Re: FAQ type question

[Mike Pfaiffer <pfaiffer@mbnet.mb.ca>]

Joe Kohn wrote:
> 
> Maybe I should ask one more time, but in a different way...
> 
> A software test has already failed. Nothing is getting from the IIGS to the
> printer. So, without test equipment, how does one diagnose whether it's
> just a faulty parallel cable, or whether it's the Grappler card itself?
> 
> Please, no more suggestions about writing a Basic program, as that was the
> very first thing done.
> 
> Failing all that, anyone got a cheap $10 Grappler for sale...one that
> works? If so, please contact me and I'll put you in touch with the person
> who needs it. Thanks!
> 
> Joe Kohn
> j o k o AT c r l DOT com

	After reading the rest of the thread I agree with you there is more
likely than not a hardware problem. I see the possibilities you were
talking about. We can try a process of elimination on each of the four.
You probably have done all of these but it is still a good idea to
double check anyhow. I'll tell you why at the end of the message.

1) The printer...
	If he has a friend with another Apple and a parallel card (or PC) try
it there. Since he reports the printer gives an out of paper message you
know he has at least found the on switch. ;-)

2) Inserting the card with the power on.
	I removed a card with power on once. It damaged more than the card. It
also damaged the computer. If the machine is OK then chances are this is
not what has happened. OTOH if the card is angled up or down this could
pose a problem.

3) Cable
	As I recall there is no way the cable can be connected backward.
	a) As you've suggested, try another cable. Wish I could help you out.
Our club has a number of cards and cables but no parallel printer cards
or cables.
	b) Test the connections. Make sure the cable is attached firmly to the
printer. I had a loose cable once and got weird results.
	c) Check all the pins on the card are actually in the cable. This
problem will produce the same problems as you are reporting.
	d) Be sure there is current passing through the cable. I don't know
which pins are actually wired up to where but since it looks like it
goes from (as I recall) a 16 pin socket to a 50 pin Centronics this
should be fairly easy to check. If he doesn't have a continuity tester
handy then he can construct one from a battary, some wire, and a small
flashlight bulb.

4) The card.
	a) As you suggest, try a new card. Again, I wish our club could help.
(I don't suppose you'd want an Apple///?)
	b) Borrow a different printer and try it.

	The reason I suggested this process is partly for the benefit of
newbies so you can have a little more rest. Mainly it was to suggest a
check list (which I am sure you've already gone through). This should
find out if it is a single problem or not. We all know what it's like to
track down multiple problems. If this doesn't work I don't know how to
proceed.

	Here is a true story to lighten things up. Since you are doing tech
support with this customer you may be able to relate to this. I was the
number two computer person in a government department a few years back.
We did such a good job there were only two of us for around 300 people.
One day one of the higher ups phones me and tells me there is a computer
problem.

Me: Can you be more specific?

Her: My monitor won't come on.

Me: Let's follow this through step by step. Is the monitor turned on?

Her: Oh yes.

Me: Is it plugged in?

Her: Both cables are plugged into the back of the computer.

Me: Is the computer turned on?

Her: Yes, but I don't hear the fan.

Me: OK... Is the computer plugged in?

Her: (getting frustrated) The computer is plugged into the powerbar.

Me: Is the powerbar turned on?

Her: (the steam is rising) Naturally!

Me: Is the power bar plugged in?

Her: Of course not! I unplugged it to save energy!

				Later
				Mike




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