New Samsung ML-1740 causes lights to flicker.

[nebula]

Just picked up a ML-1740 and after setting it up and turning it on, the two lights I had on that are on the same circuit flicker periodically for a few times. If I turn the printer off it's fine. My feeling is the printer's power supply is sending some interference back into the line, which would possibly indicate a faulty component.

Anyone with this printer ever noticed this? I'm pretty sure I will just go back to CC and exchange it so it doesn't fail down the road. If that one does it, then it's a design issue, which would be poor.

I guess I was just wondering if others saw this and replaced it since I know this printer is popular.

 

[Spike]

This is very normal. I have this happen with an older Okidata laser printer and a new Brother HL 1440, it occured in a 2 year old apartment and my brand new townhouse. The reason they flicker is the insane sudden power-draw the printer has when it is "heating" up. You'll notice the flickers are all quick as the power compensates for the heavy draw. When in sleep mode you should not see any, just when first starting up and possibly when printing.

-spike

 

[nebula]

No, it's not that kind of flickering! When the printer is just sitting there doing nothing, it happens. I expected the ONE flicker when it draws a load, but this is at idle, and the lights flicker like 4 times! It's fairly subtle, you only notice it out of your periphery. Looking directly at the light you don't notice.

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: nebula
No, it's not that kind of flickering! When the printer is just sitting there doing nothing, it happens. I expected the ONE flicker when it draws a load, but this is at idle, and the lights flicker like 4 times! It's fairly subtle, you only notice it out of your periphery. Looking directly at the light you don't notice.

The printer may not be making any noise but not be idle. If the lights flicker after the printer has been idle for hours then something is wrong, but if they flicker anytime in the near future after the printer has been turned on, woken up, used, etc... then thats normal.

I usually get 6-8 flickers during the average wake-up and print cycle.

-spike

 

[nebula]

So I guess the best thing would be to turn it on and not use it for several hours.

It is very annoying!

EDIT: IN the settings it says it goes into sleep mode in 5 minutes. Should the flickering stop then?

 

[Spike]

Then it should go to sleep in 5 min. Give it 10 or 15 and watch for the lights. If they still flicker I might give Samsung a call before you return it. there might be a simple fix or something you are overlooking. I still say a little flickering is fine, as long as it does not happen randomely (ie when the printer is not in use and has been idle for a while).

-spike