Need help with dead CSMKIII

[amesie2]

I just bought a used CSMKIII and it is dead! I need to get it repaired and am wondering if there is someone who can repair this for me?

I have tried replacing the CPU with a known good one and also the Crystal. The memory too has been swapped out, I am thinking that someone tried to flash the firmware updates and something went wrong. The other thought is that there could be a loose solder joint along the CPU slot.

The screen does flash when first turned on then turns to a dark Gray which stays solid with no action.
I have the CSMKIII mounted in a 4000D rev b motherboard, Buster 11, 3.0 roms, 6.3GB hard drive and HD floppy drive.

Any help would be appreciated!! :-D

Steve

[HammerD]

Doesn't the MK3 require 3.1 roms ? I seem to recall it does.

[amesie2]

I'm not sure if it does require 3.1 roms or not, I suppose it might make sense that it would tho.

[alexh]

JJB at Amiga Repair Centre France has experience fixing CSMKIII but it wont be cheap, about €100

http://www.amigacenter.com/Homer.html

[lumby]

Hi this is taken from the CS MKIII manual.
It seems that it only need a Kickstart 3.x to run.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Configuration:
* Amiga 3000(T) /Amiga 4000(T) or computer with compatible Processor slot
* 8 MByte on the CYBERSTORM MKIII installed Fast RAM
* Harddisk
* Kickstart ROM Version 3.x

Recommended Configuration:
* Amiga 3000(T) /Amiga 4000(T) or computer with compatible Processor slot
* 16 MByte or more on the CYBERSTORM MKIII installed Fast RAM
* Harddisk, CD ROM drive, Kickstart 3.1
* „CyberVision PPC“ graphics board (available 4th quarter 1997)

READ BEFORE INSTALLING THE CYBERSTORM MKIII

Before you begin with the installation of the CYBERSTORM MKIII, you should first consider the following items:
1. To function correctly, the CYBERSTORM MKIII needs special 68060 - specific software. This software has to be installed before the assembly of the CYBERSTORM MKIII. See also paragraph „Software installation“.
2. If you want to install in the CYBERSTORM MKIII into an AMIGA 3000/3000(T), please first read the paragraph "Jumper configurations in the AMIGA 3000/3000(T)" so that you can carry out the correspondingly required jumper configurations on the mother board of the AMIGA 3000/3000(T).
3. In order to operate the CYBERSTORM MKIII a Kickstart-ROM Version 3.x must be installed.
4. To expand your CYBERSTORM MKIII with the for the operation of the board necessary storage modules (SIMMs), please read chapter 2 first, as it is easier to install the SIMMs before installing the CYBERSTORM MKIII in the computer.

[PulsatingQuasar]

Are the jumpers on the motherboard in the correct location?

[Lemmink]

If the CPU-socket wasn`t broken in the first place it probably is now after you changed the CPU. The SMD soldered CPU socket is the mainreason for dead MKIII and CSPPC.

[amesie2]

@alexh

Thanx for the info didn't realize AC repaired them, is there anyone in the states that might be able to repair this?

@lumby

Thanx for the insight I did try plugging the board into another 4000 that does have 3.1 roms and still no go.

@pulsatingquasar

Yes, The jumpers are in the correct location I checked them several times.

@lemmink

I guess I should send it off and have the socket checked along with the rest of the board. I would think that even if it did cost 200.00 USD to repair it would be worth it since I didn't pay alot when I bought it.

Thanx for the help guys!

[Boot_WB]

When the A4000 is turned on try pressing the cap-lock key several times (around 15 times should do it).
If the caps-lock stays fixed after a few presses (either on or off) this indicates that the CPU is not functioning in the system.

[amiga92570]

On the cyberstorm, save yourself the trouble and send it to france. Jean does a good job. He is one of the few with docs and experience for these boards.

[amesie2]

@boot_wb

I did try the caps lock and it does stay off after about 8 hits or so which is probably a good indication that the CPU isn't functioning.

@amiga92570

I think I will ship it off for repair it probably is the CPU socket as indicated by someone earlier. I did get the board cheap enough that it definately is worth repairing. How is the turnaround time from Amiga Center?

Thanx

[LoadWB]

If you're handy with a soldering iron, I was able to fix my CSMKIII by removing the 68060 and touching each pin in the socket with the iron (35W) for about 5 or so seconds.  This was long enough to remelt the solder under the socket for each pin.

The accelerator has run stably ever since.  There may be other problems in your case though, so the ~US$200 will probably be well worth it.  That's what I was probably going to do if the soldering job didn't work.

[amiga92570]

I am in california and I shipp priority mail and I get stuff back in about two weeks. Depends on the problem, parts, and his schedule I suppose.