Triple IIci

[petteri]

While ago bought three IIcx computers and managed to fix two of them. The third one starts up but no activity after that. Now it was time to level up and do the same with IIci triplets. But instead of buying we made a little deal. I'll get two computers free if I return one recapped. Not sure how good deal that is but all three have some RAM, a working PSU and a floppy drive.

All three computers have some leaking caps and do not have any startup sound. All three start up somewhat and two  is able to display video. So, the standard procedure applies.

- take apart

- wash plastics with Bilt Hamber Surfex HD

- remove old caps from logic board

- wash the logic board

- solder new tantalum caps

- cleanup and assembly

 

[petteri]

The first IIci repaired. Pretty easy case, some leaks but no corrosion really. SIMM sockets are damaged and missing parts of the retainers so I got a sad mac on a first start. Memory massage and then the computer works fine.

Two more to go. Next one had much more goo leaking and required some effort at clean up. The photo is before any cleaning.

 

[olePigeon]

I'd call that a heck of a deal.  I mean, time isn't free, but when it's a hobby and you're going to do it anyway, it's as good as free.   Plus, there'll be three working IIcis out in the world instead of only two.

Fantastic machine.

 

[petteri]

Just finished the second one. Despite having that goo all around there wasn't that much corrosion. This IIci starts up fine with chime, internal video is good etc. But when I shut it down it tells me after ejecting the disk that "it is safe to shut it down now" like my SE/30 does. I didn't replace big axial capacitors, maybe that is the reason...

Edit: most likely the same issue as here: 







I also spent over an hour with third one just trying to get pads prepared. This is a bit different PCB as the CPU isn't socketed. And for some reason the IIcx I didn't manage to fix was also with non-socketed CPU...  I think this board is the worst one. Here are the photos before and after wash. Even though caps came off clean looking the pads are in a really bad state. I think I wont use any tantalums on this one as the soldering will require some tricks...

 

[krishnadraws]

I'm looking forward to the updates. That board cleaned up really well! The IIci case is one of my favorite Mac form factors.

 

[olePigeon]

I've fixed up half a dozen IIcis myself, and I've never seen the axials leak that much.  They always looked fine, but I replaced them anyway.