Re: Electronic dust bunnies

[mjmahon@aol.com (Michael J. Mahon)]

Martin Doherty wrote:

>I just bought a //e off eBay, pretty nice condition but the motherboard 
>and insides are dusty. Before I screw things up royally, can you please 
>give me some advice on the PROPER way to clean it up? Also, any tips for 
>for cleaning and generally improving the appearance of the plastic case?

I know it _looks_ bad, but the dust will, if dry, do very little to
prevent the computer from functioning.  (Yes, things will get a
few degrees warmer after several minutes on, but bear with me...  ;-)

Before doing anything intrusive to the machine, visually inspect
it for the absence of paperclips or other loose materials inside,
then connect it and turn it on.  It is very likely to "beep" and
start up in Applesoft BASIC, where you can key in a simple
program if you wish to increase your confidence that all is well.

After doing this, turn it off and proceed to clean it as others
will no doubt direct you.  ;-)

This is a good procedure, simply to establish a baseline of
whether the machine is currently working or not.  Cleaning
sometimes results in side effects that can mess things up,
at least until put right.

If you are experienced at disassembling and reassembling
electronic equipment, then the best procedure is to take the
computer out of the case and off the metal baseplate and
brush/blow it clean.  The other parts can be cleaned, too,
using your favorite cleaning solutions (I prefer Windex for
most things).  Take care not to get fluids into the keyswitches.

And be a little careful of static discharges when you have
the electronics exposed.  Winter is a good time for static
accumulation, so it's a good idea to discharge yourself
after walking across the room or wiggling in your seat
before touching any components or traces.

-michael

Check out amazing quality sound for 8-bit Apples on my
Home page:  http://members.aol.com/MJMahon/