Allan -
As you said, the machine has set idle for several years and these machines are meant to be used. They are workhorses and do not do well just sitting idle. It could be that the motherboard needs to be replaced which you can purchase from silverbulletcutters.com and install. The good thing about these machines is that there is little to go wrong - either the motherboard or the LED screen and buttons. That's it! I have never had to replace a motherboard (directions online) but have replaced the buttons on the panel and it wasn't as difficult as I imagined it to be! And replacing a part is usually much cheaper than purchasing a new machine.
My guess, since you have said that you have tried with SCAL 3 as well is that you do need to replace the MB. You can reach out to Sherri (
sherri@silverbulletcutters.com) to be sure that the motherboard is what you need to replace, but keep in mind that if you do go that route, you will have a machine that works as good as new and can do all that you hope and more.
It doesn't have to be a boat anchor - there are replacement parts for a reason and they are not needed often, but available when they are. Our customers are scattered all over the world and we provide support wherever they are.