The Trash Picked Compaq Portable 1! - Overview, Cleaning, and Diagnosis (Part 1)
Michael MJD・26 minutes read
The Compaq Portable 1 was a groundbreaking IBM Compatible machine known for its compatibility with existing hardware and software, challenging IBM's dominance in the personal computer industry and selling over 50,000 units within the first year. Despite encountering hardware issues such as a non-working fan and power supply, a meticulous cleaning process was undertaken, involving various cleaning solutions and methods, to restore the machine's functionality and appearance in the end.
Insights
- The Compaq Portable 1, despite not being the first of its kind, was a groundbreaking product due to its emphasis on compatibility with existing IBM hardware and software, challenging IBM's dominance in the personal computer industry.
- The detailed restoration process of the non-working Compaq Portable involved extensive cleaning and restoration techniques, including retrobriting the keyboard keys and meticulously cleaning internal components, showcasing the dedication and effort required to revive vintage technology.
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Recent questions
What was the first product of Compaq Computer Corporation?
Compaq Portable 1
How did Compaq Portable challenge IBM's dominance?
By being truly compatible with IBM's PC
What was the key feature of Compaq Portable?
IBM PC compatibility
How did companies create BIOS for IBM PC clones?
Using "clean room design" or licensed BIOS
What were common issues with the Compaq Portable?
Internal fan and power supply problems
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Summary
00:00
Compaq Portable: IBM Compatible Game Changer
- The Compaq Portable 1, an early IBM Compatible machine, was Compaq Computer Corporation's first product.
- Despite not being the first portable or IBM compatible machine, the Compaq Portable was designed for IBM PC compatibility.
- Compaq Portable was known for its compatibility with existing hardware and software designed for the IBM PC.
- The Compaq Portable was the first personal computer to be truly compatible with IBM's, emphasizing portability.
- Within the first year, Compaq sold over 50,000 units of the Portable 1, generating almost a billion dollars in revenue by 1986.
- The Compaq Portable's release challenged IBM's dominance in the personal computer industry.
- The IBM PC became the standard due to its off-the-shelf components, like the Intel 8088 processor, allowing for easy replication.
- Companies like Columbia and Compaq used a "clean room design" to create BIOS for their IBM PC clones.
- Phoenix Technologies developed a licensed BIOS for IBM PC clones, simplifying entry into the clone market.
- The Compaq Portable, found in a non-working state, had common issues with the internal fan and power supply, hindering proper functioning.
13:19
"Thorough Cleaning Restores Vintage Computer's Functionality"
- The interior side of the 2 side panels required significant cleaning, which was achieved using a magic eraser and Windex.
- The cleaning process involved a full deep clean of every plastic piece, including removing "Under Contract" stickers from the side casings.
- Despite taking a couple of hours longer than expected, the cleaning process was deemed worthwhile in the end.
- Attempts to clean the bottom keyboard plastic involved using baking soda, vinegar, and a toothbrush, resulting in some improvement.
- The keyboard keys required thorough cleaning before retrobriting, a process involving a Hydrogen Peroxide solution and UV light.
- The keys were submerged in a 40 volume salon care liquid solution and heated to restore their original color.
- Despite initial attempts with heat, UV light was ultimately used to achieve a significant improvement in the keys' appearance.
- The cleaning process extended to the interior components of the Compaq, necessitating the removal and cleaning of various parts.
- The power supply area, fan, metal bracket, and switch were meticulously cleaned to address hardware issues preventing the machine from powering up.
- A potential solution involving an adapter board for a Pico ATX power supply was explored, following advice from NCommander regarding the machine's power supply issues.
26:04
Motherboard short leads to power supply troubleshooting.
- Despite removing all ISA cards, the system still wouldn't power on due to a potential short on the motherboard, leading to a decision not to use the ATX adapter board to prevent capacitor damage. To troubleshoot, the power supply was reinstalled without connecting it to the motherboard, and a multi-meter was used to test the 12-volt rail by probing pins 1 and 3 on a floppy drive molex connector, successfully confirming proper voltage.
- The power supply was verified to be functional, indicating a motherboard issue, prompting consideration of either diagnosing and repairing the board, potentially involving soldering for capacitor replacement, or seeking a replacement board due to equipment limitations. The video concludes with plans for further keyboard work and motherboard assessment, acknowledging the support received and hinting at a continuation in the "Compaq Portable Saga."
