Re: ThunderClock Plus

["Bill Garber" <willy46pa@comcast DOT net>]

"Michael J. Mahon" <mjmahon@aol.com> wrote in message
20040521031117.08010.00000945@mb-m04.aol.com">news:20040521031117.08010.00000945@mb-m04.aol.com...
: Bill Garber wrote:
:
: >I can set the time and it holds it, but it
: >does not run. The time is not incrementing, but it
: >will hold the time that I set it at. Very strange
: >that it does that much.
:
: The clock normally runs after the setting software
: has done its thing--there is no separate "start"
: operation.
:
: This behavior indicates that everything is working except
: the oscillator.  There is an external 32kHz crystal and
: a couple of small-valued capacitors (around 30pf),
: one of them variable, for trimming the frequency.
:
: This hypothesis can be confirmed by probing with
: an oscilloscope and a high-impedance probe,
: but you can also just try to fix it--not much to lose. ;-)
:
: If there is surface dirt (maybe a transparent film) in
: the area of the crystal or its associated printed wiring,
: that could keep it from working.  (The crystal circuit is
: very high-impedance.)
:
: A light brushing with non-oily alcohol, followed by
: a little rinse, should take care of any surface conduction
:
: If that doesn't do it, the crystal may be bad--for example,
: it could have been damaged in a fall.
:
: The good news is that 32kHz crystals are almost
: literally a dime a dozen--they are in every $1.75
: wristwatch, stick-on clock, or old PC motherboard.
: You probably have one or more within arm's reach.  ;-)
:
: Now, the bad news--they must be soldered very
: quickly and preferably with needlenose pliers for
: heatsinking, since you want to keep its frequency
: stable.
:
: I'd recommend cutting the leads of the old crystal
: with enough left above the board so that tiny crimps
: can be made to matching crimps on the new crystal.
: Then, while holding each crustal lead with pliers,
: quickly "dot" the crimp with a well-tinned soldering iron,
: taking only enough time for the solder to wet the crimp.
:
: If the crystal is the problem, that should put it right.

Hmmm, could this also be what causes IIgs boards to
quit operating? I believe they have this very crystal
on them as well.

Bill @ GarberStreet Enterprizez };-)
Web Site - http://garberstreet.netfirms.com
Email - willy46pa @ comcast DOT net
Change DOT to a dot to contact me



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