Dead LaserWriter Pro?

[lagomorphonic]

I figured I'd post this as a last ditch attempt before it went into the landfill/ewaste. I've got a LaserWriter Pro that I got from someone along with an LC III. Both had been in storage and were very well looked after machines, but just not used in ages. The LC III works, but unfortunately the LaserWriter doesn't even power on as far as I can tell. When I connect it to power (not connected to a computer at all, just mains power) and flip the switch, none of the lights come on and there's no sound or noise from the unit at all. If I connect it to the LC III it's the same issue, however, connecting it will cause the LC III to freeze. Is this something as simple as a fuse or internal breaker or something simple internal to the LaserWriter? Or is it dead? Or is it even worth bothering with? I couldn't find any posts or anything online regarding this issue.

 

[Phipli]

I figured I'd post this as a last ditch attempt before it went into the landfill/ewaste. I've got a LaserWriter Pro that I got from someone along with an LC III. Both had been in storage and were very well looked after machines, but just not used in ages. The LC III works, but unfortunately the LaserWriter doesn't even power on as far as I can tell. When I connect it to power (not connected to a computer at all, just mains power) and flip the switch, none of the lights come on and there's no sound or noise from the unit at all. If I connect it to the LC III it's the same issue, however, connecting it will cause the LC III to freeze. Is this something as simple as a fuse or internal breaker or something simple internal to the LaserWriter? Or is it dead? Or is it even worth bothering with? I couldn't find any posts or anything online regarding this issue.

There are spares available for them. Perhaps it's PSU has failed, or the IO Board (they're prone to cap leakage)?

It depends how much you or someone else want to save it. I spent hours yesterday working on my LaserWriter Pro.

 

[beachycove]

One thing to check if repair is to be entertained as an option is whether parts obtained from machines based on the same print engine would be compatible. For example, the LWPro 600/630 (I used one for ~20 years) shared a great many parts with the HP Laserjet 4/ 4 Plus. The power supply could very well be a straight swap, and little disassembly would required to replace the part in a 600/630.

 

[Phipli]

The IO Board suffers from leaky caps and was made by apple, it is quite likely to be that. There is one in the UK for sale, NOS, for £15 +P&P.

Horror pictures of mine attached.

 

[lagomorphonic]

Thanks for the replies. I figured if it was something relatively simple I'd give it a shot, but not going to shell out for a recap or put that type of effort in. I have it in my possession so figured I'd at least ask and see if there was something obvious. It's too big to keep around as a "project someday" as I've got higher priority projects that I'll probably never get to So will probably put it up on trademe as a "giveaway".

 

[Phipli]

Thanks for the replies. I figured if it was something relatively simple I'd give it a shot, but not going to shell out for a recap or put that type of effort in. I have it in my possession so figured I'd at least ask and see if there was something obvious. It's too big to keep around as a "project someday" as I've got higher priority projects that I'll probably never get to So will probably put it up on trademe as a "giveaway".

Hum. Recap parts are less than £2 for this board and getting the board out is a 10 minute job.

I'd recommend at least removing the tin can surface mount capacitors and cleaning the board. Leaving it is a really bad idea as they get exponentially worse. Both my dad's and my boards were showing signs of corrosion, mine more than his. If you leave it a couple of years the board will be much worse.

These things aren't static - putting it off makes things harder to fix.

Edit - misread sorry, see you're talking about selling not storing.

See if anyone here is interested and local. It's sort of like a Macintosh LC3 and still a usable printer. I used mine with a Netgear PS101, which let me add ethernet and a print server with a print queueto the 600. I used it from a 2008 mac. I haven't used it lately and am in the process of doing it up. Many printing faults can be fixed with a new toner cartridge or worst case, roller kit.

Not working, and given the price of parts vs a new printer, I'll warn you that it isn't worth much.