Fixing a ScanJet 6300C
The problem: My Scanjet 6300C was extrordinarily slow to warm up and scan, often taking 30 minutes to scan one page. This rendered it almost unusable for anything other than being a door stop. Searching HP's website for help was a very frustrating experience, as no mention was made of this issue at all. Downloading the various drivers and patches had no effect.
Searching through a HP discussion forum recently, I found a post which discussed the problem and concluded that the problem was hardware related. Specifically, the scanner calibrates itself in use by scanning a small black and white pattern just outside the scanning area. This is to compensate for a gradual accruing of dust and grease on the irrors. As this coating of dust and grease increases, the calibration takes longer and longer, eventually rendering the scanner unusable. The poster's advice was to send the scanner to HP for cleaning, or to clean it yourself. (The poster was L Johnson, and the subject is "How I fixed my 6350cse scanner myself". The posting is How I fixed my HP6300Cse by Myself
So, how to clean the mirrors? Well you've got to disassemble the scanner. Here's how I did it. Note that the scanner should not be connected to the mains or the pc at any point when you have it open.
DISCLAIMER: I take no responsibility for any damages or harm caused by anyone following these instructions. You disassemble your scanner entirely at your own risk. Anyone who attempts to blame me for damage to their equipment will be laughed at.
(I may add pictures to this at some point.)
Equipment
I use the following tools:
- Cordless screwdriver with correct bit (You need a pointed hexagonal end for the screws)
- Glass cleaning fluid
- Soft cotton cloths for cleaning and polishing
- [Optional]Cotton gloves for handling the mirrors
Step 1: Remove the lid from the scanner.
This is easy - the lid comes up at the back and just lifts out.
Step 2. Take the top off the scanner.
You'll need to unscrew the screws at each corner on the top of the unit, and then lift the top off. Be careful with the scanner glass as it comes up with the top. You can take this opportunity to clean the underside of the glass as well.
Step 3. Move the scanning head
This is for easier access to the screws holding it down. Be careful that you don't overstress the motor when doing this.
Step 4. Unscrew the scanning head.
There are two screws on the motor side of the scanning head which hold it in the tracks. Remove these.
Step 5. Take the scanning head out of the unit.
You can rotate the head to get the smaller side out and on top of the track on its side. This will give you access to the screw on the motor side of the head. Unscrew this screw.
Step 6. Remove the clips and mirrors
Remove the clips on top of the head and then remove each pair of clips and the corresponding mirror. I usually put the clips with the mirrors, so I know how to reassemble them. There should be four mirrors: one at the back, three at the front, one of which is the width of the head. This long one is the critical mirror and you'll have to lift the top off the scanning head to get at it.
Step 7. Clean the mirrors
Use a soft cotton cloth and *maybe* a little window cleaner, or camera lens cleaner if you have such a thing. Make sure that the mirrors aren't streaky. I'm wearing white cotton gloves here to handle the mirrors, as I have sweaty hands.
Step 8. Reassemble the mirror and clip assemblies
Take care to put the top of the scanning head back under the detent on the small side, before screwing it down.
Step 9. Re-attach the scanning head.
Rotate the head to get it between the tracks and screw it onto the track runners on the motor site.
Step 10. Re-attach the top of the scanner
don't tighten the screws too tightly until the whole top is in place.
Step 11. Plug in and test.
Scanning should be much improved. You should also have an improvement in contrast, as there's more light getting through the mirrors.