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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: orange on August 17, 2004, 08:59:50 AM

Title: RAM expansion broken
Post by: orange on August 17, 2004, 08:59:50 AM
I've got problems with A500 RAM expansion. It was bought recently (A500 and expansion) and in bad condition. It worked for a while (512kb chip+512kb other), but after 30 min or so crashes started. The A500 wouldn't boot after reset. So, I tried it without RAM expansion, and it worked. When returning expansion into A500, the fast memory is 0kb.

Strangely battery backed clock works fine, though everything is quite old and dirty.

I would have examined the expansion closely, but its completely soldered into metal box (sort of triangle shape)

I'd prefer not unsoldering it (if its not necessary), not to spoil the "look". :-)
Title: Re: RAM expansion broken
Post by: Brian on August 17, 2004, 11:06:56 AM
Old memory cards with NiCad batteries... It's likely tha the card is already bewond repair from battery acid but to determin that you need to open the metal case and examin the card. Remove the battery if it shows leakage and clean of the card compleatly... then examin traces and if needed and possible repair dammaged ones.

The metal case can be replaced after "surgery".

In the end if it doesn't work is it worth putting the computer at risk of more damage when you can fetch a A500 memory card for about 5$ if you look around?
Title: Re: RAM expansion broken
Post by: orange on August 18, 2004, 09:14:13 AM
But the strange thing is that battery works even after leaving A500 turned off for a whole day!
I guess it could still work after leaking acid, so its surgery time  8-)
Title: Re: RAM expansion broken
Post by: orange on August 18, 2004, 08:25:07 PM
The RAM expansion is A501.
Someone, please tell me to what is capacitor C913 connected?
Memory should work without battery, right?