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HPIIISi TWINAX CARD
8. Troubleshooting
This chapter provides instructions for performing diagnostic tests on the
HPIIISi Twinax Card. It also contains a problem-resolution guide that
describes possible causes of, and solutions to, problems that can occur with
the Card and printer. If you are unable to solve a problem by following the
procedures outlined in this chapter, call your supplier for technical
support.
Before calling, make sure the Card is installed correctly, verify that its
configuration settings are correct, perform the appropriate diagnostic tests
outlined in this chapter, and have the following information ready:
• Printer and interface self-test printouts
• Model number and serial number of the Card
• Description of the problem
• Results of the diagnostic tests
• Type of host system or controller
You may also need to print a “hex dump” or “buffer print” by enabling
buffer print from the front panel, or by sending the Card host/PC-
download command 42 (see the entry for this command in
Section 5.3
).
This causes all printing to be in hexadecimal code, just as it’s received from
the host, to help in tracing the problem. See
Sections 8.3
and
8.4
.
If it becomes necessary to ship the Card, use the original carton and
packaging to prevent damage.
8.1 Twisted-Pair Applications
If you are using a passive star panel and twisted-pair cabling with the
HPIIISi Twinax Card, and you’re having problems with the printer
dropping off line, you should turn star-panel overdrive ON. (See the entry
for host/PC-download command 20 in
Section 5.3
for how to do this.) Star-
panel overdrive increases the signal-driving capability of the Card.
For installations using twinax cabling, the star-panel overdrive option
should always be set to OFF.
8.2 The Card’s Self-Test
Verify proper installation and configuration of the HPIIISi Twinax Card by
performing an interface self-test. The self-test prints out the current
software version, the memory condition (RAM and ROM), and the
currently active configuration settings.
