Tandy Professional Forum   Section: Model 1 / 3
Subject: Model3 not working   Total messages: 10
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#62336   6 Replies   08/08/96   18:13:22
From: Kees Korver, 106100,1057
To:   All

Help! I am living in the Netherlands and now using - like anyone
- a PC. However, my first love was a TRS-80 Model3 computer,
bought in the early 80's. I am emotionally strongly attached to
this machine.  Unlike modern microcomputers this one means a lot
to me. It is not working anymore! When I turn on the computer
almost immediately the screen is filled with alphanumeric
garbage. Does this mean that my videocard is defective? Is there
anyone (preferably in the Netherlands) who knows a way to repair
my Model3? I would be very grateful for all hints at 106100,1057!
Thanks.


#62337   Reply to #62336   08/08/96   20:58:25
From: Robert  F. Runyan, 104217,3377
To:   Kees Korver, 106100,1057

Kees,
    What you have is a problem power supply.  Over the years they
go out and usually can tell by the screen size or characters
moving in funny ways.  Some times we get so used to it that we
don't really notice it until it dies.  Fortunatly the 3 is easy
to replace the power supply in if you can find one around.  There
is a place here in Cheyenne, Wyoming USA that still supports the
3,4 models.  They have the PS but don't know the cost or how much
to get one to your neck of the world.
    I can forward the phone and address of the man and place if
you think it would help you out.
    PS.    Tandy does still support the 3 and 4's because of the
numbers that still are in schools but they don't want you to know
that!!!!!

     BobR out here in wet land today!!!!!


#62340   Reply to #62336   08/10/96   01:34:02
From: Dan Yertzell, 72257,2471
To:   Kees Korver, 106100,1057

By some strange coincidence, I happen to be corresponding via
emails with a guy in Almere, The Netherlands.  Don't know if he
could be any help, or how close he may be to you, but his name is
Niels Horn, CIS# 100275,2015.

Your problem could be a loose or corroded connector inside.
There are lots of connectors inside, unplug and re-connect them
all and see what happens.  TRS-80's are famous for lousy
connections.  Just go slowly and be careful, and you shouldn't
break anything.  You *have* been inside this machine before,
after all this time, right?

Dan



#62346   Reply to #62336   1 Reply   08/13/96   01:25:15
From: Frank Slinkman, 72411,650
To:   Kees Korver, 106100,1057

It could be the solder joints on the power supply.  Look for
minute cracks in the solder.  Safest to remove the power supply,
re-heat all the solder joints (until the solder runs, of course),
then reinstall.

There is a file in the libraries here on the subject, but I
forget the file name.  do a BRO lib:all [72411,650] and it'll
show up eventually.


#62347   Reply to #62346   1 Reply   08/13/96   01:27:23
From: Frank Slinkman, 72411,650
To:   Frank Slinkman, 72411,650

sorry, that file isn't here anymore.  Try over at GO CLUB, lib:14


#62348   Reply to #62347   08/13/96   01:29:17
From: Frank Slinkman, 72411,650
To:   Frank Slinkman, 72411,650

Found it!  it's in lib:14 of the Computer Club Forum (GO CLUB)
and is named M4SLDR.TXT.


#62355   Reply to #62336   08/15/96   03:37:07
From: Frank Gottschalk, 72623,40
To:   Kees Korver, 106100,1057

Kees, you've got some good clues already about your sick M3. From
your symptons, I would suspect a bad RAM chip or the Z80 itself.
I would pry them all up a bit and re-seat them, as well as all
plugged in chips. I doubt that it's your Video board because you
can see the characters. I could sell you known good RAM and/or
Z80 chips to test with. Also have known good Power Supplies
available for $25+S&H. Keep me poste.
 Frank Gottschalk (TRS-80 RECYCLER).... Reply here, or E-Mail to
72623.40@compuserve.com, or phone (510)-651-2313 8A-11PM PST.


#62357   Reply to #62336   08/17/96   00:39:10
From: Howard Sommerfield, 75247,2061
To:   Kees Korver, 106100,1057

As I read this I see you have lots of ideas. One more to check is
the disk drive, and connections. The old model I's did the same
thing when some connection wasn't just right or the drive 0 was
down (or off) - good luck!

Howard Sommerfield


#62364   Reply to #62336   1 Reply   08/18/96   04:51:13
From: Niels Horn, 100275,2015
To:   Kees Korver, 106100,1057

Hi Kees,

I'm the guy in Almere Dan told you about... (Thanks Dan!) Since I
haven't heard anything from you, I'll send you a message with my
address etc. I have some experience with repairing these
machines. My power supply also stopped working and had it
repaired: just one broken resistor...
We'll get that model 3 in working order again!

Niels


#62409   Reply to #62364   09/01/96   13:53:22
From: Kees Korver, 106100,1057
To:   Niels Horn, 100275,2015

Hello Niels! I've just read your notice on the Tandy Forum. I've
sent my reply already in Dutch to you. Thanks to Dan who
contacted us. Did you receive my message?


