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Two Dead StyleWtiers
Posted by: Scott Baret on 2012-02-25 23:55:39
I've got a pair of dead StyleWriters on my hands. Both turned on the last time I powered them up (2008) but now appear to be completely dead.

StyleWriter #1 is a StyleWriter I. I've had this printer for 20 years (purchased new in 1992) and it's never given me any trouble until today. When I turn it on, the lights come on, but the typical noise the printer makes is not present. The error and power light then turn on. I do hear a very quiet noise, as though the printer is trying to do something, but that's about it. The ink cartridge belt does not move.

StyleWriter #2 is a StyleWriter II. This was my friend's printer until five years ago, when he gave it to me as he was downsizing. It always worked fine for him although I didn't really play with it much after he gave it to me (although it did work when I powered it up last). Plain and simple, this one won't turn on now.

Any ideas?

Posted by: LCGuy on 2012-02-26 03:48:06
My StyleWriter II (which I've had since new) stopped turning on about 2 years ago. I'd press the power button, and nothing would happen. Turns out the power supply was cactus...swapped in one from my busted SWII, and I was back in business. If you can't fix it, or find another SWII to scavenge one from, keep an eye out for a Canon BJ-200, they were essentially the same printer, my guess is that the PSU is probably the exact same part.

Posted by: techknight on 2012-02-26 07:46:07
recap city 🙂

Posted by: Scott Baret on 2012-02-26 20:14:26
Techknight, that was my fear. I'm guessing that's more of an issue with the StyleWriter I unless there's some other problem with it. However, I don't smell the distinct odor of bad caps (yet I know this isn't always an indication).

LCGuy, I'll have to look into the BubbleJet. I searched eBay last night for other StyleWriter IIs but found a few dead ones on there (plus a good deal of untested ones). I'm guessing this is a pretty common problem (honestly, the SWII just doesn't feel that well-made compared to the earlier model).

Posted by: techknight on 2012-02-27 17:55:21
I had to recap a power supply in an Imagewriter 2 back in the late 90s, so i know for sure that the time is getting near. the imagewriter i worked on was stored in high heat conditions so thats probably the reason why.

I realize these arnt stylewriters, but same concept applies. HOWEVER.... the stylewriter that has no servo action could be as simple as a popped supply fuse going to the driver IC. Reason could be unknown.

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