eharmon
Well-known member
I picked up an SE/30 recently which runs fine until it intermittently totally blanks out. It's recently had the logic board recapped, then shipped with no signs of physical damage.
When it's working, it works fine, but it'll go through periods where it goes totally blank while running:
Further, given the problem is intermittent, it feels like it could be a heat expansion issue with broken solder joints. Before I start digging across the board and end up reflowing everything, anyone have an idea where to look given the symptoms?
(I should note, I did replace the memory and drop a ROMinator in it, but the symptoms don't seem related to those changes...unless the ROM is warping out of the socket as it heats? Seems like it would manifest in a different crash in that case).
When it's working, it works fine, but it'll go through periods where it goes totally blank while running:
- The CRT loses sync, the gun zips around for a second on it's last sweep and then goes dark.
- Execution seems to halt, it's not just a display issue. Totally unresponsive.
- Toggling power on the system yields the same result. The CRT powers up but gets no sync.
- The hard drive keeps spinning (and spins up after power toggle), so some of the power rails are definitely still live. The cooling fan spins as well.
- A buzzing (not loud, not high-pitched) sound seems to come from somewhere, but I can't quite place it. Doesn't sound like mains or a basic short. Might just be the fan rattling but I think it's not always present.
- After waiting a bit and toggling power, the machine starts working again.
Further, given the problem is intermittent, it feels like it could be a heat expansion issue with broken solder joints. Before I start digging across the board and end up reflowing everything, anyone have an idea where to look given the symptoms?
(I should note, I did replace the memory and drop a ROMinator in it, but the symptoms don't seem related to those changes...unless the ROM is warping out of the socket as it heats? Seems like it would manifest in a different crash in that case).