Newly acquired 520 STe questions

[Steve]

@Jobbo those ram sticks just pull straight out.

[HigashiJun]

@Jobbo those ram sticks just pull straight out.

Isn't there a notch you have to pull on each side of the RAM socket ?

[rubber_jonnie]

@rubber_jonnie the 2 big capacitors on the motherboard must be replaced, they ensure stability for the 5v, and they are mostly dry now with the years. So he has to make them replaced as well.

Whilst I don't entirely disagree, and the cap replacement board in the store is excellent for this, my STEs have only had the PSUs recapped and run just fine with the original big caps, so I wouldn't describe it as mandatory, only something to do if found necessary through proper diagnosis.

By the same token, I have no issues with people replacing them if they choose, after all, it's their machine.

[rubber_jonnie]

@Jobbo those ram sticks just pull straight out.

I'd disagree, there are small hooks at each end of the SIMM sockets that will prevent you pulling the modules straight up, though I do know the sockets you mean and they are awful.

They look like they need to be rocked either backwards or forwards (I can't tell from the pic) after releasing the hook. They look like they could be very easy to break!!!

You can see them clearly in this close up:

Screenshot 2024-01-17 at 09.03.57.png

[rubber_jonnie]

Welp, it looks like my Atari isn't working now after I took it apart and upgraded the ram.

It turns on but only shows a white screen that cycles through some bars and ends up with just black vertical bars.

The floppy drive light isn't coming on and the drive isn't making sounds.

So, maybe I just didn't put it back together again properly, or the ram isn't working.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for any help.

First off, check the new sticks are seated correctly.

If they look OK, I'd suggest you carefully remove the RAM you added and refit the old sticks to see if it works again. It may just be dirty contacts in the SIMM slots or on the memory sticks, so I'd recommend a clean of the contacts just using some IPA.

Obviously this is easy for the SIMMs as the contacts are obvious, however on the slots themselves you need to be very careful not to do any damage. Also be careful with those SIMM retention hooks, they look very easy to break.

[Steve]

Ah ok, yeah bit different, my black SIM slot STe is just pull out. This must be different.

[stephen_usher]

These are the instructions for the wire SIMM extraction tool you're supposed to use with these sockets.

IMG_3541.JPG

Basically, the wire pokes through the hole in the SIMM and pushes the clip back. The lever then pulls that corner of the SIMM out of the socket. You repeat on the other side.

The alternative is to use a small jeweller's screwdriver pushed through the hole and lever up, which I've done many a time on Sun Workstations from the early 90s.

[rubber_jonnie]

These are the instructions for the wire SIMM extraction tool you're supposed to use with these sockets.


IMG_3541.JPG


Basically, the wire pokes through the hole in the SIMM and pushes the clip back. The lever then pulls that corner of the SIMM out of the socket. You repeat on the other side.

The alternative is to use a small jeweller's screwdriver pushed through the hole and lever up, which I've done many a time on Sun Workstations from the early 90s.

That makes sense. I just wish all SIMM sockets were the same and had the metal clips :(

[stephen_usher]

That makes sense. I just wish all SIMM sockets were the same and had the metal clips :(

Those came later.

[rubber_jonnie]

That makes sense. I just wish all SIMM sockets were the same and had the metal clips :(

Those came later.

I know, but I wish they'd been there from the start :)