Bulletin #: 8607
Date: 8/30/13
Subject: Unit Life Optimized Settings
Service Communication: 160
Supersedes Bulletin #8607 dated 2/8/13. Reissued to clarify IUYE firmware versions for the bizhub C35 and address “e”-series models.
This bulletin brings together a summary of machine requirements that are necessary in order to manage parts
life cycles and maximize the imaging unit yields on color models. This data previously was published in
separate Technical Bulletins (#6901: Image Unit Yield Enhancement and #7528: Unit Life Optimized Settings)
that are now obsolete.
The summary is organized into two general groups:
Unit Life Optimized Settings (ULOS)
Image Unit Yield Enhancement (IUYE)
Please refer to the following pages for current information.
GREAT NEWS
Beginning with November 26, 2012 production, all new “4”-series machines have the ULOS and IUYE settings
defaulted to “on”. Also, the new “e”-series machines have had their IUYE settings defaulted to “ON” since the
introduction of these models. This means that you do not have to apply the settings on these new machines.
The factory is putting a blue dot on the serial number label for the first three months of production to identify
these initial machines. The chart below shows the serial number cut-in for each of the “4”-series models.
Model Serial Number Cut-In
C754 A2X0011001522
C654 A2X1011005439
C554 A2XK011002209
C454 A4FJ011004947
C364 A161011007197
C284 A4FK011005313
C224 A4FM011007556
In addition, these models are now set to display the
machine’s jam code. Previously, this display was
defaulted to “off”.
ULOS v2.2 Bulletin #: 8607
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Which models do IUYE and ULOS apply to?
A: Refer to the chart below.
IUYE ULOS
bizhub Models 150%
ACS Extension Firmware Settings Firmware
C200 X X Base N/A
C250/C250P/C252/C252P
X X Special N/A
C300/C352/C352P
C203/C253/C353/C353P
C220/C280/C360/C451
X Use ULOS Settings X Latest Base
C550/C650/C452/C552
C652/C552DS/C652DS
C224/C284/C454/C364
X Use ULOS Settings X Base
C554/C654/C754
C35 (New) N/A X Special N/A
36/42 (New) N/A X Special
423/363/283/223
N/A X Latest Base
652/552
Note: ACS settings are included in base firmware of all listed color models (except C35).
Q: What are the changes in the list shown above?
A: The bizhub C35 has been added to the IUYE list and the bizhub 42/36 has been added to the ULOS list.
Note that special firmware is required for the 42/36 in order to implement these service initiatives. Here are
the key advantages:
C35
Imaging Unit – The replacement message is changed from 100% to 145%, the Life Stop
message will appear at 167%, and the unit must be changed at that point.
Transfer Belt / Transfer Roller / Fuser Unit – Life messages have been eliminated from the
display panel.
42/36
Drum Unit / Developing Unit / Fusing Unit – Life messages have been eliminated. The
replacement or stop messages will no longer be displayed.
If a machine displays a replacement or stop message, update the special firmware. The settings can then
be applied and the messages will be turned off.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR C35
There are two versions of the PRCB (“early” vs “later”), each of
which requires its own engine firmware version. (The controller
firmware is the same for both boards.) These are available via
One Stop Product Support on MyKonicaMInolta.com.
Printing out a confirmation sheet will let you see easily which
version of firmware to use (see example at right).
ULOS v2.2 Bulletin #: 8607
Q: Can accounts that use special firmware still have the ACS settings applied?
A: Yes. The ACS settings are available on all models above, regardless of the firmware loaded.
Q: What is the difference between the IUYE and ULOS settings?
A: The IUYE settings change the ACS (Automatic Color Selection) from “Color Ready” to “Black Ready”,
reducing unnecessary rotation of color IUs.
IUYE settings also include 150% imaging unit life extension for older model MFPs listed above.
ULOS settings turn off many of the end-of-life warnings to customers, allowing selected units to run
to their full life.
Q: Do the new color machines include the ULOS settings in their base firmware?
A: Yes, the new “4”-series MFPs (C754/C654/C554/C454/C364/C284/C224) have the settings included in the
new firmware.
Q: Do the new “e”-series machines include the ULOS settings in their base firmware?
A: Yes, the new “e”-series MFPs have the settings included in the new firmware.
Q: Do we need to disable the new “Near Life Display Settings” available on the new “4”-series
machines when applying the ULOS settings to these new models?
A: No. The “Eliminate Life Message Display Setting” (System 2 > Software Switch Setting > Switch No. : 15)
eliminates the need to turn off the “Near Life Display Settings”. As long as all of the ULOS settings stated in
the documentation are applied, this setting is disabled.
Q: What do you do if you are working on an MFP that has special firmware or is in a CAC/PIV
environment and you cannot do some or any of the IUYE or ULOS settings?
A: Check and apply the settings that can be done. ACS should not be a problem.
Q: After applying the ULOS software switch settings, you decide you want to double-check and you
notice that the settings did not “take”. What could be the reason for this issue?
A: Verify that the correct ULOS-enabled firmware is loaded on the MFP. Use the current ULOS document for
verification.
ULOS v2.2 Bulletin #: 8607
UNIT LIFE OPTIMIZED SETTINGS (ULOS)
There is new firmware available that now allows the suppression
of life end and stop messages for Fuser Units, Imaging & Drum
Units, Developer & Developer Units, Transfer Belt Units and
Toner Low messages. These settings allow parts to run to full
life and replacement is based on usage instead of counter clicks.
Eligible models are grouped together by common settings. Not
all models have the same options available.
After updating to the new firmware (if required) be sure to
carefully select the correct settings for each model you are
setting up. There have been some changes from previous
firmware versions, print out the Machine List before leaving to
verify your changes.
Print the last two pages of this document for use as a reference
when doing these updates.
IMPORTANT: Because the end-of-life message is eliminated, print quality is not guaranteed if the life
counter exceeds the specification value. Consequently, monitoring image quality depends upon both
the customer and the technician. The specified unit should be replaced when the print quality no
longer meets customer expectations.
Additional Firmware Dipswitch Settings
The following settings are in addition to those shown on the attached pages.
bizhub C203/C253/C353
Dipswitch No. 2 (On) - Reduce lower fusing roller temperature in standby/ Low power mode.
Dipswitch No. 12 (On) - Retry SOS error in the initial operation of the machine.
Note: These settings were originally introduced with special firmware. With the introduction of this new
firmware, the setting must be entered via the two dipswitches.
bizhub 223/283
Dipswitch No. 7 (Off), Dipswitch No. 8 (On) – These two settings will help reduce toner consumption. The
Gradation Adjustment must be run 3 times after changing these switches.
Firmware Versions
Except as noted, use the latest base firmware available. Firmware can be obtained via Konica Minolta’s
SSD Download Selector on MyKonicaMinolta.com.
bizhub 42/36: Use firmware version STEP_3MR (filename bizhub_42_ContFW_30G0042805.exe).
bizhub C203: Use firmware version GRG-R6 (filename C203_A02E0Y0-F0000-GRG-R6.exe).
ULOS v2.2 Bulletin #: 8607
bizhub C253: Use firmware version GQG-R6 (filename C253_A02E0Y0-F0000-GQG-R6.exe).
bizhub C353: Use firmware version GPG-R6 (filename C353_A02E0Y0-F0000-GPG-R6.exe).
bizhub C451: Use firmware version GPG-R6 (filename C451_A00K0Y0-F0000-GPG-R6.exe).
bizhub C550: Use firmware version GPG-R6 (filename C550_A00J0Y0-F0000-GPG-R6.exe).
bizhub C650: Use firmware version GPG-R6 (filename C650_A00H0Y0-F0000-GPG-R6.exe).
Group A Group B Group C Group D
C650/C550/C451 C652/C652DS/C552/C552DS/C452 C360/C280/C220 423/363/283/223
C353/C253/C203 C554/C454/C364/C284/C224
C754/C654 bh 652/552
1. Unit Replacement & Toner Warning Settings
> System 2 N/A for 652/552
> Unit Change User User User
User
Set to "Service" Group A, B & C only
> Warning Display - Toner Near Empty Servic Servic
Servic
Set to "No"
N/A for C650/C550/C451
2. IU life Extension Setting
> System 1
> IU Life Stop Setting
Set to "Suspend"
Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable
Suspend
Please verify these settings and set if needed.
3. Select No-Stop unit
* IU Press Stop->0->Clear to enter
* Drum Unit “Enhanced Security mode”
* Developing > Life Stop Setting
Unit Set to "No Stop" No No Stop No Stop
* Transfer Belt > System 2 No Stop
Unit > Software Switch Setting 1: No Stop 0 : Stop
* Fusing Unit Switch No. : 55 55 One setting for all units
Bit Assignment : bit2, bit3 Group A Group B Group C
00001100
Set “SW Switch Setting” bit3 Transfer Belt Unit
0C bit2 Fusing Unit
Apply "Fix" after setting has been done.
4. Eliminate Life Message Display Setting C650/C550/C451
> System 2 51
> Software Switch Setting
11011000 51
Switch No. : 51
Bit Assignment :>>>> D8 11110000
Set “SW Switch Setting” C353/C253/C203 F0
1: No Display 0 : Display
51
Apply "Fix" after setting has been done. 11010000 " *(asterisk) "will be indicated next to the life counter on “Machine
Note: Verify bit2 is set to "0" on all machines. D0 Management List” for the unit whose life message is set as “No Display”.
5. Additional Firmware Dipswitch Settings C353/C253/C203 only Not Applicable Not Applicable 223/283 only
> System 2 No. 2 (On) & No. 12 (On) No. 7 (Off) & No. 8 (On)
> Software Switch Setting 223/283 Firmware Dipswitch Setting Information
Switch No. : 59 Go to Enhanced Security mode No:7 (Off) & No:8 (On) Helps reduce toner
Bit Assignment : 00000001 59 consumption
Press Stop->0->Clear to enter “Enhanced Security 00000001
mode” C353/C253/C203 Firmware Dipswitch Setting Information
01 No:2 (On) Reduce lower fusing roller temperature in standby/ Low
> Engine FW DipSW
power mode.
Power cycle MFP to make setting valid No:12 (On) Retry SOS error in the initial operation of the machine.
ULOS v2.2
January 9, 2013
Group E
42/36
1. Life Stop Setting
> Service Mode
> Use the down button to scroll to the Life Stop Setting
button
> Life Stop Setting
> Set to "OFF"
> Press "OK"
2. Eliminate Life Message Display Setting
> Service Mode
> Soft Switch 11
> Refer to the chart at the right, add 32 to the value
showing
> Enter the new value using the control panel keys
> Press "OK"
ULOS v2.2
January 9, 2013
IU Yield Enhancement v2.3 8/30/13
IMAGE UNIT YIELD ENHANCEMENT (IUYE)
Automatic Color Selection (ACS) Mode
The average office color machine runs less than 30% color
volume.
1/3 of the population runs less than 18% color.
By default, “Color Ready”. When running black-only copies or
prints, all 4 color drums are engaged from the start of the print
cycle.
Once the machine determines the job is monochrome, the
color drums are disengaged (but not before rotating for 5 – 6
page rotations).
Mostly Used as Mostly Used as
Printer Copier
Print > 80% Print < 80%
IU Replacement Indicator Yes Yes
Yes, if walk-up color
ACS “Black Ready” Yes
usage < 30%
IU Replacement Indicator
By default, the replacement indicator is displayed at 100% of
yield (suspends operation 2,000 images later).
Actual Image Unit (IU) life span is affected by many factors, like
job stream, paper, run length, etc.
Many IUs will run reliably well past 100% of yield if allowed to.
In order to have maximum flexibility, every machine should be
set for 150% condition (C35: 167%) on the IU replacement
indicator.
The IU should be replaced when the copy quality no longer
meets customer expectations.
IU Yield Enhancement Procedure Applicable Models
Follow these steps to enhance the IU yield. Refer to the bizhub C250/C250P
following chart for model-specific details. bizhub C252/C252P
bizhub C300
1. Verify the firmware version. (Upgrade as needed.) bizhub C352/C352P
bizhub C200
2. Change the IU replacement indicator. Changing the setting to bizhub C35 (Life Extension only)
allow the drum to operate past 100% of the original life expectancy will bizhub C203/C253/C353/C353P
help to increase the life of all four imaging units.
bizhub C220/C280/C360
3. Change the ACS mode. Changing ACS to “black ready” will bizhub C451/C550/C650
increase the life of the color imaging units. bizhub C452/C552/C652/
bizhub C552DS/C652DS
NOTE: For future products, check the Service Manual for applicable settings.
bizhub C654/C754
bizhub C554/C454/C364/C284/C224
IU Yield Enhancement v2.3 8/30/13
bizhub Color Model IU Yield Enhancement Setting Chart
Model Name Firmware Version Required 150% Extension Setting Black Ready ACS Setting
4038-F000-GC8-K0-000 1. a) Service Mode > [Image Process
C250/C250P
(Special Firmware) Adjustment] > [Stabilizer]
C250/C250P 4038-F000-GC8-K2-000 b) Select [Span2] (default is “Span1”)
with FS514 (Special Firmware) 2. a) Service Mode > [System 2] >
[Software Switch Setting]
4038-F000-GC8-K1-000 b) [Switch No.] > enter “51”
C252/C252P
(Special Firmware) c) [Bit Assignment] > enter “00000001”
(default is “00000000”) 1. Service Mode > [System
C252/C252P 4038-F000-GC8-K3-000
d) [Fix] 2] > [Software Switch
with FS501/FS603 (Special Firmware)
Setting]
9J06-F000-GWB-K1-000 1. a) Service Mode > [System 2] > [IU 2. [Switch No.] > enter “53”
C300 Life Setting] 3. [Bit Assignment] >
(Special Firmware)
b) Select [Long] (default is “Normal”) enter “00000001” (default is
2. a) Service Mode > [Image Process “00000000”)
Adjustment] > [Stabilizer] 4. [Fix]
b) Select [Span2] (default is “Span1”)
3. a) Service Mode > [System 2] >
9J06-F000-GWB-K0-000
C352/C352P [Software Switch Setting]
(Special Firmware)
b) [Switch No.] > enter “51”
c) [Bit Assignment] > enter “00000001”
(default is “00000000”)
d) [Fix]
1. In the Service Mode >
[System Input] >[Software
Switch Setting]
No need to upgrade. 1. a) Service Mode > [System 2. [Mode Selection] > enter
C200 (Firmware already supports this Input] > [IU Life Setting] “308”
functionality) b) Select [Long ] (default is “Normal”) 3. [Bit Selection] > enter
“00000010” (default is
“00000000”)
4. [Apply] > [OK]
Important: For all models above, also change Software Switch “50” to Bit Assignment “00000001” aftger installing the special firmware.
Not changing this value will result in Code C-3851 or C-3852.
Controller:
A121-30G0-1106-88
1. a) Service Mode > [IU Yield Settings]
C35 (New)
Engine: b) Select [Long]
Early PRCB Boards 2. a) Service Mode > [Imaging Unit Low]
Note: Print out a configuration
A121-50G0-1200-00 b) Select [Off] N/A
sheet first to verify which
3. a) Service Mode > [SoftSwitch11]
version of engine firmware to Later PRCB Boards b) Input “32” using the control panel
use (50G0 or 50G1). A121-50G1-1200-00 c) [OK]
(Special Firmware)
Model Name Firmware Version Required Life Extension Setting Black Ready ACS Setting
C203/C253/C353/C353P
C220/C280/C360
1. Service Mode > [System 2]
C451/C550/C650 Use latest base firmware > [Software Switch Setting]
2. [Switch No.] > enter “50”
C452/C552/C652 Use ULOS settings 3. [Bit Assignment] > enter
“00000001” (default is
C552DS/C652DS “00000000”)
4. [Fix]
C654/C754
Use base firmware
C554/C454/C364/C284/C224
Notes: Beginning with factory production on November 26, 2012, all new “4”-series MFPs have had their IUYE setting defaulted to “ON”.
The new “e”-series machines have had their IUYE settings defaulted to “ON” since the introduction of these models.
