LaserWriter 8500 "ROS motor" error

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Level 1

9 points

LaserWriter 8500 "ROS motor" error

According to a Google search, there are a few people who've come across this error. One suggests that it's due to a problem with the microswitch that detects presence of the toner cart, but I've checked that and no luck.

The trouble is, what is the "ROS motor"? I have the full service manual and there's no mention of such a component. Could it be a term for the offset motor, which is in the duplexer unit, perhaps? Unfortunately, the optional duplexer is not included in the 8500 service manual, so I guess it must have been a separate document......

Any suggestions gratefully received!

Nigel

iMac G5 (iSight 2.1GHz), PB G3 (WS 300 MHz) and 9600/350 Mac OS X (10.4.8) Also still running 10.2.8 and 9.1 (for posterity and testing purposes!)

Posted on Jan 6, 2007 10:29 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 6, 2007 11:26 AM in response to Nigel Hamlin

The ROS motor is a component inside the scanner module. It moves the mirror to cause scanning of the original document onto the light-sensitive drum. If actually defective, you will need a replacement scanner module.

If your printer is connected to a Mac using AppleTalk, you can run the Classic program "Apple Printer Utility" and get a real error message rather than relying on the stinkin' lights.

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Answer 2

Nigel Hamlin Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 6, 2007 3:28 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Hi Grant,

Thanks for the reply. I still have a system on my network running Mac OS 9, so I've already used the Apple Printer Utility, which as you say will report the error the printer is sending out. But, it's worth noting that the Mac OS X PPD does also report the same error anyway.

Now, what's interesting about your confirmation is that the report I mentioned in my original post, about this error being caused by the toner cart sensor switch, is that that switch sits right alongside the laser/scanner module. So, I'm wondering if that might not be because there is some direct relationship - well, maybe. I guess there are all sorts of things that can go wrong with the scanner module!

Unfortunately, as parts for the 8500 are both rare and expensive, if there is a fault in the scanner module that I can't fix, then the printer is likely to have to be junked. I think it was always one of the rarer Apple printers to start with, which no doubt makes parts that much harder to find. A shame, if that does prove to be the case, though, as I've always quite liked it as a printer, for its consistently good quality printouts. But hey, it has done good service for about eight years.

Only pity is that I just bought a 'new' toner cart for it! 😟

Thanks again,
Nigel

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Answer 3

Nigel Hamlin Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 6, 2007 3:30 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant,

PS - Just for the record, do you know what "ROS" stands for?

Nigel

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Answer 4

Jan 6, 2007 5:50 PM in response to Nigel Hamlin

>"parts for the 8500 are both rare and expensive"

That is certainly true for NEW parts for the 8500. Occasionally you can find an eBay seller or used computer dealer who is tearing one apart for parts, and can pick up a used part. There are also other brands of printer that use the same "marking engine" (including the scanner). Here is a list:

http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/reference/pcr/engine/1947

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Answer 5

Jan 6, 2007 5:49 PM in response to Nigel Hamlin

I think the R in ROS may mean Raster, S in ROS means Scanner. I just don't know the rest. Maybe Raster Output Scanner?

There is no repair info on it in the Apple manual. It contains a laser and may be dangerous, so they don't want you and me fiddling with it.

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Answer 6

Nigel Hamlin Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 7, 2007 5:15 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant,

Now that really is useful information! Many thanks!

Nigel

iMac G5 (iSight 2.1GHz), PB G3 (WS 300 MHz) and 9600/350 Mac OS X (10.4.8) Also still running 10.2.8 and 9.1 (for posterity and testing purposes!)

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Answer 7

Nigel Hamlin Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 7, 2007 5:25 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant,

I think the R in ROS may mean Raster, S in ROS means
Scanner. I just don't know the rest. Maybe Raster
Output Scanner?

I did a bit of Googling since asking you the question and found suggestions of Raster Output Scanner, Raster Optical Scanner and Rotatating Optical Scanner. I guess one of those, at least, is correct! Funny how knowledge of some acronyms' original meanings get lost over time!

There is no repair info on it in the Apple manual. It
contains a laser and may be dangerous, so they don't
want you and me fiddling with it.

🙂 Shame. I always wanted to do a light show, just like Pink Floyd used to!

Nigel

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