Re: IIGS FAILS TO BOOT

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

baxter@mail.pernet.net@pernet.net writes ...
>>

I recently bought a IIGS.  It seems to have one little problem.  When you 
first turn the machine on it doesn't complete the boot process.  The 
usual startup sceen displays that it is a IIGS and just sits there.  My 
solution is now to go in "control panel" and then just exit out.  I can 
then hit the open-apple control reset and boot normally.  I am making no 
changes to control panel.  I simply enter and exit.  This machine is a 
ROM 01. ....
<<

     It sounds like something, like a voltage at an IC pin, a memory 
chip, etc. is getting a chance to 'adjust' between initial power-up and 
your exit from the Control Panel.

     One suspect is a battery (3.6V, 1.9AH Lithium) on the borderline of 
cratering. Upon power-up your CP settings may be jumbled. Going to the CP 
gives the computer a chance to put all of the settings at their defaults. 
One check is to see if non-default (non-checked) settings (e.g. for Text 
Color, Printer Port, Boot Slot, etc.) are remembered after you turn OFF 
the computer and let it sit for a couple hours.

     A more arcane problem is an IC pin (or Slot card pin, or plug pin in 
some cable) which has lost contact with the corresponding socket pin and 
'floats' to an acceptable voltage within a few seconds of power-up. The 
usual cure is to un-plug and re-plug all cables; then, if necessary, 
unplug and re-plug all Slot cards; then, if necessary, scootch-up and 
re-socket the 65C816, ROM, and other socketed IC's (leave the square VGC 
chip to last-- it's kind of a bother to scootch).


     If it looks like the battery is shot, you can try removing it until 
you get a replacement. With no battery in place, the computer may, 
immediately, go to the CP defaults upon power-up and the need for going 
to the CP may be avoided.

 
Rubywand