Office Jet 6500A setup.

[BruceGreeff]

OK - so the long suffering C6500n print head dies, and the local supplier does not have the wireless model in stock. Lets not even discuss servicing it.

No problem I have a wired port open - so there is a brand new wired ethernet C6500A on the desk in the office.

Now there is a problem. The duplexer unit is not recognised at all. But that is one of the reasons for buying  the same model. Theoretically every one knows how it works, and the accessories all work.OK so the software install was a pain, but it all connects and works eventually. (Windows 7, XP and Apple, all in the same office.)

So - two questions -

1] How do I make the duplexer work on this model?

Product number says CN555A.

FPU is CN555 - 64001

2] Are the components interchangeable ?

The worn out unit has a FPU of CB057-64001

Can print heads, and network cards etc. be transferred between units?

[8lives]

The CN55A does not come with a duplex print option.

[BruceGreeff]

So all the mechanical stuff is there, but someone decided the firmware should not support duplex?

Maybe it should go back in the box.

[8lives]

You mean there is a duplex adapter attached?

[BruceGreeff]

No - the duplexer was on my older unit - but I got the replacement with the same model number so I could use the ink, and duplexer etc. that I already have.

It all fits, mechanically they are identical, down to the back roller cover that the duplexer replaces. Reasonable assumption that it will work. The only thing on the box that is different is that it does not say "Wireless".Nowhere on the box does it say - HP has decided to make this a limited version of the model it replaces despite being called the same thing.

So - I suppose my fauly. I fell for making assumptions. Now I have had to go through hours of incompatible software and I have an inferior new printer that is apparently quite different.

I am disappointed - HP did not always work this way.

[8lives]

The CN557A has the duplex option.

[BruceGreeff]

Great - the one I have says CN555A - as I said . So that appears to be perfectly true, but no use to me.