep. FWIW, here's an illustration of it:
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/LexMarkZ23Power.jpg

It can be pulled from main unit after removing latter's covers. On
removing the single self-tapping screw, I expected to be able to prise
the halves apart, but it's just not budging. What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Maybe a hacksaw...

--
Terry Pinnell
Hobbyist, West Sussex, UK

 

[Steve Sousa]

Terry Pinnell wrote:

removing the single self-tapping screw, I expected to be able to prise
the halves apart, but it's just not budging. What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Maybe a hacksaw...

Hi:

Most of these things are ultrasonically welded.
Believe it or not, the best way to open that kind of enclosure with nearly
no damage is not a hacksaw, and definitely not a screwdriver on the sides,
the best solution is a hammer, a plastic hammer works best, place the thing
on a solid surface and slam it with the hammer several times on each side,
it will simply separate with no damage, believe me, i discovered this trying
to get my revenge on a similar dammed thing, a HP power supply for a printer
and instead of destroying it it poped open!

Greetings

--
Steve Sousa

 

[Barry Lennox]

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 13:32:37 +0000, Terry Pinnell
<terrypinDELETE@dial.pipexTHIS.com> wrote:

My LexMark Z23 Printer's power supply unit has suddenly died on me.
240 V is reaching it, but the 30V at 0.4A output is conspicuously
absent. Nor is there any resistance across the mains inputs. (But, as
I'm unsure what sort of power unit this is, maybe I shouldn't expect
any; is there conceivably a capacitor in series?) Definitely nothing
at the output contacts though. No idea what could have caused failure.

Anyway, I desperately need to know how to get into the unit to attempt
a fix. It's a litle rectangular case about 65 x 65 mm, with one corner
beveled off, and 30 mm deep. FWIW, here's an illustration of it:
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/LexMarkZ23Power.jpg

It can be pulled from main unit after removing latter's covers. On
removing the single self-tapping screw, I expected to be able to prise
the halves apart, but it's just not budging. What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Nope, will probably be welded. Often these respond to careful pressure
from a large bench vise, just keep winding up the pressure, and one
side will "pop" if you are lucky. If not I use a few judicious cuts
with the bandsaw.

Barry Lennox

 

[JeffM]

What on earth can be holding it together - glue?
...ultrasonically welded.

Maybe a hacksaw
Terry Pinnell

those annoying little springy catches moulded into the plastic
that snap into a recess when the two halves are mated.
Paul Burridge

I'm thinking soldering iron with hammered-flat tip.
Gonna stink, but may result in a less munged shell.
Then DUCT TAPE.
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:0bqqWKK4EK4J:home.att.net/~tvthemelyrics/red-green.htm+Red-Green+%22handyman%27s+secret+weapon%22+%22lumpy+tape%22+%22Mexican+Solder%22&hl=en&lr=lang_en&ie=UTF-8

 

[Allodoxaphobia]

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 13:32:37 +0000, Terry Pinnell hath writ:

Anyway, I desperately need to know how to get into the unit to attempt
a fix. It's a litle rectangular case about 65 x 65 mm, with one corner
beveled off, and 30 mm deep. FWIW, here's an illustration of it:
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/LexMarkZ23Power.jpg

Using a small "dull" (i.e., it ain't your Best) chisel and a small
wooden mallet -- go right 'round the seam -- tapping firmly. It
may take several trips around the seam. But, eventually, one side
will start to "cooperate". It may work out better if the unit
has spent an hour or so in the freezer. Then start using a thin
blade knife to "convince" the other sides to open.

Acetone, MEK, or that ilk ought to put it back together.

HTH
Jonesy
--
| Marvin L Jones | jonz | W3DHJ | OS/2
| Gunnison, Colorado | @ | Jonesy | linux __
| 7,703' -- 2,345m | config.com | DM68mn SK

 

[Terry Pinnell]

John Woodgate <jmw@jmwa.demon.contraspam.yuk> wrote:

I read in sci.electronics.design that Terry Pinnell <terrypinDELETE@dial
.pipexTHIS.com> wrote (in <v9bq009kpdqmmad6bo4hhvrgp500c13lrc@4ax.com&gt
about 'How do I get inside this?', on Tue, 20 Jan 2004:

What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Maybe. Or sometimes they are ultrasonically welded.

Maybe a hacksaw...

Yes, probably the only practicable way. But go carefully (not that you
wouldn't, of course).

Yes, it seemed to be sort of welded together (ultrasonic welding says
Jerry up-thread). But it yielded to a hacksaw. Didn't do me much good
though. Nothing I can fix. Astonishingly compact little supply.

Croc-clips and my home made power supply at the extreme of its 2-30V
range has got me printing again for now. And I've just bid for another
identical model on ebay UK, closing tomorrow night. Goes against the
grain, as it's not a brilliant printer - but I only recently bought
several cartridges for small fortune!

Thanks for all the replies.

--
Terry Pinnell
Hobbyist, West Sussex, UK

 

[Terry Pinnell]

"Steve Sousa" <etsteve@yahoo.com> wrote:

Terry Pinnell wrote:

removing the single self-tapping screw, I expected to be able to prise
the halves apart, but it's just not budging. What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Maybe a hacksaw...

Hi:

Most of these things are ultrasonically welded.
Believe it or not, the best way to open that kind of enclosure with nearly
no damage is not a hacksaw, and definitely not a screwdriver on the sides,
the best solution is a hammer, a plastic hammer works best, place the thing
on a solid surface and slam it with the hammer several times on each side,
it will simply separate with no damage, believe me, i discovered this trying
to get my revenge on a similar dammed thing, a HP power supply for a printer
and instead of destroying it it poped open!

Maybe I'll try that next time. Or maybe not. I suspect when I did it,
there'd be bits all over the place!

--
Terry Pinnell
Hobbyist, West Sussex, UK

 

[YD]

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 14:06:20 +0000, Paul Burridge
<pb@osiris1.notthisbit.co.uk> wrote:

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 13:32:37 +0000, Terry Pinnell
terrypinDELETE@dial.pipexTHIS.com> wrote:

My LexMark Z23 Printer's power supply unit has suddenly died on me.
240 V is reaching it, but the 30V at 0.4A output is conspicuously
absent. Nor is there any resistance across the mains inputs. (But, as
I'm unsure what sort of power unit this is, maybe I shouldn't expect
any; is there conceivably a capacitor in series?) Definitely nothing
at the output contacts though. No idea what could have caused failure.

Anyway, I desperately need to know how to get into the unit to attempt
a fix. It's a litle rectangular case about 65 x 65 mm, with one corner
beveled off, and 30 mm deep. FWIW, here's an illustration of it:
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/LexMarkZ23Power.jpg

It can be pulled from main unit after removing latter's covers. On
removing the single self-tapping screw, I expected to be able to prise
the halves apart, but it's just not budging. What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Most likely those annoying little springy catches moulded into the
plastic that snap into a recess when the two halves are mated.

Nothing a handgrenade or two wouldn't take care of.

- YD.

--
Remove HAT if replying by mail.

 

[JeffM]

I've just bid for another identical model
...I only recently bought several cartridges for small fortune!
Terry Pinnell

Next time consider Canon (individual inkwell for each color)
....or better yet
http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&lr=lang_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&safe=off&q=%22Continuous+Flow+printers%22&btnG=Google+Search

 

[The Real Andy]

"Allodoxaphobia" <bit-bucket@config.com> wrote in message
news:slrnc0r0jo.1p0d.bit-bucket@localhost.config.com...

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 13:32:37 +0000, Terry Pinnell hath writ:

Anyway, I desperately need to know how to get into the unit to attempt
a fix. It's a litle rectangular case about 65 x 65 mm, with one corner
beveled off, and 30 mm deep. FWIW, here's an illustration of it:
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/LexMarkZ23Power.jpg

Using a small "dull" (i.e., it ain't your Best) chisel and a small
wooden mallet -- go right 'round the seam -- tapping firmly. It
may take several trips around the seam. But, eventually, one side
will start to "cooperate". It may work out better if the unit
has spent an hour or so in the freezer. Then start using a thin
blade knife to "convince" the other sides to open.

Acetone, MEK, or that ilk ought to put it back together.

Whilst banging, a little heat from a heatshrink gun will also help.

 

[Terry Pinnell]

jeffm_@email.com (JeffM) wrote:

I've just bid for another identical model
...I only recently bought several cartridges for small fortune!
Terry Pinnell

Next time consider Canon (individual inkwell for each color)
...or better yet
http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&lr=lang_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&safe=off&q=%22Continuous+Flow+printers%22&btnG=Google+Search

I sure will - although no doubt the need will coincide with a high
inventory of expensive cartridges <g>.

--
Terry Pinnell
Hobbyist, West Sussex, UK

 

[Tony Williams]

In article <7css00dhnlp2p195nnus4pvdr098p92g8q@4ax.com>,

I sure will - although no doubt the need will coincide with a high
inventory of expensive cartridges <g>.

Terry, if you are inside the present power supply
have a look for a fusible link in series with the
incoming mains. Usually a small silver cylinder,
about the size of a 20mm fuse, sometimes with one
pointed end, and soldered with relatively long leads.

The conducting link inside is of Woods Metal, which
melts (and open circuits) at a relatively low temp.
Used increasingly these days as an overtemperature
safety device. It will have a temperature printed on it.

If it is open circuit then that is your prob, and
replacements are available from RS/Farnell.

--
Tony Williams.

 

[Bob Shuman]

Terry,

I have the same model Lexmark and have had success with re-filling the old
cartridges with a kit. The refill kit cost $20 at Sam's Club and provided
three bottles of black ink and one of each of the three colors. I've used
the kit for about a year now and still have one bottle of black left and
some in each of the colored inks too. I figure I saved $150 to $200. But,
the cartridges will not last indefinitely. I find they need to be replaced
after 2-3 refills...

Bob


"Terry Pinnell" <terrypinDELETE@dial.pipexTHIS.com> wrote in message
news:mm5r005633fcq718a6o33tp938qph408tk@4ax.com...

Croc-clips and my home made power supply at the extreme of its 2-30V
range has got me printing again for now. And I've just bid for another
identical model on ebay UK, closing tomorrow night. Goes against the
grain, as it's not a brilliant printer - but I only recently bought
several cartridges for small fortune!

Thanks for all the replies.

--
Terry Pinnell
Hobbyist, West Sussex, UK

 

[Jeff]

"Steve Sousa" <etsteve@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:bujr2t$i5ilg$1@ID-205223.news.uni-berlin.de...

Terry Pinnell wrote:

removing the single self-tapping screw, I expected to be able to prise
the halves apart, but it's just not budging. What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Maybe a hacksaw...

Hi:

Most of these things are ultrasonically welded.
Believe it or not, the best way to open that kind of enclosure with nearly
no damage is not a hacksaw, and definitely not a screwdriver on the sides,
the best solution is a hammer, a plastic hammer works best, place the
thing
on a solid surface and slam it with the hammer several times on each side,
it will simply separate with no damage, believe me, i discovered this
trying
to get my revenge on a similar dammed thing, a HP power supply for a
printer
and instead of destroying it it poped open!

That works on many of these welded/glued devices! I've been doing that for
years.

Greetings

--
Steve Sousa

 

[John Woodgate]

I read in sci.electronics.design that Jeff <levy_jeff@hotmail.com> wrote
(in <GOCPb.69847$IF6.1705021@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca&gt about 'How do I
get inside this?', on Wed, 21 Jan 2004:

"Steve Sousa" <etsteve@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:bujr2t$i5ilg$1@ID-205223.news.uni-berlin.de...
Terry Pinnell wrote:

removing the single self-tapping screw, I expected to be able to prise
the halves apart, but it's just not budging. What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Maybe a hacksaw...

Hi:

Most of these things are ultrasonically welded.
Believe it or not, the best way to open that kind of enclosure with nearly
no damage is not a hacksaw, and definitely not a screwdriver on the sides,
the best solution is a hammer, a plastic hammer works best, place the
thing
on a solid surface and slam it with the hammer several times on each side,
it will simply separate with no damage, believe me, i discovered this
trying
to get my revenge on a similar dammed thing, a HP power supply for a
printer
and instead of destroying it it poped open!

That works on many of these welded/glued devices! I've been doing that for
years.

But the safety experts regard poping open a sealed case as a cardinal
sin.
--
Regards, John Woodgate, OOO - Own Opinions Only.
The good news is that nothing is compulsory.
The bad news is that everything is prohibited.
http://www.jmwa.demon.co.uk Also see http://www.isce.org.uk

 

[Tim Shoppa]

Terry Pinnell <terrypinDELETE@dial.pipexTHIS.com> wrote in message news:<v9bq009kpdqmmad6bo4hhvrgp500c13lrc@4ax.com>...

My LexMark Z23 Printer's power supply unit has suddenly died on me.
240 V is reaching it, but the 30V at 0.4A output is conspicuously
absent. Nor is there any resistance across the mains inputs. (But, as
I'm unsure what sort of power unit this is, maybe I shouldn't expect
any; is there conceivably a capacitor in series?) Definitely nothing
at the output contacts though. No idea what could have caused failure.

Anyway, I desperately need to know how to get into the unit to attempt
a fix. It's a litle rectangular case about 65 x 65 mm, with one corner
beveled off, and 30 mm deep. FWIW, here's an illustration of it:
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/LexMarkZ23Power.jpg

It can be pulled from main unit after removing latter's covers. On
removing the single self-tapping screw, I expected to be able to prise
the halves apart, but it's just not budging. What on earth can be
holding it together - glue?

Maybe a hacksaw...

I'm sure this is an obstinance thing, but realistically the Z23
is about the lowest-end printer there is. Pull the most valuable
component - the inkjet cartridge - and regard the rest as disposable.

If you want a recent printer that will last forever and does have
user-servicable interchangable components, get a HP Laserjet 2, 3, or 4.
Solidly engineered and designed to last. Parts (including everything
mechanical) are available from many sources.

Tim.

 

[James Sweet]

I'm sure this is an obstinance thing, but realistically the Z23
is about the lowest-end printer there is. Pull the most valuable
component - the inkjet cartridge - and regard the rest as disposable.

If you want a recent printer that will last forever and does have
user-servicable interchangable components, get a HP Laserjet 2, 3, or 4.
Solidly engineered and designed to last. Parts (including everything
mechanical) are available from many sources.

Tim.

Are there any color printers that are any good these days? My roommate has a
HP 930c that seems to work pretty well, but it like everything else feels
rather flimsy. I've had terrible luck with Canon and newer Epson printers
drying out print heads, something I haven't experienced yet with HP.