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Re: Archie A3000 inbound
Posted: 21 Aug 2023 04:56
by HigashiJun
After checking again all the connections under the ROM sockets, I found another faulty trace (always double or even triple check...) I had to repair.

- Fix.JPG (418.38 KiB) Viewed 1413 times
While the epoxy is curing, I have fitted some sockets (there where all the traces have no issue).
Once the epoxy cured tomorrow, I will check again and then fit back all the ROM sockets.
I have also received new rubber pads so I could replace the rubbish ones under the Archie. Looks better now:

- Left.JPG (135.35 KiB) Viewed 1413 times

- Right.JPG (178.2 KiB) Viewed 1413 times
More to come later.
Re: Archie A3000 inbound
Posted: 21 Aug 2023 11:14
by rubber_jonnie
Is the epoxy conformal coating? Might be worth getting a UV light to speed up the curing.
Re: Archie A3000 inbound
Posted: 21 Aug 2023 11:32
by HigashiJun
The stuff I use is an overcoat epoxy:
https://www.chemtronicseu.com/circuitwo ... ve-syringe
and it has to be cured with heat (10 minutes at 100°C or 24 hours at 25°C).
I always leave it to cure for 24 hours.
Re: Archie A3000 inbound
Posted: 21 Aug 2023 13:53
by rubber_jonnie
I use solder mask for things like this. it dries extremely fast under UV light, is very hard and conforms to irregular surfaces very well and is flexible too. It works out about £4 per tube and works extremely well for this sort of thing.
Re: Archie A3000 inbound
Posted: 21 Aug 2023 23:44
by HigashiJun
I also have a regular solder mask (and a UV light) but I was not so satisfied with the result.
I sometimes use it on even surfaces when the solder mask has gone.
The epoxy I now use is also good for torn off pads and traces.
It made a real good job on my Amiga 1200 motherboard.
Re: Archie A3000 inbound
Posted: 22 Aug 2023 08:01
by HigashiJun
ROM sockets fitted back, and all contacts are good.

- ROMs.JPG (531.82 KiB) Viewed 1365 times
It's a seamless integration, as you can barely see the repaired traces. :lol:
The biggest part is to come, but not for today...
Re: Archie A3000 inbound
Posted: 22 Aug 2023 09:22
by stephen_usher
You'll need a "POST box" probably.
Re: Archie A3000 inbound
Posted: 22 Aug 2023 09:41
by rubber_jonnie
HigashiJun wrote: 21 Aug 2023 23:44
I also have a regular solder mask (and a UV light) but I was not so satisfied with the result.
I sometimes use it on even surfaces when the solder mask has gone.
The epoxy I now use is also good for torn off pads and traces.
It made a real good job on my Amiga 1200 motherboard.
:)
Re: Archie A3000 inbound
Posted: 22 Aug 2023 09:59
by HigashiJun
stephen_usher wrote: 22 Aug 2023 09:22
You'll need a "POST box" probably.
If the Archie does not boot despite all the repairs, I will probably buy one.
Re: Archie A3000 inbound
Posted: 22 Aug 2023 10:07
by rubber_jonnie
stephen_usher wrote: 22 Aug 2023 09:22
You'll need a "POST box" probably.
Pretty sure Ian Jeffray over at Stardot was able to supply these.
Not sure if the A3000 is the same, but my A5000 gave 'POST' codes via the FDD busy LED too, and there is a decoder here:
'POST' code decoder
The site also offers a lot of other great info and advice.