Donix log of random projects

[donix]

So, time to start getting stuck in.

Some time ago I received a care package from the UK with various Exxos hardware to enhance a (rather minor but still) pile of Atari STs.

First out, this rather brilliant PSU kit to replace a completely dead SR98. No smoke escaped on first power on.

This will come in handy for the next part of the goodie bag...

exxos-psu2.jpeg

[exxos]

:bravo:


I am using one of those on my daily driver motherboards and no smoke yet either :)

[donix]

And here it is, powering a rather worn 520ST.

stdiag.jpeg

This particular ST, or more precisely the motherboard is the one I have selected to be the parts spender for an Exxos H5. I do feel a bit bad about dismantling a perfectly functional ST but despite having been buying a cheap STs, most of which sold as-is and untested none of them appear to be broken so one has to go and this one is by far the one with the most patina.

Or should I say battle scarred perhaps. Which of course also makes it a bit interesting. This greeted me when opening the thing:

stnotes.jpeg

So in 1989 it had an MFP, a sound chip and the serial drivers replaced and in 1990 it received a 1 MB mod which is also apparent from the bodges on the RAM chips of course.

Having a look at the motherboard reveals besides the RAM mod a few sockets for the new chips but at first glance not any major damage but there is something though...

st502pcb.jpeg

Right here.

stdamage.jpeg

These traces look as if they have been burnt off but that brown tint could of course come from the repair. These go to the expansion connector it seems so possibly something was plugged in incorrectly? Anyhow, repaired it was and works it does. Good work!

[exxos]

Maybe someone tried to lever the shielding off with a screwdriver going by the damage.