9 Dec
2002
9 Dec
'02
11:22 a.m.
On Sun, 8 Dec 2002, Tony Duell wrote:
Sorry, I couldn't resist ;)
Commodore 64
Repair Made Easy
1. Pick up broken C64
2. Walk to your parts bin
3. Place C64 in parts bin
4. Go to local thrift store or log on to eBay
5. Search for C64
6. Buy it
7. You have now "fixed" your Commodore 64. Pat yourself on the back for a
job well done.
Err, it's just possible that the original poster wants to _learn_ about
computer repair (that's real computer repair, not board-swapping!). The
C64 is a fairly good machine to practice on because they are so common.
If you make a mess of it, you've not done too much real damage. ARD's guide to C64 repair :
1) Check the outputs of the power brick
2) Check the supply voltages at the ICs on the mainboard
3) Check if the master clock is running. Is it getting to the CPU?
4) Check data and address buses for activity. Any lines stuck?
5) Check video circuitry -- is it attempting to access memory? Check
video output signals.
For the novice repairer:
1. Make sure the power supply is working (use a meter, not your tongue)
2. Check if the fuse is blown
3. Swap all the socketed ICs one at a time
4. Swap all the socketed ICs from another (ideally broken) C64
Apologies to Tony.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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