New A3000

[57goldtop]

I just received another A3000 today off eBay. This one has a Rev 9/03 board, my A3000UX has a Rev 9/02. Are there any significant differences ?

It is very clean and like new. It was obvious that the machine had not been switched on for a very long time because the time was incorrect, this worried me a little.

The battery leakage was not significant and there was no track damage but it was still regrettable given that the machine is in such good condition inside and outside, I don't think that the case had ever been opened before.



I gave it a good scrub with a toothbrush and some vinegar mixed in with water to neutralize the acid then cleaned the area with some alcohol.



Temporarily spot soldered in a 3.6v lithium battery & diode to verify the clock.






So for now I'm going to leave the battery in for a while until I find something that fits & looks better. If anyone can suggest a good replacement let me know, I am aware of the Amikit replacements but I'm avoiding them because I don't want it to leak again some day.

Cheers.

[57goldtop]

The A3000 is my favourite too. The battery I am using is a Lithium AXIAL, I think these are polymer so they shouldn't leak.

I have used this brand before and I've never seen them leak but it isn't very practical in the A3000 because of the battery height, cards in the bottom zorro slot won't slide in easily.

[57goldtop]

I asked but I think the seller had everything packed and ready to go, I asked about the battery but didn't get much of a response. Besides, I don't think I will ever find one as clean as this one so it was good score nevertheless.

When I opened the case, it still had screws in a plastic satchel taped to the floppy drive bay to facilitate a second drive.

@ vic20owner

I've read that white vinegar reacts with alkaline and NiCd battery acid and neutralizes it, lemon juice is supposed to work too.

[57goldtop]

You could have suspected that the seller DID know about the battery leakage. In such a case: DON'T BUY!

No chance, I think had he known about it and told me I would have still bid for it

You can't always assume that anyone who owns an Amiga is good with a screwdriver,has some basic electronics knowledge and is aware of the possibility that an old leaking battery can cause major damage to a PCB.

Man I've always wanted one of these machines...

If you exclude the towers has to be the most all-inclusive/feature rich model of all the original Amigas in existence!

There is one on ebay at the moment but it isn't a complete system.  

a3k

Commodore Computer Center in Idaho also have one but I think $350 US is a little steep especially if you have to ship it overseas and then spend the extra $ for a step up/down transformer or new power supply if u can even find one.

A3k