HP PSC 2510 Clicking Noise and Hourglass
The Photosmart PSC 2510 is an all-in-one printer manufactured by the Hewlett-Packard Company. Although considered old, it has some useful features such as wireless printing through minimal Bluetooth setup, minimalist drivers, and refillable ink cartridges after some hacking.
This is a multi-page article on troubleshooting the HP PSC 2510, however, I have experienced similar problems with the HP PSC 2110 its earlier model, and hence, this article might help those with that model as well. The PSC range of all-in-one printers had similar scanner mechanisms, and therefore may have similar issues that this article might be able to help with.
The Clicking Noise
The dreaded clicking noise appears on the HP PSC 2510, and HP PSC 2110, and I am quite sure many earlier models that have the same scanner mechanism will exhibit this fault. Both printers go through the calibration cycle by printing out the calibration sheet and instructing to place it face down on the scanner. It then shows an hourglass with the "HP Invent" logo as shown above. In addition, there is also a clicking noise emanating from the scanner mechanism as if one of the cogwheels may be grinding or stuck. Initially this problem was sporadic and a nuisance however over time it becomes more frequent, and then permanent. If you have a similar problem then this article may be of help.
I like HP printers, especially this particular model. I think it is very economical as the ink cartridges are easily refillable after hacking them. This printer has given me good service over the five years that I have had it, and with the recession, I did not want to throw it away and buy another one. This is a good printer and the fact that it lasted so long without any problems is a testament to the good engineering that went into it.
Being an electronic engineer, there was no way I was going to throw it away before trying to figure out what went wrong. It was either going to be repaired, or become spare parts destined for the Borg collection. Since electronics is a hobby of mine, I decided to take it apart, to figure out what went wrong. I took some photographs as I was dismantling it as a guide for myself so that I could assemble it again in case the fault presented itself and I decided to repair it.
Disclaimer
Opening a printer for repair is a very complicated task. Do not try this if you are not a qualified electronic engineer with experience of repairing electronic equipment. I shall not be responsible for any damages, or injury whatsoever. Please take safety precautions such as disconnecting the device from the mains when undertaking such a task. These notes are provided in good faith and available as is. By agreeing, you bind yourself to the terms in addition to the terms set forth on this website. If it works for you then please kindly donate to the Holocaust Memorial through the Donate link below the page.