HP LineJet Printers

The LineJet series of line matrix printers consists of 500, 1000, and 1500 lines per minute (lpm) models.

These are (were) line-matrix printers. Characters are formed by a horizontal array of print-pins mounted on a carriage-wide rapidly oscillating shuttle. At each oscillation of the shuttle the printer produces on row of dots. Ordinarily after printing a row the paper advances fractionally then the next row of dots is printed.

Using this mechanism the prionter can produce 7x7 dot characters at the full rated speed and lower case characters with descenders at a slightly lower speed. Since the printer is procucing a fully addressable matrix any graphic can be produced but the speed falls further. To print at it's highest quality the printer operates with the shuttle moving only in one direction which further halves it's speed.

Line matrix printers offer an unusual level of flexibility: print quality can range up to NLQ.



Model Number
Nameplate
Print Speed
Pedestal
Cabinet
Power Stacker
Monthly Duty Cycle
C3201DLineJet 500P500 lpmX


130,000 pages
C3202DLineJet 500Q
500 lpm
X

130,000 pages
C3204D
LineJet 1000Q
1000 lpm
X

205,000 pages
C3205DLineJet 1500Q1500 lpm
X

375,000 pages
C5640DLineJet 1500Q1500 lpm
X
X
375,000 pages

Additionally, the LineJet printer offers the following three emulations as part of its LinePrinter Plus grouping: the Proprinter ® III XL, Epson® FX-1050, and P-Series emulations.


Control Panel

The pedestal model has a single line LCD display and a set of navigation keys as well as Online FormFeed Line Feed and View.

The Cabinet models have a two line message display with navigation buttons and the above keys.


In 2006 HP withdrew support for the linejets as follows. The body of the printers was actually made by Pritronix. Parts for printers are often still available.

  • C3201ND (500P)
  • C3202ND (500Q)
  • C3204ND (1000Q)
  • C3205ND (1500Q)
  • C5640ND (1500Q with power stacker)
  • C3216D (QMS Graphics Kit)
  • C3217D (PGL Graphics Upgrade)