Commodore 128 Complete Restoration and Board Repair.
The 8-Bit Guy・16 minutes read
Purchased Commodore 128 and disk drive in poor condition, tested functionality with troubleshooting and identified potential faulty components. Cleaned and restored both components, addressing issues like corrosion, broken keys, and faulty traces, resulting in a fully operational computer with minor keyboard malfunction.
Insights
- Initial testing of the purchased Commodore 128 and disk drive revealed issues with UV exposure and dirt accumulation, but potential functionality was indicated by the disk drive spinning up and power light coming on.
- Extensive troubleshooting and restoration efforts, including testing voltage, reseating chips, and patching corroded traces, were undertaken to clean and restore the Commodore 128 and disk drive, ultimately achieving full operational status with minor issues like a non-functional TAB key.
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Recent questions
How did the individual restore the Commodore 128 and disk drive?
The individual restored the Commodore 128 and disk drive by disassembling the components, cleaning the plastics with hydrogen peroxide cream, retrobriting them, and reassembling the parts. They also addressed issues such as broken keys and sticky rubber feet during the restoration process.
What were the main suspects for the non-booting issue of the Commodore 128?
The main suspects for the non-booting issue of the Commodore 128 were potentially faulty RAM chip, CPUs, or supporting chips. Further troubleshooting was required to identify the exact faulty components causing the computer to not boot properly.
How did the individual test the functionality of the disk drive?
The individual tested the functionality of the disk drive by plugging in power and monitor to see if it spun up and if the power light came on. They also inserted an Ultima 5 disk to check if the drive was reading properly, even though the activity light did not flash initially.
What steps did the individual take to address the lack of continuity on the board?
To address the lack of continuity on the board, the individual cleaned off the corroded traces and patched three affected traces using 30 gauge Kynar wire-wrap wire. They also installed a new socket to ensure proper connectivity between the components.
How did the individual determine the functionality of the power supply for the Commodore 128?
The individual determined the functionality of the power supply for the Commodore 128 by testing it using a working Commodore 128. They confirmed the power supply was functioning properly by checking the voltage on the board and getting a reading of almost exactly 5 Volts.
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Summary
00:00
Restoring Commodore 128 and Disk Drive
- Purchased Commodore 128 and disk drive on Craigslist for $30, both in poor condition due to UV exposure and dirt accumulation.
- Tested disk drive first by plugging in power and monitor, found it spun up and power light came on, indicating potential functionality.
- Computer appeared dead initially, power light didn't illuminate, tested power supply using a working Commodore 128 to confirm its functionality.
- Tested disk drive by inserting Ultima 5 disk, heard drive clicking but activity light didn't flash, game eventually loaded, indicating partial functionality.
- Disassembled Commodore 128 easily, found dust inside but logic board in good condition, removed keyboard frame which was bent due to external pressure.
- Reconnected LED on the board, found it lit up, tested voltage on board and got a reading of almost exactly 5 Volts, indicating power supply was functioning.
- Reseated socketed chips but computer still didn't boot, removed silicon grease and tried removing unnecessary chips like sound chip and ROM chips, but issue persisted.
- Attempted booting with a game cartridge, but computer remained unresponsive, decided to swap chips from a working 128 to identify faulty components, all removed chips were functional.
- Main suspects for non-booting issue narrowed down to potentially faulty RAM chip, CPUs, or supporting chips, further troubleshooting required.
- Cleaned and restored the Commodore 128 and disk drive by disassembling, cleaning plastics with hydrogen peroxide cream, retrobriting, and reassembling components, addressing broken keys and sticky rubber feet.
13:17
"Repairing Corroded Traces Restores Computer Functionality"
- Connectivity was found on all data lines on the board, except for a lack of continuity between two sides due to corrosion under a socket.
- The corroded traces were cleaned off, and three affected traces were patched using 30 gauge Kynar wire-wrap wire, with a new socket installed.
- After straightening the chip leads with duck-billed pliers, a smoke test was conducted, heat sink compound was added to RF shields for chip longevity, and the computer was fully operational except for a non-functional TAB key.
