Can sombody tell me how my logic board looks? (Color classic)

[StockRodz]

Sup guys. I have 2 color classics and they both do not turn on. The power on the back is on. And I use the power button on the keyboard. Nothing.... so I wanted to see if sombody can see anything bad on the logic board that I'm missing. (Cc powers on when the logic board is not in) I know there are 2 models in which one has a reset button for the pram battery. I do not have that one. My Pram is obviously dead. Should I go grab a new one? See pics of logic below. Both cc have the same problem

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

The silver can capacitors are bad (leaking) and need to be replaced. This is 100% required on any color classic board. Are you already aware of this problem? If not, there are plenty of great tutorials you can find on replacing these, as well as services that can do it for you.

 

[beachycove]

It used to be conventional advice that a CC sometimes needs to be plugged in (with a logic board installed) for a few hours in order to boot up. That advice was given 10-15 years back, at any rate; what time and tide has since further degraded may make it redundant, but if I were you, I’d begin there. I‘ve seen it work in the past with my own eyes.

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

I think that trick is something to do with the capacitors, and letting them sit with power for longer can get them to work a little bit? Something to do with that I think - in any case, that’s only going to work in the short term. It may get your board to work for a while but I just feel like it’s not worth the trouble - could accelerate corrosion damage from the electrolyte that’s leaked out of the caps. Just need to replace them. That and a good clean has a high chance of getting the board fully operational.

 

[StockRodz]

The silver can capacitors are bad (leaking) and need to be replaced. This is 100% required on any color classic board. Are you already aware of this problem? If not, there are plenty of great tutorials you can find on replacing these, as well as services that can do it for you.

Hello. Thank you for the reply. I've never done caps before and I do not know how. But I know a place I can take it to. I was really hoping the caps were still good.

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

The caps aren’t ever still good anymore - even if they appear to fine and corrosion free, and the board works, they’re still going be be leaking under the cap where you can’t see it 90% of the time. And any that aren’t leaking yet will start to once you start using the computer, which will accelerate it. Maybe 5-10 years ago some were still actually good, but those times have passed now. It’s just required maintenance at this point, unfortunately.

 

[StockRodz]

It used to be conventional advice that a CC sometimes needs to be plugged in (with a logic board installed) for a few hours in order to boot up. That advice was given 10-15 years back, at any rate; what time and tide has since further degraded may make it redundant, but if I were you, I’d begin there. I‘ve seen it work in the past with my own eyes.

I'll give it a shot. You guys think I should even try getting a pram battery? I've heard others say theirs worked after getting a new one

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

I don’t think that advice applies to the CC - there are a few macs that need one (LC 475 for instance), but not the color classic.

 

[Powerbook27364]

Speaking from experience, these machines do not need working PRAM batteries. I have been running mine since I got it several months ago with no battery installed.

 

[StockRodz]

Thanks guys. Man I'm bummed out. I guess I'll be going to my guy to have it worked on. Does it matter that I heard the death chime? This just occurred

 

[Powerbook27364]

Any display when it did the death chime?
Does the display turn on and stay white or does it just do nothing at all?

 

[StockRodz]

I can't get it to happen again. I did the thing where you start it without logic and then insert it as it's running. The screen turned on and the green light came on. Dim display of horizontal lines

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

Thanks guys. Man I'm bummed out. I guess I'll be going to my guy to have it worked on. Does it matter that I heard the death chime? This just occurred

Could be another issue with the board, could be an issue with the caps. Thing is the electrolyte from those caps can cause shorts and other problems that can lead to all sorts of weird behavior, so there’s no sense troubleshooting further at all until they’re no longer a variable.

 

[Powerbook27364]

That sounds like you may have a problem with the analog board as well. They have tons of capacitors all over that can (and likely have) gone bad over time.

replace the logic board caps first and then go from there.

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

Yes, if you’re sending it to the guy I’d have him replace the analog boards caps as well. They don’t always go bad but do pretty often.
I get the disappointment - but it’s expected with the these. I wouldn’t worry about it too much, once the caps have been changed it should be quite reliable for years to come.

 

[StockRodz]

Copy. Is this somthing that requires alot of experience?

 

[StockRodz]

I would love to be able to do it myself. The logic board at least

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

It requires knowledge on how to solder on surface mount and through hole parts - it takes a bit of practice but anyone can learn how without too much trouble as long as they have decent tools. The most important part is to practice on a junk board first - and make sure you have the process down before you attempt anything on the boards that matter.

 

[Powerbook27364]

Analog board is difficult and dangerous to get to if you have never done it before. Many high voltages that can badly shock you. Logic board isn't too difficult but requires a little practice to get right and some patience. If you plan to do it yourself, make sure to have a temperature controlled soldering iron, plenty of flux, some solder wick, and some good quality solder. There are many kits on amazon or ebay that allow you to practice without potentially damaging your macs logic board

 

[StockRodz]

Alright. I don't think I'm going to attempt it. That sounds like alot and I don't have much time on my hands. Is there any issues when trying to find caps for a old board like this? I imagine their hard to find?