Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!altos!altos86!steve
From: steve@altos86.Altos.COM (Steve Scherf)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.handhelds
Subject: Burned-out infrared printer
Keywords: HP infrared thermal printer, smoke, fire, warranty
Message-ID: <4491@altos86.Altos.COM>
Date: 13 Dec 90 02:40:54 GMT
Reply-To: steve@altos.com (Steve Scherf)
Organization: Altos Computer Systems, San Jose, CA
Lines: 23

I just thought I would share a fun experience with you all. After buying
and learning how to use an infrared printer for the 48sx, I was quite impressed
by thermal printer technology. It really seems neat how you can just print
and print and never have to replace a ribbon or ink cartridge. Then one
day (when it was a mere two weeks old) I turned it on, and POOF! A little
column of smoke rose from the area of the printing head. When it attempted
to print what I had sent to it, it just made a bunch of black streaks on the
paper. The spot on the paper where the head had been at rest had a hole burned
through, and the rubber platen behind it had melted. That head must have
gotten really hot to do that. The bubbled and warped plastic on the head
itself was testimony to that.

I sent it back to HP and they replaced the whole unit under the warranty
agreement. I'm afraid to use it now, though I'm sure the chance of a repeat
performance is low. Has anyone else out there had this kind of experience?
Is this a common thing for thermal printers?


-- 
Steve Scherf
steve@Altos.COM    ...!{sun|sco|pyramid|amdahl|uunet}!altos!steve

These opinions are solely mine, but others may share them if they like.