Centronix733+IBMPC=FIRE Why?

From: Dwight Elvey <elvey_at_hal.com>
Date: Tue Jan 9 11:31:14 2001

THETechnoid_at_home.com wrote:
> If you connect an Atari 825 printer to a PC, the printer fries itself.
> This is an OEM Centronics 733 printer. Why does it make smoke? I've
> burned three printers and know my signals/cables are correct. I've run
> tons of printers off ataris that weren't atari printers. Why does this
> printer call the fire dept when connected to the PC??
>
> P.S. I've one more that works perfectly so I can
> experiment.................................. I will produce the pinouts
> for each machine, but wanted instant gratification.....

Hi
 I know of one other case that is similar to this.
I don't recall the printer type but it was used with
an apple. When the computer was turned on first, the
input devices would latch up on the printer when it
was powered up. In his case, if he turned on the printer
first and then the computer, all worked fine.
 Another thing to look for is the line that has 5 volts
on it. It may be connected at both ends, to both supplies.
This would be bad because the supply with the higher voltage
will try to power both units.
 These are the two things that I can think of to look for.
Dwight
Received on Tue Jan 09 2001 - 11:31:14 GMT