Designjet T2300 Error 8:11

[Devonshire]

• I haven't used my T2300 for a while.  
• It has Error 8:11 on the display and says to reboot.
• Rebooting reveals that it is stuck at 1% initialization then we're back to the same Error 8:11 screen message... (That occurs both when I just switch it off then on and if I pull the power cord out entirely).

1. From what I've gleaned in a web search is that Error 8:11 means that the Firmware is corrupted somehow. I read on a service blog that I should load the firmware onto a flash drive and plug it into the USB port near the display panel and reboot.  I tried an older firmware and the latest-greatest firware, nothing works.  I tried the USB port on the front right and the rear right. Same result, I get the 8:11 screen.
2. There are three orange colored indicator lights at the back right (when standing behind the unit).  The light labeled "I" is on and solid, the lights labeled II and III are off.

Suggestions?

[davidzuts]

The light pattern indicates a formatter issue.  That is the piece in the back where you connect to the computer or network.  With the power off, loosen the 2 thumb screws that secure the formatter and remove and then reinstall and see if that helps.  If that does not work, the issue is the formatter or the hard disk mounted on the formatter.  You can not just replace with another hard disk as it contains a special format and needs to be preloaded with the system.

[Devonshire]

I did loosen the two screws and unplugged the formatter board with the hard drive on it and reinstalled it. The error message remains the same.

Replacing that formatter board sounds expensive...

[davidzuts]

You can do a ebay search for the formatter as there a lot listed from China.  Keep in mind most only come with the formatter which is the most likely issue with yours.  What I would do is remove the formatter and then remove the hard disk from the formatter and then attach it to a computer just to see if it spins up.  If it does, then you can probably just order the formatter board and put your hard disk on it.

[CJ46]

I have the same problem and called the company where I purchased the machine. They replaced the formatter with a new one they had in stock and the problem is the same. They tell me now that the problem has to be the touch screen. I had to order one at $350.00 and am now waiting for it to arrive. If this fixes my problem, I will let you know.

[CJ46]

Just replaced the touch screen and it still does not work. Now the tech. guy says it must be the mother board and will cost about $600 for the part plus labor. It looks like I will have over a $1000.00 in the machine and no promise that it will work with this new part. Does anyone have any ideas about this 08:11 code for the T2300?

[davidzuts]

To the last poster your tech needed to check the status lights in the back which the person who started this thread did. That is not to say that the light pattern could indicate the formatter and the problem be the main pca which is part of the power supply unit when replaced.  I have seen a lot of 08.11 errors lately and most of them have been the main pca.  The main pca can be bought on ebay for less money but it is a pain to move the power supply portion of the assembly to the new pca.  If you remove the old power supply and main pca the pca board will have a part number on it.  Do a search for that part number on ebay.

[CJ46]

I had the same problem and the tect. said I needed a new formatter and touch screen.  I asked another tect from another company and he said 9 out of 10 times , it is the hard drive. I purchased a hard drive off of Amazon for $265.00, installed it myself and it works great again.