Ithaca 850 "Printer Complete Flag Timeout" error

[Nurbo]

Hello,


I am a new user with the Bally Alpha machines and you can find my machine introduction message here:
http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=6468.0


In the machine, there was a printer (Ithaca 850) but it was not plugged in or not used. I wanted to use it to connect with the TITO.
The printer harness was present (P/N: 200213-00-0), so I plugged the 14-pin connector on the printer. Does  the other connector (circled in blue) has to be connected ?




I made a clear ram, and when the printer setting of it seems to work. The paper feed button works and the ticket is positioned in the right place, the green LED remains constantly on.




However, when I try to get print ticket, nothing is happening, and I have the following error message: "Printer Complete flag timeout"

I did another test by unplugging the TITO (with clear ram) and the same error message appears.


I can still get à print  ticket at the first start of the machine, as soon as the game appears on the screen. If I then try again I get the same error : "Printer Complete flag timeout"



 

I looked on the printer documentation, and I think  I'm missing the Ticket Printer Bucket. Can the problem come from there ?


Thank you for your help!

[buybestslots]

I don't think   I ever saw a 850 in a alpha I'm betting  your printer got swapped out , giving you a printer  with the game still makes it a complete game even if the printer is not right one

[rickhunter]

When I got my first alpha, it didn't come with a printer.  The only serial printer I had was from a WMS550 machine, it was an Ithaca 850 and it worked for me.  The error he is getting is because the printer is not sending a message that the print was completed and removed from the printer.  My guess is, that it has the wrong firmware on it.  I would just get a Gen2 and be done with it, they are more reliable, and would probably be easier than finding someone who has the right firmware to flash into that printer, if it is even available.

[Nurbo]

Hello,

I don't think   I ever saw a 850 in a alpha I'm betting  your printer got swapped out , giving you a printer  with the game still makes it a complete game even if the printer is not right one

As a matter of fact, it can be true, but you need to know that I'm in France, and here, the Bally Alpha are quite rare in home use. The first seller may have made the swap.
In the picture where the machine is in the trunk of my car, we can see the plate that was stuck and that was hiding the printer, which is strange.

When I got my first alpha, it didn't come with a printer.  The only serial printer I had was from a WMS550 machine, it was an Ithaca 850 and it worked for me.  The error he is getting is because the printer is not sending a message that the print was completed and removed from the printer.  My guess is, that it has the wrong firmware on it.  I would just get a Gen2 and be done with it, they are more reliable, and would probably be easier than finding someone who has the right firmware to flash into that printer, if it is even available.

Yes, it may be true. Unfortunately, I will certainly not be able to update the printer, no company in France can offer this service.
I only have  one Gen1/Netplex printer on my S2000, so I will not be able to test. So much for that, I'll have to go to the cash machine because it robs me my money as fast as Casino does !!! 


 I will see in a few times if I order or not a Gen2 printer…..in your country of course!!! 

[coolwavepic]

In your original post when you first got the machine, you mentioned it had a hopper in it. When trying to use your printer, are you disabling the hopper? Seems like if you had a printer on and a hopper... wouldn't that conflict with the printer? Not sure as I never had a hopper in any of my slots (hate them) but just a guess?


FYI - 850s DO work in Alpha machines with the correct flash.. My Alpha Cinevision has one.

[Nurbo]

Hello,

No, I removed the hopper to be sure that there was no conflict.

After reading tons of documents about this printer, I also concluded a firmware problem.

Printer version: TransAct M850 PE8593 rev53 8K F9C4


I found one post on the old forum with a member who has had the same problem:
http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=28192.0

In this post, Bob tells the firmware you need to install: PP8589 rev 52


Also, my PCB interface has had a non conventional number. The documentation states this reference: 85-03526 (RS-232).

My printer interface PCB interface has this reference: 85-03525 A1 and I can not find anything on the internet talking about this reference ... .very strange ...