Laser Printers

[george]

I am "resuscitating" a couple of lasers printers and it would be helpful if I could lay my hands on schematic diagrams of each of them.
The printers in question are Apple LaserWriter 12/640 and Brother HL-1250.
A couple of queries re., same printers, how does one find out the toner levels and how does one alter the default paper margins in either machine.
I have the manuals for both printers but they do not supply this information.
George.

[Mayo]

I have a LaserWriter 360 and as far as I know there is no way to monitor the amount of toner left in the cart... The LaserWriter Printer Utility that was available pre-OS X does not show the toner level for my printer. Some Apple printers have a "low toner" indicator light; the 360 does not. But at least my printer still works using an AsanteTalk Ethernet adapter! It developed a "rumbling" noise within the past year but replacing the toner cart with a generic cart (no more OEM carts...) the rumbling went away. (I knew the toner was running out when the printouts began exhibiting dark streaks, etc...)

Aren't the default paper margins handled by the application you are printing from? The minimum printing margins are fixed and cannot be altered.

This Web site might be helpful:  Fix Your Own Printer  Its forum is a good place to get help if the info you need isn't on the Web site.

[george]

Thanks Mayo,
that link sadly does not cater for either of the machines. You mention an Asante Talk Ethernet adaptor, I have been trying for ages to get hold of one but it would appear that they are like hen's teeth.

[Mayo]

George, the AsanteTalk is still listed on the Asante Web site. It is available new for $78 from the Asante store. I purchased a refurbished AsanteTalk directly from Asante for around $50 a few years ago. If you contact Asante they may be able to direct you to a U.K. reseller. eBay USA has three AsanteTalk listings as of this writing so you might find something on your eBay...

Your LaserWriter is AsanteTalk compatible according to this compatibility chart.  

My LaserWriter is connected to an Apple Extreme Base Station and is available wirelessly to any Mac connected to the LAN. I am still hoping to someday get my full $1350 investment out of that printer!!! (At the rate I print that should be around 2025...)

One thing you should know if you wind up getting an AsanteTalk is that the connection is dropped whenever power is interrupted to the adapter. Resetting the AsanteTalk by unplugging it from its power supply gets it working again... It takes around ten seconds for the printer driver to recognize the printer when you attempt to print again after resetting the AsanteTalk, so give it a little time before fiddling with the AsanteTalk some more.

I think that Farallon also made a similar Ethernet adapter, but I have been unable to locate its Web site.

The Fixyourownprinter forum should be your next step; the info on the Web site itself is rather limited.

[Xairbusdriver]

Is this what you are looking for? I got two of them. Be glad to send one to each of you...PM me?

[attachment=976:Farallon_Adaptor.jpg]