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Donix log of random projects

Posted: 11 Nov 2025 18:16
by 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-psu2.jpeg (463.88 KiB) Viewed 393 times

Re: Donix log of random projects

Posted: 11 Nov 2025 18:30
by exxos
:bravo:


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

Re: Donix log of random projects

Posted: 11 Nov 2025 23:17
by donix
And here it is, powering a rather worn 520ST.
stdiag.jpeg
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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
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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
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Right here.
stdamage.jpeg
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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!

Re: Donix log of random projects

Posted: 11 Nov 2025 23:21
by exxos
Maybe someone tried to lever the shielding off with a screwdriver going by the damage.