PrintServer 17/600 Printer Maintenance Advisory

This document is a Maintenance Advisory (EK-PRT17-MA. A01) for the Digital Equipment Corporation PrintServer 17/600 Printer. Its primary purpose is to outline the differences between the PrintServer 17 and the new PrintServer 17/600 model, and to provide updated, corrected, or new information for the existing PrintServer 17 Printer Service Guide.

Key highlights and updates include:

• Printer Differences: The PrintServer 17/600 features higher print resolutions (400 and 600 dots per inch, alongside 300 dpi) and supports PostScript Level 2. It also has minor physical design changes, such as the removal of the front power-on switch and indicator.
• Redesigned Components: Several Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) have been redesigned for the 17/600, including the scanning unit, DC controller board, high-voltage and low-voltage power supply assemblies, and the AC drive board. These new FRUs are not interchangeable with PrintServer 17 parts.
• Firmware and Memory: A new V2.1 controller board firmware supports the 17/600's features, enables non-parity memory, and offers improved network booting. A crucial note is that new non-parity SIMMs (Single Inline Memory Modules) are only compatible with V2.1 firmware or later, while older parity SIMMs work with all firmware versions. Minimum memory requirements for various configurations are also specified.
• Troubleshooting and Maintenance: The advisory introduces new boot error codes for network and system software troubleshooting, and new V2.1 FTM (Field Test Mode) test patterns specific to 400 and 600 dpi printing.
• Service Guide Corrections: A significant portion of the document provides detailed corrections and additions to the existing PrintServer 17 Printer Service Guide across various sections, covering topics such as training documentation updates, specific component part numbers, envelope handling, pin connections, Ethernet IC details, and cautions regarding SIMM compatibility.

The advisory recommends carrying it alongside the existing Service Guide or incorporating its information into the guide for reference.