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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Steady on March 18, 2021, 11:52:58 AM

Title: Amiga 3000 Battery Damage
Post by: Steady on March 18, 2021, 11:52:58 AM
Hi all,

I was hoping I could get an opinion on how fixable the battery damage in the photos attached is.

Currently, the computer doesn't boot at all. Just the power light comes on and it looks like some traces have been eaten by the Varta. I don't have the skills to fix it myself so I guess I will have to find an electronics place in Melbourne, Australia that is willing to repair traces.

If it is too badly gone, I guess I can look at that AA3000+ motherboard though I would still need the components to be added (I have AGA chips).

I have already removed the battery and cleaned with vinegar, and then later Isopropyl alcohol.
Title: Re: Amiga 3000 Battery Damage
Post by: Steady on March 18, 2021, 11:57:56 AM
Picture of the bottom.
Title: Re: Amiga 3000 Battery Damage
Post by: Pat the Cat on March 18, 2021, 02:13:53 PM
I can see missing traces so there's definitely work to be done. One of the most useful tools for cleaning is a tank or tray - something to hold the board and let it soak a layer of cleaner, to get under the chips (and neutralize the electrolyte). Then a good rinse with distilled or deinoized water. Ultrasonic baths that big are not common.

I think it's fixable but not an easy or quick job.

Quicker than redoing the whole board into an AA3000+ though. It won't look as pretty with link wires running around it, but it's got to be easier than an A4000 (through hole versus surface mount).
Title: Re: Amiga 3000 Battery Damage
Post by: Steady on March 18, 2021, 11:23:58 PM
Thanks for taking a look, and for the suggestions.

I guess I will have to try and find someone in my area who can do this stuff.
Title: Re: Amiga 3000 Battery Damage
Post by: Castellen on March 20, 2021, 03:53:09 AM
I can repair this in the likely event you can't find an Amiga hardware specialist in Melbourne.  Postage cost isn't too bad to send an A3000 main board to NZ.

http://amiga.serveftp.net
Title: Re: Amiga 3000 Battery Damage
Post by: Steady on March 20, 2021, 06:18:31 AM
That's great Castellen.

I was actually looking at your site earlier. I will most likely take you up on the offer in next few days.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Amiga 3000 Battery Damage
Post by: Pat the Cat on March 20, 2021, 01:57:51 PM
Couple alternative places to ask for something more local ;-

https://www.retrosales.com.au/   <- Dont do themselves but they might know somebody that does

http://www.saug.org.au/    <- Sydney area user group
Title: Re: Amiga 3000 Battery Damage
Post by: scuzzb494 on March 22, 2021, 11:44:57 PM
For the life of me I can't figure out what is going on with the Denise socket. First pic top right. The socket seats look crushed. Could be a photo illusion. If you look at the Paula they have a round rear form and the pin leg fits between this an the flat outer. There is a whole in the socket that is further back but in your pic they appear prominant and look crushed. If you use a special chip remover you could pull the chip and see if the legs are intact. Just that if they are bent over it'll stop the machine from working.

This is me recently. There is a pic of a socket for the Denise and the shape and look of the receiving metal section.

https://www.scuzzscink.com/amiga/scuzzblog_february21/scuzzblogdfebruary21_2201.htm

They should look like this, hopefully less the green.

https://www.scuzzscink.com/amiga/scuzzblog_february21_2/car_sbd_220221_14.jpg
Title: Re: Amiga 3000 Battery Damage
Post by: Steady on March 24, 2021, 12:02:35 AM
It might be an illusion as I have not removed any chips since I got this computer ... though it is second hand so who knows? Tonight I will go out to the garage and have a look.
Title: Re: Amiga 3000 Battery Damage
Post by: kirk_m on March 26, 2021, 12:42:59 AM
That's great Castellen.

I was actually looking at your site earlier. I will most likely take you up on the offer in next few days.

Cheers!

You can't go wrong with this.  He does outstanding work from everything I've ever seen.