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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Subject: OT: Looking for reputable repair place for laser printer
by bernieS 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

>Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:56:34 -0500 >From: Bob Shuster <bob(a)theshusters.com> >To: vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org >Subject: [vcf-midatlantic] OT: Looking for reputable repair place >for laser printer > >I have an HP Laserjet 5200tn (close to 20 years old) that is >starting to have issues with paper jams, and it seems it?s a common >issue with the buffers on the pickup solenoids. They are however >difficult to access so I?m going to turn to a professional if >possible, and have a good cleaning done at the same time. I know >there are faster, quieter, and more capable laser printers out there >now, but this one works perfectly for me, and a new 11x17 printer is >expensive in any case. > >I need a quick turnaround, but I need reliable and reputable >service. Any recommendations in the Philadelphia, lower >Bucks/Montgomery County areas? Bob, having serviced hundreds of HP LaserJet printers (including many original LaserJet 500 aka 2686D which came out in 1984) I strongly recommend that when you get your LJ5200TN serviced you have *all* the rollers (including the fusing assy) and pads replaced, and well as *all* the parts recommended in the HP Service Manual for PM (preventive maintenance). https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-6015518 What is the page count on your HPLJ 5200? This will cost much more than having only the failed parts replaced, you'll basically have a new printer and will save money on future repairs long-term. The older HP LaserJets with Canon engines are reliable workhorses (I worked on some that had a page count of over one million pages!) _IF_ you do the HP recommended PM. You could save money on the service job if you buy genuine HP/Canon replacement parts yourself, IF the servicer is okay with that. Some servicers (who would mark up the price of parts) won't allow this because they don't want to be on the hook if a customer-supplied parts fails. -bernieS

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February MARCH Repair Workshop at InfoAge
by Jeff Salzman 23 Jan '25

23 Jan '25

Greetings! The next MARCH Repair Workshop is on February 15-16 at the InfoAge Science & History Museum in Wall Township, NJ. Some changes are being made starting this year as we transition to bigger workshop spaces on campus. Details below: Sign-up sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nHJHC4fgZdZZocCe9gkG-Vek5HlpDfyjCmG… Parking Map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oE_yMBAnBdqNyLn4PX0iqoJha8uaLPct/view?usp=… The February Repair Workshop will be held across two buildings at InfoAge this month. The first building will be Number 11 on the linked map. This is the CDL building where we have held the Workshops for many years. The other building, officially called 9032A and labeled Number 7 on the linked map, is the new space. We are beginning to implement the use of the latter, which is about twice the size of CDL and can accommodate more people. We are anticipating a larger Workshop turnout and will focus on the use of this larger space in the future. You may choose either location to set up for the February Workshop. The CDL location has high-mounted, 2'x6' workbench tops and stool seating, with room to maneuver between rows of workbenches used by other attendees, but requires ascending several steps to get into the building. This may be an issue when bringing in large containers, boxes, and heavier equipment. The 9032 building is a little less cozy, but has more open space, desk high 2.5'x6' tables that sit lower, along with street-level thresholds into the building. This works well for the use of hand trucks and dollies for bringing in large equipment. Although it is highly suggested that you bring your own tools and equipment to these Repair Workshops if you can, the CDL building has ready access to tools and test equipment that you may use when working on your projects. MARCH is currently assembling a full stock of tools and test equipment for use by Workshop attendees setting up in 9032A. However, it might not be fully stocked for the February Repair Workshop, so choose your preferred location accordingly. Feel free to ask other attendees to borrow tools if needed. You cannot, however, go to CDL to borrow tools and bring them to 9032A. Parking for the Workshop attendees is anywhere along the areas marked by red lines on the linked map. The Workshop buildings are highlighted in orange on the map for reference. The curved red line area near Number 7 (9032A) is a grassy area. You may park in that grass just along the edge of the road surface. Do not park two vehicles deep, or anywhere deeper into the grass in that area. Please don't leave your vehicle partially parked on the road surface as there is only just enough room on the road surface for a vehicle to drive through. DO NOT park in the grass at any of the other designated parking areas. Overflow parking for 9032A is curb parking along the red line along the building where Numbers 3 and 4 are referenced on the map. When you arrive, contact any of the persons named as a "Manager" at the top of the signup sheet to pick up your wristband for the day. The Manager(s) for any given Workshop might change depending on volunteer availability. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the February MARCH Repair Workshop! Jeff Salzman MARCH Events Manager MARCH Steering Committee member

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OT: Looking for reputable repair place for laser printer
by Bob Shuster 22 Jan '25

22 Jan '25

I have an HP Laserjet 5200tn (close to 20 years old) that is starting to have issues with paper jams, and it seems it’s a common issue with the buffers on the pickup solenoids. They are however difficult to access so I’m going to turn to a professional if possible, and have a good cleaning done at the same time. I know there are faster, quieter, and more capable laser printers out there now, but this one works perfectly for me, and a new 11x17 printer is expensive in any case. I need a quick turnaround, but I need reliable and reputable service. Any recommendations in the Philadelphia, lower Bucks/Montgomery County areas? Thanks! - Bob Shuster

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VCF East 2025 Volunteer Registration
by Jeffrey Brace 20 Jan '25

20 Jan '25

Volunteers are the backbone of making VCF East one of the best vintage computer shows. We are in need of volunteers in all areas. Register to become a volunteer today! <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRIqB1ZuseQ2ANYszT2RTw2_AMnnCv0ZI…> Click here to read Volunteer FAQ <https://vcfed.org/vcf-east-volunteers-faq/>

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OT: iPad 5th gen with unknown password
by William Dudley 18 Jan '25

18 Jan '25

Not vintage computing, iPad from 2017, so apologies. I know some of you deal in used Apple devices, and it is you few people to whom I goask for help. Someone gave my wife an iPad A1822, which is of course, locked. I don't know anything about Apple devices, but some quick Googling suggests that password recovery needs a Windows or Mac computer and an Apple account, not to mention the "device is locked to an Apple account" issue. I don't know the provenance of this tablet. If it's stolen, I'd prefer to give it back to its owner. If not, I'd prefer to make is usable again (i.e. wipe it and set it up for my wife). Please respond off-list with any advice, suggestions, etc. Bill Dudley VCF contributor This email is probably free of malware because I run Linux.

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] It's New Years, did you book your room yet?
by Ken 18 Jan '25

18 Jan '25

At 1/6/2025 11:59 AM, Christian Liendo via vcf-midatlantic wrote: >Reminder to book rooms. Here are the hotel blocks >https://vcfed.org/vcf-east-hotel-blocks/ Thanks for the reminder! One note: That page says Holiday Inn Express is $134/night and Atlantic Inn is $100/night (for 1 bed). But Holiday Inn price is before taxes and fees (actual price is $154/night), while Atlantic Inn price already includes them! So, perhaps adjust something here, so it's apples to apples. Thanks for having set up these blocks. Can't wait... - Ken

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Garage load of computers in WV
by Dean Notarnicola 17 Jan '25

17 Jan '25

In case anyone’s interested: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FRY3rSwtW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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OT (off Topic) Craigslist FREE HEAVY DUTY CRATES in Midtown NYC
by Christian Liendo 17 Jan '25

17 Jan '25

I saw this on craigslist and I cannot take these. Please don't ask me to get these for you because I can't. My apartment is too small. If you have a vehicle that can take these and want them then this is the link. https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/zip/d/new-york-free-heavy-duty-crates-ma…

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50th annual Trenton Computer Fest - March 29, 2025
by Dean Notarnicola 15 Jan '25

15 Jan '25

VCF will once again be hosting a table at TCF. It’s always nice to see our regulars there and I hope to see all of you again this year. Here are details from the TCF Facebook page, as the website has not yet been updated. Note: Ticket sales are exclusively via Eventbrite. No ticket sales at the door and sales end the day before the event, so plan accordingly. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tcf2025-tickets-1041863209907?utm_experiment=t… “We are excited to announce TCF 2025 – marking the 50th year since the first Trenton Computer Festival. TCF 2025 will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9 am to 5:30 pm at The College of New Jersey, in Ewing. This year’s theme will be Fun with Technology, and the event will feature a notable keynote speaker and a special track with featured speakers relating to the theme. This year’s TCF is also significant in that we will have a tribute to our founders, Dr. Allen Katz and Sol Libes, who have both passed on. We hope that their memory continues to inspire new generations of technology enthusiasts to learn, to experience, to advance, and to share. Inquiries regarding presenting at TCF, or any other matters, can be directed to Larry Pearlstein, Event Chair, at pearlstl(a)tcnj.xn--edu-9o0a

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ACGNJ (Amateur Computer Group of New Jersey) - The oldest user group in the world
by Jeffrey Brace 14 Jan '25

14 Jan '25

I was just informed about this site: http://www.acgnj.org/nl Apparently VCF/MARCH has a complete set of all the newsletters from 1975-1983. Who has more information about this group? Thanks! Jeff Brace

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