Dead AIM 65??

--------------------Original Message: Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:44:26 -0700 From: Andy Dannelley <andyda at earthlink.net> Subject: Dead AIM 65?? <snip> Connected the +5v only and turned it on again... nothing, nada, zilch (bummer) I don't have a scope or anything, I only have a VOM, so my testing is rather limited, I don't even know anyone who still has an o'scope. Any ideas of what I could try? Any ideas of a way I can get it repaired in So. CA? Thanks for any and all help or ideas, Andy ------------------Reply: Make sure both the STEP & TTY switches are forward (toward the keyboard) and press RESET a few times; they were reluctant to start at times. If there's a remote RESET button, disconnect it. Next, I would try removing all unnecessary chips & swapping where possible, in case one of them is locking up the bus (the most common problem). There were several models/revisions of the AIM 65; assuming you have one of the original 4K 20 column versions with 2114 RAMS and not the 40K version with 32K & 8K RAMs (or the 40 column version): Remove Z7, Z12, Z18, Z6, Z11 and Z17, as well as Z1 (6522). (If it's a 40K model: remove Z1 and Z2) Also remove Z24, Z25 & Z26 if there are any (Option ROMs). Confirm that Z22 & Z23 contain R3222 & R3223 ROMs respectively. If it still doesn't start, replace the Z32 6522 (underneath the display) with the one you removed; also, if it's a 4K model, try replacing the two remaining 2114s (Z2 & Z3) as Ethan suggested. If it's still dead, by all means try measuring the address & data lines as Tony suggested (one of those times when an analog VOM is useful). Good luck! BTW, the 24V is indeed only required for the printer, so you can leave it disconnected; it will start with a "PRINTER DOWN" message if the printer is not powered or connected. And FYI: BASIC was an option (Z25 & Z26) as was the assembler, PL/1, and a host of other goodies. And the 40 column model did indeed have a fluorescent display; the 20 col. versions used DL1416 LED displays. Jules: I may still have some display covers; I'll have a look & let you know. BTW, AIM65s were indeed just bare boards & keyboards initially, with various 3rd parties making cases for them, but then Rockwell (and later Dynatem, who took over the AIM65) started to supply them with the metal-bottom/brown-plastic-cover case & power supply. mike