Printer error what are my options?

[cruisepl]

I have a "printer error" tilt on my 550 due to a burnt up power board and ribbon cable on an Ithaca 750.  When I did a RAM clear the only printer that the machine shows as available is the 750.  If I  understand the 550 correctly the game chips are programmed by Williams either for a machine with a printer or a machine without one so I have to enable a printer in order for this game to work and clear the tilt.

My questions: Can I install a different printer say an Ithaca 850 ? Which seems to be a newer version and readily available or do I have to use the 750 model?  or
                    Is there a "back ally" way to disable the printer or fool the machine into thinking a printer is installed?

Thanks

[TechSavy]

You would have to have the software for it. There is one that has 750/850 and Seiko printer available. But going from a 750 to a 850 I dont think it will work.

[stayouttadabunker]

I wonder if you could just dis-connect the printer harness and
go into the settings of the machine an "disable" the printer option?
The machine may not have to require a printer to run.

[TechSavy]

It must see the printer at all times. Unless you have Nonprinter software. Then you would not need it

[cruisepl]

I wonder if you could just dis-connect the printer harness and
go into the settings of the machine an "disable" the printer option?
The machine may not have to require a printer to run.

I tried that Bunk. I disconnected the printer from the backpane, unplugged it from the machine and then RAM cleared. I did everything I could think of to make the machine think there was no printer. There is no "disable" printer option unfortunately.  From what I understand the game chip is programmed to look for a printer. Specifically the Ithaca 750 in my case.   I say game chip but it may be programed someplace else, I dont know. If that is the case there may be a back way in to disable the printer. Im starting to think my only option is going to be a new "used" 750 printer. The plugs and all are different on an 850 so I dont think there is a way to just replace the printer.

Thanks for trying though

[stayouttadabunker]

Savvy says the machine needs the printer...
That answers that question.
The only options now are to go put an ad in the "Classifieds" section of NLG
and hope a vendor has one for you.
At the same time, I'd ask for non-printer software for your game
and a blanking plate in case no one has a printer.

[cruisepl]

It must see the printer at all times. Unless you have Nonprinter software. Then you would not need it

Thats what I figured, next question then... would you recomend trying to find the non-printer software, software that runs an 850, or should I try to find a 750 printer?  I would like to keep a printer in this machine if at all possible since I have another 550 machine without a printer. Also I know that if I ever intend to upgrade the machine to accept the Bluebird games the 750 printer will not work its going to need the 850

[stayouttadabunker]

  Get both! lol 

Why not? You will always some spare parts ( That's NEVER a bad thing!)
and when you don't want it - sell it easybay! 
Plus, you'll learn the differences between the 2 units.

[cruisepl]

Update on my 550 printer problem and a quick question.  I ended up getting a new (used) Ithaca 750 printer and would like to know if I can/should just turn off the machine, hook up the printer and turn the machine back on, or is there  a reason I need to RAM clear first?

Thanks

[stayouttadabunker]

I would think there's no reason to do a ram clear especially if the last printer was a 750 head.
Make sure everything's in there hooked up correctly.
Then turn on the power and watch and listen carefully to the printer.
Throw in a few credits and see if it prints.
If not, then go into the printer options and see if any settings needs to be "enabled"

[cruisepl]

I would think there's no reason to do a ram clear especially if the last printer was a 750 head.
Make sure everything's in there hooked up correctly.
Then turn on the power and watch and listen carefully to the printer.
Throw in a few credits and see if it prints.
If not, then go into the printer options and see if any settings needs to be "enabled"

Thanks Bunker,

 Since its a 550 Im thinking the software should find the printer when I turn the machine on but  Im at work till midnight and cant do anything with it till then so I figured I would ask and make sure