checking a c128 over

[BloodyCactus]

So once my C128D arrives next week (hopefully!), what should I do before I fire it up to check it over. Are these babies like Amiga's they need to be re-capacitored? replace leaky batteris like a500's??

Do I need to check the psu? I've never checked voltages before but I'm guessing a basic amp meter/volt meter?? none of the above because they are tanks and just keep working? Should I reseat all chips?

whats the basic things to be done to clean it and check it over prior to use?

Comes with a monitor which is a relief..

I've wanted some real hardware for testing my CRPG on I'm working on, vice is great but some realhardware is good for working out subtle bugs!

Been over 20 years since I had a real c64/c128 in my hands (I use vice a lot).. its gonna be fun at least until the monitor dies

[RobertB]

Are these babies like Amiga's they need to be re-capacitored?

No, not really.

replace leaky batteris like a500's??

No batteries inside the C128DCR to replace.

Do I need to check the psu? I've never checked voltages before but I'm guessing a basic amp meter/volt meter??

Not really necessary unless the computer doesn't start up or unless you have to be sure you have the exact power requirements when running a device like the SuperCPU.

Should I reseat all chips?

Not really necessary unless the C128DCR is acting strangely.

whats the basic things to be done to clean it and check it over prior to use?

Well, you can dust out the inside and attach heatsinks to the important chips.  You can also clean the drive heads if the disks you are trying to load don't respond.


          Writing from Astoria, Oregon,
          Robert Bernardo
          Fresno Commodore User Group
          http://videocam.net.au/fcug
          The Other Group of Amigoids
          http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/
          Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
          http://www.sccaners.org

[bacon]

attach heatsinks to the important chips.

The important chips primarily being the 8502 (microprocessor), the Z80 (microprocessor), the 6581 or 8580 SID (sound chip), the 8564 or 8566 VIC-II (40-column video), and the 8563 VDC (80-column video). The two video chips sit inside a metal case that should act as a heatsink so you probably won't need to sink them.

Is there a PLA in the C128? If so it's a good idea to heatsink that one too. And probably the MMU too.