StyleWriter II error message

[onlyonemac]

Hi!

I've finally got round to having another go at my StyleWriter II. But there's a problem...

Whenever I try to print, it says something like "The cartridge is missing or not inserted correctly" even after I've inserted and removed it a hundred times. So I tried reseating the ribbon cable inside, but that didn't help. When I try and print a test page, it seems to be fine.

A couple of relevant points is that the cartridge is not an Apple one, but a Canon BC-01 cartridge, which I've heard works fine. However, the pattern of contacts on the cartridge does not exactly match that on the printer (all the contacts are clean). Also, the cartridge is near to empty (and possibly blocked as well), but that shouldn't affect this, should it?

Is this a common issue?

Thanks,

onlyonemac

 

[TheIanMan85]

If it were me I'd buy a new Canon BC-02 cartridge. (The 500 page yield BC-02 replaced the 450 page yield BC-01.) They can be had without spending much; and if the printer works it sounds like you'll need one anyway. I skimmed the StyleWriter II Service Source manual, but I didn't see anything too useful. Visual inspection of the innards is worthwhile too, of course. If it isn't the cartridge, perhaps there's corrosion on the contacts where the cartridge mounts? Or the locking mechanism for the cartridge isn't tight?

Just a few thoughts...good luck!

 

[NJRoadfan]

The StyleWriter II was a Canon Buublejet BJ-200 printer with custom plastics and an Apple specific serial interface. The actual printer engine is all Canon parts. Cleaning the contacts usually does the trick whenever you get a cartridge error. These printers for the most part were trouble free, but as they approach 20 years old, I wouldn't be surprised if rubber bits like the belt need to be replaced.

 

[onlyonemac]

I've done a visual inspection, tested continuity from the ribbon cable to the board, and nothing has shown up.

The contacts are sparkling.