This detailed guide will walk you through the entire HP DesignJet T520 Printer setup process—from unboxing to connecting and configuring it for optimal performance. Let’s dive in.
Unboxing and Preparing the HP DesignJet T520
When you first receive your HP DesignJet T520 printer, make sure the box is placed on a stable and flat surface. Carefully open the box and remove all packaging materials, including the plastic film, tapes, and protective foam. You’ll find the following items inside the box:
- HP DesignJet T520 printer
- Power cord
- Setup guide and warranty documents
- Ink cartridges
- Printhead
- Input and output trays
Before you start the installation, check the printer for any visible damage during shipping. Once verified, place the printer in a well-ventilated area with enough space around it for smooth operation.
Power Connection and Initial Setup
Plug the power cord into the back of the printer and connect it to a power outlet. Press the power button to turn it on. Once powered, the printer’s touchscreen display will light up, guiding you through the basic setup process.
Select your preferred language, region, and time zone on the screen. The printer will then prompt you to install ink cartridges and load paper.
Installing Ink Cartridges and Printhead
The HP DesignJet T520 uses high-capacity HP 711 ink cartridges, ensuring precise and vibrant color output. Follow these steps:
- Open the ink cartridge access door.
- Gently shake each ink cartridge before inserting it to ensure even ink distribution.
- Insert the cartridges into their respective color slots—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
- Close the access door securely.
Next, install the printhead if it’s not pre-installed:
- Open the printhead latch and insert the printhead into its holder.
- Ensure it clicks into place.
- Close the latch carefully and wait for the printer to recognize it.
The printer will perform an automatic printhead alignment once installed, ensuring optimal print quality.
Loading the Paper Roll or Sheet
The HP DesignJet T520 can print on both roll paper and sheet-fed media. Here’s how to load each type:
Loading Roll Paper:
- Open the roll cover and place the paper roll on the spindle.
- Insert the spindle into the printer’s roll holder.
- Feed the paper edge into the printer until it grips automatically.
- Adjust the roll alignment using the guides to prevent skewing.
- Close the roll cover once the paper is loaded correctly.
Loading Sheet Paper:
- Place the sheet in the input tray at the back of the printer.
- Adjust the paper guides to fit the sheet width.
- The printer will automatically detect the sheet and load it.
Connecting the HP DesignJet T520 Printer
The HP DesignJet T520 supports multiple connection options — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. You can choose the one that best suits your workspace setup.
Option 1: Wireless (Wi-Fi) Connection
- On the printer’s control panel, select Wireless Setup Wizard.
- Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password.
- Once connected, the Wi-Fi icon will appear on the screen, confirming a successful connection.
Option 2: Wired (Ethernet) Connection
- Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to your printer and the other to your router or switch.
- The printer will automatically detect the connection.
Option 3: USB Connection
- Connect the USB cable between your printer and computer.
- Wait for your computer to detect the printer and install basic drivers automatically.
Installing HP Printer Software
Now that your printer is connected, you need to install the proper HP DesignJet T520 setup software to ensure smooth communication between the printer and your computer.
- On your computer, open a browser and visit 123.hp.com/setup.
- Enter your printer model—"HP DesignJet T520."
- Download the latest HP Easy Start or full-feature software package.
- Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
During installation, the software will detect your printer automatically (via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB). Choose the connection method and proceed with driver installation. Once done, print a test page to confirm successful setup.
Aligning and Calibrating the Printer
To achieve precise and sharp print results, calibration is essential. The HP DesignJet T520 includes a built-in calibration tool.
- On the printer’s touchscreen, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Align Printhead.
- The printer will print a calibration sheet.
- Follow the instructions to complete alignment.
This ensures that colors and lines are accurately placed—crucial for technical drawings or CAD designs.
Testing the Printer
Once your setup is complete, it’s time to run a few test prints. Choose a sample image or a blueprint file to check print quality.
- Make sure the paper type and print size match your document.
- Review the color balance and line accuracy.
- Adjust print settings as needed using the HP DesignJet Utility software on your PC.
If your prints show streaks or faded lines, perform a quick nozzle check and clean the printhead through the printer’s maintenance menu.
Setting Up Mobile and Cloud Printing
The HP DesignJet T520 supports HP Smart App, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
- Download the HP Smart App from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and sign in with your HP account.
- Add your HP DesignJet T520 by selecting “Add Printer.”
- Once connected, you can print, scan, or monitor ink levels remotely.
Additionally, the printer supports HP ePrint and Google Cloud Print, letting you send documents to print from anywhere using email or cloud storage platforms.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
Even with a smooth setup process, you might face a few hiccups. Here’s how to tackle the most common ones:
- Printer Not Found on Network:
- Recheck your Wi-Fi password and signal strength.
- Restart your router and printer.
- Reconnect using the Wireless Setup Wizard.
- Print Quality Issues:
- Run a printhead cleaning cycle.
- Use genuine HP ink cartridges.
- Ensure you’re using compatible media types.
- Paper Jam or Feed Error:
- Gently remove any stuck paper.
- Avoid overloading the tray.
- Align the paper guides correctly.
- Software Installation Fails:
- Disable temporary antivirus software.
- Try downloading the HP Easy Start installer again.
Maintaining Your HP DesignJet T520
Routine maintenance keeps your printer running at peak performance.
- Clean the printhead regularly to prevent clogging.
- Update firmware via HP Support for enhanced stability.
- Keep the printer covered when not in use to protect it from dust.
- Use HP Original Ink Cartridges for consistent output quality.
Final Thoughts
Setting up the HP DesignJet T520 Printer isn’t complicated—it just requires patience and attention to detail. From unboxing and loading paper to connecting it wirelessly and installing drivers, each step builds the foundation for flawless printing.
The T520 is built for precision and performance, perfect for professionals who value quality and reliability. Once set up, it delivers high-resolution prints, crisp lines, and consistent output that meets the expectations of even the most demanding projects.
So take your time, follow the setup process carefully, and enjoy the smooth, professional results your HP DesignJet T520 was designed to produce.