22 Nov
2013
22 Nov
'13
2:46 p.m.
Hi
I was referred to this group by Vintage Computer Forums at
vintage-computer.com.
Greetings, and welcome to the list
I was told a Al Hartman at this list might have the info I need.
I have an Epson FX-185 impact printer. It was in storage for several
This may be closely related to the FX85, simply hacving a wider paper
path. So if you are looking for documentation, try looking for FX85
manuals too.
years. It now makes a constant high pitched noise from
the speaker as
soon as it is turned on. The noise is definitely coming from the
speaker. It is supposed to do so when out of paper. The out of paper
sensor is functioning correctly I even disconnected that sensor from the
board and still get the sound whether or not the circuit is completed.
Some printers, noit just Epson, will do this if the intneral
microcontroller is not running. Basically, until it has intialised its
I/O ports, the beper (and often front panel LEDs() ae turned on.
No bulging capacitors. Parts of the board are grungy.
Wondering how to
go about cleaning the circuit boards.
I would use propan-2-ol (isopropanol, isoproyl alcohol, CH_3CHOHCH_3,
etc) Just wipe over the board using kitchen paper soaked in said alcohol.
Assuming that doesn't get it going, you will probalby need to find a
schematic,. Then chekc the pwoer supply voltages. If those are all OK,
check the rest pin of the microcontroller(s). If it's being held reset,
find out why. If not, check if the clock is running (is there activity on
the crystal when checked with a 'scope). You'd better hope it's not a
microcontrolelr failure, as this will be a custom-programmed part for
this printer.
-tony