Xerox 8550YDP - Phaser Color Solid Ink Printer User manual

Version 1.0
Technical Product Training
Phaser
Solid Ink Printers
8550/8500/8400

Product Training CD-ROM
The Product Training CD-ROM provides multimedia lessons and videos
for the Phaser 8550, Phaser 8500 and Phaser 8400 printers.
Self-Study Guide
The Self-Study Guide provides key lessons and exercises for product
Overview, Setup, Care, and Service. To complete the training, you must
complete the Self-Study Guide lessons and the multimedia lessons on the
CD-ROM, as well as the prerequisites.
Testing
Prepare for the Online Test by completing the Self-Checks. Then, visit
the Testing Center to complete your training.
< www.xerox.com/office/testing >
Continuing Support
The Resources section of the training CD-ROM contains useful printer
documentation and supplemental training materials. To obtain the most
current updates, tips, and bulletins, visit the knowledge base and the
Partner Resource Site. To check for updates to the training materials,
visit the Training Updates Site.
< www.xerox.com/support >
< www.xerox.com/office/partners >
< www.xerox.com/office/training >
Prerequisites
Printing Basics
(Waived with certification on another Phaser printer)
Solid-ink Basics
(Waived with certification on the Phaser 840, 850, 860, or 8200 printer,
or the WorkCentre C2424 copier-printer)
Contact Product Training & Information
[email protected]
[phone] (North America)

Minimum System Requirements:
Pentium II 233 MHz Processor
Pentium II 400 MHz Processor ( Recommended )
Windows®95, 98, Me, 2000, NT, or XP
64 MB RAM
6x CD-ROM Drive
16-bit Sound Card
800 x 600 Monitor with 16-bit Color
Minimum Software Requirements:
Adobe®Reader®( Included on training CD-ROM )
Web Browser ( Internet Explorer 5.X or later recommended )
To start your training:
Product Training CD-ROM
1. Refer to the Introduction section of the Self-Study Guide for instructions to complete the training.
2. Insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of a PC running Windows®95, 98, Me, 2000, NT, or XP.
3. If the program does not auto-launch, browse to the Files folder, then run START.exe.

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Version 1.0 page i
Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Service Self-Study Guide
INTRODUCTION
Training Program Overview ............................................... 1
Training CD-ROM........................................................ 1
Self-Study Guide........................................................... 1
Prerequisite Courses ..................................................... 1
Training Kit Contents ......................................................... 2
Running the Training CD-ROM......................................... 2
Adobe®Reader®........................................................... 2
Supported Operating Systems....................................... 3
Completing the Training..................................................... 3
Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Course Map...................... 4
Required Materials.............................................................. 4
Online Testing Center......................................................... 5
If You Need Help................................................................ 6
How to Contact Xerox Product Training & Information.... 6
OVERVIEW SECTION
Overview Objectives........................................................... 7
Configurations .................................................................... 7
Phaser 8500 and 8550 Printers...................................... 7
Phaser 8400 Printers ..................................................... 9
Primary Differences.................................................... 10
Options & Upgrades ......................................................... 12
Memory....................................................................... 12
525-Sheet Feeder ........................................................ 13
Hard Drive (Productivity Kit)..................................... 13
Configuration Upgrades.............................................. 13
Features............................................................................. 14
Speed & Quality.......................................................... 14
Phaser 8500 and 8550 Print-Quality Modes............... 15
Phaser 8400 Print-Quality Modes............................... 15
Factors That Reduce Print Speed................................ 16
Print Grayscale Images ............................................... 16
Run Black Mode ......................................................... 16
Speed & Quality Review Exercise.............................. 17
Walk-Up Features ....................................................... 17
Media Support................................................................... 19
Tray 1 (MPT).............................................................. 19
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Version 1.0
page ii
525-Sheet Tray (Trays 2, 3, & 4) ............................... 20
Media Support Review Exercise................................ 20
Documentation & Software.............................................. 21
User Manuals & Guides ............................................. 22
Videos......................................................................... 22
Embedded Pages ........................................................ 23
Printer Drivers & Utilities.......................................... 23
Color Adjustment Sliders ........................................... 25
Xerox Support Centre................................................. 26
Your Next Step................................................................. 26
SETUP SECTION
Setup Objectives............................................................... 27
Setting up the Printer........................................................ 27
Setup Review Exercise............................................... 28
Load Paper........................................................................ 28
Guidelines................................................................... 29
Loading Tray 1 (MPT) ............................................... 29
Loading Trays 2, 3, & 4 ............................................. 31
Loading Paper Review Exercise................................. 31
Configure Control Panel................................................... 32
Menus ......................................................................... 32
Shortcuts..................................................................... 32
Control Panel Defaults ............................................... 33
Control Panel Lab....................................................... 33
Test Ports.......................................................................... 33
Network Diagnostics .................................................. 34
Test Windows Ethernet Port (Alternate Procedure)... 34
Test Parallel Port ........................................................ 35
Test Macintosh USB Port........................................... 36
Test Macintosh Ethernet Port..................................... 38
Printing Lab...................................................................... 39
Install Software .......................................................... 39
Print Jobs .................................................................... 40
Use the Xerox Support Centre.................................... 40
Install Upgrades................................................................ 41
General Instructions ................................................... 41
Memory Upgrade ....................................................... 42
Hard Drive (Productivity Kit) Upgrade...................... 42
Configuration Upgrades ............................................. 43
Your Next Step................................................................. 43

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Version 1.0 page iii
CARE SECTION
Care Objectives................................................................. 45
Paper Jams ........................................................................ 45
Resources.................................................................... 45
General Techniques .................................................... 46
Jams Behind Front Cover ........................................... 47
Jams Inside Preheater.................................................. 47
Exit Jams..................................................................... 48
Jams At Trays ............................................................. 48
Supplies............................................................................. 49
Ink Sticks .................................................................... 49
Maintenance Kits ........................................................ 52
Troubleshooting Exercise ........................................... 54
Cleaning............................................................................ 56
Eliminate Light Stripes ............................................... 56
Remove Print Smears.................................................. 61
Clean Components Manually...................................... 62
Cleaning Review Exercise.......................................... 63
Replace Parts..................................................................... 64
Feed Roller Kit............................................................ 64
Front Door and Tray Kit ............................................. 65
Replace Parts Lab ....................................................... 65
Moving The Printer........................................................... 66
Moving and Shipment Review Exercise..................... 66
Your Next Step ................................................................. 66
SERVICE SECTION
Service Objectives ............................................................ 67
Troubleshooting................................................................ 68
Service Tools .............................................................. 68
Error Codes................................................................. 68
Print Quality................................................................ 71
Electronics Troubleshooting ....................................... 73
Printhead Troubleshooting Checklist Exercise........... 74
Service Precautions........................................................... 75
Hazards ....................................................................... 75
Customer Environment............................................... 76
Handling Parts............................................................. 76
Grounding ................................................................... 77
Homing Components .................................................. 78

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Version 1.0
page iv
Parts Replacement Tips.................................................... 79
Exterior Covers .......................................................... 79
Ink Loader Assembly ................................................. 81
Stripper Carriage Assembly ....................................... 82
Printhead..................................................................... 82
Electronics Module .................................................... 84
X-Axis Motor Assembly ............................................ 84
Y-Axis Drive Motor Assembly .................................. 84
Exit Assembly ............................................................ 85
Printhead Wiper Assembly......................................... 85
Drum Assembly.......................................................... 86
Lubrication ................................................................. 87
Tightening Screws...................................................... 87
Disassembly Lab ........................................................ 88
Your Next Step................................................................. 88
APPENDIX
Answers to Overview Exercises....................................... 89
Speed & Quality Review Exercise............................. 89
Media Support Review Exercise................................ 89
Answers to Setup Exercises ............................................. 90
Setup Review Exercise............................................... 90
Loading Paper Review Exercise................................. 90
Answers to Care Exercises............................................... 90
Troubleshooting Exercise........................................... 90
Cleaning Review Exercise.......................................... 91
Moving and Shipment Review Exercise .................... 91
Answers to Service Exercises........................................... 92
Error Codes Review Exercise..................................... 92
Print Quality Review Exercise ................................... 92
Printhead Troubleshooting Checklist Exercise .......... 92
Homing Components Exercise................................... 93
Tightening Screws Review Exercise.......................... 93
Resources.......................................................................... 94
Links........................................................................... 94
Contact Information ................................................... 94
Glossary of Acronyms................................................ 94

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 INTRODUCTION
Version 1.0 page 1
Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Service Self-Study Guide
Training Program Overview
The Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 training program is a self-paced course for service
technicians. It is divided into four sections called Overview, Setup, Care, and Service.
The course consists of the Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Self-Study Guide, the
Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Product Training CD-ROM, and two prerequisite courses.
Training CD-ROM
The training CD-ROM provides multimedia training lessons and self-checks to
prepare for the certification test. The Resources section of the training CD-ROM
contains electronic versions of the printer documentation including manuals,
instruction sheets, and examples of the most important embedded pages. Web links on
the CD-ROM provide access to support information and the online testing center.
Self-Study Guide
The Self-Study Guide provides instructions for completing the training and many of
the lessons you will need to pass the certification test. It also provides exercises that
can be completed if you do not have access to the printer, and hands-on labs for use
when a printer is available. A PDF version of this Self-Study Guide is available from
the training CD-ROM’s Resources section.
Prerequisite Courses
The Printing Basics and Solid-ink Basics prerequisite courses must be completed
before you begin the Phaser 8550, 8500, and 8400 training program. The prerequisites
are waived if you have previously been certified on other Xerox Phaser printers, as
shown below:
■Printing Basics
Waived with certification on another Phaser printer
■Solid-ink Basics
Waived with certification on the Phaser 840, 850, 860, or 8200 printer, or
the WorkCentre C2424 copier-printer
Complete this course for certification on the Phaser 8550, 8500, and
8400 printers.
If you are already certified on the Phaser 840, 850, 860, or 8200
color printer, or the WorkCentre C2424 copier-printer, you are
ready to begin this training.
Prerequisites
❑Printing Basics
❑Solid-ink Basics
Printer Requirements
❑A Phaser 8550, 8500, or
8400 printer is optional
for this training
Time To Complete
❑Reading: 2.5 hours
❑Video run time: 3 hours
❑Exercises: 2 hours
❑Optional labs: 5 hours
❑Self-Checks: 45 min.
❑Online test: 45 min.
Online Tests
An online test must be taken
to complete the Phaser 8550,
8500, & 8400 Service
Training. Refer to “Online
Testing Center” on page 5 for
details.
Resources
❑Phaser 8550, 8500, &
8400 Product Training
CD-ROM
❑Phaser 8400/8500/8550
Service Manual
❑Testing Center:
www.xerox.com/
office/testing
❑Partner Resource Site:
www.xerox.com/
office/partners
❑Knowledge Base:
www.xerox.com/support
❑Training Update Site:
See “If You Need Help”
on page 6.
INTRODUCTION

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 INTRODUCTION
Version 1.0
page 2
Training Kit Contents
The following items are provided in the Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Service Training Kit:
■Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Self-Study Guide
■Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Product Training CD-ROM
■Phaser 8500/8550 Software and Documentation CD-ROM
■Phaser 8500 and 8550 Network Connectivity Sheet
■Phaser 8400/8500/8550 Service Manual (not included in Help Desk kits)
Use the Self-Study Guide, training CD-ROM, and Service Manual to complete this training. Use the
Software and Documentation CD-ROM to install printer drivers and other system software. Refer to the
Network Connectivity Sheet for the supported operating systems, network topologies, and protocols.
Running the Training CD-ROM
The Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Training CD-ROM was created using Macromedia Flash. If
the training program fails to run as expected, you may need to download and install the latest
version of the Macromedia Flash Player. Use www.macromedia.com/downloads/ to access
the player.
Adobe®Reader®
Adobe Reader is required to view the PDF documents contained in the Resources section. If Adobe Reader is
not installed, use the following procedure to install it on your computer:
1. Insert the Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Product Training CD-ROM.
2. Browse to the Files/Installers folder.
3. Open the file “AdbeRdr70_enu_full.exe” and follow the instructions to install Adobe®Reader®.
The training CD-ROM is designed to auto-launch. If
your computer does not automatically start the training
CD-ROM, follow the steps below:
1. Insert the Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Product
Training CD-ROM into your computer.
2. Navigate the contents of the CD-ROM and
double-click Start.exe.
The training launches in full-screen view. Press <Esc>
on your keyboard to view it in a smaller window, or use
the “Restore Down” button shown to the right.
Viewing the program in a smaller window allows you to view reference
documents or switch between the training and other programs on your computer.
Restore Down Button

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 INTRODUCTION
Version 1.0 page 3
Supported Operating Systems
The following operating systems may be used to run the training program:
■Windows®95, Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition (Me)
■Windows®NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003
Completing the Training
Complete the following tasks to become certified on the Phaser 8550, 8500, and 8400 printers. Refer to the
“Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Course Map” on page 4 for a visual guide of the training topics.
5. Complete the Setup section of the training course:
a. Complete the Setup multimedia lessons located on the training CD-ROM.
b. Turn to “Setup Objectives” on page 27 and complete the Setup section of the SSG.
c. Return to the training CD-ROM and complete the Setup Self-Check.
6. Complete the Care section of the training course:
a. Complete the Care multimedia lessons located on the training CD-ROM.
b. Turn to “Care Objectives” on page 45 and complete the Care section of the SSG.
c. Return to the training CD-ROM and complete the Care Self-Check.
7. Complete the Service section of the training course:
a. Complete the Service multimedia lessons located on the training CD-ROM.
b. Turn to “Service Objectives” on page 67 and complete the Service section of the SSG.
c. Return to the training CD-ROM and complete the Service Self-Check.
8. Complete the Phaser 8400/8500/8550 online test.
You will be tested on material located on the training CD-ROM and in the
Self-Study Guide.
1. Insert the training CD-ROM to
launch the training program.
2. Select “Overview” and complete
each training lesson on the left
side of the screen. Many lessons
also have subtopics that are listed
on the right side of the screen.
3. Turn to “Overview Objectives” on
page 7 of the Self-Study Guide (SSG)
and complete the Overview section.
4. Complete the Overview Self-Check
located on the training CD-ROM.
Overview
Training
Section
Lessons
Self-Check
Subtopics

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 INTRODUCTION
Version 1.0
page 4
Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Course Map
Required Materials
A printer is not required to complete the certification process. However, this Self-Study Guide includes labs
that provide hands-on activities to enhance understanding when a printer is available. Use the following
manuals, software, and equipment to complete this training course:
A printer is not required to complete the certification process.
Overview
Printer Tour
Drivers Tour
Configurations & Features
Overview Self-Check
Configurations
Options & Upgrades
Features
Media Support
Documentation & Software
Setup
Care
Service
Online Test
Printer Installation
Power-On Process
Test Ports
Custom Size Jobs
Advanced Setup Procedures
Setup Self-Check
Setup the Printer
Load Paper
Configure Control Panel
Test Ports
Printing Lab
Install Upgrades
Theory Of Operation
Printhead Procedures
Media Drive Procedures
Process Drive Procedures
Transfix Load Module Procedures
Replacement Videos
Troubleshooting
Precautions & Tips
Service Self-Check
Troubleshooting
Service Precautions
Parts Replacement Tips
Print Process
Paper Jams
Supplies
Troubleshooting
User Maintenance
Care Self-Check
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Paper Jams
Supplies
Cleaning
Replace Parts
Moving the Printer

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 INTRODUCTION
Version 1.0 page 5
Online Testing Center
The last step in the training process is an online test. Use the Self-Checks provided on the training CD-ROM
to prepare for the online test. You should take the online test immediately after completing the Self-Study
Guide, multimedia lessons, and the Self-Checks to complete your training. To access the Testing Center,
launch a web browser such as Microsoft®Internet Explorer®and enter the following URL:
www.xerox.com/office/testing
Item Minimum Requirements Example
Manuals Xerox Phaser 8500/8550 User Guide (available from the Resources section
of the training CD-ROM)
Xerox Phaser 8500/8550 Quick Reference Guide (available from the
Resources section of the training CD-ROM)
Xerox Phaser 8500/8550 Setup Guide (available from the Resources section
of the training CD-ROM)
Xerox Phaser 8400/8500/8550 Service Manual (available from the Resources
section of the training CD-ROM)
Xerox P/N 721P58550
Software Internet Explorer®5.5, Macromedia Flash 6.0®ActiveX Control/Plug-in,
Adobe Reader®
Phaser 8500/8550 Software and Documentation CD-ROM
(download drivers from www.xerox.com/support)
Xerox P/N 063347500
Equipment Minimum workstation requirements: Pentium II 233 MHz CPU, Windows®
9x/Me/NT/2000/XP, 64 MB RAM, 6x CD-ROM drive, 16-bit sound card, 800 x
600 monitor with 16-bit color
Desktop or laptop PC with
400 MHz Pentium II Proces-
sor (or faster) recommended
Xerox Phaser 8550, 8500, or 8400 printer (optional) Xerox Phaser 8550DP
DB25-to-Centronics parallel cable (for Phaser 8400 printers only),
USB 2.0 cable, or Category 5 UTP Ethernet cable (optional)
Grease, Reolube 768 (optional) Xerox P/N 006799700
Torque Screwdriver (optional) Xerox P/N 003082700
Standard bench tools (optional)
An account name and password are required to access the Testing Center. If
you do not already have these, they are included in your welcome letter,
which is mailed separately from this training package.

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 INTRODUCTION
Version 1.0
page 6
During the test, only one question appears on the screen. You cannot jump ahead to see other questions, or
scroll back to change answers. Certain questions that cover key information may trigger an automatic test
failure if you answer them incorrectly. Manuals that are normally available (for example, the Service Manual)
may be used as resources when taking the test. Test results are provided immediately. When a test failure
occurs, review topics are suggested based on the questions missed. If you fail a test three times, you must
contact a Xerox Product Training & Information representative at [phone] (North America only).
If You Need Help
To obtain the most current updates, tips, and bulletins, visit the Partner Resources site at
www.xerox.com/office/partners, or the training update site at one of these locations:
Internet Access: www.xerox.com/office/training
■Requires login (user name and password)
Intranet Access: cpidserv.opbu.xerox.com/training
■Requires intranet access, located behind Xerox firewall
Certified technicians should use the Updated Training Information link to access updated training and
general reference material. The site includes links to Frequently Asked Questions for training. It also includes
Certification Checklists for all training programs.
How to Contact Xerox Product Training & Information
Xerox wants to help you successfully complete this training course. If you need assistance with any part of
the training, please contact us through the Contact Us link located on the Testing Center web page, or by
using the following email address and telephone number:
■E-mail: [e-mail]
■Phone: [phone] (North America only)
Service Bulletins & Flashes
Knowledge Base
Training Updates

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 OVERVIEW SECTION
Version 1.0 page 7
Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Service Self-Study Guide
Prerequisites
❑Overview section of the
Phaser 8550, 8500, &
8400 Product Training
CD-ROM
Time To Complete
❑Reading: 30 min.
❑Video run time: 30 min.
❑Exercises: 20 min.
Equipment Checklist
❑Phaser 8500/8550 User
Guide (available from
the Resources section
of the training CD-ROM
❑Adobe®Reader®
Reference Manuals
Electronic copies of the
product manuals, guides,
and instruction sheets are
located on the training
CD-ROM.
Use the training CD-ROM’s
Resources section to access
the manuals and other
documentation.
Overview Objectives
■Describe the printer configurations, specifications, and features
■Identify the supported media types, sizes, and capacities
■Locate sources of information, such as user documentation and software
Before you begin this section of the Self-Study Guide, you should have already
completed the Overview section of the Phaser 8550, 8500, & 8400 Product Training
CD-ROM. The multimedia topic “Configurations & Features” indicates when to
begin the lessons in the Self-Study Guide.
Configurations
This lesson presents the configurations available for the Phaser 8550,
8500, and 8400 printers. A summary of the primary differences between
the printer models is also included.
Phaser 8500 and 8550 Printers
The Phaser 8500 and 8550 printers are the next generation of solid ink technology,
exclusively from Xerox. The Phaser 8500 and 8550 are actually two printer families
targeting two distinctly separate markets.
■Phaser 8500 - Phaser 8500 printers are for cost-conscious customers who
require the lowest acquisition costs. There are two configurations in the
Phaser 8500 family, each capable of printing up to 24 pages-per-minute.
The base Phaser 8500N configuration is network-ready and the Phaser
8500DN configuration features automatic two-sided (duplex) printing as
well as networking. Both models are network-ready, but only the Phaser
8500DN model features automatic two-sided printing.
■Phaser 8550 - The Phaser 8550 family prints up to 30 pages-per-minute. Entry
level Phaser 8550DP printers support networking and automatic two-sided
printing. The Phaser 8550DT configuration includes an additional 525-Sheet
Feeder. The fully-featured Phaser 8550DX configuration includes 512 MB of
RAM, two 525-Sheet Feeders, and the advanced printing features associated
with the hard drive.
Complete the Overview multimedia lessons on the training
CD-ROM before you begin this section of the Self-Study Guide.
OVERVIEW SECTION

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 OVERVIEW SECTION
Version 1.0
page 8
All Phaser 8500 and 8550 printers include the following standard features:
Use the following table to compare the features of each Phaser 8500 and 8550 printer configuration.
■600 MHz processor ■USB 2.0 and Ethernet ports
■First page out time as low as 5 seconds ■Automatic color corrections
■139 PS and 81 PCL resident fonts ■Standard 1-year, on-site service warranty
■Support for PostScript 3 and PCL5c ■PrintingScout, CentreWare IS,
PhaserSMART, & CentreWare Web
Feature 8500N 8500DN 8550DP 8550DT 8550DX
Maximum Print Speed 24 ppm 24 ppm 30 ppm 30 ppm 30 ppm
Minimum First Print Out
Time (FPOT) 6 seconds 6 seconds 5 seconds 5 seconds 5 seconds
Controller 600 MHz 600 MHz 600 MHz 600 MHz 600 MHz
Standard Memory
Maximum
128 MB
-------------
1 GB
128 MB
-------------
1 GB
256 MB
-------------
1 GB
256 MB
-------------
1 GB
512 MB
-------------
1 GB
Fast Color & Enhanced Print
Quality Modes 33333
Standard & High Res/Photo
Print Quality Modes No No 333
PCL Print Quality Modes 600 x 300 600 x 300 600 x 300
600 x 600 600 x 300 600 x 600 600 x 300 600 x 600
Productivity Kit (Hard Drive) No Support No Support Optional Optional 3
Automatic 2-Sided Printing No 3333
Legal Printing 33333
Connectivity USB &
Ethernet USB & Ethernet USB & Ethernet USB & Ethernet USB & Ethernet
Pipelining No No 333
RAM Collation No No 33No
Disk Collation No No Optional Optional 3
Proof/Saved/Secure/
Personal Print No No Optional Optional 3
525-Sheet Feeder(s) Optional Optional Optional 1 2
An optional multimedia lesson called “Phaser 8500 and 8550 Product Tour” is
available on the training CD-ROM. To access the lesson, select the Resources
section of the training CD-ROM and choose “User Videos”.

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 OVERVIEW SECTION
Version 1.0 page 9
Phaser 8400 Printers
The Phaser 8400 can be ordered in four configurations: B, N, DP, and DX. A fifth configuration, the BD, is
available by installing an upgrade to Phaser 8400B printers. Each printer has a common set of standard
features, which include the following:
Use the following table to compare the features of each Phaser 8400 printer configuration.
■500 MHz processor ■Support for PostScript 3 and PCL5c
■Up to 24 full color pages per minute ■USB 2.0 and bi-directional parallel ports
■First page out time as low as 6 seconds ■Automatic color corrections
■137 PS and 81 PCL resident fonts ■Standard 1-year, depot service warranty
■Fast Color, Standard, Enhanced, and
High Res/Photo Print Quality Modes
Feature 8400B 8400BD 8400N 8400DP 8400DX
Maximum Print Speed 24 ppm 24 ppm 24 ppm 24 ppm 24 ppm
Standard Memory
Maximum
128 MB
-------------
512 MB
256 MB
-------------
512 MB
128 MB
-------------
512 MB
256 MB
-------------
512 MB
256 MB
-------------
512 MB
Fast Color, Standard, Enhanced, &
High Res/Photo Print Quality Modes
33333
PCL Print Quality Modes 600 x 300
600 x 600
600 x 300
600 x 600
600 x 300
600 x 600
600 x 300
600 x 600
600 x 300
600 x 600
Hard Drive Upgrade
required
Upgrade
required
Optional Optional 3
Automatic 2-Sided Printing Upgrade
required
3Upgrade
required
33
Job Pipelining Upgrade
required
3Upgrade
required
33
Legal Printing 33333
Connectivity Parallel &
USB
Parallel &
USB
Parallel,
USB, &
Ethernet
Parallel,
USB, &
Ethernet
Parallel,
USB, &
Ethernet
PrintingScout, PhaserSMART,
CentreWare IS, & CentreWare Web Upgrade
required
Upgrade
required
333
Disk Collation Upgrade
required
Upgrade
required
Upgrade
required
Upgrade
required
3
Job Accounting Upgrade
required
Upgrade
required
50 records 500
records
5000
records
Proof/Saved/Secure Print Upgrade
required
Upgrade
required
Upgrade
required
Upgrade
required
3
525-Sheet Feeders Optional Optional Optional Optional 1

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 OVERVIEW SECTION
Version 1.0
page 10
Primary Differences
Phaser 8500 and 8550 printers look and function much like Phaser 8400 printers, but physical differences can
be used to identify the Phaser 8500/8550 print engine, supplies, manuals, and printer software CD-ROM.
There are also differences in the network connectivity and hard drive features.
Print Engine
Key differences between the Phaser 8500/8550 and Phaser 8400 print engines include the Control Panel
menus, communication ports, and customer touch points.
■Control Panel Menus - The Control Panel menus include several new features and usability
improvements. Use the training CD-ROM’s Resources section to view or print Menu Maps for the
Phaser 8400 and Phaser 8500/8550 printers.
■Communications Ports - Ethernet and USB ports are standard on all Phaser 8500 and 8550
models. A parallel port is not provided. In comparison, all Phaser 8400 printers include parallel
and USB ports. Only the Phaser 8400N, DP, and DX configurations provide an Ethernet port.
■Customer Touch Points - Most customer touch points are green plastic on Phaser 8400 printers.
On Phaser 8500 and 8550 printers, the same parts are white with green labels. Customers use the
touch points to perform maintenance functions such as clearing jams and replacing supplies.
Printer Supplies
Phaser 8500/8550 supplies are similar to Phaser 8400 supplies but are not interchangeable. Refer to
“Supplies” on page 49 for more information on the ink sticks and Maintenance Kits.
■Ink Sticks - Phaser 8500/8550 ink sticks have unique shapes and are not interchangeable with
other printers. The same inks are used in Phaser 8500 and 8550 models.
■Ink Status - When Phaser 8500 and 8550 printers run out of ink, the Control Panel display
indicates which color must be loaded. Phaser 8400 printers indicate when ink is low, but the user
must open the ink loader to visually determine which color is low.
Software & Documentation
Phaser 8400 printers include a User Documentation CD-ROM and a Printer Installer & Utilities CD-ROM.
The Phaser 8500 and 8550 printer software and user documentation is provided on a single Software and
Documentation CD-ROM. Installing the Phaser 8500 and 8550 software also loads a utility called the Xerox
Support Centre. This utility provides access to the user documentation and printer driver settings, online
documentation, and troubleshooting tools. See “Xerox Support Centre” on page 26 for details.
■Maintenance Kit - Customers can tell
the difference between Phaser 8400 and
Phaser 8500/8550 Maintenance Kits by
checking the label on the bottom of the
kit as shown to the right. The label for
Phaser 8500/8550 Maintenance Kits
includes the product type. Phaser 8400
Maintenance Kit labels have no product
identification.
Phaser 8500/8550
Printer Model

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 OVERVIEW SECTION
Version 1.0 page 11
Network Connectivity
Network connectivity is standard for the Phaser 8400N, DP, and DX printers and all Phaser 8500 and 8550
configurations. Each model supports PhaserSMART, PrintingScout, MaiLinX, and the Usage Analysis Tool,
but there are differences in support for network protocols and CentreWare as shown below:
Hard Drive Features
The hard drive for Phaser 8550 printers is called the “Productivity Kit”. It is standard on the Phaser 8550DX
configuration and is available as an upgrade for Phaser 8550DP and DT configurations. The Productivity Kit
disables RAM collation because it provides disk space for the collation process. It also enables Personal
Print, a Walk-Up Feature that is not available in Phaser 8400 printers.
The Phaser 8400DX configuration includes the hard drive. When Phaser 8400 printers have the DX feature
set, the hard drive provides the most complete set of features. Installing a hard drive into the Phaser 8400N
and DP configurations provides a limited set of features as shown in the following table.
Network Connectivity 8400N, DP, & DX 8500N & DN 8550DP, DT, & DX
Network Protocols TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, & EtherTalk TCP/IP & EtherTalk TCP/IP & EtherTalk
CentreWare Web, IS, DP, & MC Web, IS, & MC Web, IS, & MC
Although disk collation and Proof, Saved, Secure, and Personal Print are
available after installing the Productivity Kit into Phaser 8500 printers, these
features are not supported or tested.
A hard drive can be installed into Phaser 8400N and 8400DP printers, but
features including Collation and Proof/Saved/Secure Print will not be
supported unless the feature set is also upgraded to DX.
Features After Upgrade 8400N & DP
(Upgrade) 8400DX (Standard) 8500N & DN (Unsupported) 8550DP & DT (Upgrade) 8550DX (Standard)
Disk Collation DX upgrade
required
3Not supported
or tested
33
Walk-Up Features DX upgrade
required
Proof,
Saved,
Secure
Not supported
or tested
Proof, Saved,
Secure,
Personal
Proof, Saved,
Secure,
Personal
Support for Print-Ready Document
Manager Via CentreWare IS
DX upgrade
required
3Not supported
or tested
33
Storage for CentreWare IS
Context-Sensitive Help
DX upgrade
required
3Not supported
or tested
33
Increased Storage for Fonts,
Macros, Systart Jobs, & Job
Accounting Records
33Not supported
or tested
33
User Manuals, Videos, & Drivers 33Not supported
or tested
33

PHASER 8550, 8500, & 8400 OVERVIEW SECTION
Version 1.0
page 12
Options & Upgrades
The Phaser 8400, 8500, and 8550 options and upgrade kits include extra memory, the 525-Sheet
Feeder, the hard drive (Productivity Kit), and configuration upgrades.
Memory
The Phaser 8400, 8500, and 8550 printers each provide two memory slots. Phaser 8500/8550 memory
modules are physically different than Phaser 8400 modules and are not interchangeable. Memory is located
behind the option cover on both models, but a different installation procedure is required as shown below.
Phaser 8400 Memory
Phaser 8400 printers include either 128 or 256 MB of memory, so customers will rarely need to install more
RAM. The benefits of adding memory include the following:
■Increased frame buffer size can improve printing throughput for complex jobs
■On Phaser 8400N printers with 128 MB of RAM and no hard drive, additional memory increases
the job accounting record capacity from 50 to 500
■At least 256 MB of memory is required for automatic two-sided printing
The printer supports PC133-compliant, 128 and 256 MB DIMMs. One or two memory DIMMs may be
installed. The supported memory configurations are 128, 256, 384, and 512 MB (any combination of 128 and
256 MB DIMMs).
Phaser 8500 and 8550 Memory
Phaser 8500/8550 printers support more memory than Phaser 8400 printers (1 GB vs. 512 MB) using 128,
256, and 512 MB memory modules. The printers support combinations of 128, 256, and 512 MB modules
(supported configurations are 256, 384, 512, 640, 768 MB, and 1 GB). Adding memory provides more space
for RAM collation, which is supported by Phaser 8550 models with no hard drive. Larger files will
“chunk-collate” when the printer runs short on memory space. Adding memory improves collation and also
increases the frame buffer size to improve printing throughput for complex jobs.
4
Installing Phaser 8400 Memory Installing Phaser 8500/8550 Memory