Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!ncar!noao!amethyst!organpipe!hindmost!garlow
From: garlow@lpl.arizona.edu (Kevin Garlow x2272)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.8bit
Subject: Dead 850/800 transformer?  HELP!
Summary: technical help would be appreciated
Message-ID: <346@organpipe.UUCP>
Date: 28 Oct 90 20:29:33 GMT
Sender: news@organpipe.UUCP
Organization: Lunar & Planetary Laboratory, Tucson AZ.
Lines: 44


	Hi!  I had a crisis with my computer which I'm going to describe
in the hopes that one or more of you can help me out...

	I was using AtariWriter on my Atari 800.  I tried to print
something out and nothing happened, which was when I noticed that the
power LED on the 850 printer interface wasn't lit.  I checked that it
was turned on, tested the power cord, and finally decided that either
the 850 or its power transformer was dead.
	
	I noticed that the transformer which powers the 800 was
identical to that of the 850 (same product number, etc.), so I thought I
could verify which was bad (the 850 or its transformer) by switching the
transformers between the 800 and the 850.  It seemed like a harmless
idea at the time.

	Unfortunately, not only didn't either one work, but when I
switched my computer back to its own tranformer, it no longer worked (no
power indication-- nothing).  Yikes!  What could have happened?  Here
are three hypotheses:

		1) Both transformers chose to die within several minutes
			of each other, but there was no cause and effect
			involved.

		2) The 850's transformer "went bad" and damaged not only
			the 850, but the 800 as well.

		3) The 850 "went bad" and damaged not only the 850's
			transformer, but the 800's as well.

	Which of these hypotheses sounds most plausible from a technical
standpoint?

	I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to determine what
happened, as well as where I might be able to mail order a new power
supply (or whatever would be required to fix the 800 computer and 850
interface).  There are no dealers in town.

	Post any replies, OR email to: 
			garlow@hindmost.lpl.arizona.edu
and I will follow up with a summary.  Thanks!

						Kevin Garlow