carlos@ecsvax.UUCP (C. David Perry) (07/08/87)
A recent issue of LaserJet Journal contained the following:
Caution! Using Mechanical Switchboxes Can Damage Your
Printer
28 percent of failures of interface boards have been
attributed to using mechanical switchboxes. Although the
interface board will not fail as the result of one turn of
the switchbox dial, over time the board does wear out....
It seems that rotating the switch sends small surges through the
line. The article goes on to recommend buffered electronic
switchboxes, turning the printer off before rotating the switch, or
installing an in-line surge supresser.
Are these guys just blowing smoke, or is there a problem with
mechanical switchboxes? We have both a LaserJet and a QMS Kiss;
would both be susceptible to this kind of problem? Would an in-line
surge supresser really do any good?
David Perry
(carlos@ecsvax.bitnet)
UNC Press
Box 2288
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 966-3561