Re: Getting old & slow

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

"C.J. Settles" writes ...
> 
> 
> 
> It seems that my faithful ol Apple //e is, like, me getting old and
> slow.  Recently when its turned on it doesn't boot the Focus HD in s7
> presenting only a blank screen with Apple //e at the top.  A
> OA-Cntl-Reset then does the job and it starts up just fine.  On two
> occasions in the past week or so the initial "blank screen" has also
> displayed at the lower left conner a upper case P inversed and
> flashing.  Again... a three finger salute gets it up and running.
> 
> What's happening here?  Is it rotting away here?  What is to be done?
 ....

     Something may be rotting (maybe the power supply) or there may be pins
making poor contact in your Slot 7 (or somewhere else).

     With power OFF, pull your Focus and examine it for any sign of goo--
defective seals are a known problem on 20MB Focus cards. If you find goo,
contact Alltech (if they sold you the drive) and see about getting a
replacement.

     If all looks well, clean the card contacts with alcohol and a swab. Clean
the contacts of Slot 7, too. 

     Since the monitor is moved and the lid is off, this is a good time to
scootch up and re-socket other Slot cards and all socketed IC's. This helps
reestablish good pin contacts.

     Be sure to disconnect and clean the power supply connector. Sometimes,
using long-nosed pliers to reshape pins (e.g. slightly squish and/or lift up
sprongers) in this connector helps to restore good contact lost over years.

     Reinsert the Focus card and see if things work better.



Rubywand