TI-74 Dockbus Help

[mutantcamel]

I just tried connecting my PC-324 Printer to my TI-74 just now and have noticed that the plastic connector on the printer has been pushed down into the bottom of the plug. I don't know how I've done this. So when you try to connect it up, I just keep getting an error message. Any ideas how I can get the thing back to the top? I've tried sticking a folk into and pulling it up but it doesn't grip too good.


PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[curtis]

Phil,

Could you explain a little more? Better yet, pictures would be very useful.

Understanding the cable on the printer is captive, are the pins on the 74 the ones that are bent down? If so, you may have a cracked motherboard. That or they're just bent down and aren't making connection. If the latter is the case, a pair of either forceps or needle nose pliers may be able to straighten the pins.

If it's the connector on the cable, you may be hosed! Then you'll have to rebuild the connector and that'll probably involve soldering.

When anything is connected to the 74 via the dockbus, you do have to take care to not bend the connector too much.

 

[mutantcamel]

It's the connecting plug of the printer which is the problem. Where they should be the 10 holes at the very end of the plug has somehow been pushed right down inside it! I wasn't particularily heavy handed with it....I have been attempting to stick prongs inside the plug and pull it back to the top with little success!

 

[curtis]

Not sure, but I think you're screwed! Pictures would help a lot in determining the amount of screwedness.

Curtis

 

[mutantcamel]

That was a waste of £15! Took a lot of messing to get the printer from Germany and it turned out to be crap anyway!

I'll try to sort out a picture...

 

[JGardner]

You can (carefully) separate the halves of the molding with a razor blade,
re-orient everything, & glue it back together.

Ask me how I know...

Good luck, Jack

 

[mutantcamel]

I ended up ripping it apart after damaging all the metal casing, although it looks a right mess it's now working! Snapped half of the metal iin the process. Wish I had read your advice before attempting! I'm leaving unglued just in case the same thing happens again!