Dusty HP Scanner

[RHPConsult]

Not a major problem of national significance, BUT it bugs me.

My trusty HP ScanJet 5300c (flatbed) scanner is a bit dusty inside, and the underside of the glass is kinda hazy/foggy, so to speak.

Problem:

I can't figure out how to open what appears to be the "cover" of the scanner holding the glass in question, so to clean it. There's no "button" anywhere to push to unlatch it. It certainly looks like it could be separated from the base of the scanner, but I'm not about to try and PRY it open. . . with a jewelers screwdriver, or a pick-and-mattock.

Any ideas?  

[Gary S]

RHP,

I don't think I'd try and take the top of the scanner off. The haze is usually on the outside even though it looks like it's on the inside.

A great product that I use is Stoner Invisible glass. No streaks, haze etc. It may take a number of cleanings to get all the guk off.

Stoner Invisible Glass

I bought it at the Auto Zone. You probably can find a can at your local Car parts store.

[RHPConsult]

Thanks, Gary.

I found that simple Windex wipes (?) did a good job on the top of the glass. But, there's some kind of "haze" on the underside.

It might have no practical effect (probably) on the scanning, but I'd like to get it clean if it's at all possible.

[jwboyd]

My son is an HP engineer who has been involved in the development of many of the HP flatbed scanners. I referred your question to him. Here is his response:

Hi Dad,

    I can't really speak for HP on things like this, but I'd recommend
against opening the scanner to clean the glass.  The haze has no discernible
effect on scans, and if you open the scanner, you run the risk of getting
dust or debris in the scanner carriage where it really does matter.

    Having said that, I'm sure there's a way to get the cover off, but I'd
have to look at a 5300c to be sure how to do it.

    Dave

Edit (additional comment):
He's no longer in product development. He's now in the legal department, writing patents. Have you noticed HP's current one-word slogan, "Invent?"

[Gary S]

RHP,

The reason I mentioned that I wouldn't try and take the top off was because I did it once with an Apple scanner. I wrecked it.   I never could get it back together right and a bunch of junk got into it.

I don't think they are made to take apart and clean the glass on the inside. I think they are sealed so tightly as to keep out any dust, etc.

I just turned on my UMAX scanner and I haven't used it for a couple of months. Even though I cleaned the glass before my last scanning session, it looks foggy. There are no fingerprints or anything but....that foggness has always been a little baffeling to me too.

Windex doesn't do the trick for me but that Stoner Invisible glass cleaner does take the haze off. It's got a little alcohol in it.

No one smokes in this house so I know it isn't that. HAZE.....   Where it comes from...I don't know but I don't think it's on the inside.

[pendragon]

Gary, Dick has cataracts. Everthing looks fuzzy to him.

Harv

[Gary S]

RHP,

I just cleaned my scanner.

There does seem to be some haziness inside the glass! I guess I never paid that much attention to it before. Now it bugs me.  

[sandbox]

I have a Umax 1200s with the long plate for legal docs. It also has a fuzz and when I inquired as to what it might be, I was told Ozone deposits. It’s been like this for 4 years now and I’ve never noticed any effect on my docs., though the eyeballs ain’t what they use to be.

I did a search of "Ozone on Scanners" and came up with this on a Canon site though I must admit I can’t see where it says fuzzy glass.

QUOTE

LIGHT COPIES
Cause: Ozone deposits built up on Primary Corona Assy. this is the brown deposit that builds up on the grid and stainless steel shields
Solution: I find that you can remove this film with a water based cleaner and then I spray in a light mist of isopropal alcohol to remove the moisture (alcohol will cause the water to evaporate and dry faster) I do this as the first operation of any PM to let the assy dry completely. This same operation should be done to both the pretransfer corona and the trans/sep corona assy. This will help the coronas to give even charge to their area.

[Bruce_F]

I found the following on photo.net: (Google searched "cleaning HP scanners")

QUOTE

Well I did it last night, and it is simple to take apart, but I can see why HP doesn't want people trying it at home. The case is just a big snap together piece of plastic, and you could probably wreck it pretty easily if you're not careful. If any of you, who haven't already, want to try this yourself, begin by lifting off the lid. You will see two screws by the hinge end, remove those, and gently lift the top off, from the back. When you've raised it up about two inches, and start to feel some resistance, pull straight back, and the tabs down by the buttons will let go. 


 After reassembling I noticed that I had missed a big spot on the inside(of course!), but I'm glad I did, because when I scanned my next print, it blew that HP bullshit about the dirt not being in focus out of the water. I could see it on the prescan, a faint yellow smudge, like a nicotine stain on a white cloth. It may not be in focus, but it clearly affects the scan. So, it looks like I'll be repeating the process when I get home tonight. 


 Thanks for the help everyone.

         -- Sam Thompson , August    09, 2000; 08:47 A.M. Eastern 

Read the whole page here.

[Gary S]

Maybe I'll take mine apart after reading at that site.

Thanks for the link.

[RHPConsult]

As usual (!), this TeeEss Gang is  a-m-a-z-i-n-g  (except for Harv, that is! )

First, I was
• concerned . . .  Why would you want to do it? , then
• terrified . . . Don't even think about it!, then
• curious . . . Ozone, tars and nicotine and now
• educated . . . Just take out two leetle screws and . . .

Thank you all. You too, Harv!  

DP

Additional Medical Note: I have but one cataract remaining, the other has been zapped, er, sumthin', for no less than astounding results. Next major "maintenance" on the right side of my ageing carcass will be a new knee, on December 1st. WooHoo!