Introduction I recently received a nonworking Atari 800XL that would boot straight to the built-in RAM test instead of the Ready prompt. It failed the RAM test almost completely with a grade of âFâ. I discovered when I cracked it open that it was loaded with cheap Micron Technology (MT) DRAM 64Kx1 RAM chips
Read postCase Studies in Retro Computer Repair (#11): Diagnosing and Fixing a Commodore 64 with Micron Technologies RAM that Boots to a Black Screen
Introduction I purchased this untested Commodore 64 from a local friend. I was not surprised to find that it booted to a back screen. On the plus side, the machine was clean and in good condition. I detail the repair below along with some comments about a mistake I made.
Read postCase Studies in Retro Computer Repair (#9): Diagnosing and Fixing a Commodore 64 with Intermittent Black Screen and Nonworking Keyboard by Reflowing Cold Solder Joints
Disclosure: Note that as an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. Introduction This Commodore 64 with a 250407 Revision B board came in a lot six nonworking computers that I purchased from eBay. This one seemed to boot but was flaky and would sometimes crash or
Read postPurchase a Hot Air Rework Station for Removing Bad Chips from Retro Computer Circuit Boards (30-60 mins)
Task: Purchase a Hot Air Rework Station for Removing Bad Chips from Retro Computer Circuit Boards Needed: Desoldering Iron, Circuit Board, Hot Air Rework Station Time: 30-60 minutes Introduction I previously posted about purchasing and using a desoldering iron to remove bad chips from Atari circuit boards that are not
Read postPurchase a Desoldering Iron for Removing Bad Chips from Retro Computer Circuit Boards (30-60 mins)
Task: Purchase a Desoldering Iron for Removing Bad Chips from Atari 8-Bit Computer Circuit Boards Needed: Desoldering Iron, Circuit Board, Hot Air Rework Station Time: 30-60 minutes Introduction Repairing retro computers inevitably requires removing and replacing bad chips. Some circuit boards include sockets that make removal easy. The new chip
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